USAF A-61D Black Widow, South Vietnam c.1966-COMPLETE PICS & BACKSTORY

[AeroplaneDriver]

Pictures pending final touchups but the camo is on.  A little disappointed that the weapons set and decals I ordered on Ebay on Saturday did not get shipped today and now ETA has pushed back from Thursday to Saturday.  I might be raiding my limited 1/72 stash for other options.  Fortunately as a backup 1/48 A-37 decals will work on a 1/72 A-61. 

[kerick]

Adapt and overcome!

[AeroplaneDriver]

Camo has had final touchups.  Still a few spots not perfect but it's tough to get the airbrush to some of the tight spots between the nacelles and fuselage.  Clear coated and awaiting decals.  I think I can come up with passable markings from the spares box and I did find an Academy Bronco in the stash with rocket pods and Mk82s in case the weapons set doesn't arrive in time and I don't get my planned napalm/rockets load.

[Old Wombat]

Oh, yeah! That's nice!  

[NARSES2]

Oh, yeah! That's nice!  

It is indeed

[Pellson]

Even later than Thomas, but I also like the COIN option best, and I like what you've done with it so far. So obviously natural, yet whiffy. Good Stuff!! 

[kerick]

Just had an idea. I'm a bit obsessed with the fire bomber concept these days so what if a Black Widow had all the guns and radar removed and fitted with a belly tank for water or retardant? Probably not RW practical or economical but what do we care? Some time in the 60s or so? Hey, they did it with Tigercats!
Shamelessly stolen from Hyperscale a model by Jeff Thomsen.
https://www.hyperscale.com/galleries/2002/images/f7fjt_1.jpg

[AeroplaneDriver]

Just had an idea. I'm a bit obsessed with the fire bomber concept these days so what if a Black Widow had all the guns and radar removed and fitted with a belly tank for water or retardant? Probably not RW practical or economical but what do we care? Some time in the 60s or so? Hey, they did it with Tigercats!
Shamelessly stolen from Hyperscale a model by Jeff Thomsen.
https://www.hyperscale.com/galleries/2002/images/f7fjt_1.jpg

A handful were converted to fire bombers in the 60s and at least two were destroyed in accidents while operating in the role. 

[kerick]

Just had an idea. I'm a bit obsessed with the fire bomber concept these days so what if a Black Widow had all the guns and radar removed and fitted with a belly tank for water or retardant? Probably not RW practical or economical but what do we care? Some time in the 60s or so? Hey, they did it with Tigercats!
Shamelessly stolen from Hyperscale a model by Jeff Thomsen.
https://www.hyperscale.com/galleries/2002/images/f7fjt_1.jpg

A handful were converted to fire bombers in the 60s and at least two were destroyed in accidents while operating in the role.

Thanks for the pic. That would be a fun paint job!

[frank2056]

This build looks great! The gunner behind the pilot can also act as an observer and the crew member in the rear pod can act as the second observer/target acquisition. The P-61 looks great in SEA camo, too.

[Captain Canada]

That's gonna look so right !

[kerick]

It seems some fire bombers were the F-15A recon version. Interesting.....

[AeroplaneDriver]

Decals are done.  A little weathering tonight and then fiddly bits tomorrow with finished pics hopefully late tomorrow. 

[Old Wombat]

[AeroplaneDriver]

Almost done!  Fiddly bits and final pics tomorrow.