Classic kit vol.4: Boeing IM-99 Bomarc

Subject: Boeing IM-99 Bomarc

Scale: 1/47

Description: 1957 injection molded kit in dark blue colored plastic,with waterslide decals.

Price: US$180,00 in good conditions

Comments: This kit was introduced by Revell in 1957 complete with the missile and the launch pad combined with some crew members. It is one of the famous box scale models with na odd scale. However, the level of detail is impressive considering the age of the molds. Originally, it was labeled H-1860. Around 1980, it was re-released by Revel in their "history Makers" series. Since then, the  molds were no longer used and hopefully have survived the test of time to be once again released for the nostalgic modelers and for the fans of 1950 military technology. 

The Boeing CIM-10 Bomarc (IM-99 Weapon System prior to September 1962) was a supersonic ramjet powered interceptor for Cold War air defense of North America which, in addition to being the first long-range anti-aircraft missile (cf. proposed WIZARD predecessor), was the only SAM deployed by the United States Air Force. It used the same Marquardt RJ43 as the Lockheed X-7 hypersonic prototype and the Lockheed AQM-60 drone. Its models had a range of 250 to 440 miles. Stored horizontally in a launcher shelter with movable roof, the missile was erected, fired vertically using rocket boosters and then ramjet-powered duringmidcourse command guidance to a dive point. During the "homing dive", the missile's onboard AN/DPN-34 radar allowed the BOMARC to guide itself to the target (e.g., enemy bomber or formation) and a radar proximity fuze detonated the warhead (conventional or 10 kiloton nuclear W-40). After the 17 May 1957, $7 million initial contract for operational aircraft, the "Interceptor Missile" was deployed at launch areas in Canada and the United States (e.g., the 1960 Fort Dix IM-99 accident contaminated a launch area.) Boeing indicated: "Differences in the Langley Base layout are due to planning for accommodation of the advanced missile system [(IM-99B) ground equipment with equipment for] the IM-99A system". Launches were from Florida test range sites (AFMTC & Eglin's Santa Rosa Island) and controlled by AN/GPA-35 and/or AN/FSQ-7 computers, e.g., theMontgomery SAGE Center commanded three BOMARCs simultaneously in-flight during a May 1960 test. BOMARC launches as target drones began atVandenberg Air Force Base on 25 August 1966 (the 1st Vandenberg BOMARC launch was 14 October 1964).

Military Aircraft vol.75 : McDonnell-Douglas A4-B Skyhawk

Subject:	McDonnell-Douglas A4-B Skyhawk
Scale:	1/72
Manufacturer:	Airfix
Price(December2012):	US$,00
Construction:	Out-of-the box construction.
Extras:	Remove Before flight tags by Eduard
Comments	This is the new Skyhawk by Airfix. The kit is fantastic, with great fit and detail. I build it out of the box. Painting was done with Tamiya acrylics. Decals are from Airfix and work greatly and react really nice with any setting solution. To add interest, i used a old Verlinden navy tractor and created a small sectiin of na airfield. I scratch build some F.O.D. panels for the intake and added some remove before flight tags for the landing gerar, guns and refuelling probe. I added a ladder to complete the airfield scene. I photographed this plane in New York last year and published a walkaround. You can look at the pictures following the link below:  http://cyberplasticmodeler.blogspot.com.br/2015/11/aircraft-walkaround-vol56-douglas-a4-b.html

Aircraft walkaround vol. 57: Sikorsky SH-60B Seahawk

Subject: Sikorsky SH-60B Seahawk

Location:Pacific Aviation Museum, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, 2011

Comments: The U.S. Navy uses the H-60 airframe under the model designations SH-60B, SH-60F, HH-60H, MH-60R, and MH-60S. Able to deploy aboard any air-capable frigate, destroyer, cruiser, fast combat support ship,amphibious assault ship, or aircraft carrier, the Seahawk can handle anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASUW), naval special warfare (NSW) insertion, search and rescue (SAR), combat search and rescue (CSAR), vertical replenishment (VERTREP), and medical evacuation (MEDEVAC).The SH-60B maintained 83% commonality with the UH-60A. The main changes were corrosion protection, more powerful T700 engines, single-stage oleo main landing gear, removal of the left side door, adding two weapon pylons, and shifting the tail landing gear 13 feet (3.96 m) forward to reduce the footprint for shipboard landing. Other changes included larger fuel cells, an electric blade folding system, folding horizontal stabilators for storage, and adding a 25-tube pneumatic sonobuoy launcher on left side. An emergency flotation system was originally installed in the stub wing fairings of the main landing gear; however, it was found to be impractical and possibly impede emergency egress, and thus was subsequently removed. Five YSH-60B Seahawk LAMPS III prototypes were ordered. The first YSH-60B flight occurred on 12 December 1979. The first production SH-60B made its first flight on 11 February 1983. The SH-60B entered operational service in 1984 with first operational deployment in 1985. The SH-60B is deployed primarily aboard frigates, destroyers, and cruisers. The primary missions of the SH-60B are surface warfare and anti-submarine warfare. It carries a complex system of sensors including a towedMagnetic Anomaly Detector (MAD) and air-launched sonobuoys. Other sensors include the APS-124 search radar, ALQ-142 ESM system and optional nose-mounted forward looking infrared (FLIR) turret. Munitions carried include the Mk 46, Mk 50, or Mk 54 torpedo, AGM-114 Hellfire missile, and a single cabin-door-mounted M60D/M240 7.62 mm (0.30 in) machine gun or GAU-16 .50 in (12.7 mm) machine gun. (Source: Wikipedia)

Classic kits vol.3: Chance Vought Regulus II

Subject: Chance Vought Regulus II

Scale: 1/68

Description: 1958 injection molded kit in two color plastic,with waterslide decals.

Price: US$150,00 in good conditions

Comments: This is another 'S' kit issued in 1958. The kit was sold as H1815 on the old Revell numerical system. It was injected in a glossy dark blue plastic. Panel lines were raised, as the location for the markings on the fuselage. The odd scale is typical from the box scale period, but the subject is nice,with a unusual white under Navy blue color  scheme.There was a rebox by Revell in 1983, but the box art was changed for a picture of the assembled model. I don't know of any other release of this rather rare model.

Military Aircraft vol.74: Piper L4 Grasshopper

Subject:	Piper L4 Grasshopper
Scale:	1/48
Manufacturer:	Smer
Price(December2012):	US$8,00
Construction:	Out-of-the box construction.
Extras:	None
Comments	This is Smer's Piper L4 Grasshopper in 1/48 scale. The kit is quite nice, unlike several other releases from this manufacturer. Fit is good and detail is ok for the scale, but the some modelers might want to improve the cockpit area. Painting was done with tamiya acrylics. Decals were the major problem because of transparency issues, but they got down ok over the plastic. Nice kit for the price and an easy project of a important subject.