Usmcski

Thank you gentlemen!   Im glad if this build gets people to buy the kit. It really is a jewel to build. If KH continues to listen to the models in order to correct the incorrect, I think they will continue to get better and better and turn out some really great kits.
 
On to some progress on the OV-10D then..............................

I built the same kit years ago and scratched the mods using leftover resin pour stubs and the same Legend mini gun and what looks to be some of the same other parts you used. Great minds think alike!
 
MM

Greetings all,
 
Been watching from the sidelines for awhile, but finally signed up and figured I'd jump in!  
 
Growing up in Southern California, my family and I would attend the El Toro airshow every year.  One of the highlights for me was always the Skyhawk, and the "Mike" model along with it's OA-4M brother were always prominently displayed.  Once Trumpeter came out with their large scale M, I knew I had to build one.  Unfortunately, the only markings for a big Marine Scooter anywhere were high-viz, but I always liked the dull gray looks of the low-visibility schemes.  Besides, that's how I remember the planes when I saw them in the 80s.  
 
Doing some research, I found that high-viz markings in 1/48th scale would be similar in size to the subdued and smaller low-viz scheme.  I found myself a nice aftermarket high-viz sheet for the tail markings and oversprayed them to get the appropriate shade of gray; a 1/32 A-7 sheet provided the intake warnings, rescue arrows and ejection seat warning triangles.  The squadron designator (VMA-311 TOMCATS) was cut out individually from an appropriately sized letter and number sheet.  LAU-10 Zuni rocket launchers and the centerline tank came from Fisher Models, and I spruced up the kit Triple Ejector Racks and Mk 82 500lb bombs with a homemade thermal protective coating, arming wires and appropriate painting and weathering.  
 
Hope you all enjoy!
 

Hi Chuck,
 
It is a real treat to see this bird finished and to be able to enjoy so many beautiful images of her.
There is no doubt that this is the benchmark for all future A-10 builds and the yardstick against which others will be judged.
You have excelled in every department my friend. The hard work that you have put in and the challenges that you have overcome have surely created the best A-10 built so far.
 
I would very much like to see photos of this model taken in sunlight, on a realistic base and against an authentic backdrop. I think it would be almost impossible to tell it from the real deal.
 
Enjoy your time at the airshow and come back full of inspiration and enthusiasm for your next "Kicked up a notch" adventure.
 
Cheers.

I've got a ton of reference pics of the A, let me know if you'd be interested!

Got a (much) better camera this time around, I'll be sure to use it with my subsequent builds.
 
Cheers!
 
Ski

I don't think the Trumpy kit is that bad, overall it made for an enjoyable build.  I did replace the kit cockpit, however (can't remember which product I used), and the weapons sprues leave something to be desired. In hindsight, I probably would have opted for aftermarket TERs and Mk82s, but I don't think the finished product looks too horrible.  I don't recall any major fit issues, and any headaches I had throughout the build were more than likely self-induced.  I have another one in my stash that I'll build "full color", so just the fact that I'm willing to build another should tell you something!  Thanks for the kind comment, happy building!
 
Cheers,
 
Ski

IIRC, I think it was the 300 gallon.

I hear ya, Brian.  I'll be using Fisher LAU-10s and C/L Fuel Tank; hopefully the G-Factor gear comes out soon.  The kit landing gear might buckle under all that resin!
 
Ski

Greetings all,
 
Been watching from the sidelines for awhile, but finally signed up and figured I'd jump in!  
 
Growing up in Southern California, my family and I would attend the El Toro airshow every year.  One of the highlights for me was always the Skyhawk, and the "Mike" model along with it's OA-4M brother were always prominently displayed.  Once Trumpeter came out with their large scale M, I knew I had to build one.  Unfortunately, the only markings for a big Marine Scooter anywhere were high-viz, but I always liked the dull gray looks of the low-visibility schemes.  Besides, that's how I remember the planes when I saw them in the 80s.  
 
