DonSS3

The only problem I saw that was noticeable to me was that it's missing the collective lever that goes to the left of the pilot's seat(s). I've got the USAF Rescue version: I find the overall ADC Gray finish to be particularly attractive.

Great work, Stephen. You must have the patience of a saint. I kept hoping someone would do one of these in 1/72. Then after I switched to 1/48, I was hoping someone would do it in 1/48…

Mawz is right. The one and only time I flew in a J-3 it was just like he describes. I remember back in the day, seeing the same type of fuel "gauge" on riding mowers of the day. The aircraft I flew in did have a VHF radio, but it looked like something out of the 1940s. The owner had put indoor/outdoor carpeting on the floor, I guess to make the interior easier to clean? I just did a quick Google Image search on "Piper J-3 cockpit" and came up with this, lots of good stuff there: https://www.google.com/search?q=Piper+J-3+Cub+cockpit&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&

It's kind of cool to see one of my photos being used as a reference. Glad to see that some of them are useful, anyway.

I'd like to see one in 1/48 as well. Interesting when you think of the fact that it was France's answer to a need for an aircraft in the S-2 Tracker class. I guess you could say the same for the Gannet. All three together would make for an interesting ASW aircraft display.

Is it possible that it's not that they don't care, maybe they just don't know any better.

I didn't take the time to peruse them, myself, but these may be helpful to compare and contrast, or see which have weapons and which don't: http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/search?typ1_c=102&cat=&state=&sold=0&sortid=0&searchkey=1%2f48+Hasegawa+F-14D This is pretty much my "go-to" site when looking for instructions. It's my starting point, anyway.

You might just try finding the old Revell EA-6A. It may not be quite up to newer standards, but it does bear a close resemblance…

The only place where I had an issue is where the nose attached to the main fuselage. I really should have reinforced that joint…

I am kind of envious of the P-8 crews, though. Looks like with the advances in technology that it would b a fun airplane to fly in.

What did you do on P-3s, Pete? I was a USN SS-3 operator for 20 years.

You use Solvaset after you apply the decal and have it positioned. As mentioned above it is a solvent. It's designed to get the decal to snuggle down onto details (raised or engraved details) and look like it's painted on.

Time to put the Academy kit on eBay…

No, ADC (Air Defense Command) Gray, was used on Interceptors and there wasn't any usage of the color on bombers.

Very nice, Chris. The finish came out very well and you did a great construction job on her. Nicely done, Sir, I"m looking forward to seeing more of your work.

If you're using Modelmaster Metalizer, use the Titanium shade, then suitable dirty it up.

I'm not 100% sure how the SeaSprite doors work, but it seems to me that if you had the sonobuoy launchers installed, there's no way you can slide that door open. I can't recall the exact length, but IIRC they stick out at least a meter into the cabin.

Wow, that's a beauty!

Now that's pretty. I really like the "fresh from the factory" look.

If you don't feel like doing the bomb bay details, then don't do them and close the doors. Sell off that CE set for lots more than you paid for it.

Beautifully done, Pierpaolo. You must have the patience of a saint…

I've got one of these Phase Hanger conversion sets on the way, it looks pretty nice in their photo. I'm not real good at scratchbuilding, and really I'm not wanting to take the time to do so, so this will help me a lot. This is the aircraft I want to do: http://www.airfighters.com/photo/80610/M/USA-NASA/Lockheed-S-3B-Viking/N601NA/ I've already got decals, a cockpit set, SAC landing gear and the nacelles/fans I posted earlier.

The F-117 used something along those lines when operating in non-combat areas.

This may be worth a look: http://www.airvectors.net/avmohawk.html

The Accurate Miniatures kit is very much state of the art.