Lockheed P-3B Orion: VP-92 Minutemen LY

Tim Vereecke
N42RF!... The most interesting scheme

Luc B
N42RF +1

Dutch
I was leaning toward USN VW-4 WP-3A to use the lower radome mod with the added benefit of easier decals & lettering. The NASA YP-3A only requires a modified tail cone, plugged sonobuoy chutes and the decals are in hand. Still not decided. We'll see. R/ Dutch

Dutch
I loaded up four photos of model as purchased. As you can see the fuselage and wings have been assembled. Also note that the decals are moldy and unusable. Lastly, one prop is missing two blades, opposite each other. Depsite a diligent search, they are not in the box. It will still require seam repair and puttying. I still have not decided which version to make. I see from the new YP-3A NASA photo that the nose radome will require modification to a more bulbuos shape, plus adding the bottom radome. And the cockpit window framing is for a L-188 Electra, but that should be an easy fix. I have located a suitable L-188 Electra tail mod available from Contrail Models in Miami, Florida.

Dutch
Now I just saw P-3C N44RF which would not require huge modifications at all, but still retains the "cool" NOAA markings.

Glenn
Dutch those props look funny in the box? They look wider and the tips look rounder than normal P-3 ones are they modified for an Electra? Also do you have NOAA markings to do that bird? I'd like to do N42RF with all the weather sensors under the wings. If i get around to it!

Dutch
Glenn, AFAIK, the Hasegawa props are accurate. See the new P-3 prop photos.

Glenn
O.K. must just be the photo! looking forward to see it!

Dutch
I abandoned the WP-3A/WP-3D after my Falcon Conversion plastic proved too brittle to work with. After cutting out the radome, sanding the edges, and gluing it together, I tried to smooth the edges once more with sand paper only to have the dome crack and then explode when I tried to repair it. In the meantime, I found a set of VP-92 decals from just down the road at NAS South Weymouth, so a P-3B it will be!