Eli Raphael Posted May 8, 2015 Share Posted May 8, 2015 Hi, can this version be made out of the Trump kit? Thanks Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Rich in name only Posted May 8, 2015 Share Posted May 8, 2015 Yes. Actually the trumpeter kits need modification to make any actual A3. The kit has great detail and goes together reasonably well but is a mix of different ones, not representing any one -- in other words, mods are necessary no matter what. There is another thread in "In Progress Pics" where Hajo L did the same thing with a Hasegawa kit -- great job! Essentially the Trumpeter needs the same work. http://www.arcforums.com/forums/air/index.php?showtopic=283290 Note that the Trumpeter is designed only for wings folded, gear down, and additional mods are needed if you want gear up or wings extended. Also note that some Trumpeter parts are for the versions even though the kits are of the bombers. So that actually is to your advantage. The cockpit has errors (Pilot's seat shape, seats location, "stuff") and you'll need to modify the canopy. It's a worthwhile project if you can modify kits. I recommend reading all of the Trumpeter A3 threads on ARC to get an idea of what is necessary, even for accuracy of the types the kit supposedly represents. Rich Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Gary F Posted May 8, 2015 Share Posted May 8, 2015 Also be aware Darren Roberts has an RA-3B conversion set to help ... check Steel Beach at Sprue Bros for his stuff. hth Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Eli Raphael Posted May 8, 2015 Author Share Posted May 8, 2015 Thanks guys! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Jennings Posted May 8, 2015 Share Posted May 8, 2015 in other words, mods are necessary no matter what. Ah, Trumpeter research at its best... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
dehowie Posted May 9, 2015 Share Posted May 9, 2015 Thanks guys! Highly recommend the Darren Roberts RA conversion. As for accuracy the Whale other than a B-24 would be the most complex aircraft ever devised by any manufacturer. The Trump kit is a great starting point with no major issues but if you want to have the thing accurate to the rivet look elsewhere. Shapes are good as are dimensions and beautifully tooled. However the compromise in any whale kit is accuracy with so many minor differences many requiring retools of big parts it ain't ever going to happen. More tha happy with the compromise Trumpeter have tooled up keeping the majority of people who want a big a Whale extremely happy. As for the people who want the B/N window frame adjusted by 1.4mm and are prepared to right off the kit I say good luck waiting for the Tamiya one! Now where is the EKA-3? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
JeffreyK Posted May 9, 2015 Share Posted May 9, 2015 (edited) I'm working on three correction sets for the Whale. Unfortunately progress has been very slow and it will still be a few months before I can release anything. There will be wheel well, engine and canopy parts. The basic masters for the canopies are ready and need the framing put on. The engines are being CAD designed and will come with new pylons as well. The wheel well is a very complex affair as it will also correct its position. Please be patient...no idea when they'll be ready... Jeffrey Edited May 9, 2015 by JeffreyK Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Darren Roberts Posted May 9, 2015 Share Posted May 9, 2015 I'm working on three correction sets for the Whale. Unfortunately progress has been very slow and it will still be a few months before I can release anything. There will be wheel well, engine and canopy parts. The basic masters for the canopies are ready and need the framing put on. The engines are being CAD designed and will come with new pylons as well. The wheel well is a very complex affair as it will also correct its position. Please be patient...no idea when they'll be ready... Jeffrey Oh good, I was hoping you were going to do the engine nacelles. I really didn't want to try and tackle those. Yours will be exceptional, especially using CAD. The wheel well sounds like a lot of work. Have you given any thought to releasing one that simply drops in for those of us who are too lazy or don't care to take the time to move the position of it? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