Doing some research, I found that high-viz markings in 1/48th scale would be similar in size to the subdued and smaller low-viz scheme.  I found myself a nice aftermarket high-viz sheet for the tail markings and oversprayed them to get the appropriate shade of gray; a 1/32 A-7 sheet provided the intake warnings, rescue arrows and ejection seat warning triangles.  The squadron designator (VMA-311 TOMCATS) was cut out individually from an appropriately sized letter and number sheet.  LAU-10 Zuni rocket launchers and the centerline tank came from Fisher Models, and I spruced up the kit Triple Ejector Racks and Mk 82 500lb bombs with a homemade thermal protective coating, arming wires and appropriate painting and weathering.  
 
Hope you all enjoy!
 

And finally: 

 
Thanks for looking!
 
Semper,
 
Ski

Greetings all,
 
Been watching from the sidelines for awhile, but finally signed up and figured I'd jump in!  
 
Growing up in Southern California, my family and I would attend the El Toro airshow every year.  One of the highlights for me was always the Skyhawk, and the "Mike" model along with it's OA-4M brother were always prominently displayed.  Once Trumpeter came out with their large scale M, I knew I had to build one.  Unfortunately, the only markings for a big Marine Scooter anywhere were high-viz, but I always liked the dull gray looks of the low-visibility schemes.  Besides, that's how I remember the planes when I saw them in the 80s.  
 
Doing some research, I found that high-viz markings in 1/48th scale would be similar in size to the subdued and smaller low-viz scheme.  I found myself a nice aftermarket high-viz sheet for the tail markings and oversprayed them to get the appropriate shade of gray; a 1/32 A-7 sheet provided the intake warnings, rescue arrows and ejection seat warning triangles.  The squadron designator (VMA-311 TOMCATS) was cut out individually from an appropriately sized letter and number sheet.  LAU-10 Zuni rocket launchers and the centerline tank came from Fisher Models, and I spruced up the kit Triple Ejector Racks and Mk 82 500lb bombs with a homemade thermal protective coating, arming wires and appropriate painting and weathering.  
 
Hope you all enjoy!
 

Most of the pics I've seen of any model Bronco at Pendleton has them removed, unless other weapons are loaded.  When I was stationed at Pendleton, our aircraft guns were stored at the armory at MALS unless the helo squadron signed them out for the day's missions.  I didn't make it to Pendleton until after the Bronco retired, but I can only assume the same to be true for a VMO squadron.
 
Ski

Amen, Brother.  It'd be nice if they used an (untouched) museum example, like the D at the museum in Miramar.  A lot of the museum pieces aren't in "as operated" condition.  Sure, the D at Miramar is missing some displays, but it shouldn't be too hard to put two and two together.  
 
Ski

Amen, Brother.  It'd be nice if they used an (untouched) museum example, like the D at the museum in Miramar.  A lot of the museum pieces aren't in "as operated" condition.  Sure, the D at Miramar is missing some displays, but it shouldn't be too hard to put two and two together.  
 
Ski

As long as they get their references correct. 

How about just a full blown Aires cockpit under all that glass?
Chuck

Noice Andy!! Great find, thanks for that my friend.

I have been RACKING my brain trying to figure out what I left off the wanted AM list, for the OV-10 and I just now remembered what it was.............
 
An OV-10 canopy mask set!!!
 
With ALL of the nice clear glazing, it would be a shame not to have some nice Eduard pre-cut rice-paper masks. YES I know........................Tamiya tape works well for that (see my current build where I did exactly that) but with the size of the glass, and not wanting to be putting any pressure on the glazing itself for fear of cracking (ask me how I know THAT!) I think a pre-cut mask set for this baby would fit the bill VERY nicely.

I also have just now heard back from Ernie G @ G-Factor models...................
 
Ernie states unequivocally that we will most definitely be getting some white brass G-Factor models gear for this baby!!!!     YAY!  That is indeed good news, as the OOB gear are quite difficult to put togehter and still get rid of the IP marks and seems. The weak point on the gear is also a bit of a concern, but I think with the overall light weight of the model, that wont necessarily be a factor. (no pun intended )
 
I need to figure out a couple more things with Ernie, and these should soon see the light of day.  Good news for all building the bucking Bronco!

