I 'm in. Since I am a helo bubba guess I'll tackle a helitack project.

What are the dates for the build?    If I get my current projects (1/35 LVTP7 and 1/35 AAVP7A1 w/UGWS and EAAK) completed in time (by 10 Feb) I'll definately jump in on this one. I just have to acquire the model and I'll do B-17 "Tanker 89" in 1/144. Small, quick but requiring a little extra work, and colorfull.

I do have a question. I tend to do things a bit "different" you might say. Could my entry be a What if AH-64. I know there's a Cobra in the USFS, but I have a 1/32 Apache in my possession right now. It would save me a drive if I could. If not, I can still get the Cobra and work on my other helo on the side.

     Eddie

Alright! This model was purchased at a garage sale for $1 and you can see why. Whoever started it use A LOT of tube glue and everything up. This is probably going to be a very large desktop model.( read no interior details with opaque glass.) One thing I'm going to try is to simulate turning rotors with a clear piece of plastic. I'm going to have to hang this one, so it will have to look like it's in flight.

      Eddie

Okay.  Since you are allowing "what-if's".  I am going to do one that I read about awhile back.

Seem's that the C.D.F. was kicking the idea around about using retired S-3 Viking airframes as fire bombers.  I was going to do an F7F in TBM, Inc. colors but, my current situation will not allow me to purchase the Lone Star conversion.  So, it will have to wait.

I will be doing the S-3 in Aero Union colors as I don't think the C.D.F. scheme is that eye catching.  I may even do an A-37B Dragonfly as a lead plane.

I won't be able to post progress pics on a very regular basis as I will be going off-line today or tomorrow.  But, I will try and keep everyone abreast of my progress.

I am looking forward to this as I use to work with Moore Aviation in Visalia, CA.  They also own TBM, Inc.  I used to go out to Sequoia Field and look at all of the old fire bombers.  B-17s, F7Fs and TBMs. 

Talk to y'all later.

RODC,

  Those are some very fine airplanes you have there.

I'm starting mine now for 2 reasons. One, I'm working with damaged goods and two, I can't wait.

 The main rotor assembly is a glued together mess. I decided to try and make them work, so I drilled out the damaged parts and with a little sprue and sheet plastic, I've got it to where it will spin okay. Next, the tail rotor.

      Eddie

Okay.  I cleared off the bench last night and dug out one of my Monogram A-37Bs and the AMT/ERTL S-3A.

I'm ready!!!  This just might be fun!!!  If I get done in time I may even do a 'what if' A-20 Havoc.  The kit has an auxillary fuel tank for the belly that could be easily enlarged and converted to a water tank.  Hmmmmm.  I'm getting all kinds of ideas!!!!  An A-20 in TBM, Inc. colors!!!!

I got more progress to report. At this rate, I'll be able to do the Cobra that I had planned on doing in the first place. The blades have their white stripes. Next is red. The rotor head is painted and dry brushed and the fuselage has it's white primer coat. The engines are going to be a challenge to fix.

   Eddie

 

Yep there is some interest, this past week I pulled out some of my partially completed air tanker builds and I started a TBM Avenger last night, then I come over to FSM today and I find this, so you can count me in. What I build will depend on when it starts, I'm currently working on a P2V Neptune  (Minden air Tanker 55), an S2 (CDF Tanker 82), an AF-2 Guardian  (Aero-union Tanker 21), an A-10 "Firehog", an Allouette 3, a Ford Tri-motor smokejumper plane and the TBM I just started (haven't decided how to paint it yet, I'm split between Sis-Q and one of the New Brunswick ones).

On the shelf waiting to be built I have a DC6, PBY-5A, A-26, F7F Tigercat, Cessna O2A, OV-10 Bronco, S-64 Skycrane, Bell 205 and a Bell 212 so I'll be ready to go whenever a date is set. All are 1/72 scale.

Since I'm a firefighter for the US Forest Service it would be nice if we could get this started pretty soon before it starts getting busy for me, Feb 1 or earlier would be great for me.

 

Is anybody here talented enough to make a GB badge?

Either badge works for me. I think I'm gonna transform MRC's 1/35 H-60 to the "Firehawk" version and crew it with DML'S Vietnam A/C.