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First Annual USAF Vietnam Group Build

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  • Member since
    November 2010
  • From: Lafayette, Indiana
First Annual USAF Vietnam Group Build
Posted by Son Of Medicine Man on Saturday, June 1, 2013 8:30 PM

Greetings!

Welcome to the First Annual USAF Vietnam Group Build!

The “Official” start will be August 7th, to coincide with the infamous “Gulf of Tonkin Resolution” of August 7, 1964.  But we will have an early start that we will call the “Advisory Period” starting now until then.  The build will end on August 6th, 2014 at which time we will carry over to the “Second Annual USAF Vietnam Group Build”.

The rules of this build are pretty simple:

  1. You MUST participate, and post pictures to show your work in progress.
  2. Crossovers are allowed (participating in other builds with the same project).
  3. You may enter partially started projects as long as they are less than 50% completed.
  4. You may enter more than one project.
  5. The aircraft must be on the list (at the bottom of this post).  If you think that you have an aircraft that should be on the list, please let me know!  (REMEMBER, this is USAF only.)
  6. And the most important rule, HAVE FUN!

To join, simply post the kit you are going to build (including the scale), note whether you are converting it to a different version and any aftermarket or scratch building that will be added.

All finished builds will be entered on the first page of the build.

Here is the badge, feel free to pick one up if you are participating.  You do not have to wait until you have completed your build.

 

 

Roster:

Son Of Medicine Man:  Hasegawa 1/48 F-4E Phantom II - with every conceivable aftermarket made and scratch building for what has not!  Update, this is on hold while I build instead a Testors 1/48 SR-71A Blackbird.

Striker8241:  Italeri 1/72 C-130E(CT) "Clamp" Combat Talon

Buffirn:  Monogram B-52D Stratofortress

Taxtp:  Academy 1/72 A-37B Dragonfly 

MAgather:  Trumpeter 1/48 F-100C Super Sabre

GMorrison:  Trumpeter 1/72 F-100F Super Sabre "Misty"

Bockscar:  Revell 1/72 B-52D Stratofortress

Dogfish_7:  ESCI ERTL 1/48 A-1H Skyraider

GreySnake:  Monogram 1/48 F-105G Wild Weasel Thunderchief

PeteG:  ProModeler 1/48 F-102A Delta Dagger (Case X)

Jbell30:  Esci 1/72 KC-135A Stratotanker

Kiwi:  Monogram 1/48 A-1H Skyraider, Hasegawa 1/48 F-104C Starfighter, Monogram 1/48 A-37 Dragonfly

TarnShip:  Hasegawa 1/72 RF-4C Phantom II

Tal Afar Dave:  Monogram 1/48 F-4C Phantom II, Testors 1/48 O-2A Skymaster, Monogram 1/48 A-1H Skyraider

Beckyhead:  Academy 1/48 F-4C Phantom II flown by Col. Robin Olds during Operation Bolo

Tcepilot:  Hobby Boss 1/48 F-105G Wild Weasel

 

Honor Wall

GreySnake's Monogram 1/48 F-105G Wild Weasel Thunderchief 

 

Kiwi's Hasegawa 1/48 F-104C Starfighter 

 

 

You may enter any aircraft that was used by the United States Air Force in the Vietnam War.  I have several years of research compiled the following list:

A-1E Skyraider
A-1H Skyraider
A-1J Skyraider
A-26A (B-26K) Counter Invader
A-37A Dragonfly
A-37B Dragonfly
A-7D Corsair II
AC-119G Shadow
AC-119K Stinger
AC-130A Spectre
AC-130E Spectre
AC-47D Spooky
AT-28D Trojan
AU-23A Peacemaker (Turbo-Porter)
B-26B Invader
B-26C Invader
B-52D Stratofortress
B-52F Stratofortress
B-52G Stratofortress
B-57B Canberra
B-57C Canberra
B-57E Canberra
B-57G Canberra
C-118A Liftmaster (DC-6)
C-123B Provider
C-123K Provider
C-124C Globemaster II
C-130A Hercules
C-130B Hercules
C-130E Hercules
C-130E(CT) "Clamp" Combat Talon
C-130E(I) "Rivet Clamps" Combat   Talon
C-130E(S) "Swap" Combat Talon
C-130E(Y) "Yank" (formerly   "Yard") Combat Talon
C-130H Hercules
C-133 Cargomaster
C-141A Starlifter
C-46 Commando
C-47 Skytrain
C-5A Galaxy
C-7 (CV-2) Caribou
C-97 Stratofreighter (ANG transport)
C-9A Nightingale
CH-3A
DC-130A Hercules
DC-130E Hercules
EB-66B Destroyer
EB-66C Destroyer
EB-66E Destroyer
EC-121D Warning Star
EC-121M Warning Star
EC-121R Warning Star
EC-47N Skytrain
EC-47P Skytrain
EC-47Q Skytrain
EF-105F Wild Weasel
EF-4C Phantom II
F-100C Super Sabre
F-100D Super Sabre
F-100F Super Sabre
F-102A Delta Dagger
F-104C Starfighter
F-104D Starfighter
F-105D Thunderchief
F-105F "Wild Weasel"
F-105G "Wild Weasel"
F-111A Aardvark
F-4C Phantom II
F-4D Phantom II
F-4E Phantom II
F-5A "Skoshi Tiger"
F-5B "Skoshi Tiger"
F-5C "Skoshi Tiger"
HC-130H Hercules
HC-130P Hercules
HH-3E "Jolly Green"
HH-43B Huskie
HH-43F Huskie
HH-53B "Super Jolly Green"
HH-53C "Super Jolly Green"
HU-16B Albatross
KB-50J Superfortress
KC-135A Stratotanker
KC-135Q Stratotanker
NC-123K Black Spot
O-1D Bird Dog
O-1E Bird Dog
O-1F Bird Dog
O-1G Bird Dog
O-2A Skymaster
O-2B Skymaster
OA-37B Dragonfly
OV-10A Bronco
QU-22B Bonanza
RB-26C Invader
RB-47H Stratojet
RB-57E Canberra "Patricia Lynn"
RB-57F Canberra
RB-66B Destroyer
RC-135C Big Team
RC-135D Rivet Brass
RC-135M Rivet Card
RC-135U Combat Sent
RF-101C Voodoo
RF-4C Phantom II
SC-47D Skytrain
SC-54D Skymaster (DC-4)
SR-71A Blackbird
T-28B Trojan
T-28D Nomad
TF-102A Delta Dagger
U-10A Courier
U-10B Courier
U-10D Courier
U-2C Dragon Lady
U-2F Dragon Lady
U-2R Dragon Lady
U-3A Administrator "Blue Canoe"   (Cessna 310)
UC-123B Provider
UC-123K Provider
UH-1F Huey
UH-1P Huey

  • Member since
    April 2012
  • From: USA
Posted by Striker8241 on Saturday, June 1, 2013 9:05 PM

Hey Ken,

I'd like to join. I plan to build the Italeri 1/72 C-130E as an C-130E "Clamp" Combat Talon aircraft. There were four of these at Nha Trang AB in 1971 - I plan to model tail number 64-0555. I may also add some aftermarket stuff down the road.

Cheers,

Russ

 

  • Member since
    February 2010
  • From: Ontario, Canada
Posted by Bockscar on Saturday, June 1, 2013 11:10 PM

Hi Ken:

I still have a Dragonfly hiding around here, and some Thuds of various scales.

I also have a partially built F-84 Thunderjet which Walter Boyne called 'built like a tank, and 'darn' near as heavy.

This is a good thread for you, I think this is where your heart is. I'll kick around some ideas. Maybe a big 1/32 RF VooDoo.

Dom

  • Member since
    November 2010
  • From: Lafayette, Indiana
Posted by Son Of Medicine Man on Saturday, June 1, 2013 11:19 PM

Bockscar

Hi Ken:

I still have a Dragonfly hiding around here, and some Thuds of various scales.

I also have a partially built F-84 Thunderjet which Walter Boyne called 'built like a tank, and 'darn' near as heavy.

This is a good thread for you, I think this is where your heart is. I'll kick around some ideas. Maybe a big 1/32 RF VooDoo.

Dom

Thanks Dom!  Yes, this is where my heart is!  I am going to enjoy this build a great deal.  I am really looking forward to it!

Ken

  • Member since
    November 2010
  • From: Lafayette, Indiana
Posted by Son Of Medicine Man on Sunday, June 2, 2013 1:24 PM

Striker8241

Hey Ken,

I'd like to join. I plan to build the Italeri 1/72 C-130E as an C-130E "Clamp" Combat Talon aircraft. There were four of these at Nha Trang AB in 1971 - I plan to model tail number 64-0555. I may also add some aftermarket stuff down the road.

Cheers,

Russ

Welcome aboard Russ! Welcome Sign  Sorry for the delayed response but I did already update the front page last night with your project!

That is a cool tail number, "triple nickel".  I know there were some fighters that ended with that number.

Ken

  • Member since
    November 2010
  • From: Lafayette, Indiana
Posted by Son Of Medicine Man on Sunday, June 2, 2013 1:28 PM

Son Of Medicine Man

Bockscar

Hi Ken:

I still have a Dragonfly hiding around here, and some Thuds of various scales.

I also have a partially built F-84 Thunderjet which Walter Boyne called 'built like a tank, and 'darn' near as heavy.

This is a good thread for you, I think this is where your heart is. I'll kick around some ideas. Maybe a big 1/32 RF VooDoo.

