easixpedro

Truth! Don't know if you ever saw that huge Kitty Hawk launch scene I did a few years back over on Z5? That measured 35x35 and I've been struggling to display it since finished. Have even thought of hanging it off the wall. My version of decor, versus the Missus' version of a Pottery Barn catalog don't always agree. And honestly, I have one small "I love me wall" with a handful of items. At this point, to avoid further conundrums, I build something with a plan of what to do with it at the end--either donated to a museum or to an Association/group (Skyhawk/Crusader etc) that will auction it off for proceeds or veterans that flew. Keeps me happily building and keeps mama happy that we don't need a hangar to display everything. -Peter

Try the usn website and search their photostream. Usually gives pretty good results...bout the best I can suggest. I dont have anything else handy at the moment

Cool! My first cruise was with CVW-11 alongside them on the Chucky V. (Looooong time ago now.) If you need good photos of their markings, I highly suggest Tony Holmes' "Super Carrier." He was onboard immediately after Desert Fox and he's got some great shots of the entire air wing. Here's the lone photo I have of a VFA-22 bird from the 98-99 cruise. It's in their 50th Anniversary markings. I'm guessing you're using the CAM sheet with Xena Grauerholtz's jet? Good luck, and share lots of photos! Peter

Welcome aboard! What squadron/time frame you going to do? Peter

Gah! I knew it was coming, but I thought 1/48th? I like LSP, but I was hoping they'd close out their 1/48 family of Hueys. I've been stalled on a scratch built PBR and the archaic Monogram Huey Hog scene, just cause that kit is so long in the tooth. Literally bought a UH-1D kit to chop it up and use the seats/cockpit. Guess I'm glad I did...

Thanks! Here's some crappy photos I took back in the day (prior to really learning how to take detailed build photos to share). It's essentially a steel rod that I filed to the shape of the Tailhook and then inserted into the Tamiya bits. There's corresponding tubes that are JB Welded into the fuselage and base. And from what I remember of the build, the landing gear was THE most annoying part of the entire build! The steel also took some time to file down, even with a BAF (Big A.. File) Peter

I believe those are indeed the kits that he modifies. Have been toying (pun intended) with getting one and attempting the same. Can sometimes be found rather cheap-ish on craigslist or FB Marketplace vs. Ebay, as I've found that folks either aren't aware of their value or are just trying to offload them. Either way, I'd love to see what you do with a P-40! Peter

As others have said, it's a fairly involved process. But it can be done. Here's mine finished about 10 years ago from the F-4C kit. Of course, it was made even more difficult due to the in-flight display. Now on display at the Tailhook HQ just outside Miramar MCAS. Peter

Looking epic Pig! How are you going to display it? I ask as I'm working on my own 'Nam CSAR scene and have hidden the support rod through the rescue swimmer that is jumping out the door. Also, given any thoughts to the rotor blades? The Rotors on my previous H-3 build (over on Z5 and now at the Midway Museum) looked rather droopy. Could never get them to look like they were in a hovering state. There's a chap over on BM who is working on a 1/72 C-130 HH-3 in flight scene and he's used metal rods through the rotors and attached to the mast. May go that route, but need to investigate further. Regardless, I'm looking forward to seeing more. As always, thanks for sharing your magnificent work!

Biggest external difference is the lack of the ventral strakes, which were added with the G. A lot of recce pilots bemoaned them as it prevented them from yawing the a/c to “get the photo.” Peter

http://www.nhahistoricalsociety.org/index.php/hc-7-combat-rescue-43-19-june-1968/ Thought I’d share with the group. Your dad likely worked on the seats that saved these men’s lives. (Which incidentally, my coworker grew up on NAS Oceana and was neighbors with Lt Cdr Burns...played in his house alongside his kids in the early 70s). anyway the link is to the Medal Of Honor mission for HC-7s rescue of the VF-33 crew from USS America. An amazing story...and to see some of these jets in color just brings it all to life! Peter

There’s a reason the Gallows humor referred to it as A-3D. All 3 Dead. No ejection seats. At least that rear facing enlisted crewman was closest to the escape chute and out the hatch. Have heard horror stories from old Whale drivers. Including one guy trying to climb out the upper escape hatch with broken legs from the impact after a bad cat shot on a 27C class carrier in Vietnam. All of course while the plane was sinking and trying to get out before getting run over by the ship that just failed to launch you... They had huge ones! Thanks for sharing Ben...epic as always! -Peter

Holy smokes, that’s UNREAL! Top notch as always Peter! Thanks for sharing with us mere mortals. Peter

I’ve also discovered that the styrofoam typically used in take out containers makes it really easy to repair things when you invariably crash. I don’t mind spending less than $100 for everything in the box and that I can repair myself. The champ is a delight to fly, as are all these micros. Just need calm winds which are a rarity on the plains. Peter

That’s a brilliant way to make that cannon port. Have done several conversations and just drilled it—was never happy with the result, but this looks great! Thanks for sharing! Peter