Fleet Air Arm Group Build

Nam-

IIRC, the Skyhawk did not originally come with a steerable nose gear as it wasn't deemed necessary.  However, later versions were retro-fitted with a steering box on the lower end of the nosegear.  Here's a couple of photos:

I need some education. I've probably lost something in my brain about mental images over the years.....

But while watching jet A/C turning and taxiing, I seem to recall the entire nose gear turning at the pilot's direction....which would require a hydraulic line to the steering box to be within the fuselage.

If I'm confused......gently straighten me out.

simpilot34 wrote:

Frank, are ye shore that there's a brake line on da nose? Me think thar just be a hydraulic line to the steering. Judging by the looks of that lil piece she's gonna be a lovely lass she is.

Hmmm... Me thinks you may be correct!  Whatever she is, I put it where I found it in my reference pics.  Thanks for the correction, you may have saved me from embarrassing myself further!

Frank, nice work on the nose strut.  Glad I only build OOB .

Barry, The Tomcat is looking Fab.  Keep up the great work.

Regards,  Rick

Daywalker wrote:

Nam and bondoman- SOunds as if you gents could use a break!  Have a nightcap then off to yer bunks!  That's where I am headed in a few minutes... But first, a photo or two of my A-4 progress.  I finished up the nosegear, adding a pin to the steering mechanism, brake line, and hydraulic lines for the steering.  A few pieces of Tamiya tape as clamps, and voila!  MUCH better me thinks.

Barry, nice work on the tomkitty! Frank, are ye shore that there's a brake line on da nose? Me think thar just be a hydraulic line to the steering. Judging by the looks of that lil piece she's gonna be a lovely lass she is.

Cheers

bondoman wrote:

Remin's me of an old night on the cay in Barbados, met a one legged P'rate woman- her name was Peg. A4 nose gear is going to be as difficult a thing to save intact as, well, TSR.2 up on her gills. As I understand it the Scooter had a big front stick so that the fuses on the front of the ordinance didn't foul the scurvy lot on the deck. Wonners how they figgered that one out?

What???

Bondo, Kilo and Frankie:

Go for #10 with the keg Darnit! But glad you took the deck!

I understand about modeling interruptions! In my case I have to chip ice from the bench just to lean on it!

A-4 legs........awesome work! I can't get that close yet.....especially when the '3rd hand' shivers as much as I do!

....and on the pine needle Tomcat!!!!!!!!! Beautiful work Show Low.....please don't remind us of your temps there!

Barry,

Thank you, and your Tomcat work is stunning!  VERY nice work on the shading- a worn but not abused tone about it.  Can't wait to see more pics!

I finally have some wip pictures of the Tomcat, the picture don't show it really well the weathering is a combo of pre and post shading.  allcomments and critiques welcome.  Frank good work as usual

Thanks for looking.

Barry

Day that front landing gear leg looks damn fine!

I can only imagine if you have put that much work into that part, what is in store for the rest of the mighty Scooter, I can't wait to see it ... even though I'm going to be insanely jealous of your results. 

Well no work done on the Tomacat today short of about five minutes sanding down some rough edges, as I was caught up in a meeting for my other hobby, so that's a full build day lost ... ahh well waddaya do?  Anyways off to catch a few hours sack time, so I can get up for my new burgeoning Sunday morn tradition, mince pie breakfast followed by a couple of hours on the model project before anyone decides to disturb me for the day (which is pretty hard to do as I'm fairly disturbed as it is - LOL).  Good night all where ever you are, and have a safe watch.

Remin's me of an old night on the cay in Barbados, met a one legged P'rate woman-

her name was Peg.

A4 nose gear is going to be as difficult a thing to save intact as, well, TSR.2 up on her gills.

As I understand it the Scooter had a big front stick so that the fuses on the front of the ordinance didn't foul the scurvy lot on the deck. Wonners how they figgered that one out?

