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  1. Academy have a great selection of new releases available to order now through our online store. This release includes ships, aircraft and military vehicles. Of particular note is the 1/700 RMS Titanic with LED Lighting Set and the 1/35 Israeli Magach 7C Gimel. For full details, please see our newsletter.
  2. Here it is,my new winter project. The legendary F4 Phantom,from Academy!
  3. Hi folk's,just completed for a trio of Thunderbolt's for the STGB.It,s Academy's kit with the usual awful decals thankfully I was able to replace most with spares,second kit finished in Vellejo's new metal range this one in "Silver" with a matt black primer. Many thanks for looking in.
  4. I always liked the blue/green camo of the Cuban MiG's, so i think it's the time to build one of them! I choose the famous "black 665", a Bis Fishbed. just for discussion, source http//makettinfo.hu I have a Eduard box in my stash, by the way i choose to build this Academy, also present in mi "to build pile". It's a godd kit, easy and fun to assemble, this it's my fourth Academy Fishbed! A bit of aftermarket Neomega's pit (i'had originally bought the FM Detail set but it was useless due to a big damage to the tube; i will use the interior canopy detail), Brassin wheels and decals from Aztec Models I'm a lazy modeler, so i will use this for the nose cone and the engine cover! I will post soon some progress! ciao Ale
  5. Hi everybody, My entry in this will be the academy 1/48 P47D Bubbletop Gabreski kit. [/url] It will be built as as Frank Oiler's P47D-30-RE of the 84th FS of the 78th FG based at Duxford late 1944 just before the "Spam cans" were bought in. This aircraft has been quite a controversial aircraft as far as colour call outs go and I have asked questions on here before which triggered some discussion as academy on a previous decal sheet call out medium green over neutral grey. The general consensus of opinion however is RAF dark green over either Medium sea grey or Sky. I have decided for one reason because it looks good and for another to go with the crowd to go for RAF dark green over Sky with a Steel belly tank and neural grey pressed paper wing tanks as seen in the Photo's of the 78th FG aircraft at bassingbourn https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b4/Duxford_Aerodrome_-_78th_Fighter_Group_-_82d_FS_P-47_Thunderbolts.jpg Now for the contents the Kit comes with the Hamilton standard cuffless prop however Academy also made a version of this kit with the Cuffed paddleblade prop in which I had an incident with a can of airbrush cleaner. so I have decals and a prop for the kit It does however have academy decals which have been known to be a bit erm. rubbish so I will be using the cartograph decals from the gabreski kit for general markings and the academy decals for serials and nose art as for the checks on the nose well I don't know yet i will try the academy ones first if not i will either order the cutting edge set or paint them (not a challenge I'm relishing) So here goes
  6. Academy Hawker Hunter F.6 in 1:48 I've used Aeroclub correction set and FM details resin, check more of the build on http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/234979788-148-iraqi-hawker-hunter-f6-academy-aeroclub-fm/ The decal are Iraqi fighters by Linden Hill. It was quite a complicated build, many needed corrections; the dog tooth, the exhaust, rounding the tip edges, moving the tail planes and the airbrake, etc. I could do more on the nose and the canopy - I have trimmed the back frame, which makes a bit short, no rails done which makes it a bit off... anyway, here it is... for more info and pics, please check http://militaryaviation148.blogspot.si/2016/01/hawker-hunter-iraqi-air-force-399.html Thanks for looking in.
