Yup, its the Pinocchio nose [:)]. No problem, bud. Thanks for looking! Apparently, the shorter nose aircraft were the very first C-130s with the Fulton pickup system. The aircraft was Top Secret at that time and photography of them was strictly forbidden so it’s no wonder there are few pictures.
Russ
Hi Ken,
I already have an Academy 1/72 A-37 Dragonfly promised for the other Vietnam Air War GB. It isn’t started yet. Can I enter it here please.
I admire the work you have put into this already, and feel compelled to support it.
Cheers
Tony
It will be the Revellogram 1/72 B-52D since I can’t find my DML 1/200 B-52D.
Hi Tony,
Welcome aboard! [snWcm] No problem with double dipping! So which version of the Dragonfly are you going to build?
Ken
Very good Jim, page one has been updated! That is still considered the best B-52 kit even though the molds are from 1968! I have three of them in my stash. I intend to build the D, F, and G versions (all Vietnam birds of course!). I have been taking very careful notes of Russ’s diorama build to use for the D version.
Ken
I thought it looked bigger. It also had more of a downward angle to it. Yes I am sure it is going to be very hard to find pictures of your version. I wonder if the USAF National Museum would have any. They collect pictures that are donated to them (I have donated some that my Dad took when he was in Vietnam). If they have taken the time to sort any of them, surely this wouldn’t be considered classified anymore.
Speaking of the USAF National Museum, I just happened to visit their website last night and saw that they are also victims to the sequestration. The Presidential and Research and Development Galleries are closed until further notice. Also the “Behind the Scenes Tours” of the museum’s restoration area are cancelled as well.
Our local IPMS chapter is planning a one day trip to see the USAF National Museum (it is only a three hour drive from where I live) this summer. I was put in charge of setting up the date. I was going to setup one of the “Behind the Scenes Tours” for our visit, but now that is out the window.
Ken
Ken,
That’s an interesting possibility. If anyone had some, I would think it would be them. I think the only things that would have been really classified back then would be the number, shape and position of antennas, and possibly the Fulton pickup system in the nose. However, the NVA and Viet Cong had an extensive spy network in South Viet Nam, even on our bases, and I’m sure if I went to a Hanoi museum, I could get detailed pictures and drawings [:D].
Most of the ECM and sensor systems have been described extensively in accounts in books and online. In fact, I was startled at some of the information that has been released. But I guess that technology is old hat now and the principals are pretty well known. But I still don’t talk about actual capabilities or characteristics. Just reading the details about new ECM systems in commercial magazines today makes me break out in a sweat when I think about the stuff we had to keep mum about back then.
Cheers,
Russ
Hi Dom,
Have you narrowed down your choices yet?
Ken
Darn you Medicine Man! Here I am minding my own business in my first GB ever, (US Naval Carrier Aviation) and way over my head with a project that is testing my limits with lots of new skill builders. And I’m a slow besides.
Now you have to tempt me with this, probably my favorite genre ever. I don’t know if I’ve got bandwidth to get a build done for this, but I’m bound and determined to support you.
The problem is I don’t have a ‘nice and easy’ kit to enter.
My best option may be the Trumpy 1/48 F-100C.
Let’s go with that.
Thanks, Marty
Hi Ken,
It’s an A-37B. This is the kit.
Cheers
Tony
Bringing up security, I remember my Mom telling me a story about when my Dad’s security clearance was about to be raised while he was in the USAF, the FBI came to his parent’s house to ask them some certain questions! Let’s just say they were more than a little bit surprised!
Ken
Welcome aboard Marty! [snWcm] No worries about timelines or deadlines here friend! Too many of those going on in real life. Like I said on the first page, what doesn’t get finished in the first year we will just carry over to the next year. I plan on making this a continuous annual build! Let’s just have fun!
Ken
Very cool Tony! I remember the first time I saw these at Grissom AFB. I couldn’t believe how small they were. They were lined up on the flight line like sports cars ready for a spin! I always thought that they would be a lot of fun to fly.
Ken
Ken,
Who was surprised? - your parents or the FBI? [:D]
Russ
Good one! [:D]
Ken
[;)]
Hi Ken,
I’m submitting my Revell 1/72 B-52-B build, and I hope you welcome a few cross-overs from guys like Jim AKA Buffirn and me.
For synergy reasons, I would like to nominate Russ’ build as an honorary participant as well[:)]
Any seconders?[whstl]
Dom
Thanks, Dom. I appreciate the gesture but that isn’t necessary - I’m already joining the build with a C-130E. Besides, I think folks have endured my B-52 build long enough and are as ready to see it finished as I am.
Cheers,
Russ
Hi Dom,
Welcome aboard Dom! [snWcm] A B-52B, a very interesting choice but it was not in Vietnam. Only the D, F, and G models participated in the Vietnam War.
My front page already states that cross-overs are allowed and welcomed. Jim already submitted a B-52D and Russ submitted a very interesting C-130E(CT) “Clamp” Combat Talon. But they can submit as many projects as they want. There are no limits. The only rule is that you have to participate.
Did you want to put in one of your other selections from your list? Of course the F-84 is another one that wasn’t in Vietnam, but all the rest in your list was.
Ken
May I please enter with a Trumpeter 1/72 F-100F Misty?