Nam and bondoman-

SOunds as if you gents could use a break!  Have a nightcap then off to yer bunks!  That's where I am headed in a few minutes...

But first, a photo or two of my A-4 progress.  I finished up the nosegear, adding a pin to the steering mechanism, brake line, and hydraulic lines for the steering.  A few pieces of Tamiya tape as clamps, and voila!  MUCH better me thinks.

Sir, I've tried to roll the keg'o ale up the plank eight times now, but i'just keeps crashin' back down'a ma head!

Blast it, I'll try a ninth but then it's inta the rack because I've got watch at 2 bells and the rum is drained round here.

"MPM 1/48 Sea Vixen" waarms the cockles, dunnit?

Must relinquish the deck  CAG and XO!.....might be bedtime!

Be liking to turn over to Wyoroy but me superior be missin"!!!!

Hmmmm.....there be another Spanish bark just layin' for a rakin'....perhaps I should lay off and let her pass! But I be dyin' to sink her!

Headed to the bilge for a quick tot

Awright Cag and XO.....I'm on for the the midwatch...........any chance we can replace the Quartermaster for a female?

Sorry been buildin' downstairs with me hoodie on!.....Still too cold to paint.....so I may as well take the deck!

Ye makes it tuff! 

Daywalker wrote:

Rick, sim- Thanks, much appreciated! sim and kilo- May I ask your first names?  If you don't mind- I just like knowing people's names.

Aye, aye, CHEERS! I be called Richie, just the name, as me pockets speak the tale. Glad to make ye aquaintance.

Cheers

TANGO 1 wrote:

Gentlemen, assemble at the Officers mess! Its ration time! Wherever you may be, I wish all my shipmates good health and happiness. CHEERS!   To our absent friends............

Yessir, XO reporting as ordered!

Cheers one and all!

TANGO 1 wrote:

...one of the fella's around here has a "thing" for Royal Navy aircarft.......

Make that two!

The FAA Hellcats are very striking aircraft, and with Greg on task I know it will be bloody marvelous!

Darren- Thank you!  You are too kind.   I just added a little to the paintjob, spraying an ultra thin mix of the base color over the decals to tone down the white and blend it all together.  Not sure if the photo shows it, but it's there.  More to come!

Gentlemen,

assemble at the Officers mess! Its ration time!

Wherever you may be, I wish all my shipmates good health and happiness.

CHEERS!

To our absent friends............

Frank,

very nice work on the Corsair mate! I don't know how you do those paintjobs-bloody amazing!

Greg,

you go right on and build that Hellcat in the gorious colours of Her Majesty's Royal Navy! Building FAA fighters is how we started this GB and well, one of the fella's around here has a "thing" for Royal Navy  aircarft.......

Kilo,

very nice work there mate! You are doing well there my friend-well done!

Aaron- Thank you, and likewise!   Glad to see we're keeping you on your toes.  Friends 'round these parts have a habit of doing just that.

Nam- Mid-watch it is!  Glad I could shed a little light under that eyepatch.  I have had a couple of aircraft that the fit was so bad between the stabs and fuse that I did glue them proir to painting.  ANd, you're right on the $$$ about spraying that area- always front to back to diminsh the likelihood of paint buildup and unwanted paint chunking (for lack of a better word!).  Not sure if I am making any sense or not, been in the paintshop all day.

Okay....more than I figured on writing......but (wait! I heard that collective groan! Ye Swabs!)

Frankie.....me eyepatch was definitely in the way of my intelligence! That tailplane advice makes so much sense! I really never had that idea, and that is sad

I did learn through FSM Mag (from paper....in the 80's).....how to shoot along wing roots front to back....back to front......(and I only build USN A/C......my US Army stuff is going to be an adventure!)

But I learned something.....which is the great part of the Fora!

I ask for no watch before the mid-watch if it can be.....hafta send the wench on her way and do a bit of laundry

Just upholdin' the tradition ye'all have begun!