  7. Hello chaps It's been a long time since I did any WIP threads in any of the forums, but I guess this one fits alright @ the britmodeler. The subject is a Hawker Hunter in quarter scale. The only option we have is the well known (I guess) Academy kit with many flaws. Some bigger some not so. I hope I can correct the most obvious ones like the intakes. Although I hope I can count on your help since I do not know much about Hunters, except some basic stuff... Years ago I bought the Academy kit with some extras including the now OOP Aeroclub corrections set and I think even before I got the kits I bought this FM Detail Sets resin and etch. I remember I got it real cheap at a local scale modelling show. And since I got that many after market I thought of getting another kit. So I did buy the Italeri which is the same plastic with new decals. I don't think I'm gonna do both of 'em now, I figured as the build will be quite demanding, one step at a time, what happens later,...yeah... For the scheme I was thinking of doing an early, 50's Iraqi jet, the F.6. I haven't yet decided if it will be the one in royal AF service or the one after the coup... But OK, time to put some photos. The two different packings: Aeroclub and FM details the planned scheme: Now I did a little comparison between some of the stuff from the AM and from the box The upper is the FM MB mk.2H (somebody correct if I'm wrong) seat and the lower the much more convincing Aeroclub. The kits seat is complete rubbish as it is way to small more like a 1:72 thing. I didn't even bother taking photos. With the cockpit tubs it's a bit different. The left on is resin FM, the right one the Aeroclub. The latter one is very similar to the kits one but is corrected in a way the normal size seat can fit in.. Next thing is the wheels. The Aeroclub white metal ones and the FM resin ones. OK I know you're thinking, why is this guy doing a review, this is not a build! It's just it's so many different stuff for the same thing In had to show. I think I'll go with the resin tub, save the other one for next time. I'll be back soon with photos of the progress. Cheers
  8. Source: http://www.academy.co.kr/6q/board_news_main.asp?pMenuId=BOARD00002&pCode=6225 For its home market Academy has just released a ROKAF F-4D version (ref. 12300) from its recent McDD F-4C Phantom II USAF Vietnam War. This boxing is already available at various Korean ebay sellers. http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_sacat=0&_from=R40&_nkw=1%2F48+F-4D+Academy&LH_PrefLoc=2 V.P.
  9. We have had in today the new releases from Academy. The New Releases Include: ACA14217 - Academy 1:1000 R.M.S. Titanic MCP ACA13299 - Academy 1:35 - Tiger I Gruppe Fehrmann April 1945 ... ACA13297 - Academy 1:35 - IDF Magach 7C 'Gimel' ACA12530 - Academy 1:72 - P-47D & F-86E 'Gabreski' Ltd Edt ACA12528 - Academy 1:72 - B-29A Enola Gay & Bocks Car ACA12310 - Academy 1:48 - ROKAF F-4D Phantom 151th FS Ltd ED ACA12123 - Academy 1:32 - F-16 CG/CJ Fighting Falcon LE 12/15 ACA12302 - Academy 1:48 - USAAF B-25B Doolittle Raid ACA14220 - Academy 1:700 R.M.S. Titanic & LED Set Check out the website for all the new releases and keep upto date with us on our facebook page www.creativemodels.co.uk https://www.facebook.com/CreativeModelsLtd
  10. Like the Starfighter, also this model was built by my dad about 10 or more years ago, Academy kit oob. Although he hadn´t the skills like nowadays, back then this model didn´t turn out so badly.
  11. Here is my latest one I just finished. Built for my brother in law as a present for his 40th birthday. He's obsessed with Warsaw Uprising of '44 so I've decided to make him B-24 Liberator from 1586 Special Duty Flight - a Polish squadron delivering supplies for the fighting Warsaw in August and September '44 from Brindisi, Italy. Front of the plane is a little inaccurate as the Liberators from that squadron didn't have front guns but I kinda liked this side window and the guns so I've kept them. Again, some Photoshop work to blend the diorama with the background photo. Thanks for viewing. Hope you like it (and him too).
  12. Hi Everyone! This is my third and the last model for this year – F-15C in IDF service. In fact the model is not completely new. It’s the refurbishment of the Modelist kit (repack of Academy) that I assembled OOB some 14 years ago as the USAF’s F-15. I was never happy with how it turned out and was thinking about major overhaul for couple of years. The idea to do it as an IDF’s Baz gave me the necessary mojo. I stripped model of the paint with caustic soda (this procedure also helped to safely detach most minor parts), cleaned and polished canopy, removed upper front fuselage part to make improvements to the cockpit. Then assembled everything back. Aftermarket updates to the original kit included some Eduard PE and Quickboost chair in the cockpit and Hasegawa’s AIM-7E and AIM-9L (for some reason soda did not help to remove white paint from original missiles). Plus the key element – beautiful Isradecal set. It’s very nice – well-printed, readable stencils, allows to build any IDF’s Baz. But it’s over 300 decals and that is not including stripes on missiles. To be honest – decaling quality started to diminish after #200. And now I start panicking when I see ‘complete stencils’ sheets I reproduced F-15C #840 nicknamed “Commando” soon after the Lebanon war – somewhat in 1983. Therefore it has all 6 kill marks and earlier squadron markings and nickname style. The aspect I’m not really sure about is Sidewinders I know that IDF widely used Python 3 missiles during Lebanon war – however various sources give various information on what missiles were actually used to kill MiGs – some claim 100% Python’s, some claim that Sidewinders were also used Final decision to use Sidewinders was due to virtual unavailability of Pythons. Maybe sometime later I will get true Israeli missiles and replace those boring AIM-9s… It's a bit late for Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas – but just in time for Happy New Year to everyone!!! Dennis
  13. Hello fellow modelers, I wish you all the best for the New Year and a lot of completed models My next project will be the Israeli version of the F-15 countries. The kit will add photoetched from Eduard and resin from the seats Aires. Meanwhile I compose the cockpit, but it is not finished yet. Supplemented by a few etchings into the shaft gear
  14. F-4J VF-96 Showtime 100 1:72 Academy Does the F-4 Phantom really need an introduction? Probably one of the most recognisable aircraft ever which severed with many NATO and Allied Nations Air Forces. The aircraft was originally developed by McDonnell Aircraft as a long range, supersonic interceptor/fighter bomber for the US Navy. Its use would then expand to the US Marine Corps, the US Air Force and many other nations. The F-4J model was an improvement of the original F-4B for the US Navy and Marine Corps, the emphasis to was improve air-to-air capability. new engines would give additional thrust, a AN/APG-59 pulse Doppler radar couples with an AN/AWG-10 fire control system would give a look-down shoot-down capability. Larger main wheel would be fitted giving rise to the larger wheel housing bulges similar to the USAF F-4C. New slatted tailplanes would be fitted, along with ailerons dropping to 16.5° which would bring down the aircrafts landing speed. Zero Zero ejection seats would be fitted to enhance crew survivability. There would be no IRST sensor under the nose of the F-4J. Show Time 100 is probably the most famous F-4 Phantom in the US Navy. Lt Randy Cunningham and Lt(JG) Willie Driscoll were to shoot down 3 MiG's on the 10th May 1972 while taking part in the Linebacker campaign. This would make Lt Cunningham the top scoring US Navy pilot and ace in Vietnam taking his tally to 5 victories. Lt Driscoll as the Radar Intercept Officer would also become an Ace in line with US practice in crediting both crew members with victories. Showtime 100 or F-4J 155800 would not be so lucky, as on the return from the famous engagement she was to be hit by a Surface to Air Missile. Both crew would eject to safety. Both crew members would receive the Navy Cross. It is sad to reflect that Randy Cunningham will be remembered more for his subsequent corruption conviction than his Navy record. The Kit There was quite a lot of talk when Academy announced the release of a new tool F-4J in 1.72 scale, this turned a bit to scepticism when it became apparent this would be snap together kit, however this has proved to be a bit misleading. The kit is designed in multi coloured plastic with the ability to put it together without any glue, or paint; and to this extent a set of stickers is provided in addition to the normal waterslide transfers. However this has not resulted in a toy like model. The kit features full length intake trunking with engine fan fronts and one part exhausts. The detail level appears to be outstanding and modeller who have the kit say that the fit is good. The one downside that is visible straight away is that the weapons supplied seem to be a little undersize. In a flashback to the Matchbox