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pvanroy

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  1. Like
    pvanroy got a reaction from Troy Molitor in LEM Kits Horten Ho X   
    The pilot was lying prone, and in case of emergency intended to slide out of the aircraft with his berth through a trapdoor on the underside of the cockpit.
  2. Like
    pvanroy got a reaction from Out2gtcha in LEM Kits Horten Ho X   
    The pilot was lying prone, and in case of emergency intended to slide out of the aircraft with his berth through a trapdoor on the underside of the cockpit.
  3. Thanks
    pvanroy got a reaction from Martinnfb in Yokosuka Ohka Model 11 - MikroMir 1/32   
    Seems release may be imminent:
     
    Sale link on Aviation Megastore - with complete sprue shots
     
  4. Like
    pvanroy got a reaction from scvrobeson in Yokosuka Ohka Model 11 - MikroMir 1/32   
    Seems release may be imminent:
     
    Sale link on Aviation Megastore - with complete sprue shots
     
  5. Like
    pvanroy got a reaction from D Bellis in Yokosuka Ohka Model 11 - MikroMir 1/32   
    Seems release may be imminent:
     
    Sale link on Aviation Megastore - with complete sprue shots
     
  6. Like
    pvanroy got a reaction from coogrfan in Yokosuka Ohka Model 11 - MikroMir 1/32   
    Seems release may be imminent:
     
    Sale link on Aviation Megastore - with complete sprue shots
     
  7. Like
    pvanroy got a reaction from LSP_Ray in KEPmodels - current and upcoming kits - MiG-9, Yak-6, Yak-15, I-185, BI-1 and Shche-2   
    First renders of the Polikarpov I-185/M-71 "etalon" (a.k.a. I-186), the fourth and last prototype that was constructed and was intended to be the standard for the production model:
     
    I-185/M71 "etalon" first renders
  8. Thanks
    pvanroy got a reaction from firefly7 in KEPmodels - current and upcoming kits - MiG-9, Yak-6, Yak-15, I-185, BI-1 and Shche-2   
    Just want to draw attention to the rather impressive 3D-printed kits KEPmodels is bringing to market. They currently offer a Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-9, Yakovlev Yak-6 utility plane and Yakovlev Yak-6NBB light night bomber in 1/32 scale:
     
    KEPmodels current aircraft models
     
    I have the MiG-9, with the Yak-6NBB on order. While the MiG-9 suffered some postal rage (all repairable), the quality and detail of that kit are VERY impressive to say the least.
     
    Next to be released in 1/32, probably by the end of this month or sometime March, is a Yakovlev Yak-15. After that, planned releases include the Bereznyak-Isayev BI-1 rocket-powered interceptor, Polikarpov I-185 (both M-82 and M-71 engine variants), and the Shcherbakov Shche-2 utility plane.
     
    Apart from the full aircraft models, KEPmodels also offer an entire range of both Soviet/Russian and Western ordnance, several large-scale engines, and other stuff:
     
    KEPmodels complete current catalogue
     
  9. Like
    pvanroy got a reaction from Martinnfb in Avia S-199   
    Some details about S-199 production:
     
    Avia production serials ran from S-199.1 to S-199.280 and S-199.410 to S-199.543; Aero Vodochody production serials go from S-199.281 to S-199.409 (Irra 2012).
     
    According to records, the aircraft delivered to Israel break down as follows (Irra 2012, Yofe & Nyveen 2007, 2018):
     
    First delivery (May 1948): Avia: S-199.30, .32, .33, .36, .37, .38, .42 and .63 (this last one was wrecked in the crash of the delivery flight); Aero Vodochody: S-199.282, .286.
    Second delivery (June-August 1948): Avia: S-199.88, .89, .90, .91, .93, .94, .95, .96, .98, .100; Aero Vodochody: S-199.287, .302, .307, .310, .311
     
    There is however a bit of a problem with numbers S-199.63, .302, 307, .310 and .311 (Irra 2012): although documents from 1948 note that these aircraft were delivered to Israel, later records and photographic evidence show aircraft with the same serials in service with the Czechoslovak Air Force; it would therefore seem that some serials of Israeli machines might have been re-issued.
     