Greetings All,
 
A few years back (and after about a 10 year hiatus from building), I decided to jump back into the hobby.  Being a glutton for punishment, I decided to tackle the (horrible) Panda 1/35 UH-1N.  I had daily access to the real thing, so coming up with reference material wasn't a problem.  Long list of fixes on the aircraft, here goes:
 
-Stole much of the main rotor gearbox, drive shaft, tail rotor and main rotor parts from the MRC UH-1C gunship
-Converted it from a "stab bar" Huey to SCAS (no stab bar)
-Sanded most of the HUGE rivets off and replaced with Archer Transfer rivets
-Used Cobra Company's UH-1N update, as well as part of their weapons set
-Scratchbuilt the tailboom mounted chaff/flare dispenser housings (dispensers were stolen from the 1/35 AH-1W)
-Scratchbuilt the IDAS mounts (Improved Defensive Armament System) for the rocket pod and crew served weapons.  Mainly paperclip wire and plastic sheet.
-Rebuilt cabin interior to reflect absence of soundproof lining.
-Used Floyd Werners EXCELLENT auxiliary fuel bladder inside.
-Stole many parts from the 1/35 OH-58D Kiowa, including the "disco ball" jammer.
-FLIR used from 1/35 MH-60.
-Legend Productions M134 minigun to depict the GAU-17.
-AMS Resin intake/exhaust covers.
-Removed/replaced the mesh engine screens.
-Scratchbuilt the 42 degree gearbox cover at the base of the tail, replacing the solid kit part with mesh screen and a scratchbuilt tailrotor driveshaft underneath.
-Scratchbuilt wirestrike guides on the windscreen with wire and plastic sheet.
-Maketar masks were used to spray most of the markings.
 
The aircraft depicted (BuNo 159202) was the first Huey I ever crewed, and I depicted her on the day of that flight.  Sometime later, I decided to build an OOB Huey from the same kit, just to see the comparison of an "accurate" vs. un-fixed build.  Hope you all enjoy the pics!
 
-Ski

 
Reworked:
 

 
OOB:
 

 






 
 
 
A few more to follow....
 
 
 
Ski

Go for Fisher Models LAU-10s.  Used them on a previous build and will definitely be using them on MY Bronco.  
 

OOB:
 



 
And the real girl in all her glory:
 

 
Cheers!
 
Ski

Greetings All,
 
A few years back (and after about a 10 year hiatus from building), I decided to jump back into the hobby.  Being a glutton for punishment, I decided to tackle the (horrible) Panda 1/35 UH-1N.  I had daily access to the real thing, so coming up with reference material wasn't a problem.  Long list of fixes on the aircraft, here goes:
 
-Stole much of the main rotor gearbox, drive shaft, tail rotor and main rotor parts from the MRC UH-1C gunship
-Converted it from a "stab bar" Huey to SCAS (no stab bar)
-Sanded most of the HUGE rivets off and replaced with Archer Transfer rivets
-Used Cobra Company's UH-1N update, as well as part of their weapons set
-Scratchbuilt the tailboom mounted chaff/flare dispenser housings (dispensers were stolen from the 1/35 AH-1W)
-Scratchbuilt the IDAS mounts (Improved Defensive Armament System) for the rocket pod and crew served weapons.  Mainly paperclip wire and plastic sheet.
-Rebuilt cabin interior to reflect absence of soundproof lining.
-Used Floyd Werners EXCELLENT auxiliary fuel bladder inside.
-Stole many parts from the 1/35 OH-58D Kiowa, including the "disco ball" jammer.
-FLIR used from 1/35 MH-60.
-Legend Productions M134 minigun to depict the GAU-17.
-AMS Resin intake/exhaust covers.
-Removed/replaced the mesh engine screens.
-Scratchbuilt the 42 degree gearbox cover at the base of the tail, replacing the solid kit part with mesh screen and a scratchbuilt tailrotor driveshaft underneath.
-Scratchbuilt wirestrike guides on the windscreen with wire and plastic sheet.
-Maketar masks were used to spray most of the markings.
 
The aircraft depicted (BuNo 159202) was the first Huey I ever crewed, and I depicted her on the day of that flight.  Sometime later, I decided to build an OOB Huey from the same kit, just to see the comparison of an "accurate" vs. un-fixed build.  Hope you all enjoy the pics!
 
-Ski

 
Reworked:
 

 
OOB:
 

 






 
 
 
A few more to follow....
 
 
 
Ski

And finally: 

 
Thanks for looking!
 
Semper,
 
Ski