JeffreyK Posted May 10, 2015 Share Posted May 10, 2015 (edited) Cheers Darren, I originally started doing just that (i.e. a drop-in replacement wheel well). But I discovered so many problems with the design, layout and spacing of the Trumpeter parts that I stopped half way and now want to incorporate the placement as well, it wouldn't make sense not to do this. As the fuselage narrows going aft the well for the correct position will be a bit too large for the Trumpeter position further aft. I'll try to make the conversion as simple as possible, with a few straight cuts along existing panel lines and include new fuselage side parts and doors. But that of course will take some time… Jeffrey Edited May 10, 2015 by JeffreyK Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Rich in name only Posted May 10, 2015 Share Posted May 10, 2015 EKA: they already have it---the parts are in the KA boxing. Pylons: first one I put on extends behind the wing---anyone else find that? Nacelles: first one done and it just doesn't look right but haven't painted it yet either, or drilled holes for various outlets. What appears to be wrong? Engines: Front end looks to be too far back and rear cone sticks out behind the nacelle---anyone else find that? Wheels and access hatch: anyone intend to provide AM bomber wheels and lower hatch? I think the engine problems can be solved using kit parts and spacers up front, kit parts less one in back. Trying that for second engine. I have 3 of the kits and feel okay about experimenting 'cause they were good prices---essentially 2 for price of 3. But for the normal prices I wouldn't be too inclined to risk signifcant errors. I also want to share on ARC to help the discussion about these kits. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Darren Roberts Posted May 10, 2015 Share Posted May 10, 2015 EKA: they already have it---the parts are in the KA boxing. Pylons: first one I put on extends behind the wing---anyone else find that? Nacelles: first one done and it just doesn't look right but haven't painted it yet either, or drilled holes for various outlets. What appears to be wrong? Engines: Front end looks to be too far back and rear cone sticks out behind the nacelle---anyone else find that? Wheels and access hatch: anyone intend to provide AM bomber wheels and lower hatch? I think the engine problems can be solved using kit parts and spacers up front, kit parts less one in back. Trying that for second engine. I have 3 of the kits and feel okay about experimenting 'cause they were good prices---essentially 2 for price of 3. But for the normal prices I wouldn't be too inclined to risk signifcant errors. I also want to share on ARC to help the discussion about these kits. Let us know how it goes! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jpk Posted May 10, 2015 Share Posted May 10, 2015 (edited) I'm working on three correction sets for the Whale. Unfortunately progress has been very slow and it will still be a few months before I can release anything. There will be wheel well, engine and canopy parts. The basic masters for the canopies are ready and need the framing put on. The engines are being CAD designed and will come with new pylons as well. The wheel well is a very complex affair as it will also correct its position. Please be patient...no idea when they'll be ready... Jeffrey Bless you sir. My A-3 has been shelf sitting because those engine nacelles are terrible and the canopy is off too. If you correct these two things you will correct all that I dislike about the kit. Ooooh, I re read your post and the main gear wells as well......! I am so looking forward to this set. Edited May 11, 2015 by jpk Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jpk Posted May 10, 2015 Share Posted May 10, 2015 EKA: they already have it---the parts are in the KA boxing. Pylons: first one I put on extends behind the wing---anyone else find that? Nacelles: first one done and it just doesn't look right but haven't painted it yet either, or drilled holes for various outlets. What appears to be wrong? Engines: Front end looks to be too far back and rear cone sticks out behind the nacelle---anyone else find that? Wheels and access hatch: anyone intend to provide AM bomber wheels and lower hatch? I think the engine problems can be solved using kit parts and spacers up front, kit parts less one in back. Trying that for second engine. I have 3 of the kits and feel okay about experimenting 'cause they were good prices---essentially 2 for price of 3. But for the normal prices I wouldn't be too inclined to risk signifcant errors. I also want to share on ARC to help the discussion about these kits. The engine nacelle intakes taper too sharply and are round while the real ones have an oval shape. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tailspin Turtle Posted May 11, 2015 Share Posted May 11, 2015 Engine nacelle illustrations to augment jpk's comment: http://tailspintopics.blogspot.com/2014/04/trumpeter-148-a3d-skywarrior-yet-again.html I've made several posts on the Skywarrior, some specific to the Trumpeter kit although I don't have one. For an A3D overview and links to some of them, see:http://tailspintopics.blogspot.com/2010/09/mighty-skywarrior.html Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Rich in name only Posted May 15, 2015 Share Posted May 15, 2015 Hello again, Been a busy few days, including a Revell F-15 with a broken canopy that was posted here and I bought. Box is so big I started putting everything together that I could just to cut down the space! "But I digress...." Also tried to find each ARC thread on the Trumpeter kits, less the pre-release speculation and buy/sell. Also tried to find each of Tailspin's topics on his web site. Darren asked to keep you posted and here's my suggestion: To keep the threads minimal but focused (I hope, perhaps hopelessly) I'll pick up on the thread that I started a year ago, refer to Tailspin's web site as base point of reference, and use photos within ARC's rules, which if I understand correctly means I can put a link in text but not the photo or a clickable link. So, with that, here's a sample: ARC Threads excluding sales, pre-release speculation; Trumpeter only. search: Trumpeter Skywarrior; Trumpeter A3D searched 5/12/15 Trumpeter A-3D-2, Trumpeter Whale 5/15/15 Google Trumpeter Whale A3D-1 ARC 5/15/15 A3D-2 Trumpeter 1/48 A3D-2 Skywarrior kit contents 5/7/13 Kursada found through Google A3D-2 CD48042 - US Navy A3D-2 Skywarrior Pt. 1 6/2/13 KursadA then new decal sheet found through Google A3D-2 trumpeter 1/48 whale 1/6/14 http://www.arcforums.com/forums/air/index.php?showtopic=271602&st=0&p=2574482&hl=trumpeter%20skywarrior&fromsearch=1entry2574482 A3D-2 1/48 Trumpeter A-3B 8/3/13 http://www.arcforums.com/forums/air/index.php?showtopic=271602&st=0&p=2574482&hl=trumpeter%20skywarrior&fromsearch=1entry2574482 A3D-2 1/48 A3D wheels 6/6/13 http://www.arcforums.com/forums/air/index.php?showtopic=265308&st=0&p=2516833&hl=trumpeter%20a3d&fromsearch=1entry2516833 A3D-2 Trumpeter 1/48 A3D-2 Skywarrior kit contents 5/7/13 http://www.arcforums.com/forums/air/index.php?showtopic=264255&st=0 KA-3B KA-3B Trumpeter in progress 5/2/14 My Post http://www.arcforums.com/forums/air/index.php?showtopic=275043&st=0&p=2613261&hl=trumpeter%20skywarrior&fromsearch=1entry2613261 KA-3B Trumpeter KA-3B 12/25/13 http://www.arcforums.com/forums/air/index.php?showtopic=271103 Instructions link RA-3B 1/48 RA-3B Skywarrior This thread. Tailspin Topics: Tailspin / Tailhook Topics including some of his links. Few photos. Refers to http://www.millionmonkeytheater.com/A3D.html , a list of each plane with (for each) history and (for many) link to photo. http://tailspintopics.blogspot.com/2010/09/mighty-skywarrior.html http://thanlont.blogspot.com/2013/05/the-curious-case-of-a3d-1q-crew-size.html http://tailspintopics.blogspot.com/2013/05/mid-life-a3d-2-bomber-configuration.html http://tailspintopics.blogspot.com/2013/09/ta-3b-skywarrior.html http://tailspintopics.blogspot.com/2013/06/a3d-3-skywarrior-wings.html http://tailspintopics.blogspot.com/2013/08/a3d-3-flap-to-pylon-fairing.html http://tailspintopics.blogspot.com/2013/05/douglas-a3d-skywarrior-main-landing.html http://tailspintopics.blogspot.com/2013/05/a3d-fuel-vent.html http://www.lonestarmodels.com/Conversions1-72.html http://tailspintopics.blogspot.com/2013/05/trumpeter-148-a3d-forward-fuselage.html http://tailhooktopics.blogspot.com/2013/05/trumpeter-148-a3d-2-skywarrior.html http://tailspintopics.blogspot.com/2014/04/trumpeter-148-3-skywarrior.html http://tailspintopics.blogspot.com/2014/04/trumpeter-148-a3d-skywarrior-yet-again.html One result of these searches is noting that we're discussing some of the same things over again so I hope to be able to refer to answered questions/points too. Helpful? Rich Quote Link to post Share on other sites
dehowie Posted May 16, 2015 Share Posted May 16, 2015 Thanks for all the info Rich! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
PHIL25102 Posted May 17, 2015 Share Posted May 17, 2015 Hi walkaround EA3B HERE Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tailspin Turtle Posted May 17, 2015 Share Posted May 17, 2015 Hi walkaround EA3B HERE Note that A-3 has the CLE (Cambered Leading Edge wing). See http://tailspintopics.blogspot.com/2013/06/a3d-3-skywarrior-wings.html Quote Link to post Share on other sites
VFA-103guy Posted May 18, 2015 Share Posted May 18, 2015 Tommy- So I have a question I know you can answer. I have the KA-3B by Trumpter. My goal is to build it VAQ-34's number 20 jet. My question is, the kit comes with an electronics interior aft of the cockpit, would this jet have had that? Or would you recommend I leave that out and just close the bomb bay doors? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jpk Posted May 19, 2015 Share Posted May 19, 2015 Not Tommy but I believe if that particular aircraft had the electronics in the back it would be an EKA-3B. In the Ginter book "Fleet Whales" it has a photo of the particular aircraft you want to model. It was used as a carrier simulated attack aircraft. I believe the EKA-3B was the electronics laden version. