Rob de Bie Posted December 13, 2019 Share Posted December 13, 2019 (edited) I'm building all stores used on the Dutch F-84F, and I discovered a few days ago that the ALE-2 chaff pod was also used. I've seen photos of two pods used on the outboard pylons combined with 230 gallon tanks on the inboard pylons, and one pod on the left inboard pylon with a 450 gallon Type 2 tank on the right inboard pylon. I found two resin 1/48 models of the ALE-2, but I did not like what I saw. Therefore I decided to build a better one myself. I started with two resin M116 napalm tanks, that I combined to a long shape. Next I made the drawing below, based on the main dimensions as reported by Jari 'Finn' in an older thread, and filled in the details from photos. The drawing is therefore only a best effort. Before I start adding the details, I would like to check whether someone knows more about the ALE-2, and can comment on my provisional drawing. Thanks! Rob Edited April 20, 2020 by Rob de Bie Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Finn Posted December 13, 2019 Share Posted December 13, 2019 Nice start Rob, i think the notch is too big, at least the top view. Here is a video showing the pod. Jari Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Rob de Bie Posted December 13, 2019 Author Share Posted December 13, 2019 Thanks for checking Jari! Do you think the ejection slot is too long or too wide? Or both? I watched the video again (and again) but I don't see what needs to be changed. I expect that carving the slot in the pod will also lead to some new insights. The reinforcing plate in my drawing is too narrow, the sway braces pads would be on the soft skin, so I'll need to widen that. Rob Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jeffryfontaine Posted December 13, 2019 Share Posted December 13, 2019 The Revell EA-6A Intruder kit includes a pair of ALE type pods. Not sure which type but there are two included. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Finn Posted December 13, 2019 Share Posted December 13, 2019 Hi Rob, the notch looks a bit too wide at the rear, at least in the drawing. We mainly used RR125 chaff: https://nationalstocknumber.info/part-number/1050as102_00-912-4361 the link above gives the sizes of the packets and the slot was was just a little bit bigger. Jari Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Rob de Bie Posted December 13, 2019 Author Share Posted December 13, 2019 1 hour ago, jeffryfontaine said: The Revell EA-6A Intruder kit includes a pair of ALE type pods. Not sure which type but there are two included. Thanks! I checked a few reviews, and it seems they are ALE-41s. Close but no cigar I guess? Rob Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Rob de Bie Posted December 13, 2019 Author Share Posted December 13, 2019 (edited) 3 hours ago, Finn said: Hi Rob, the notch looks a bit too wide at the rear, at least in the drawing. We mainly used RR125 chaff: https://nationalstocknumber.info/part-number/1050as102_00-912-4361 the link above gives the sizes of the packets and the slot was was just a little bit bigger. Jari Thanks Jari, I'm learning a lot here! From your link I got the dimensions of the chaff packet. Assuming it was rectangular, I scaled it in my drawing, and put it ahead of the slot. It fits rather well I think, but maybe the orientation is wrong? Rob Edited December 13, 2019 by Rob de Bie Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Rob de Bie Posted December 13, 2019 Author Share Posted December 13, 2019 I just found out that the Great Wall 1/48 T-33 'Late Type' contains ALE-2 pods! They are clearly shown in the instruction sheet: https://www.1999.co.jp/eng/image/10498231/70/8 Hmm, what to do, finish my scratch-built ones or go chasing a set from this kit... Rob Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Rob de Bie Posted December 19, 2019 Author Share Posted December 19, 2019 Jari, can you comment on the RR-125 chaff package in the second version of my drawing? Does it have the correct orientation? Thanks! Rob Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Finn Posted December 20, 2019 Share Posted December 20, 2019 Yes that is how it was positioned, the chaff came as a "belt" each package was laid out on two paper straps which not only made up the belt but held each packet closed. The paper straps were fed thru the stripper which then removed the straps when the selections were made in the cockpit and a combination of the stripper pulling the paper straps with the packets of chaff plus the two air tubes that came from the front, and the air from those tubes pushed the packets out into the air stream. Since the packets were no longer held close they opened up in the air. The paper straps ended up in the tail cone and the straps had snaps at the end to add more belts if needed, although normally 2 belts were more than enough. Jari Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Rob de Bie Posted December 20, 2019 Author Share Posted December 20, 2019 17 hours ago, Finn said: Yes that is how it was positioned, the chaff came as a "belt" each package was laid out on two paper straps which not only made up the belt but held each packet closed. The paper straps were fed thru the stripper which then removed the straps when the selections were made in the cockpit and a combination of the stripper pulling the paper straps with the packets of chaff plus the two air tubes that came from the front, and the air from those tubes pushed the packets out into the air stream. Since the packets were no longer held close they opened up in the air. The paper straps ended up in the tail cone and the straps had snaps at the end to add more belts if needed, although normally 2 belts were more than enough. Jari Jari, many thanks again! I decided to finish what I started, since it will take time to find the ALE-2s from the Great Wall kit. Here's where I am now. Rob Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Rob de Bie Posted December 21, 2019 Author Share Posted December 21, 2019 On 12/20/2019 at 1:35 AM, Finn said: Yes that is how it was positioned, the chaff came as a "belt" each package was laid out on two paper straps which not only made up the belt but held each packet closed. The paper straps were fed thru the stripper which then removed the straps when the selections were made in the cockpit and a combination of the stripper pulling the paper straps with the packets of chaff plus the two air tubes that came from the front, and the air from those tubes pushed the packets out into the air stream. Since the packets were no longer held close they opened up in the air. The paper straps ended up in the tail cone and the straps had snaps at the end to add more belts if needed, although normally 2 belts were more than enough. Jari I saw this on Ebay, does it fit your description in any way? https://www.ebay.com/itm/KOREA-AND-LATER-TARGET-DRONE-CHAFF-PACK-FOIL-SEVEN-WAVELENGTH-UNUSED/223807426375?hash=item341bf64f47:g:I7QAAOSwpBdd~VW7 Rob Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Finn Posted December 21, 2019 Share Posted December 21, 2019 No the packets were smaller, like the dimensions in the link. Jari Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Finn Posted December 21, 2019 Share Posted December 21, 2019 To further clarify the packets, we used both the RR125 for airborne radars and the RR114 for ground based, mostly the RR125 which if i remember correctly were long, almost like tinsel on a Xmas tree while the RR114 had different lengths each one was wrapped up in paper like in the link you posted. So each RR114 packet had several bundles of various size chaff in them. Jari Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Rob de Bie Posted December 22, 2019 Author Share Posted December 22, 2019 (edited) 20 hours ago, Finn said: To further clarify the packets, we used both the RR125 for airborne radars and the RR114 for ground based, mostly the RR125 which if i remember correctly were long, almost like tinsel on a Xmas tree while the RR114 had different lengths each one was wrapped up in paper like in the link you posted. So each RR114 packet had several bundles of various size chaff in them. Jari Thanks again for all your information! Rob Edited December 22, 2019 by Rob de Bie Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Rob de Bie Posted January 9, 2020 Author Share Posted January 9, 2020 Here's the master in progress, about 3/4 done, with a first layer of paint to check for paint defects. I hade run a needle through the small rectangular fasteners, that's why they are so apparent. The chaff 'exhaust' was achieved by about half an hour worth of scraping with a small scalpel blade. The shape I saw in photos emerged slowly but surely. Comments are welcome! Rob Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jeffryfontaine Posted January 9, 2020 Share Posted January 9, 2020 Very nice work! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
KursadA Posted March 17, 2020 Share Posted March 17, 2020 (edited) This pod looks very similar to the pods used on the EB-57 Canberra. Can anyone confirm that it is the same pod? I need the correct dimensions of these pods so I can scale some decal elements correctly for an B-57 sheet I am designing. Any inputs would be much appreciated. Edit: I found this thread with the dimensions I need - thanks! Edited March 17, 2020 by KursadA Quote Link to post Share on other sites
tony.t Posted March 17, 2020 Share Posted March 17, 2020 (edited) Yes it is, but the tail cones could vary Tony Edited March 17, 2020 by tony.t add pic Quote Link to post Share on other sites
GeneK Posted March 17, 2020 Share Posted March 17, 2020 On 1/9/2020 at 2:44 PM, Rob de Bie said: Here's the master in progress, about 3/4 done .. . Beautiful workmanship, Rob. Gene K Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Rob de Bie Posted April 19, 2020 Author Share Posted April 19, 2020 On 3/17/2020 at 4:09 PM, GeneK said: Beautiful workmanship, Rob. Gene K A belated thanks for the compliments! Yesterday I cast a silicone rubber mold, and today I produced eight resin copies. I need two for my Streak project, the others are available. Rob Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Spruemeister Posted April 19, 2020 Share Posted April 19, 2020 Those are simply fabulous! PM sent. Rick L. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BuNo02100 Posted April 20, 2020 Share Posted April 20, 2020 Rob, those look absolutely fantastic. I have seen several products from established companies that do not look that crisp or smooth. If I wasn’t under a self-imposed ban on purchasing items (I know I am going to regret that decision later) I would have already set your inbox on fire begging to purchase one. Great job and look forward to the model you hang this on. BW Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ya-gabor Posted April 20, 2020 Share Posted April 20, 2020 WOW! Fantastic looking pods! Congrats! Best regards Gabor Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Hooker169 Posted April 20, 2020 Share Posted April 20, 2020 14 hours ago, Rob de Bie said: A belated thanks for the compliments! Yesterday I cast a silicone rubber mold, and today I produced eight resin copies. I need two for my Streak project, the others are available. Rob That talent on this forum always amazes me! Well done! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.