days the kit arrives on multi-coloured sprues. You get three sprues of white plastic, two of grey plastic, and two of black plastic. In addition you get a one part main fuselage (no pesky centre seam to deal with), and a one part (closed) canopy. All the parts look to be well moulded with no flash. Construction starts with shockingly enough with the cockpit. The control column and rudder pedals are made up fro the front seater, these are then added to the cockpit tub along with the front and rear bulkheads and rear side consoles. Next the front instrument coaming, and the rear engine bulk head are added to the one part upper fuselage. Following this the completed cockpit tub, two internal bulkheads and the one part engines are added to the lower fuselage/wing part. Once these are in the upper fuselage can be attached as well as the rear fuselage part above the engines. Once the lower wing & main fuselage parts are together its time to work on the underside of this main assembly. The aux intake doors are added along with the arrestor hook. Construction then again shifts to the top side. The three part ejection seats (no firing handles supplied) are made up and added to the cockpits. The full length intakes are then constructed. These are four part. A front and back, the engine face and the splitter plate. It would like the splitter plate can be added later for painting purposes, but the modeller would need to double check this. Once made up the intakes are attached to the main fuselage along with the radome. Next up the upper wings are added, along with the tail plane and the fin cap. Construction then moves back to the underside of the aircraft. The main landing gear legs are made up (leg, wheel, strut and door). The tyres on these are split n the traditional way. The main gear, the gear doors, and underwing airbrakes are then added. Next up is the nose gear. This consists of the main leg, scissors, retraction strut, and small door. This sub assembly is added along with the main nose gear door, and then the cooling inlets on the nose. It should be noted that all gear doors can be fitted in the closed position and the landing gear left off if the modeller wishes to do so. The last construction step is to add the underwing stores. Fuel tanks are supplied for the wings, and the main under fuselage one. Sparrows are supplied for the fuselage wells, and for the inner pylons Sidewinders and what look to be 5000lb bombs are supplied along with their TER's. It is slightly disappointing to see the weapons look undersize. Lastly the canopy is added, this is one part and can only be used in the closed position. Decals & Stickers Once again for an F-4J we get markings for Showtime 100, as it is probably the most phamous F-4J it is understandable but still frustrating. As well as these marking you get markings for another F-4J from VF-96 on the USS Constellation at that time, nose number 107 (again flown by Lt Cunningham this time with Lt Smith in the Back seat. Unlike other Academy kits these decals seem to be in house and not by Cartograf. They seem to be well printed with minimal carrier film, no registration issues and seem to be colour dense. There is not much to say about the stickers, they look well printed, how long they will stay on for I dont know. Conclusion The kit has main items in its favour such as the one part upper fuselage, full length intake trunking and one part exhausts. The kit should make up into a good looking model, it still looks toy like in some ways to the reviewer (more so if you look at the weapons). The kit should be useful in helping to bring younger modellers into the fold as it can be assembled without paint, glue or waterslide decals and will look pretty good if done like this. Adult supervision will still be needed as there are parts to be removed from the sprues and trimmed. The kit should also appeal to adult modellers who will make a good job of the kit. Recommended. Review sample courtesy of UK Distributors for
  15. So finally I've got round to posting this, I got the Academy 48 Phantom in Hannants when it was a rather exciting new kit and have held onto it since then. When this came out it was a challenger to the Hasegawa monopoly on this aircraft in the scale and apart from the dodgy multi-coloured plastic it looks like a rather good kit (in particular the munitions included) so I've elected to turn down the aftermarket offerings already springing up and build it OOB. It will only be my second 1/48 build, so I'm looking forward to it! -Flash
