I’ve read a wonderful book “A Lonely Kind of War” by Marshall Harrison, a OV-10 FAC pilot during the Vietnam War.
Of course, as a modeller, the first thing that ran through my brain was that I needed to build me a OV-10A, pronto! [:D]
Doing a bit of net research I’ve found kits by Testors in 1/48, Academy in 1/72, Revell-Germany (a OV-10B, a target towing craft) in 1/72 and a mention of a Hasagawa kit that I could not find on the net.
Anyone have any recomendations/experience with these kits?
I also read an article from a modeller who built the Testors model with a upgrade set from Paragon Designs. I could not find that company on a net search, aside from a mention that they “should be back in business in Januart 2004”. I would be happy to go the Testor’s/Paragon route, but if Paragon has gone bust, I supect it will be hard to find the upgrade kit. And, I have no idea what the upgrade kit would cost? [:(]
I happen to have the Teators 1/48th kit in my future project supply. The interior is a big nothing, but it definitely has possibilities. I think if I’m not mistaken that there was another source for the interior. Roll Models was at one time selling the Missing links line of conversion parts and I remember seeing a resin interior detail set listed. I have considered trying their site in order to see if they are still carrying that product line. If so I may order the parts from them as I also would like to find the Missinglinks T6 detail set. Good luck which ever way you choose to go.
Please post if you decide to get the Roll Models conversion and tell me how you like it. The OV-10 is still a few kits down my “to-be-built” line, but I am considering moving it up a bit if I can find a kit that would fit the bill.
The last that I heard, Paragon Designs has a new building and is hoping to be back in production in December or January. This straight from the horses mouth over at ARC.
I had the Academy kit and its very nice. A bit sparse in the cockpit, but Czech Master makes a resin and photoetch aftermarket set to remedy that.
The Canopy is a bit tricky as its a four part affair, but it creates the option for having it open if you want.
The main landing gear legs are also a bit tricky, but more because the instructions aren’t exactly clear for that aspect if the kit.
It is nice though, good clean moldings with recessed panel lines and very good parts fit. The Czech Master aftermarket kit was designed specifically for the Academy kit so should present no real problems if you opt to use it.
A note if you try to find a kit on e-bay or second hand: MPC made a 1/72 OV-10A many years ago (early 80s I believe) stay well away from it if you see it, its a nightmare and not terribly accurate.
Eduard also makes a detail kit for the 1/72 Academy kit. Czech Master makes several upgrade kits, control surfaces, interior and a conversion kit for the OV-10D which includes new cockpit, interior PE, Resin and a new canopy…
Just a head’s up. I’ve got the Testers kit in 1.48th and as had been already said, the cockpit is a joke. I ordered the Missing Links cockpit and detail set from Roll’s models, but they are having a tough time since the same guy that produces Missing Links stuff is producing a bunch of other lines.
I will say the John Roll is a stand up kind of guy and is personally working diligently with me on getting me what I need, and even making substitutions if necessary. His personal attention to the matter goes a loooong way with me.
Hopefully he’ll be able to hook me up. I’ll post my results on this thread.
I thought Squadron was the Czech Master distributor to the US. If not, Meteor Productions is a good bet for that sort of thing.
I ordered a Czech made decal sheet from a hobby shop in Georgia called Victory Models a few years ago, so they may have other Czech aftermarket lines too. I see them regularly advertised in FSM.