Old Hornet Project Revisited
Old Hornet Project Revisited
I started this project nearly 10 years ago when these were pretty new. The idea was to have a Hornet that was not like everyone else's Hornet. Not out-of-the-box versions are what I'm after. I have an F-86F that has been converted to a fighter/bomber variant in SAAF markings, an F-104 Starfighter pictured in a previous post that has some modifications, and an F-14 (next on the bench) being converted to a "D" Bombcat and remarked VF-31. This Hornet started as a two-person attempt to make them "more than the others". My partner in crime was MIG29K who somewhat finished his (look in the archives here for the results) and the results were fantastic. Mine on the other hand was boxed after awhile and left for the future. Well, I finally stopped waiting and started working.
This is what I pulled from storage. The nose cone was cut off, the speed brake cut out, rudders and elevons removed, canopy removed, and the wingtip rails were changed. So I started with the tail...
The speed brake well is completely fabricated and the ram has been added, a little more weathering and adding the hydraulic lines....it's done.
The nose has been re-attached and partially painted.
The rudders and elevons have been hinged and re-attached.
So the saga continues...one of these days (soon I hope) this will be finished and then on to the next challenge!
This is what I pulled from storage. The nose cone was cut off, the speed brake cut out, rudders and elevons removed, canopy removed, and the wingtip rails were changed. So I started with the tail...
The speed brake well is completely fabricated and the ram has been added, a little more weathering and adding the hydraulic lines....it's done.
The nose has been re-attached and partially painted.
The rudders and elevons have been hinged and re-attached.
So the saga continues...one of these days (soon I hope) this will be finished and then on to the next challenge!
US Army MP Corps combat veteran Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm
Re: Old Hornet Project Revisited
Nice work!
"There are some people who disagree with me, they are wrong." --Gen George S. Patton
Re: Old Hornet Project Revisited
Thank you, sir....been working on this for awhile. Had to clean up the speed brake well a little before adding those hydraulic lines...
US Army MP Corps combat veteran Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm
Re: Old Hornet Project Revisited
The latest....working on the canopy side rails and actuators that open/close the canopy just behind the seat.
US Army MP Corps combat veteran Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm
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Re: Old Hornet Project Revisited
Very cool work, thamks for sharing
Re: Old Hornet Project Revisited
Added canopy rail cameras and ejection bottles.
US Army MP Corps combat veteran Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm
Re: Old Hornet Project Revisited
...and painted the anti glare panel.
US Army MP Corps combat veteran Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm
Re: Old Hornet Project Revisited
I believe we have a winner! It's rough...but it works...
US Army MP Corps combat veteran Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm
Re: Old Hornet Project Revisited
All dressed up and almost ready to reattach the canopy...
US Army MP Corps combat veteran Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm
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Re: Old Hornet Project Revisited
Nice job. It's good to see others than myself, taking on these projects.
Steve
Steve
OPERATION "DELIBERATE GUARD", "SOUTHERN WATCH", "ENDURING FREEDOM" AND, "IRAQI FREEDOM" VETERAN.
Re: Old Hornet Project Revisited
Can't hold a candle to your work A10....but I'm trying!
US Army MP Corps combat veteran Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm
Re: Old Hornet Project Revisited
The entire tail is now moveable...
US Army MP Corps combat veteran Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm
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Re: Old Hornet Project Revisited
From what I see everything looks good. Like I said, at least your working on your projects unlike others who just "talk" about doing things.
Keep up the great work, the more you do the better you'll get.
Steve
Keep up the great work, the more you do the better you'll get.
Steve
OPERATION "DELIBERATE GUARD", "SOUTHERN WATCH", "ENDURING FREEDOM" AND, "IRAQI FREEDOM" VETERAN.
Re: Old Hornet Project Revisited
Not pretty, but on the way...
US Army MP Corps combat veteran Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm
Re: Old Hornet Project Revisited
The finished version for now...on to other parts.
US Army MP Corps combat veteran Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm
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Re: Old Hornet Project Revisited
Nice work.
Steve
Steve
OPERATION "DELIBERATE GUARD", "SOUTHERN WATCH", "ENDURING FREEDOM" AND, "IRAQI FREEDOM" VETERAN.
Re: Old Hornet Project Revisited
Okay...so the nose I'm happy with....but...
I am NOT happy with the speed brake well. Looking kinda plain....needs more work I guess.
US Army MP Corps combat veteran Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm
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Re: Old Hornet Project Revisited
Sounds familiar! I'm probably my biggest critic and one reason why I have such a hard time finishing projects. I'm always finding that one more thing that's just not good enough. What I'm seeing here is some more of your fine work. I'm sure you'll end up with the best looking speed brake anywhere.
What makes the P-51 Mustang so special?
"It would do for 8 hours what a Spitfire would do for 45 minutes."
Brig. Gen. Chuck Yeager
Re: Old Hornet Project Revisited
Finally got happy with the canopy actuator and its operation. Had to remove and redo both hinges to make it work properly.
Looks good...works good.
US Army MP Corps combat veteran Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm
Re: Old Hornet Project Revisited
Okay guys....here she is 95% done.
US Army MP Corps combat veteran Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm
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Re: Old Hornet Project Revisited
Impressive isn't good enough. I'll have to think of a better term. And it doesn't even have the ordinance yet!
What makes the P-51 Mustang so special?
"It would do for 8 hours what a Spitfire would do for 45 minutes."
Brig. Gen. Chuck Yeager
Re: Old Hornet Project Revisited
Thank you sir....we do try...
US Army MP Corps combat veteran Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm
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Re: Old Hornet Project Revisited
Thank you tman for the kind words...
US Army MP Corps combat veteran Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm