Jb65rams Posted January 5, 2014 Share Posted January 5, 2014 My entry for this groupbuild. Going to finish in the box top scheme, in the markings of VF-121, used as a radar operator and electronic warfare trainer. So what is in the box? Looking forward to this, should be a fun build. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alpha Delta 210 Posted January 5, 2014 Share Posted January 5, 2014 I must confess that I don't remember the real aeroplane or the kit, but I've built a few Matchbox kits recently, and enjoyed every one! I look forward to seeing your progress. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Enzo the Magnificent Posted January 5, 2014 Share Posted January 5, 2014 (edited) Interesting choice! I've got the new Sword kit in The Stash ready for the Korean War GB. The aircraft is a lot bigger than I expected. Edit: I've done a bit of research. I'm amazed to find out that despite its designation, VF-121 was actually a training unit. It was the Pacific Fleet Replacement Air Group. Edited January 5, 2014 by Enzo Matrix Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goggsy Posted January 6, 2014 Share Posted January 6, 2014 Ah yes, wasn't this aircraft known as the "drut" in service or is that something else I'm thinking of? I'm sure I read that I flypast or something. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deacon Posted January 6, 2014 Share Posted January 6, 2014 I too have never heard of the plane or seen the kit so this will be interesting to watch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dazzio Posted January 6, 2014 Share Posted January 6, 2014 Oh wow I'll be watching this one. One of those aircraft that always insterested me. Iirc it was used as a "Night indicator" (is that the correct terminology??). Basically the same capacity as the Tigercats and Corsairs in the Korean War... Can't remember if it was fitted with a wing radar tho?? Thread hijack : Enzo, I've seen the Sword version in the Airfix mag, how does it shape up?? Kind Regards Dazz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Enzo the Magnificent Posted January 6, 2014 Share Posted January 6, 2014 Ah yes, wasn't this aircraft known as the "drut" in service It was indeed... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Enzo the Magnificent Posted January 6, 2014 Share Posted January 6, 2014 Can't remember if it was fitted with a wing radar tho?? Didn't need one. There's a honking great radar in the nose. Thread hijack : Enzo, I've seen the Sword version in the Airfix mag, how does it shape up?? It's a very nice kit indeed. I'll take some photos and post them in the GB Chat thread. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hgbn Posted January 7, 2014 Share Posted January 7, 2014 Can't remember if it was fitted with a wing radar tho?? The main radar is located in the nose cone, it also had a low strength rearward looking radar. In Korea it was primary used as a escort fighter for the B-29 night raids with great success. Sorry for the high jacking Looking forward to this one, have one myself, but that is going to be an Korea war workhorse Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julien Posted January 9, 2014 Share Posted January 9, 2014 It's not a bad kit, though the fit of the intakes and exhausts leaves something to be desired! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dazzio Posted January 9, 2014 Share Posted January 9, 2014 The main radar is located in the nose cone, it also had a low strength rearward looking radar. In Korea it was primary used as a escort fighter for the B-29 night raids with great success. Sorry for the high jacking I thought the radar was, I knew the Hellcat (or Wildcat??) and F-4 had them on the wings. Not sure on the Tigercat (I'm assuming not). I remrmber reading about the Skyknight when I was 13 (I'm 30 now), hence the confusion. Thank you both for informing me tho. Enzo those pics will be great (if not already posted). End of thread hijacking Kind Regards Dazz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jb65rams Posted January 10, 2014 Author Share Posted January 10, 2014 You are correct, been doing some dryfitting and the fit of the intakes & exhausts could be better. Will post photos when I get that far. I have made a start on the cockpit. A bit bland out of the box so dressed it up with some scrap plastic and a bit creative licence with the paint brush. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tomjw Posted January 11, 2014 Share Posted January 11, 2014 I love these old kits. Nice to see such a different subject. Will follow with interest. Tom. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Enzo the Magnificent Posted January 12, 2014 Share Posted January 12, 2014 For those who are interested in seeing the sprues of the new Sword F3D kit, I have posted some pictures in the GB Chat thread, so as not to hijack this thread any further. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deon Posted January 18, 2014 Share Posted January 18, 2014 This is as far as i got building a MB skyknight, looking forwards to seeing this one go all the way! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jb65rams Posted January 18, 2014 Author Share Posted January 18, 2014 Have got a bit further. Cockpit finished. Now undertaking and filing and sanding session of the intakes and exhausts. Enzo, enjoyed the hi-jack. Sword kit looks nice. Typical finally get around to buying the matchbox version, someone brings out a new tool. At least it shouldn't have the same fit issues around the intakes and exhausts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jb65rams Posted February 1, 2014 Author Share Posted February 1, 2014 Finally got some time at the bench. After losts of filling & sanding she finally made it to the paint shop. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paganpete Posted February 2, 2014 Share Posted February 2, 2014 Looking really good, love the orange! Pete Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deacon Posted February 3, 2014 Share Posted February 3, 2014 Wow that paint work looks the business mate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jb65rams Posted February 9, 2014 Author Share Posted February 9, 2014 Decalling was a nightmare, they reacted badly with my normal setting solution. Oops, only notice the masking tape when I posted the photo. I am calling this finished, will post some better photos later this week. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jb65rams Posted February 16, 2014 Author Share Posted February 16, 2014 Photos posted in the gallery. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Speedman Posted February 19, 2014 Share Posted February 19, 2014 Nice work, it's always great to see a Matchbox kit being built I love the shape of the Skyknight and also the Buckeye, the whole "sit a plane on top of the engines" look really appeals to me. A nightmare for FOD ingestion though... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Enzo the Magnificent Posted February 19, 2014 Share Posted February 19, 2014 I love the shape of the Skyknight and also the Buckeye, the whole "sit a plane on top of the engines" look really appeals to me. A nightmare for FOD ingestion though... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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