Dom

Thanks Dom!  Yes, this is where my heart is!  I am going to enjoy this build a great deal.  I am really looking forward to it!

Ken

Hi Dom,

Have you narrowed down your selection yet?  Of course you could just write each one on a piece of paper, put them in a hat, and draw one out!  Big Smile

Ken

  • Member since
    April 2012
  • From: USA
Posted by Striker8241 on Sunday, June 2, 2013 1:35 PM

Son Of Medicine Man

~

That is a cool tail number, "triple nickel".  I know there were some fighters that ended with that number.

Ken

Thanks, Ken and np Big Smile  Rgr on the fighters - we had an F-105 with the 555 tail number at Takhli in 69.

Cheers,

Russ

 

  • Member since
    November 2010
  • From: Lafayette, Indiana
Posted by Son Of Medicine Man on Sunday, June 2, 2013 4:18 PM

Hi Everyone,

My F-4E Phantom II is a work already in progress.

Today I worked on the Aires resin front wheel bay.  I had already painted it white using Model Master enamel and let it dry thoroughly.  Today I added some color.  Here it is:

 

 

Once again I used Model Master enamel so I will wait for this to cure for at least 3 days then I will add the wash to bring out the details.

Ken

  • Member since
    April 2012
  • From: USA
Posted by Striker8241 on Sunday, June 2, 2013 5:43 PM

Nice job, Ken! Yes  Man, that looks like a lot of work!

Russ

 

  • Member since
    November 2010
  • From: Lafayette, Indiana
Posted by Son Of Medicine Man on Sunday, June 2, 2013 6:51 PM

Striker8241

Nice job, Ken! Yes  Man, that looks like a lot of work!

Russ

Thank you Russ!  Yes, it took a good bit of time looking at the pictures in "The Modern Phantom Guide: The F-4 Phantom Exposed" by Jake Melampy, then orienting where each place was from the pictures on the actual wheel bay, and then painting each of the colors.  I used my OptiVISOR with the VisorLIGHT to help me see while I was painting.

Ken

  • Member since
    February 2011
  • From: Ontario, Canada
Posted by gunner_chris on Sunday, June 2, 2013 7:50 PM

I would like to join this one but not yet.  Got my hands full currently but I will be watching, admiring and plotting until then......

  • Member since
    November 2010
  • From: Lafayette, Indiana
Posted by Son Of Medicine Man on Sunday, June 2, 2013 8:01 PM

gunner_chris

I would like to join this one but not yet.  Got my hands full currently but I will be watching, admiring and plotting until then......

Welcome Gunner_Chris!  Welcome Sign  No problem, feel free to drop by anytime!  And when you are ready to join just say the word.

Ken

  • Member since
    March 2009
  • From: Middletown, OH
Posted by Buffirn on Sunday, June 2, 2013 9:55 PM

Add me to the list !  I'm gonna build a B-52D OOB.  This will get me going.  I have several more to build if I follow my personal plan.

Jim Williams

 

  • Member since
    November 2010
  • From: Lafayette, Indiana
Posted by Son Of Medicine Man on Sunday, June 2, 2013 10:10 PM

Buffirn

Add me to the list !  I'm gonna build a B-52D OOB.  This will get me going.  I have several more to build if I follow my personal plan.

Welcome Jim!  Welcome Sign  All I need is the kit manufacturer and scale and I will add you to the roster!

Ken

  • Member since
    November 2010
  • From: Lafayette, Indiana
Posted by Son Of Medicine Man on Sunday, June 2, 2013 10:20 PM

Striker8241

Hey Ken,

I'd like to join. I plan to build the Italeri 1/72 C-130E as an C-130E "Clamp" Combat Talon aircraft. There were four of these at Nha Trang AB in 1971 - I plan to model tail number 64-0555. I may also add some aftermarket stuff down the road.

Cheers,

Russ

Hi Russ,

I found a picture of a MC-130E-110-LM, 64-0568, of the 8th SOS, 1st SOW, Hurlburt Field, Eglin AFB, FL.  It is a black and white photograph, but I think it does have the shorter nose.  I will scan it and email it to you.

Ken

  • Member since
    April 2012
  • From: USA
Posted by Striker8241 on Sunday, June 2, 2013 10:26 PM

Son Of Medicine Man

Hi Russ,

I found a picture of a MC-130E-110-LM, 64-0568, of the 8th SOS, 1st SOW, Hurlburt Field, Eglin AFB, FL.  It is a black and white photograph, but I think it does have the shorter nose.  I will scan it and email it to you.

Ken

Thanks, Ken!  Here's one of two pictures I found that show what the nose looks like.

