Better late than never, Gordon. I only just started on the F6F-5, so it’s not like a book like that wouldn’t be useful. I’ll have to see if it’s still available. Do you know the S/N on it? If I can’t find it through normal channels, I might be able to get B&N to hunt one down.
Thanks,
Fred
This is the ISBN number on the inside cover. 0-89747-117-2 On the back number the number is 0-89747-114-8. I don’t know why the numbers are different.
Hey Gig,
Good luck on your project. Just a quick couple things to add. Keep an eye out for the Minicraft boxing of the Hasegawa F9F-8, it’s got Angels markings and might be easier to find. Also, as you’re working on your F6F, keep in mind they were painted standard Navy gloss sea blue. The BA Blue didn’t arrive until the Bearcat. Somewhere I have a scan of the chapter of the OOP Monogram color series on Navy a/c that covers the Blues.
Gary Schurr
Thanks, Gary [H]. I found a minicraft -8 a few weeks ago on this obscure website, paid for it and should hopefully have it in the next few days. The guy doesn’t accept paypal or creditcards. You have to print out the order form and mail a check. Then he waits 2 weeks to mail it out. It’s like a month long process. But, it was only one of two -8s with BA markings I’ve ever found - and one didn’t surface until after I had paid for the first one.
As for the Hellcat - already ahead of you [;)]. Done in dark sea blue gloss, and testors gold (yellow didn’t appear until the bearcat, either)
The under-wing markings were done using a custom mask and then airbrushed. The fuselage markings are dry transfers from woodland scenics.
-Fred
Hey Guys,
Like the new title suggests, I am in the market for reference material, whether it be websites or books that show decent, color, pictures of the Angels from HellCat to Hornet. I am particularly interested in pictures of the panthers (trying to figure out the difference in schemes between the -2 and -5) and the cougars.
If you have any reference books that you are willing to sell for a fair price (i.e. cheap, LOL) send me a PM. If you can recommend any books or sites, post them up. I have been to the Blue Angels gallery website and the older stuff isn’t really helpful as they don’t discern between the -2 and -5 panthers.
Thanks,
Fred
Reflections of Blue: A Pictoral History of the US Navy Blue Angels by C. A. Knotts is a large-format paperback book that covers the Blues up through the A-4 era. I’ve had my copy for over twenty years but think used copies can still be found on Amazon.com.
The DVD Blue Angels: A Year in the Life, which documents the Blue’s 2004 season, has a segment on the history of the team and shows clips of all the planes that the team has flown. The clips of the F-4J’s are actually taken straight from the classic Threshold: The Blue Angels Experience, which also recently was re-issued on DVD (good thing because I had just about worn out my VCR tape!). One of the bonus features on the Blue Angels: A Year in the Life DVD is an interview with the founder of the team and first Boss, “Butch” Voris.
Just a comment on the Hasegawa “History” set: The F-4J included is the original-issue Hasegawa Phantom from the early 70’s and has a lot of problems. It’s best replaced with either a late-release Hasegawa, Fujimi or Monogram/Revell F-4J.
Just to share my idea for my next Blues project:
Blue Angels: A Year in the Life has a segment where they talk about how the Blue’s F/A-18’s are all refurbished planes that have been retired from the fleet. They do a walk-around on a recent arrival, which has to be one of the grubbiest, worst-looking Hornets I’ve ever seen with faded gray paint and all of the former squadron markings crudely painted out. The engines are pulled out and looks like a gutted fish from the rear. I’m thinking it would make an interesting diorama to model it and park it next to a pristine example in Blues colors.
Good luck with your project.
Mark