  16. HI everybody; here's my latest off the bench, Academy's 1/48 Messerschmitt BF 109 G6, in the markings of Erich Hartmann's Yellow 1. The kit is actually an Academy re-boxing of the original Hobbycraft; not much trouble building it, but it's oversimplified in terms of details. The idea was to do a quick build and practice painting the German mottling camouflage ... but couldn't resist and I added some scratch built items. The WIP thread is here, if anyone's interested in. Scratch built items: - Pitot tube (using a prescription needle mounted on the kit plastic shaft) - Navigation lights - Wheel wells struts and canvas covers - Main wheels break lines - Seatbelts (out oh lead foil coming from a wine bottle cap) - Fuel pipe inside the cockpit, plus various other interiors bit - Open canopy holding cable plus other minor things. Aerial was done using one of my eldest daughter hair. The crosses have been painted, doing my own mask; same goes for the ventral yellow band. The kit itself was painted using mostly Tamiya Acrylics, with an airbrush; detail painting by brush, using mainly Lifecolor. The Swastikas were not provided in the kit decals, so I used some from an Eduard FW190 kit; for this reason, they are the wrong kind and size, but since this was all an experiment, I figured I wanted to test how Eduard's decal would react (much better than Academy ones, by the way) Enjoy! Any comments welcome Some pics on an old base I had laying around Sorry for the mess up, I inadvertently posted while still writing Ciao
  17. Eduard is to rebox, as Limited Edition release, the Academy 1/48th McDD F-4B Phantom II as "Good Morning Da Nang" - ref.1186 - and as "Phantom Bicentennia" with Brassin resin adds on, HGW fabric seatbelts and Furball decals. Academy new 1/48th F-4C and F-4D will follow. Source: http://www.eduard.com/store/out/media/InfoEduard/archive/2014/info-eduard-2014-01EN.pdf Box art? Anyway Vietnam era VF-84 F-4B markings were different. See here: http://www.almansur.com/jollyrogers/phantombones Looks like a F-4B with VF-84 F-4J markings... V.P.
  18. Hi, calling this done. Built for a GB over on Flory Models. Academy kit SFTB Skylancer decals - 54th FIS, ADC USAF, Ellsworth AFB South Dakota, June 1958 AK Extreme Metal paints Kit went together ok with no real dramas other than me being an idiot and not putting enough nose weight in (hence the stormtrooper lending a hand!). Beast of an aeroplane! Thanks for looking FF UntitlUntitled byUntitled by bryn robinsUntitled by bryn robinson, on Flickron, on Flickr bryn robinson, on Flickred by bryn robinson, on Flickr
  19. Hi everybody; back wit an AC build after some figure painting. This time is the Academy 1/48 Me Bf109 G6, which is actually a Hobbycraft reboxing. The main goal of this build is practicing for German Mottle camo painting - first time for me - as I Have a Eduard FW190 in my stash but don't want to risk a messy painting on that, rather do it on this cheap kit. For this reason, I'll try to make a quick and simple build ... (I'll try, I promise ... ) On with the pics: boxart that is also the scheme I'll be doing, Hartmann's Yellow 1. Sprues: Not much of a detail, and definitely no riveting at all. Decals: I'll try to avoid them as much as possible, masking and painting for the most part - but we'll see. So, after the box inspection, I started removing the main parts from the sprues to clean them up with my trusty Electrical Toothbrush Sander and doing some dryfit Wings assembly: panel lines line up properly, no gaps whatsoever. Fuselage assembly shows a couple of issues, as you can see in the above pics, but nothing that some filler and some TLC couldn't sort out. Before test fitting the two halves, I've also inserted the instruments panel and the main part of the cockpit, no trouble there. Also for the fuselage, panel lines match properly. After a bit of sanding, the wing assembly goes in pretty well Some refining needed in the wing root area, and at the trailing edges close tho the roots Gun cowl: this is, so far, the part that I like less There is some shape issue, plus I don't like how the gun barrel (sort of) looks like when in place. I think I'll have to rework that area a little, still trying to figure out how. In the meantime, I decided to glue the barrel to a steel rod: Tail planes: port side one cliks in, the starboard side is loose ... Canopy: the three pieces are transparent enough for me, but do have some minor fit issues. The windshield also has a little stress line, another thing I'll have to figure out how to fix That's it for now. Comments, tips, suggestions, criticism welcome, as usual Ciao
  20. Hi, here's a recently (today) completed kit that I started years ago (was put off masking the canopy). Nice Academy kit with a scratch built attempt at an exhaust, and excellent Freightdog decals for a 500 Sqn machine from 1952. Used the new AK Extreme metal for the silver (polished aluminium shade) and Xtracrylix for the yellow. Weathering limited to that caused by my own grimy fingers and a Flory Models dark wash. It's nowhere near perfect but I quite like the look of it. Vampire T.11 next! Thanks for looking. NA Harvard T.2B 500 Sqn RAF 1952 by bryn robinson, on Flickr NA Harvard T.2B 500 Sqn RAF 1952 by bryn robinson, on Flickr NA Harvard T.2B 500 Sqn RAF by bryn robinson, on Flickr
  21. Academy is to re-release its 1/48th two-seats Flanker kit into a limited edition Sukhoi Su-30M(K)2 "Flanker-C" - ref.12301 Source: http://www.academy.co.kr/eng/6q/frmBoardView.asp?pMenuId=BOARD00012&pCode=6690 V.P.
