I bought it in '93 and the kit decals are in dubious shape.
I have run across the Expert’s Choice decal set for this kit. One of the birds on the decal set is a KC-135 I worked on when I was with the 379th Bomb Wing, so this set is pretty much a must-have.
Here’s my problem: The only place I can find it available is at Hannants. I’ve checked if any of the LHS’s can order it, and there’s no way.
So…
Anybody know a way I can get these stateside?
Does anybody have this set, and have the decals for 64-14837 “Top Off” (the Yosemite Sam nose art) left over for a possible buy/trade?
Can any Americans or Canadians who’ve ordered from Hannants comment on their experience, especially regarding shipping cost and credit card issues? For example, when I’m paying for an item listed in pounds using U.S. cred card dollars, how’s that work?
I suppose I should just take the plunge and order the sucker, but I’ve never ordered from outside the U.S. before, so I’m trepidatious.
Hannants is a reputable company that ships to the US for reasonable prices. If they take PayPal, this would be the easiest way to pay for it. PP automatically converts the GBP price to US$, (1 GBP=$1.80 apprx). Try to contact them via email and see what types of payment they accept. A straight VISA or Master Card payment would probably work.
“TOP OFF” - I think I remember that one at Minot AFB, ND, at some point in the early '90’s, am I right? Let me know how the build goes, I’d like to do a 135 refueling a BUFF dio.
Ive ordered from hannants while living in both the US and Belgium and have never been disappointed with thier service… credit card payements work fine, though paypal is definetly worth looking into. My only complaint with them is thier minimum order of I think it was 30 Pounds. almost $60. Thats a big chunk of change when ordering decals. In the past Ive solved this by ordering multiple sets of decals. You neved know when murphy will strike and you wished you had a back up set uf decals. Plus later on if your modeling skill improve and you decide to re tackle the same project your set to go.
The decal sheet you are looking for is by Experts Choice 72-19, KC-135A S/N 14837. If this is the markings you need , I have them left over. Send me a PM and I’ll send them out to you.
Thanks Darwin. It looks like Viper50 is going to solve my problem by sending me the decals he has left over, but your advice is good and if I find myself having to order from Hannants I’ll follow your suggestion.
Just a general note for anytone who might come across this…I never in any way meant to imply the folks at Hannats might be waiting around to steal my money. I was just concerned that there might be exchange problems, outrageous-but-justified shipping charges, long wait, etc.
I’ll let you know, Ace. BTW, minicraft has a 1/144 B-52H and Welsh Models has a KC-135A in 1/144…sounds like a match made in heaven to me, and it won’t take up your whole display case.
Oops, forgot the most important point. I’d bet Top Off went to Minot after Wurtsmith closed…If I recall correctly, my friend Clay Readnour (Minot bomber crew chief, know him?) remembered seeing it there. I know for sure she came into my phase daock at Wurtsmith, and I think it was when I was doing tail inspections.
What I’m hoping is that someday I can have Top Off and the KC-135R I crewed at Plattsburgh (The Spirit of Plattsburgh) right next to each other in my office in 1/72. If this decal deal works out, I’ll be halfway there soon.
Thanks for the info, Awood. If your memory is accurate about a 30 pound minimum order --and I’d bet 30 pounds it is! [:D] --that’s way too steep for me right now. Still, if I do order I will keep your good advice in mind. My only other real alternative to do a 379th bird is the XtraDecal set that has the late fifties tail flashes, and though it’s very nice and a lot less expensive, I’d rather have one with the big K-in-a-triangle that we put up there in the Eighties to honor our WWII ancestor unit. It’ll match the keychain they gave me when I left the squadron. [:p]