    Technical changes introduced during S-199 production include:
     
    - Oil cooler: S-199.1 - 43 (Avia) and S-199.281 - 287 (Aero Vodochody) still had the external oil cooler; later machines had an internal heat exchanger linked to the glycol radiators. In the case of early machines with an external cooler, Avia trialed several types and positions on machines S-199.1, .and3 - 12 before settling on the standard seen in numbers 13-43 and 282-287 (the first Aero machine, 281, may also have had a different cooler).
    - From the start of production, the undercarriage was reinforced;
    - From aircraft 44 onwards, the diameter of the wing mounting pin was increased with 0.2 mm (from 28 mm originally)
    - From aircraft 67 onwards, and also machines 61, 61 and 65, the diameter of the undercarriage hinge pins was increased by 0.2 mm (from 26 mm and 28 mm respectively).
    - Wheel axle: for Avia, from aircraft 112 onwards, the angle of the wheel axle was changed, orientating the wheels almost vertically to the ground; this change was also implemented on the earlier machines 2, 44 and 65. It is unclear when this improvement was introduced on the Aero production line.
    - Canopy :from aircraft 129(Avia) and 332 (Aero) onwards, the Erla Haube was replaced by a blown sliding canopy and new head armor; this change was first tested on machine .44.
    - From 79 (Avia) and 301 (Aero), an electrical starter for the engine was incorporated; again, this feature was first tested on .44.
    - Guns: Avia-built aircraft 1-28, 40, 40-43 and 53-80, and probably Aero-built nrs 281, 285, 288 - 330 left the factory only armed with MG 131 cowl guns. From 102 (Avia)  and 331 (Aero) onwards, machines received a pair of wing mounted MG 17 guns; 44 was again a test mule for this installation. Machines 29-39, 41, 45-52, 81-101 (Avia), and 282-284, 286 and 287 (Aero) received the underwing MG 151/20 gondolas.
    -Gun camera: Aircraft 1-28, 40, 42-43 (Avia) and possibly 281, 285 and 288 were built without provisions for a gun camera in the left wing; all other aircraft featured the gun camera mount.
    - Recoil absorbers: at some point during production, stocks of Messerschmitt recoil absorbers for the cowl MG 131 guns ran out, and were substituted for larger Fw 190 recoil absorbers; this resulted in an additional small bump on the cowling. I have not been able to locate exactly from which machines onwards this change was introduced on the Avia and Aero lines.
    - Wheel wells: at some point, the angular wheel wells were rounded off, like on the 109 F; it is not clear when exactly this change was introduced, but it is after the 1948 timeframe.
    - Battery: At some point, the battery was moved from its position in the luggage compartment to the rear fuselage, directly behind the radio hatch. As a result, the square box projecting from the luggage compartment hatch into the cockpit was eliminated. I have not been able to fins from which aircraft onwards this change was introduced.
    - Late production machines show two small air holes on the cowling, possibly related to de-aeration of the oil tank; not sure when this was introduced.
     
    During repair and overhaul, older aircraft were generally upgraded to the later standard, and some early machines that were constructed using wooden tailplanes left over from Diana production during the war had their tails replaced with metal units. Also, some aircraft produced with earlier armament configurations were upgraded to carry MG 151/20 gondolas.
     
    Now, what this means for the Israeli machines:
     
    - All were armed with underwing MG 151/20 gondolas
    - All had the original Erla Haube and head armor
    - All had the original battery position in the luggage compartment, with the attendant rectangular bump projecting into the cockpit
    - All had the original square wheel wells
    - All had the original unchanged angle of the main wheel axis
    - All had the gun camera mount, but photographic evidence shows no actual camera was fitted
    - All machines from the first batch (except 63, which was destroyed on delivery) had the external oil cooler
    - Except for nr 287 (Aero), all machines in the second batch had the internal oil cooler; 287 became D-115 in Israeli service.
    - All machines in the first batch had the original Messerschmitt recoil absorbers, and hence no additional bumps on the cowl
    - In the second batch, except for two Aero machines (D-114 and D-115), which still show the original cowl, all other aircraft had the larger Fw 190 recoil absorbers and associated bumps.
    - Israeli machines always carried their ETC 50/VIII d bomb racks at all times, even after they ceased being used for bombing. However, because of the marginal performance of the S-199, they were never loaded with more than two bombs.
    - D-108, an Aero produced machine from the first batch, is of particular interest as to my knowledge, it is the only Czech produced Bf 109 variant to have had a tall tail wheel. Of all Israeli machines, it is also the one with the longest service history, carrying out the last flight of the type on 26 December 1948, and being the only one from the original batch to survive the war.
    - Being all early production machines, none had the small air holes on the cowl.
     
