Michael A.

Mick, A quick review of my photo holdings of that era revealed the following: All info was gleaned from a nose on photo of 723 believed to be F-4D 66-7723. Photo taken mid 1971 at DaNang AB as aircraft approaches the arming pad. Centerline: Drop Tank Inboard Pylons: 3 x Mk 82 500 lb. bombs with Snake Eye High Drag fins. Outboard Pylons: MERs with 2 x BLU-27 Firebombs (painted OD) Note: Inboard bombs were mounted on the Forward section of the MER, Outboard bombs were mound on AFT section of the MER. Sparrow Bays: No missiles noted onboard the aircraft however, it was a common practice for 366th TFW aircraft to have a Strike Camera mounted in the FWD. Rt. Sparrow Bay. Notes: (This is not definitive, only my observations) I do not recall seeing any F-4Ds with Sparrows loaded. (This is not definitive, only my observations) I did note that F-4Es, on occasion, carried Sparrows in the AFT Sparrow Wells. Michael

VMF-311 Mission Extracts (A-4s) https://www.vietnam.ttu.edu/reports/images.php?img=/images/1201/1201098018.pdf 22 January 71: First LTDS end 1GB mission flown with Air Force F-4 illuminating the target Ref: Daily Report of Air Operations (Group S3) [Cpt. Williams in A/C 152081 WL-25 was identified as having participated in 1st LTDS sortie]

Interesting to see the Nashville 'A' models again. I was a Security Guard at that location during my last semester of college in 1975. Interesting times. Michael A.

I just received the Number 1 and Number 2 books in the series covering Domestic (US) F-16s and International F-16s by Phoenix Scale Publications. 140 pages of beautiful color information in each publication. If you are at all interested in the F-16 this is a must have for you library. Highly recommended. Michael Campbell

Floyd Werner; 4 May 22 For some reason National Guard aircraft seem to discolor more than regular Army. No idea why. Some observations on this may be in order. Having spent roughly 3.5 years in National Guard Aviation organizations (circa early 70's) I can attest to the fact that the aircraft are washed regularly. Makes for good 'busy work' on Sunday afternoons for weekend warriors. Another observed phenomenon is the fact that the NCOIC supervising the wash rack activities is usually the fulltime ARNG technician responsible for the particular aircraft you are washing. Once the Flight Facility's work week resumes 'his's' aircraft is all shiny and FMC, thanks to his diligent mentoring of the average weekend warrior.

The Spanish / Israeli AH-1Gs are basically 'same-same' late model US Army AH-1Gs. In my case I will start a build immediately upon arrival of the kit and complete the kit in Southeast Asia markings. Today I am leaning for an M35 ship of the Joker Gun Platoon, 48th AHC, MMAF in 71 - 72 timeframe. However, with my level of ADD that could change many more times before the build is complete. Thank you, Special Hobby, for this latest release. Michael A.

Damn nice looking job! You have successfully captured the look of the late war (circa 71) Army Helicopter in Southeast Asia. Congratulations!

U.S. Dumb Bomb Colors US GP Bombs' are neither "smart nor dumb’ they are just bombs. The fuzing, sensing and guidance package in conjunction with velocity and gravity assist greatly in determining how accurate these weapons are once released from an aircraft. As for color the correct shade of OD has been noted above. Weathering will have affected the ‘sunny-side-up’ side of a bomb that has spent years in open storage. The key to accurately replicating the correct look on a scale model is recognizing that the various ‘add-on’ components such as fins and guidance packages will be a shade or two different in color from the actual bomb and devoid of any weathering effects. In the end, the more shades of OD that is used on, for example, a GBU-10 the more accurate it will look at the end of the day. Good luck and good modeling!

The SUU-21 drops the BDU-33 Practice bomb or one of its close cousins. Nothing particularly special about that. However, the SUU-21 pod allows the pilot to practice arming sequence for 'other' weapons that would only be dropped from the centerline station.

With regards to 'Finn's' 1st /beautiful F4U-4 photo; Being an ordnance guy I do not think I would appreciate having my face up close to the venturies of these HVAR's when someone decides to pop a flashbulb in front of me at night. Just saying,

A Side Note. In the years prior to the Falkland conflict Royal Navy carriers would pay an annual (there a bouts) port visit at Naval Base Norfolk, VA. Prior to docking the Airwing would ‘fly-off’ and land at NAS Oceana, where they were parked on the ’Attack’ A-6 ramp. On the nest visit shortly after the Falklands the Harriers were parked on the ‘Fighter’ F-4 / F-14 ramp at NAS Oceana. Apparently, having air-to-air kills painted on some of the aircraft improved their standing in the neighborhood. Michael A.

And the rest of the story is; Which company?

Who in the US has: the Reskit RS72-0020 Wheels Set For F-15 (A/B) Eagle Resin Detail Set 1/72 for sale? This appears to be a necessity in order to build an accurate / early F-15A.