Kirk Taylor

F-16 Block 30s with serial number 86-261 and back are GE powered with small intakes. The US Air Force got a lot of 85 and 86 serial numbers in that configuration. I'm sure the aircraft in question is still P&W powered because the F-16s at Nellis tend to all be P&W powered. The original poster might think the aircraft has heavy weight gear because the landing and taxi lights are moved to the nose gear door. That mod started happening around 2008-2009 (estimated) time frame because of the earlier blocks were/are carrying targeting pods more often.

You might be able to find the True Details seats. They came with both styles of headrests. The set is the Black Box seats re-released.

Follow on question: Were the F-4 gear downlocks stored in the aircraft during flight? If so, where? As a retired crew chief, I have always wondered how the F-4 downlocks were stored. We have pin boxes in F-16s and there were plenty of spaces in A-7s (equipment bays and pylons), but the F-4 downlocks are pretty big. I'm sure for local flying the downlocks probably stayed at the parking spot but what happens if the plane went on a cross- country? Thanks

Always liked his columns in Scale Aircraft Modelling. He seemed to genuinely enjoy what he was doing. He will be missed. Kirk Taylor

Use them as palettes to test your airbrush. Kirk

Am I remembering this correctly? Doesn't the Revell kit have a poor representation of the radiators and how they are mounted under the wings? I thought the Revell Spitfire missed the semi-recessed radiators and only had them mounted on a flat surface which is wrong for Spitfires.

The F-16C Block 30 after serial number 86-0262 has the large mouth intake and lightweight landing gear. To convert the Tamiya Block 50 kit you would need the main gear doors, main landing gear legs, and wheels from the Tamiya Thunderbird Block 32 kit.

Not a precedent with the Blue Angels. They flew the F11F Tiger for years after the Navy quit using them in squadron service. Probably the same with the F9F-8 Cougar.

The recently released True Details P-47 wheels look a lot like the ones you would see on a restored or currently flying warbird. The tires have a modern tread pattern on them and probably wouldn't be appropriate for the WWII era. The backs of them also look a bit strange, maybe for a different style brake. Yes they have the eight spoke wheel but don't look period correct. Harold, we could really use a set of P-47N wheels with a correct tread pattern! Thanks, Kirk

The " Pie " shape with the Y should be 463 not 63. Maybe just a typo...

Are there any rumours or announcements that Roden will release a follow on O-2B to their O-2A kit? Thanks, Kirk Taylor

Thanks guys, I get it about life getting in the way also...

I thought I remembered someone working on a 1/32 scale PAVE TACK pod. Am I remembering correctly? I found a potential project that could use one of those pods. Thanks, Kirk Taylor

Leading Edge did a real nice sheet on the SAAF Sabres, post Korean War in camouflage. You might be able to find a set from another member or on ebay. You will need to shorten the wing tips to do a SAAF Sabre. Kirk Taylor

Love that place! I spent a couple of days there for a model show in 2002 and it was great. Thanks for posting your pictures. Kirk Taylor