Out of the Box -- First Jets!!!

Joe, add me to the list but I need to wrap up some of my other builds before I jump in with both feet.

Thad

Quagmyre wrote:

Hi Joe, One question. Would the Ryan FR-1 Fireball count even though it's a hybrid Jet/Prop plane? It was a first, just not exclusively a jet. No probs if you want to keep the props at bay for this GB. I have a Meteor, P-59, P-80, and an FH-1 all in my stash that I could build for this GB as well.

Bring it on...I think it certainly qualifies.

Cool...not for this Group Build, but for a future build (Group or personal) I am going to try to find something that ties in some local chunk of my history, like where I live for example.

One of my clients is the local airport, so I am going to dip into thier old photos and see if there is something in thier for me...

JoeRugby wrote:

Quagmyre wrote: Hi Joe, One question. Would the Ryan FR-1 Fireball count even though it's a hybrid Jet/Prop plane? It was a first, just not exclusively a jet. No probs if you want to keep the props at bay for this GB. I have a Meteor, P-59, P-80, and an FH-1 all in my stash that I could build for this GB as well. Bring it on...I think it certainly qualifies.

OK. We'll just clasify it as the "missing link".

Jason,

I tried a Google on this very thing.  Came up with some intersting stuff on a US squadron that came back from the ETO at the end of the war with 262's.  In fact I know there is a decal sheet out there, just can not remember who put it out.  Sadly I would not consider this group to qualify.

The best suggestion I could make is to look at individual nations air force histories.  Many of them should mention when they converted to jets.  Many of the Third World countries may be difficult to find histories due to volatility in thier governments, but it may be a good bet that it was probably a MiG 15 or 17.  I know Argentina was one of the first to receive A4's.  May be worth a look see to see if it was thier first jet...

Speaking of 262's...what was the post war Luftwaffe's first jet...may be a Sabre perhaps....that would be interesting.

The whole idea is to do a "first"...262's and P80 of course, but the first to serve with an Air Force, or even the "first" domestic jet produced...

I think I may change to a Mig-15.  I am not sure what country I am going to do yet, but I have found decals for Poland, East Germany, Russia, and Egypt.  I believe the Mig-9 was the first jet for Russia, but because the 15 was the first jet to be shot down in a jet only dogfight would you allow a Russian Mig-15?

I have found 1/48 kits from Trumpeter and from Tamiya.  Any ideas on which is better?

Tamiya v. Trumpeter...hmmmm...Tamiya is wonderful, well documented.  Trumpeter, while I have not built any (yet) is reported to be wonderful...the issue is really what can you afford?

I will check some info on the MiG9...stay tuned...

Cool, MiG, we do not have one, THANKS!

The Trumpeter kit may be a good choice...

The Trumpeter Mig15 is one of their earlier releases & has some problems.  I'd go with the Tamiya kit personally.

Regards,  Rick

Had to open the box to see if there were decals for a 1944 scheme. I try to stay true to my 1939-1944 window when it comes to the subject matter of my modeling. Was thinking I might have to do one of the XFR-1 prototypes like the one with "TEST" on the side. Already have the XF8F-1 "TEST" Bearcat on my shelves so was I hoping for another option. 

Sure enough there is! This is what I'm gunning for boys with this build. B11 from the VF-66 Firebirds squadron which was interestingly enough "...commissioned with the sole intent of getting the Fireball into action against the Japanese Kamikazes as quickly as possible." As you might have guessed a couple big bombs prevented this from happening.

Jason,

Listen to Rick...he knows his stuff.  List will be updated...

Quagmyre,

Nice...this is going to shake out to be one interesting build...

rjkplasticmod wrote:

The Trumpeter Mig15 is one of their earlier releases & has some problems.

What's their 1/32 MiG 15 like?

Well I can't stop doing my research. And sure enough I found a flaw with the decals for my bird. Turns out the numbers on the engine nacelle and tail of this bird (and it's partners in crime) were red not yellow. Only the fuselage (B11 in my subject's case) was yellow. Interesting given red was the last thing pilots wanted on their planes in the PTO.

Hmmm... do I stay OOTB or do ask for forgiveness in staying historically accurate and making/finding four red eleven decals for my bird?

Do you think it was because they were small or due to the fact that by the time the Fireball was to go into service there was little to no real threat posed by the IJNAF or IJAAF?  Of course considering the "secret" weapons like the Baka Bomb, the Kikka and the Orange Blossom, Japanese Komet, can't recall the name...

Getting the decals right are perfectly acceptable.  Decals is one are to get crazy on as AM are completely allowed.

Still behind schedule but more caught up than before

Picked up my p-59, 1/48 Hobbycraft, at the LHS today.  Looks like a nice little kit.  Really screaming for some detailing...

can we call this:

Out of the Box (except for the True Deatils resin cockpit squeezed in while nobody was lookin')-- First Jets!!!  GB

Oh well... it was worth a shot

Ready Joe.  Have the kit & will be using the kit decals as there is no AM available.  That's OK as the kit decals are excellent.  I won't be able to start until late April though, I'm way behind schedule on a couple of other builds.

Regards,  Rick

The way it stands right now, if I can fit this one in I will not be starting before July.  I've seen some cool marking for the Canadian Vampires where the nose was covered by a bat's face.  I don't know if there are any decals for this, I'll have to look. 

Check it out. 

I need a ruling from the moderator.  So… Mr. Rugby, SIR!

I am, as you know, going to build a P-59 as it qualifies for this GB as being the 1^st US jet.  And I am building straight OOB, according to the rule.  My question is about markings.

Since I will use markings that do not match the very first ever flying example of the P-59, it could be described as a P-59 in markings other than the original aircraft BUT is a P-59… the 1^st US jet.  So…. Will it be such a stretch if I did this in Brit markings since the description will be the same really… a P-59 in markings other than the original aircraft BUT is a P-59… the 1^st US jet.

And Happy St. P'Day to all as well.   I heard on the raido today... a local bar is planning on giving everyone green hats, scarves, ties etc... and a shillelagh.  Can you imagine what that will turn into...have everyone drinking green beer til they barf.... and hand them sticks.

Marc,

SIR ?!?  Hell I work for a living...call me  His Emminence

No problem, markings are very subjective considering the nature of the build as well as the rules.  I am doing a Vampire in RNZAF markings..Vampire is Brit, markings are not...no worries.

Jay,

No worries on July...Deadlines, uh more of a guideline any way...the Bat would be awesome!  Could it be masked and painted?