  22. M60A2 Patton "Starship" 1:35 Academy The M60A2 was named the "Starship" due to the then modern technology fitted to the tank. It was designed as a force multiplier to operate alongside M60A1 tanks. Development began in the 1960s with them entering service in 1972. The Starship featured a new different turret from other tanks of the time. The main turret had quite a low profile which was offset somewhat by a large commanders copula on top. This featured a sighting system and a co-axial 50 cal machine gun. The idea was for the commander to find the target and lock on the main armament and then be searching for the next target while the gunner engaged the current one. The turret was fitted with M48 152mm gun / launcher. This was the same gun fitted to the M551 Sheridan. This could fire conventional ammunition to a range of 1.5km and the MGM-51 Shillelagh anti-tank guided missile with an effective range of 3km. A groove as cut into the barrel to allow the missile to fire. The US Army at this time had spent a considerable amount of money on the MGM-51 system. One of the major problems with the missile for its time was its technological advancements which made it unreliable. The missile did not come into sight of the gunner until it was over 700m from the tank and with an effective range of 2km (later extended to 3km) it had a limited envelop of operations. Over 88000 missiles were purchased with the only reported use being a dozen or so fired at bunkers by Sheridans in the Gulf war of 1991. In the end the Starship proved to be a bit of a disaster. The main gun range had already been exceeded by other tanks and the missile system was unreliable. In addition a closed breech scavenger system), which used pressurised air to clear the breech after each shot lead to a slow rate of fire. It was also found that the missile was not as good at penetrating armour as was required. The Starships were phased out by the early 1980s with the hulls being converted to M60A3 tanks, or in some cases armoured bridge layers. If anyone is interested in seeing the Starship in operation there is a training film available here on YouTube. The Kit This is a not a new kit per se from Academy, some of the main parts are from other kits; however the parts for the Starship, and the tracks are new to this boxing. It should be noted that as the main hull is from a kit which features added reactive armour there are some markings on the front of the kit scored in for placement of this armour. The modeller will need to remove them for this kit, which should not be difficult. The addition of photo etched parts for the turret stowage bins, and other small fittings is a nice touch. Construction starts with the lower hull. Fittings for the rear drive and front idler sprockets are added along with suspension components. These are followed by upper parts of the lower hull which house the idler wheels. The main torsion bar suspension parts are then added along with the two part idler wheels, followed by the 3 part main wheels, and five part drive sprockets (these all feature central poly caps so the can be pushed on at any stage of construction). Construction then moves onto the upper hull. The first item to be installed is the drivers hatch, this is installed from underneath. On the top the various stowage bins are added to both sides along with various hull fittings such as light, lifting eyes and protective bars. A few small photo etched parts are used at this stage. Construction then moves to the turret. The first item to be made up is the side mounted searchlight. This a complex affair with 10 smallish parts, some photo etch and a clear plastic cover which the modeller has to cut to size from a small sheet of acetate supplied. The main gun parts are then added along with the barrel, this in one part but there will be the mould line to remove. The commanders copula (a main part of this build) is then built up and added to the turret. Various hull fittings are added along with the turret bins. The mesh for the bis is supplied as photo-etched parts. The last parts to be added are the tracks. These are not rubber band, or individual links. They are short lengths of moulded track which are connected by individual links where they go around the sprockets and bend at the bottom Though better than the rubber band type they will still not sit correctly where they run over the idler wheels so I suspect they will be replaced by many modellers. Luckily they are standard M60 tracks so replacements are readily available. Decals There is a small decal sheet with markings for one tank from the US Army. Conclusion This is an unusual and short lived Main Battle tank, and part of the M60 Patton MBT line. It should make a great addition to a collection of cold war Armour. It is good to see companies bringing us this type of kit. Highly Recommended. Review sample courtesy of UK Distributors for