    I'm going to leave it here for now, but if you're interested, I can post some more info on cockpit changes specific to the S-199, and differences common for all WNF/Diana and Avia/Aero produced 109 G variants, and some areas for improvement of the AML conversion. I can also provide references for the S-199 - I'm pretty well-stocked on about anything that's been published about the S-199 (and Bf 109 variants in general). Hope this helps!
  10. Like
    pvanroy got a reaction from Dennis7423 in KEPmodels - current and upcoming kits - MiG-9, Yak-6, Yak-15, I-185, BI-1 and Shche-2   
    Apologies for being unclear - the LaGG-3 is being worked on for a future release by KEPmodels. Not sure which series they're considering though - although it would make sense to do more than one. For anyone interested, here's an Excel file with all KEPmodels releases current and planned in all scales:
     
    KEPmodels kit list
     
    I do think the Yak-6 and Shche-2 are important types - the former having a production run of close to 400 aircraft, and the latter having over 500 produced. They were essential utility types, and saw widespread service as liaison, light transport, casevac, supplying partisans... Maybe not very glamorous, but important nevertheless. The Shche-2 is also quite interesting from a technical point of view, as it was intended to be as cheap and simple to produce as possible - that way, it ended up using undercarriage parts from the La-5 and Il-2, props from the Po-2, and , if I remember correctly, the tailplane of the Pe-2. 
     
    And while I agree that the LaGG-3 is a very important aircraft, and will be a welcome addition, I can also somewhat understand that no-one has produced one so far in 1/32: it's not very famous outside of the former Soviet Union, limiting sales prospects, and, let's face it, it was a pretty mediocre design (even if it laid the basis for the excellent La-5 and La-7).
     
    I agree it would be nice to have a Yak-1, -7, and early -9 variants. On the other hand, a Korean War Yak-9P would also have my attention! And of course the La-5...
  11. Like
    pvanroy got a reaction from D.B. Andrus in KEPmodels - current and upcoming kits - MiG-9, Yak-6, Yak-15, I-185, BI-1 and Shche-2   
    Just want to draw attention to the rather impressive 3D-printed kits KEPmodels is bringing to market. They currently offer a Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-9, Yakovlev Yak-6 utility plane and Yakovlev Yak-6NBB light night bomber in 1/32 scale:
     
    KEPmodels current aircraft models
     
    I have the MiG-9, with the Yak-6NBB on order. While the MiG-9 suffered some postal rage (all repairable), the quality and detail of that kit are VERY impressive to say the least.
     
    Next to be released in 1/32, probably by the end of this month or sometime March, is a Yakovlev Yak-15. After that, planned releases include the Bereznyak-Isayev BI-1 rocket-powered interceptor, Polikarpov I-185 (both M-82 and M-71 engine variants), and the Shcherbakov Shche-2 utility plane.
     
    Apart from the full aircraft models, KEPmodels also offer an entire range of both Soviet/Russian and Western ordnance, several large-scale engines, and other stuff:
     
    KEPmodels complete current catalogue
     
  12. Thanks
    pvanroy reacted to D.B. Andrus in Fw 190D Camouflage and Markings Vol. III   
    Re: PART III from: Tomáš Poruba to: XXX Is it really such long time from Part I and II? Dear me.... My apologize for all our readers and funs! Thank you for kind words from XXX. I and all JaPo are glad our books satisfy you! I hope, our new study about last days of JG6 will be interesting too. We plan to issue it soon. Information about it will be on our web. And I can confirm - we are really working on Part III of Camouflage and Marking of Fw190D. New informations, new snaps, new profiles. The Part III will be the next title from WWII after JG6 study.   Best regards Tomáš Poruba JaPo
  13. Like
    pvanroy got a reaction from Out2gtcha in KEPmodels - current and upcoming kits - MiG-9, Yak-6, Yak-15, I-185, BI-1 and Shche-2   
    Just want to draw attention to the rather impressive 3D-printed kits KEPmodels is bringing to market. They currently offer a Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-9, Yakovlev Yak-6 utility plane and Yakovlev Yak-6NBB light night bomber in 1/32 scale:
     
    KEPmodels current aircraft models
     
    I have the MiG-9, with the Yak-6NBB on order. While the MiG-9 suffered some postal rage (all repairable), the quality and detail of that kit are VERY impressive to say the least.
     
    Next to be released in 1/32, probably by the end of this month or sometime March, is a Yakovlev Yak-15. After that, planned releases include the Bereznyak-Isayev BI-1 rocket-powered interceptor, Polikarpov I-185 (both M-82 and M-71 engine variants), and the Shcherbakov Shche-2 utility plane.
     
