SkyKing

I have nothing on the HH-3F aft ramp gunner’s position.

I’ve purchased from Whirlybird in the past with no issues. As far as the Special Hobby TH-55 is concerned, you’re probably gonna hafta go to eBay. I know of no US dealer of Whirlybird’s products.

I did a search after reading your post and found many sources on line, especially for the cement in the needle applicator bottle.

Testors has discontinued the entire Model Master line, but on-line vendors still seem to have supplies of many colors.

Stop looking! I have located a copy.

Does anyone have a copy of Mike Conniford's Military Vehicle Pamphlet 4: AEC Matador? The drawing I seek is on page 7.

In a recently-acquired Airfix Magazine back issue (December 1966), there is an article describing a conversion of the Airfix Matador to an RAF runway traffic control van. I recall building one that matches this description, but much later, and I also recall a scale drawing of such a vehicle. Said drawing is not part of the article. Could it have been in one of the Bellona print booklets? In any case, I'm looking for a copy of this drawing or similar. All assistance gratefully appreciated.

Wayne, who I believe was National Chief Aircraft Judge for many years, has died at age 85. Here is his obituary: Lt. Col., USAF (retired) Carl Wayne Wachsmuth, age 84, of Newville, passed away Thursday, July 9, 2020 at Carlisle Regional Medical Center. He was born August 12, 1935 in Butler, PA, the son of the late Curtis B. and Hazel (Gibson) Wachsmuth. “Wayne” graduated from Slippery Rock High School. He proudly served as a pilot in the US Air Force from 1957 -1987. He flew B-47, B-52 and FB-111 bombers. Wayne served in the Strategic Air Command for over 20 years to include combat missions in the Vietnam War. After retiring from the Air Force he became a licensed battlefield guide at the Gettysburg National Military Park. In his spare time, Wayne enjoyed reading, gardening and taking his restored 1953 MG-TD to car shows. He also enjoyed taking his Scottish Terrier, “Angus” for long walks. Wayne is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Kathy (Murphy) Wachsmuth of Newville; son, Paul W. Wachsmuth (Glenda) of Waldorf, MD; two grandsons, Logan and Liam Wachsmuth both of Waldorf, MD; sister, Linda McKonly (Steve) of Hanover and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sister, Ruth Wolfe. Professional services are entrusted to Dugan Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., Shippensburg. Memorial Services are at the discretion of the family. Interment will be in Indiantown Gap VA National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Wayne’s memory to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123.

I think we need a review of fractions. Fun Fact: The bottom number in any fraction (1/2, 1/100, 1/350, etc.) is called the denominator. Say it with me: dee-nomm-inn-ater. 1. To convert from one scale to another, the rule is: Denominator of the scale you have divided by denominator of the scale you want. So if you have a plan in 1/350 and want to convert it to 1/400, simply divide 350 by 400: 350/400 = 0.875. 2. Now, convert that to a percentage, because just about every copier uses percentage to enlarge or reduce. How do we convert to percentage? Multiply the result obtained in Step 1 by 100: 0.875 x 100 = 87.5%. If the copier you are using does not allow fractions of a per cent, then round up or down at your discretion. Study this. Learn this. There will be a quiz tomorrow. Bring a #2 pencil and your Big Chief tablet to class.

Star Trek fans are more than likely familiar with these: The man behind them, Frank (Franz) Joseph Schnaubelt, moved from Chicago to California in 1941, where he applied for work at Consolidated Vultee Aircraft as a draftsman. The sample of work he submitted was a blueprint drawing of a single-engine airplane that happened to be the personal favorite plane of his interviewer. He was hired on the spot. He took a few classes at San Diego State College (aerodynamics, higher math, and engineering), but never attained a degree. FJ worked for General Dynamics for nearly 30 years as a design engineer, both in the aerodynamics and hydrodynamics divisions. His drawings of planes appeared as illustrations in the Collier's Encyclopedia. He was part of a team that built and flew a full-size reproduction of the A-1, the first military seaplane. (He also designed the logo for the A-1 program.) His biggest claim to fame was the design of the bomb pylons on the F-111 fighter plane, for which he was given an award by Convair for cutting costs without sacrificing quality. His services were loaned to other aircraft companies (such as Ryan) by Convair due to his expertise. FJ was laid off from General Dynamics in 1969, 3 years after receiving his 25-year pin, replaced by younger men with college degrees. He always referred to the event as "taking an early retirement," but it was not voluntary. In 1973, he decided to draw the Star Trek props and ships as an intellectual exercise. The rest is history. In 1974 and 1975, these works were published by Ballantine Books as the Booklet of General Ship's Plans (a.k.a. the Enterprise Blueprints) and the Star Fleet Technical Manual. FJ attended Star Trek conventions and book signings from 1975-1983, then withdrew from most public appearances to care for his wife, who was a homebound invalid due to advanced osteoporosis and multiple strokes. He always enjoyed meeting and corresponding with Star Trek fans, and when he did attend conventions, you could always find him in the hotel lobby or on the lounge chairs by the pool, deep in conversation with a cluster of fans, even at 2:00 or 3:00 a.m. FJ died on June 2, 1994 of sudden cardiac arrest. He was only a few weeks shy of his 80th birthday. He remained bright and active, and continued to live independently until the very end; indeed, he was a guest speaker at a local San Diego science fiction convention only a month before his death. The above is taken from a 1999 interview with his daughter, published at http://www.trekplace.com/fj-kdint01.html For more on Mr Schnaubel, see the interview and the following: http://www.trekplace.com/fj-fjwilliamsint01.html (1976 interview) http://www.trekplace.com/fj-fjnewittint01.html (1982 interview) And see here for high-resolution copies of the Franz Joseph blueprints, re-scanned at 400 dpi and cleaned up: https://www.cygnus-x1.net/links/lcars/star-trek-blueprints.php

I have ordered Croco models on eBay. As far as I know, that’s the only way to get them. I had no issues, but that was before the current pandemic. By the way, the Mach 2 kit is injection molded, not vac-formed. I’m not aware of an Italeri 1/72 HH-43. Airmodel also issued a very basic 1-72 HH-43. Croco models are resin, if that makes a difference.

I’m a native Texan, and I agree! I cancelled my room reservation earlier today. I’ll not be going.

Those opposed to wearing masks should read this: https://apple.news/AlLlq9zRsSja2kQlPSBwOqw

Well said, Kevin. My sentiments exactly.

The number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise in Texas, and the governor has not indicated any willingness to deal with the situation as long as there are hospital beds available. “Open for business as usual” seems to be the official policy. Hays County (San Marcos) is one of the hot spots. I’d have thought we’d have heard more from the host chapter and national officers at this point as to how they plan to deal with a worsening situation. As things stand now, I will not be attending and will be cancelling my hotel reservation.