  23. March 1974, the Vietnam Conflict was still raging and while the USAF, USN & USMC had air superiority over the Vietnamese, the ground war is a different story. Between them they had an impressive line up of strike and bomber aircraft, but since the USAF retired their A-1 Skyraiders two years previously, only the USMC had fixed wing aircraft capable of COIN missions. The USAF needed to fill this gap in their inventory and fill it fast. Rather than go through the lengthy process of commissioning an aircraft from scratch they decided to look a suitable airframes from their inventory that could be adapted or converted for use in this role. The obvious choice was the OV-10 Bronco, all three services were using them to good effect and the airframe had plenty of potential. The main downfalls of the Bronco were it's lack of speed and weapon load, these were the main factors that would have to be addressed if a successful aircraft was to be produced. In 1970 the USMC had trialled the YOV-10D in Vietnam and although the design was eventually changed for the production OV-10D it was of great interest to the USAF as a way forward for their project. Addressing the speed issue, it was decided to dispense with the twin turboprops and install a small turbofan engine on the centreline in place of the cargo hold, this would enable additional wing points to be installed and used for forward firing munitions now there were no props to worry about. The intake for the engine was dorsal mounted to reduce the risk of FOD ingestion and damage from ground fire, this configuration also enabled hot turnarounds without the risk of ground crew being ingested. The YOV-10D had a FLIR turret mounted in a lengthened nose, no side sponsons and a ventral turret mounting a three barrelled 20mm rotary cannon. The USAF decided not to use the turret instead they kept the sponsons but replaced the four 7.62mm guns with two 20mm cannons. It was decided that the aircraft would be single seat only due to the fact that this was successful with the A-1, the additional space achieved through this would be utilised for fuel storage as would the space once occupied by the turboprop engines. All existing OV-10 avionics were moved to the lengthened nose and given protective armour, this would allow the entire avionics pack to be detached and replaced within minutes. The system could then be worked on independent of the airframe, this would greatly reduce the maintenance downtime of each aircraft. The FLIR system would be retained but as a revolutionary "split-system" installation on the front of the two booms., this allowed for greater coverage during maneuvering including inverted flight. The hard point count was increased to 11, while it was not able to carry the same weapon loads as the Skyraider, it was never the less a very capable aircraft. Trials started September 1974, in January 1975 three evaluation aircraft were sent to Vietnam, within weeks it was obvious that this aircraft was what they were looking for. In March 1975 full production was approved and by June operational units began to receive their aircraft. Because the designation A-10 was already in use with Thunderbolt II (in development) the obvious change from OV-10 to A-10 could not be made. Because it had undergone such radical changes it was decide to rename the aircraft completely, and so the A-11A Courser (they wanted to keep the horse reference) was born. Well that's the "little" bit of background info I've come up with. The kit will be Academy's 1/72 OV-10D, I originally bought it just for the props as I need them for my Grumman Goose, I've also robbed it of some rocket pod bits for my AH-1G. This group will save it just sitting in my stash forever and should be fun to build.
  24. A few pics of a Blackhawk, a bit of artistic licence at play. Eduard Interior and Exterior PE used.
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