    Apart from the full aircraft models, KEPmodels also offer an entire range of both Soviet/Russian and Western ordnance, several large-scale engines, and other stuff:
     
    KEPmodels complete current catalogue
     
  14. Thanks
    pvanroy got a reaction from D Bellis in KEPmodels - current and upcoming kits - MiG-9, Yak-6, Yak-15, I-185, BI-1 and Shche-2   
    Apologies for being unclear - the LaGG-3 is being worked on for a future release by KEPmodels. Not sure which series they're considering though - although it would make sense to do more than one. For anyone interested, here's an Excel file with all KEPmodels releases current and planned in all scales:
     
    KEPmodels kit list
     
    I do think the Yak-6 and Shche-2 are important types - the former having a production run of close to 400 aircraft, and the latter having over 500 produced. They were essential utility types, and saw widespread service as liaison, light transport, casevac, supplying partisans... Maybe not very glamorous, but important nevertheless. The Shche-2 is also quite interesting from a technical point of view, as it was intended to be as cheap and simple to produce as possible - that way, it ended up using undercarriage parts from the La-5 and Il-2, props from the Po-2, and , if I remember correctly, the tailplane of the Pe-2. 
     
    And while I agree that the LaGG-3 is a very important aircraft, and will be a welcome addition, I can also somewhat understand that no-one has produced one so far in 1/32: it's not very famous outside of the former Soviet Union, limiting sales prospects, and, let's face it, it was a pretty mediocre design (even if it laid the basis for the excellent La-5 and La-7).
     
    I agree it would be nice to have a Yak-1, -7, and early -9 variants. On the other hand, a Korean War Yak-9P would also have my attention! And of course the La-5...
  15. Thanks
    pvanroy got a reaction from MikeMaben in KEPmodels - current and upcoming kits - MiG-9, Yak-6, Yak-15, I-185, BI-1 and Shche-2   
    Just want to draw attention to the rather impressive 3D-printed kits KEPmodels is bringing to market. They currently offer a Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-9, Yakovlev Yak-6 utility plane and Yakovlev Yak-6NBB light night bomber in 1/32 scale:
     
    KEPmodels current aircraft models
     
    I have the MiG-9, with the Yak-6NBB on order. While the MiG-9 suffered some postal rage (all repairable), the quality and detail of that kit are VERY impressive to say the least.
     
    Next to be released in 1/32, probably by the end of this month or sometime March, is a Yakovlev Yak-15. After that, planned releases include the Bereznyak-Isayev BI-1 rocket-powered interceptor, Polikarpov I-185 (both M-82 and M-71 engine variants), and the Shcherbakov Shche-2 utility plane.
     
    Apart from the full aircraft models, KEPmodels also offer an entire range of both Soviet/Russian and Western ordnance, several large-scale engines, and other stuff:
     
    KEPmodels complete current catalogue
     
  16. Like
    pvanroy got a reaction from CRAZY IVAN5 in KEPmodels - current and upcoming kits - MiG-9, Yak-6, Yak-15, I-185, BI-1 and Shche-2   
    Indeed, good models of those already exist. No experience with HPH, but LEMkits tend to be pretty nice!
     
  17. Like
    pvanroy got a reaction from firefly7 in KEPmodels - current and upcoming kits - MiG-9, Yak-6, Yak-15, I-185, BI-1 and Shche-2   
    Actually, it seems an LaGG-3 and two I-180s are planned for the future, although considering their release schedule, I'd not expect to see any of those this year.
     
    Also, while the I-185 and BI-1 may be considered left field, the MiG-9 and Yak-15 are historically important as the first Soviet jets, and 'inglorious' utility aircraft like the Yak-6 and Shche-2 are indispensable to any air force. So, I don't think those are weird choices.
     
  18. Like
    pvanroy got a reaction from Learstang in KEPmodels - current and upcoming kits - MiG-9, Yak-6, Yak-15, I-185, BI-1 and Shche-2   
    I just ordered directly from KEPmodels - you can contact them at kepmodels@mail.ru . In my case, I paid them through an intermediary. 
  19. Like
    pvanroy got a reaction from Learstang in KEPmodels - current and upcoming kits - MiG-9, Yak-6, Yak-15, I-185, BI-1 and Shche-2   
    The Yak-6 looks really nice, but one thing that worries me a bit from looking at the images is the strange way that the fabric-covered structure of the wing and tailplane are depicted - it appears it's rendered as recessed panels?... Anyway, I don't have the kit yet, so I'll reserve judgment for now. I can definitely vouch for the MiG-9, quality and detail are incredible, and it's obvious a huge amount of research went into getting it right.
  20. Like
    pvanroy got a reaction from Learstang in KEPmodels - current and upcoming kits - MiG-9, Yak-6, Yak-15, I-185, BI-1 and Shche-2   
    Just want to draw attention to the rather impressive 3D-printed kits KEPmodels is bringing to market. They currently offer a Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-9, Yakovlev Yak-6 utility plane and Yakovlev Yak-6NBB light night bomber in 1/32 scale:
     
    KEPmodels current aircraft models
     
    I have the MiG-9, with the Yak-6NBB on order. While the MiG-9 suffered some postal rage (all repairable), the quality and detail of that kit are VERY impressive to say the least.
     