 

  • Member since
    April 2012
  • From: USA
Posted by Striker8241 on Sunday, June 2, 2013 10:34 PM

The following four Combat Talon aircraft were at Nha Trang in 1971: 64-0568 (left on July 1), 64-0523, 64-0555, 64-0567. By 1972, they were all sent back to the states to be upgraded with the new radar system which resulted in the extended nose and some additional upgrades that, I believe, made them Combat Talon II aircraft.

Russ

 

  • Member since
    April 2012
  • From: USA
Posted by Striker8241 on Sunday, June 2, 2013 10:37 PM

Bockscar

Hi Ken:

I still have a Dragonfly hiding around here, and some Thuds of various scales.

I also have a partially built F-84 Thunderjet which Walter Boyne called 'built like a tank, and 'darn' near as heavy.

This is a good thread for you, I think this is where your heart is. I'll kick around some ideas. Maybe a big 1/32 RF VooDoo.

Dom

Hey Dom,

We had Dragonfly fighters at Nha Trang when I was there. They were eventually handed over to the South Vietnamese Air Force. Cool planes to watch in action.

Cheers,

Russ

 

  • Member since
    November 2010
  • From: Lafayette, Indiana
Posted by Son Of Medicine Man on Sunday, June 2, 2013 10:55 PM

Striker8241

Son Of Medicine Man

Hi Russ,

I found a picture of a MC-130E-110-LM, 64-0568, of the 8th SOS, 1st SOW, Hurlburt Field, Eglin AFB, FL.  It is a black and white photograph, but I think it does have the shorter nose.  I will scan it and email it to you.

Ken

Thanks, Ken!  Here's one of two pictures I found that show what the nose looks like.

After looking at that picture and comparing it to the one I have, I think mine may be longer.  I will let you judge.  The email is on it's way.  Sorry if it doesn't help.  It is the only one out of the two books on the C-130 that I have that had one in it.

Ken

  • Member since
    November 2010
  • From: Lafayette, Indiana
Posted by Son Of Medicine Man on Sunday, June 2, 2013 10:58 PM

Well I am off to bed.  I will chat with you all tomorrow.  Pleasant dreams!

Ken

  • Member since
    April 2012
  • From: USA
Posted by Striker8241 on Monday, June 3, 2013 6:01 AM

Son Of Medicine Man

 

After looking at that picture and comparing it to the one I have, I think mine may be longer.  I will let you judge.  The email is on it's way.  Sorry if it doesn't help.  It is the only one out of the two books on the C-130 that I have that had one in it.

Ken

Yup, its the Pinocchio nose Smile. 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

 

  • Member since
    April 2005
  • From: Australia
Posted by taxtp on Monday, June 3, 2013 6:43 AM

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

I'm just taking it one GB at a time.

  • Member since
    March 2009
  • From: Middletown, OH
Posted by Buffirn on Monday, June 3, 2013 10:06 AM

It will be the Revellogram 1/72 B-52D since I can't find my DML 1/200 B-52D.

Jim Williams

 

  • Member since
    November 2010
  • From: Lafayette, Indiana
Posted by Son Of Medicine Man on Monday, June 3, 2013 8:04 PM

taxtp

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

Hi Tony,

Welcome aboard!  Welcome Sign  No problem with double dipping!  So which version of the Dragonfly are you going to build?

Ken

  • Member since
    November 2010
  • From: Lafayette, Indiana
Posted by Son Of Medicine Man on Monday, June 3, 2013 8:18 PM

Buffirn

It will be the Revellogram 1/72 B-52D since I can't find my DML 1/200 B-52D.

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

  • Member since
    November 2010
  • From: Lafayette, Indiana
Posted by Son Of Medicine Man on Monday, June 3, 2013 8:33 PM

Striker8241

 

Yup, its the Pinocchio nose Smile. 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

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

  • Member since
    April 2012
  • From: USA
Posted by Striker8241 on Monday, June 3, 2013 9:19 PM

Son Of Medicine Man

 

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 Big Smile.

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

 

 

  • Member since
    November 2010
  • From: Lafayette, Indiana
Posted by Son Of Medicine Man on Tuesday, June 4, 2013 6:00 AM

Bockscar

Hi Ken:

I still have a Dragonfly hiding around here, and some Thuds of various scales.

I also have a partially built F-84 Thunderjet which Walter Boyne called 'built like a tank, and 'darn' near as heavy.

This is a good thread for you, I think this is where your heart is. I'll kick around some ideas. Maybe a big 1/32 RF VooDoo.

Dom

Hi Dom,

Have you narrowed down your choices yet?

Ken

  • Member since
    April 2007
  • From: Twin Towns, MN
Posted by MAgather on Tuesday, June 4, 2013 1:41 PM

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

Good Modeling,
  • Member since
    April 2005
  • From: Australia
Posted by taxtp on Tuesday, June 4, 2013 4:55 PM

Hi Ken,

It's an A-37B. This is the kit.

Cheers

Tony

I'm just taking it one GB at a time.

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