After a previous post about discussing the possibility of converting the RB-66 into an EA-3B representing a VQ-2 ship (my dad’s squadron) I realized that it was near impossible. I found an EKA-3B. Has anyone converted this to an aircraft that was used by the VQ squadrons (circa 1982)? The only thing that comes to mind is to remove the blisters, and add some windows that were under the wing. Any other ideas?
Yes it should be possible. Leave off the ECM gear, and add the tail turret (if the one you are modeling had the turret). If you are using the Hasegawa kit, i believe the parts for the EA-3B are still in the EKA kit. (but memory could be failing me on this)
Sorry, but the EKA-3B ECM canoe in the Hasegawa kit is narrower and shorter than the one on the EA-3B. I guess you could get away with using it though. Do you have a tail number or a photo of one that your dad flew in? Some of the EA-3Bs were heavily modified. Have you gotten the Aerograph No. 5 book on the A-3 Skywarrior? It would go a long way towards answering your questions.
Hope that this helps.
Grant
Thanks for the replies. I’ll have to change the ECM canoe, or just leave it on, it does have a refueling drouge though. I don’t have a tail number, nor the book. All I know is that he mentioned about being in “Whales” that had windows underneath a wing. I know for sure I’ll leave off the fuselage blisters that come in the kit.
Does anyone have a suggestion for an accurate shade of gray that was used (circa 1982) on the airplanes? Would like to use Testors (model master) or Tamiya. Thanks.
I think all through their career they were Light Gull Gray over white… Testors makes both.
Here is a pic showing the windows and canoe. In 1982, it would be in the grey over white paint scheme, the same as an F-4 Phantom or a P-3.
http://picasaweb.google.com/herndonjohn/PERSONNEL#5125449202251852738
It comes from this page. Lots of VQ-2 personnel and some EA-3B pics.
http://picasaweb.google.com/herndonjohn/PERSONNEL#5125449202251852738
Here is a build by F. Rouch in HS. It is for a 1/48 Collect Aire kit, but the info is applicable for your EA-3B. He made a VQ-2 plane. It has the JQ tail code. You can probably copy the markings for your kit.
http://hyperscale.com/features/2002/ea3bfr_1.htm
The A-3B had a deflector door before the bomb bay to prevent turbulence affecting the bomb bay when it was opened. The EA-3B never had this, so the kit part E-24 would not have the outline on the belly and that part would need to be sanded smooth. Don’t sand the bumps on that part though.
You are probably familiar with Tailspin Turtles site with details of the various versions. Note that you will have to redo the panel lines on the kit bomber canopy to make it into a A3D-2P/Q retrofit canopy.
You could also spit the kit canoe lengthwise and add a splice to make it thicker and add a splice to make it taller. You would need to scratch your own rear edge of the canoe as the kit part has the refueling drouge cover at that end.
Best wishes,
Grant