    Next to be released in 1/32, probably by the end of this month or sometime March, is a Yakovlev Yak-15. After that, planned releases include the Bereznyak-Isayev BI-1 rocket-powered interceptor, Polikarpov I-185 (both M-82 and M-71 engine variants), and the Shcherbakov Shche-2 utility plane.
     
    Apart from the full aircraft models, KEPmodels also offer an entire range of both Soviet/Russian and Western ordnance, several large-scale engines, and other stuff:
     
    KEPmodels complete current catalogue
     
  21. Like
    pvanroy got a reaction from Martinnfb in KEPmodels - current and upcoming kits - MiG-9, Yak-6, Yak-15, I-185, BI-1 and Shche-2   
    Just want to draw attention to the rather impressive 3D-printed kits KEPmodels is bringing to market. They currently offer a Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-9, Yakovlev Yak-6 utility plane and Yakovlev Yak-6NBB light night bomber in 1/32 scale:
     
    KEPmodels current aircraft models
     
    I have the MiG-9, with the Yak-6NBB on order. While the MiG-9 suffered some postal rage (all repairable), the quality and detail of that kit are VERY impressive to say the least.
     
    Next to be released in 1/32, probably by the end of this month or sometime March, is a Yakovlev Yak-15. After that, planned releases include the Bereznyak-Isayev BI-1 rocket-powered interceptor, Polikarpov I-185 (both M-82 and M-71 engine variants), and the Shcherbakov Shche-2 utility plane.
     
    Apart from the full aircraft models, KEPmodels also offer an entire range of both Soviet/Russian and Western ordnance, several large-scale engines, and other stuff:
     
    KEPmodels complete current catalogue
     
  22. Like
    pvanroy got a reaction from Martinnfb in KEPmodels - current and upcoming kits - MiG-9, Yak-6, Yak-15, I-185, BI-1 and Shche-2   
    The Yak-6 looks really nice, but one thing that worries me a bit from looking at the images is the strange way that the fabric-covered structure of the wing and tailplane are depicted - it appears it's rendered as recessed panels?... Anyway, I don't have the kit yet, so I'll reserve judgment for now. I can definitely vouch for the MiG-9, quality and detail are incredible, and it's obvious a huge amount of research went into getting it right.
  23. Thanks
    pvanroy got a reaction from Uncarina in Questions about the FW 190 F-8   
    In principle, yes, adherence to the last IV. Luftflotte guideline on tactical markings includes the suppression of the rear fuselage band and V under the left wing. However, the order did provide for permissible delays in implementing the order in view of weather (and, no doubt, battlefield realities). So, surely, there were aircraft with a mix of markings.
     
    RLM 77 is a very enigmatic color. It's inclusion in the 7X range clearly indicates it was intended as a camouflage color. However, the only times it is mentioned in formal documents is as a color for night fighter codes, and a topside camouflage for high-altitude reconnaissance planes. However, it was quite widely used on upper surfaces of day fighters, as both shown by wartime color photographs, and wreck sites. A very interesting discussion of the topic can be found here:
     
    Luftwaffe Camouflage Commentary 1 – RLM 77 - Air War Publications
     
    And some pilots had the outer wing guns on the Fw 190 A aircraft removed to improve roll rate. So yes, it's not that unusual to find Fw 190 As with only the inner guns installed (in fact very common with the A-5 in particular, as the outer MG FF/M cannons by that point were of little practical use, and their ballistics were quite different from both the inner MG 151s and cowl MG 17s).
  24. Like
    pvanroy got a reaction from coogrfan in Yokosuka Ohka Model 11 - MikroMir 1/32   
    MikroMir has announced the release of a Yokosuka Ohka Model 11 in 1/32 - first test sprues here:
     
    MikroMir 1/32 Ohka Model 11
     
    Note that the sprue seems to have a skid included, which hints at an Ohka K-1 in the future.
  25. Thanks
    pvanroy got a reaction from Martinnfb in Yokosuka Ohka Model 11 - MikroMir 1/32   
    MikroMir has announced the release of a Yokosuka Ohka Model 11 in 1/32 - first test sprues here:
     
    MikroMir 1/32 Ohka Model 11
     
    Note that the sprue seems to have a skid included, which hints at an Ohka K-1 in the future.
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