Charlie Still Don't Surf! AH-1G References

[Sharkmouth]

Well, it is time to put some placeholders for the models I plan to complete before I die! Links to be added as I post the subjects. Three each in 32nd and 72nd scales. This sandbagger has done some work already. Click...


Big Vietnamese Cobra Den

Nest of Vietnamese Cobra Hatchlings

 

[Sharkmouth]

@centaur567, Gary... Does the scribbling make sense or is it just graffiti?

 

[moon puppy]

Well one looks like a back up gun site! The numeric over alphabet note looks like a key to a cypher or key.

 

[jknaus]

From a Cobra Pilot book I read they would put frequencies and way points on the canopy. Its a very interesting photo Saul. A lot of extra detail there.
James

 

[Sharkmouth]

Well one looks like a back up gun site! The numeric over alphabet note looks like a key to a cypher or key.

From a Cobra Pilot book I read they would put frequencies and way points on the canopy.

I have a set of masks for the canopies, both outside and inside. The inside parts can be used in conjunction with clear decal paper and if the black ink is a touch translucent, BONUS, as it better replicates marker or grease pen.

Also note that it is on the WSO cabin's front and starboard but not port. WSO enters from the port side so it might rub off...

 

[centaur567]

Like they said, it's probably something to do with the assigned mission. Our guys never did that as far as I know. The teeth on the Fourth Cav. ship are not the original pattern that we used.And don't forget to tint the canopy light blue. Gary S.

 

[centaur567]

This is another neat scheme. Gary S.

 

[Sharkmouth]

This is another neat scheme. Gary S.
View attachment 192269

No combat and shiny but interesting indeed!

 

[Sharkmouth]

@Heavens Eagle, note that the camouflaged New Equipment Training Team, 66-15259 Virginia Rose II is missing the name, in the upper part of the red rectangle, which was on the original. Still looking to find an image of the RAAF Kangaroo on the tail.

Well, patience pays off, here it is (note that the fin tip position light has been removed and the tail boom side position lights scabbed on, note the Zinc Chromate green):

 

[Steve Ski]

The librarian strikes again, HA! That roo is tiny, but visible.

 

[Sharkmouth]

The librarian strikes again, HA! That roo is tiny, but visible.

It may also only be on the port side but Special Hobby has decals for the starboard side.

 

[Sharkmouth]

Note, that by the time Virginia Rose II received the kangaroo, the position lights were converted from the tip of the tail to scabbed on mounts on the sides of the tailboom.

 

[Sharkmouth]

Our own Gary, @centaur567, can attest that the Environmental Control System (ECS) was a God Send in the 'Nam weather. This was retrofitted to many Cobras in the field. This explains why Gary stated that the canopies should have a blue tinge (clear canopies being used on new builds in the latter part of '68). Supposedly, going to clear as the tint interfered with night vision and the ECS took care of the shading effect for which the tint was applied.

OKAY, now what? Well, the pre-ECS Cobras had different ducting and this was visible behind the pilot.

Pre-ECS:

ECS for those built with it or retrofitted (5 and 18 are visible but the latter doesn't need changing):

In this photo of AH-1G 68-15197, Viva Santana, we see the blue canopy tinge, the duct behind Charles, and...

that the ECS was retrofitted in the field:

It is retrofitted here as well:

No ECS:

Here is where it gets confusing, AH-1G 69-16437 was built with the ECS (clear canopy is a clue) but has the vent connection at the extreme starboard side even after conversion to AH-1S!

Even more interesting is that she has, as Bettie K, the early ceramic gunner's seat with the armor between the ears!

Clearer in this earlier photo:

So what? SO WHAT? SO WHAT?

I have yet to see the rear wall as the kits all provide. All the 'Nam era Cobras that I chose will need to have that rear wall reworked!

These are the best set of photos (from another Cobra which was upgraded to AH-1S and then back-dated to G):