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1/350 US Coast Guard Reliance class Cutter TLAR Models #723

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From Ensign Gehman's excellent broadside photo, we can see CGC Active still employs her boat lifting hoists, rather than a crane and boat cradles.
This is a fine way to show how to install this bits for use in the instructions.
Thanks again for looking in!
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:capsmiley:
:salute:
 
Ha! The sacrificial paper template isn't new or secret. He does a lot more fiberglass laminating, welding and soldering than I do.
This was the technique Francisco would have used on his 110, but he wanted to start with a block of basswood, rather than foam.
That, and his cool cutter floats. All my LPP models go straight to the bottom with no hesitation.
 
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Forward gun mount and ready ammo locker placement. The round and modern gun platforms mount in the same place.
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Joining the 1/350 US Coast Guard aircraft fleet are a WC-130H Weather Herk, and HO4S-2G Chickasaw egg-beaters. I sure wish I could find a better 1/350 C-130H This one soaks up Tamiya X-22 clear like a sponge. It isn't for a contest or casting, so I suppose an improved toy airplane isn't really necessary. Teresa caught me flying the C-130 in the living room. Just having a WC-130H around is sure to prevent any hurricanes here in Iowa.
 
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If you are making decals for scale models on an inkjet printer, I can't recommend this Koala clear decal paper. "No Need Spray" is not the truth!
After a coat of liquid decal film, the ink doesn't crack or chip off, but the carrier is obnoxiously thick and laughs at Solvaset. My USCG stripes where too wide for the WMEC. The "U. S. Coast Guard" script didn't fit in the right spot. New ones were made.
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Sizing the racing stripe and inserting a smaller crest in the image solved this problem. Some of the decal markings need to be applied before the rest of the cutter details will be added. I am really ready to put this vessel together and finish the instructions. And sell some of the big bastiges!!
 
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The corrected kit racing stripe decal goes on the way I expected them to. Gator's flight deck decal snuggles down flawlessly as well.
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The 1/350 USCG HO4S-2 is in early 1950's lellow.
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I made HC-130H Hercules decals for the WC-130. It's plain to see surface conditioning is going to be a battle on this aircraft. :bash:
 
If I understand the tactics properly, the patrol aircraft respond to emergencies issued by their air stations while on medium/long range patrol, go find the vessel in question and direct the cutters/helicopters to the scene. They also can deliver paramedics, supplies and life rafts from the air.
Weather recon and investigation of suspected illegal contacts is part of the job as well.

This 1/350 Hercules model is a TURD! It would never be for entry at a show. Display/promote the teeny USCG decal artwork is this airplane's job. Well, and flying it around the house when no one is looking. :drool:
 
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Hull decals ready to flat, then the rest of the assembly! Finish the instructions and post on the website for sale! :yipee:
Stay tuned for flight deck nets!
I know all y'all are sitting on the edges of your seats in anticipation!
 
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So, you have an Icebreaker or Cutter model, and you're thinkin' "How can I get a descent 1/350 HO4S-2 Helicopter model to adorn my 1950's subject. Shapeways has 'em, and the main rotors too, but I only want the one and I don't feel like waiting for an eternity to get it. What to do?"
Maybe you want to tow a disabled fishing boat? :hmm:

Well friends, Good ol' Chris at tlarmodels.com has the answer to your most fervent prayers, and don'tchawanna know what it is?!?!
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Sikorsky H-55/H-19/ USCG HO4S-2 WITH US Coast Guard decals included!
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Markings for 6 different Coast Guard Chickasaw Helicopters from 1951 to 1960! (The paint job changed in 1960) This 3D print has window, windscreen and engine vents in relief to ease detail painting and make very believable 1/350 egg-beater! Yes m'boy, the decal script is slightly overscale, so you can apply the decals without using a friggin' microscope AND so you can show them off to your fellows and say "Since Rhiner can do it, so can I! Nuthin' to it!" Rescue hoist not included. That you add yourself.

So, you want floats you say? Wait one!
So you want to build an Army S-55 or USAF H-19A rescue helicopter?
Son, you're on your own.:smack::lol:
 
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The very last part to add to the Big Cutter will be the primed and painted flight deck safety nets. 19 p/e net sections are include in the kit. The side nets should be easy!
 
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Mask-clear-paint repeat. The 3D resin of this Hercules soaks up so much paint, I thought I heard it burp. L'Arsenal made a really nice 1/350 early C-130 resin/p/e kit, but they are long gone. No way would I encourage anyone else to buy this Shapeways sponge.
 
I received an email from Ensign Thomas Gehman of CGC Active.
They returned from patrol and found our return "Li'l Tough Guy" picture and a letter of appreciation I wrote, thanking our "US Coast Guard heroes" for their kindness and generosity. The framed picture was undamaged in shipment. Thank You to The Eagle!
 
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