If you’re looking at the Verlindin MK82s (kit #2508), keep in mind that there are only 12 each 500 lb bombs in the kit your can use with the clip, so you actually have to buy three sets to have enough bombs - unless you’re into resin casting.
As for assembling them, it’s pretty straight forward - you just have to be careful to get the tail fins straight with the rest of the bomb. If you decide to use my method of mounting them on the panels, let me know and I’ll give you some guidelines so you can have the fins oriented the same. BTW, I’m working on version 3 of the clip assembly instructions and should have them done by next week.
For the Plastruct beam stock, I bought some from two places: Walthers and my local HobbyTown store. The Walther’s numbers are: 1/16" I-Beam PLS 570 90511, and 3/32" I-Beam PLS 570 90052. You can reference the last 5 numbers at your hobby shop or just about anywhere onliine. I think you can also get them from MegaHobby online (www.megahobby.com).
Right, Dom - 3 clips per bomb bay, if you fully populate each clip. For a hanging model, you probably need to fully populate them; if it sits on the shelf, you could get away with populating just the first three bombs of each row since you can’t see much past that. That’s only 15 bombs per clip.
I got some free time this evening so I was able to finish your “mirror trailer” [:D]. I put some edging around the mirror to hide the glass. Below are a couple of pictures. It sorta looks like a trailer that has standing water on it after a rain, doesn’t it? [:)]. The mirror has really good clarity but naturally, the size limits the total amount you can see on a model this size. For a smaller model, like a fighter, it should show quite a bit. I think it’s a great idea.
You’re right - it does look good, and it was your idea [:D]. I wanted to see it with the bomb clips too but I only have one completed for my trailer and I’ve already attached the cradle. However, I’m building the bombs for the other two clips (I decided to fully populate the both of them) and as soon as I get them installed I’ll snap some photos from down under.
Thanks for making me an honorary member of the build. I’ll be happy to contribute in any way I can.
Not a dumb question at all, Dom. The upper set of doors were only opened during weapons loading. They didn’t open during bomb drop, so you don’t need to cut them out if you plan to show the plane in flight. You may run into a tight fit for the bomb clips though with the upper doors closed so you may have to leave off the eyelets on the hangers. I will send you some instructions on building the new panels - they take up less space than the previous ones and should give you more room to maneuver.
Quick update - I’ve had to hold off finishing painting the fuselage so I’m concentrating on the MD-3 generator. It’s a challenge but it’s coming along as shown below. That oval object on the front is the gas tank.
A 781 is a set of Air Force Technical Order (AFTO) maintenance documents. An AFTO 781A is a sheet of blank spaces to enter discrepancies after a mission. A sample form is shown below. These forms were usually filled out by the crew chief after the debrief and put into a binder at the aircraft.
Each writeup was assigned to a maintenance shop or organization. There were three priorities - Info, red slash and red X. These were entered in the SYM box. A red X writeup would keep the aircraft grounded until it was cleared. Each maintenance action was also given a Job Control Number (JCN) to help keep track of it. When you finished working on the aircraft, you wrote up what you did and signed off the writeup.
This is a newer form but hasn’t really changed that much since the 60’s. The Fault Code block used to be called the How Mal (How Malfunction) code block. Each shop had a book with a set of How Malfunction codes assigned to it’s systems and equipment.
That is the book of aircraft forms showing fuel load weapons load, chaf, flares, atc and maintenance issues both open and closed. I need to look for a good picture of one.
Russ beat me to it. The 781 was the last thing needed to fly. We made write-ups in flight as things broke. As we approached homedrome, the EW would contact the Command Post and call in the maintenance brevity codes, shorthand notes to help Job Control send the right maintenance technician to the plane for debriefing after we landed.
One day, we called in the FLIR as inop. It never came up after take-off. Anyway, Job Control called back for more detail on “inop”. We told them it was broke. They seemed to accept that.
I’ve been following your progress for a couple of weeks now and wanted to let you know that your work so far is just mind-blowing! The attention to detail is even more impressive when you realize it’s 1/72 scale. One quick question, what unit does the Buff you are building belong to and is this going to be one that flew out of Anderson on Guam or Utapao in Thailand if it is in fact to be a Vietnam War bird?
