Hi All,
I received an Academy UH-1C Huey Frog kit for Christmas (the boxing with 174th AHC markings and XM-158 7-shot rocket launchers on the box top). The kit comes with a ton of ordnance options (XM-159 FFAR pods, M134 7.62 miniguns, XM-3 rocket launchers, etc) and all the mounting hardware/brackets, but only shows how to mount the 7-shot tubes. I’d like to use the M134 miniguns in addition to the to the XM-158 launchers, so does the other Academy UH-1C (Heavy Hog) instruction sheet show how to assemble the above parts and associated bits? If so, can someone scan that portion of the instructions and e-mail it to my e-mail addy (contact me through the forum, I’ll reply through that instead of posting my e-mail addy)?
Actually, the markings and armament options for that kit are incorrect, at least for “Ace of Spades”, which flew WITH miniguns. The kit decals are inaccurate too. I don’t have my Charlie here, otherwise I’d see how I put the minis together, but from what I remember, it was pretty straightforward, except for those darn vinyl ammo chutes. “Surfer”, if I remember correctly, flew with Hog pods and the chunker in the nose, that’s the other marking option for the kit.
IIRC there are shots of both birds on the 174th Association’s website. Both were lost during Operation LAM SON 719 into Laos in 1971.
I found pics of both on the site you mentioned (excellent resource, especially the Brackenhoff photo page!). I assume when you say Hog Pods, those are the 19 shot pods?
I prefer Ace of Spades myself (both the helo and Motorhead!). Guess I was wrong about the rocket pods on Surfer. Could have sworn she had 19-shot pods!
I’ll see if any of my shots of ol’ 170 are around here.
I have the directions for the mini-gun option. E-mail me with your e-mail address and I will scan them in and send them to you.
Standard armament on gunships(after 1967) was either the M-5 subsystem(grenade launcher) and two 19 shot rocket pods or mini-guns with two 7 shot rocket pods(either the M-158 or M159). Check your reference material for the ship you are building.
John
helicopters don’t fly, they beat the air into submission
Thanks again, Jon!
Ok, so to build Ace Of Spades, I need the XM-158 tubes and the M134 miniguns, correct? I see what you mean by the kit decals being incorrect-should be ‘14170’ on the tail-not ‘64170’ as depicted on the sheet. Any other shortcomings I need to be aware of?
I’ve also noticed that I’ll need to add wind baffles to the door posts. Thin sheet aluminum should work nicely for that (alright, so my model won’t be quite OOB. [:)] )
Don’t know about the saint part, but glad to help. If i can help you any more, please let me know. One of these day’s need to finish my heavy hog(66-15145), my last bird.
John
helicopters don’t fly, they beat the air into submission
Not much different at all, except the markings and weapons fits. Both kits come with the same sprues. They could have given you a bigger decal sheet and issued them as one kit!
Heavy Hog’s carried the M-5 subsystem on the nose(turret for grenade launcher) and two 19 shot(2.75FFAR) pods. All other gunships carried mini-guns and two 7 shot(2.75FFAR) rocket pods. This was the standard set by the Army in 1967, although variations did occur.
Never heard the term FROG used when I was in. Would like any info on the use of that term.
John
helicopters don’t fly, they beat the air into submission
Any body know if there would be a way to get the cockpit consoles, weapons and the universal stores mounts for these kits as spares?
Should I contact academy? Do you think that it’s possible to get them as spares?
Cheers,
Nimrod