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Roden 1/144 RC-135V RIVET JOINT Build and Improvement


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On 8/12/2022 at 2:24 PM, Drifterdon said:

If they are the same as the RAF walkways (and I believe they are), they are almost a gunship grey with some kind of funky yellowish color outline and arrows.  I have an overhead pic somewhere that shows the walkways clearly.   It's of an Airseeker parked on the ramp next to one of the RAF's Sentry's.

There have been many changes to the RC-135 since the RAF joined the program. One area is emergency equipment.  There's a big effort to keep all the jets the same so what good for one is good for all.

Edited by Plastictiger
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21 hours ago, Plastictiger said:

There have been many changes to the RC-135 since the RAF joined the program. One area is emergency equipment.  There's a big effort to keep all the jets the same so what good for one is good for all.

Thanks for that info.   The US and Brit RJ's definitely look alike save for the national markings.    :salute:

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1 minute ago, Plastictiger said:

That because you still need the white top help keep the jet cool.

True true.   When I was stationed at Eielson AFB in the 80's we called the Cobra Ball's "White Top" to differentiate them from the rest of the KC-135's when came in from Shemya.   It had to have a dedicated guard posted on it since it was a priority resource.

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  • 1 month later...
On 10/19/2022 at 3:54 PM, Dutch said:

Brother Ray, Nah, I'm in the sandbox right now.  During Thanksgiving I am taking the whole week off.  I hope to finish up a couple of kits and repair a couple as well. K/r, Dutch

Ahhhhh, I think you mean Don 😄

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2 hours ago, Dutch said:

Sorry Bros. Don & Ray, I am very tired.  Will catch back up in a couple of days. K/r, Dutch

Kinda figured exhaustion had a part in this.   No worries Dutchmaster.   Focus on task at hand and get back home soon.

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Here is a synopsis of some of the issues I've had with my Roden RC-135 builds.

The nose radome is undersized and tapers in too much.  Looks like a blunt F-105 radome (slight exaggeration).  The attachment point on rear fuselage where horizontal stabs attach is way too pronounced.   Looks like a butte in Utah.   I discovered with all three builds that the lower fuselage area that runs the entire length of the lower wing is too thick.  I had to file it down so it was level with the bottom of the wing and then clean up and fill the seam.   The entire upper and lower fuselage has a grainy pebbly texture that needs to be sanded smooth.   The upper Satcom antennas are all lined up with the centerline of aircraft and should be staggered.  Those were the main areas that need to be addressed.    Do I recommend the kit?   Absolutely!  I have five of them. 

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It's a minor nit pick, but the two square air outlets for the air cycle machines in the lower wing roots are missing.  Should be just ahead of the main gear bay close to the centerline.  Scribe in a couple small squares and paint black, although in this scale nobody will ever see them.  I did cut out the openings and scratch the duct work on the AMT kit.  The outlets are already scribed on the 1/72 kit. 

The surface texture on the Roden kit to me is just dumb.  I hate sanding more than any other part of model building, and I despise having to sand every surface of a model kit.  It's very noticeable on the parts.  I know its Roden, but I expect more of mold makers in 2022.

 

Rick L.

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  • 2 months later...
10 minutes ago, Dave Fleming said:

Just an FYI, 26 Decals have released a sheet for the RAF Rivet Joint that includes those wing walkways

 

http://www.26decals.com/epages/62035508.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/62035508/Products/STS44410

Excellent news Dave.   Just placed my order for two sheets.   One for RAF RJ and one to use the walkways for a USAF RJ.   

Edited by Drifterdon
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On 3/22/2023 at 4:57 PM, Drifterdon said:

Excellent news Dave.   Just placed my order for two sheets.   One for RAF RJ and one to use the walkways for a USAF RJ.   

I just noticed that yesterday as well!  I already have the S&M sheet, plus the Caracal sheet. I wonder if someone can just print the walkways.  Afterall, Don and I will need about 6 or 7 each!

Edited by Dutch
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