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tailspin Turtle Posted May 19, 2015 Share Posted May 19, 2015 Tommy- So I have a question I know you can answer. I have the KA-3B by Trumpter. My goal is to build it VAQ-34's number 20 jet. My question is, the kit comes with an electronics interior aft of the cockpit, would this jet have had that? Or would you recommend I leave that out and just close the bomb bay doors? I'm assuming that you are referring to BuNo 138944 with the red star on the tail and red VAQ-34 marking. See https://m.flickr.com/#/photos/old_coasty/3078801372/in/set-72157608846628906/ That's a stock KA-3B that VAQ-34 got for aerial refueling when required by the mission or for refresher training. It does not have that electronics interior (which is actually bogus for any Skywarrior version; see http://tailspintopics.blogspot.com/2015/04/eka-3b-versus-ea-3b-one-more-time.html). Just closing up the bomb bay doors would be appropriate. The Trumpeter kit has lots of errors, most of them the presence of version*-unique details like the canopy, lower entry/escape hatch, IFR probe location, wheel brakes, etc. See http://tailhooktopics.blogspot.com/2013/05/trumpeter-148-a3d-2-skywarrior.html and the links therein for some of that, although most people wouldn't know any different. The engine nacelle shape is the most obvious error to me (http://tailspintopics.blogspot.com/2014/04/trumpeter-148-a3d-skywarrior-yet-again.html but there are aftermarket substitutes in work. *non bomber Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Superheat Posted May 19, 2015 Share Posted May 19, 2015 Tommy- So I have a question I know you can answer. I have the KA-3B by Trumpter. My goal is to build it VAQ-34's number 20 jet. My question is, the kit comes with an electronics interior aft of the cockpit, would this jet have had that? Or would you recommend I leave that out and just close the bomb bay doors? Also not Tommy, but no, it did not have the fuselage crew compartment. That airframe, 138944, was originally a bomber, then a KA-3B, and still has the tanker package with VAQ-34. I have several photos of it with the bomb bay doors open, proving it is a bomber. Also, the canopy framing is bomber, not version. Here is a photo that shows both features: So you are good to go with the KA-3B (or as good as you can go with that kit), you can even open the bomb bay doors if you wish, you will just need to source an early nose for it. Break, break............... ".. if that particular aircraft had the electronics in the back it would be an EKA-3B" jpk, Wrong. You are confusing EKA-3B's and EA-3B's. EKA-3B's were originally A-3B's, then KA-3B's, then EKA-3B's with the addition of the four electronics blisters on the fuselage sides, retaining the bomb bay throughout. They were Electronic Countermeasure aircraft, like the EA-6A and B that succeeded them. EA-3B's, a different animal altogether, were Electronic Reconnaissance aircraft, like the ES-3A Shadow. The EA-3B was based on the TA-3B, which had the crew training compartment in place of the bomb bay, used in the EA for the ELINT Operators. The EA-3B also had a long canoe on the bottom of the aircraft. I know Trumpeter included that compartment in the EKA-3B kit, but, unbelievable as it may seem for Trumpeter, that paragon of meticulous research, it is incorrect. A simple clue as to whether the compartment should be there, or not, is if there are windows and a door on the right side of the aircraft. If they are not there, no fuselage crew compartment. Break, break.... As I preview this, I note that Tommy has chimed in, pretty much verifying what I said. I do disagree with you, Tommy, on the Trumpeter kits most egregious inaccuracy: the nacelles are bad, but to me the canopy is much worse, so far off it would look less out of place on a Savage! Cheers, Tom Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tailspin Turtle Posted May 19, 2015 Share Posted May 19, 2015 Tom - thanks for the reminder about the Trumpeter canopy. I also oversimplified by writing that BuNo 138944 was a stock KA-3B: For one thing, it has the original radome although it doesn't seem to have the button at the tip that was the total temperature sensor for the bombing system. I suspect that there are other detail differences as well. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
VFA-103guy Posted May 19, 2015 Share Posted May 19, 2015 Guys- Thanks so much for the intel! This is the version of #20 I was going to build..looks like it has the late KA-3B nose... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tailspin Turtle Posted May 19, 2015 Share Posted May 19, 2015 Guys- Thanks so much for the intel! This is the version of #20 I was going to build..looks like it has the late KA-3B nose... Yes, at one point it did have the late nose while in those markings. It appears to have retired with the early nose. See http://www.vaq34.com/vaq34/gd220.htm Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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