Who plans on getting a Skyraider?

STUKA · Post by **STUKA** » Thu Feb 22, 2007 10:15 pm

I may get one - depends on funds and if my wife thinks I'm losing it after hanging my dauntless... but I would like to wait for the different versions to come out and take my pick.
I will probably pick up the F-4 phantom II first
when it hist my local WMs

Website · Post by **Teamski** » Fri Feb 23, 2007 5:04 am

MIGMADMAVIS wrote:Im not a huge skyraider fan, however I might pick up one, but I am for sure getting the SBD Dauntless!!!!!

Same here.

-Ski

pickelhaube · Post by **pickelhaube** » Fri Feb 23, 2007 6:31 am

Jason of Admiral Toys wrote:
pickelhaube wrote:Hmm let us see looking at grass grow or ordering a Skyraider
Hmmmmmmmmmmm????
Ok ,I got it Looking at grass grow.
Dear pickelhaube,

Man o man, I have never seen such outspoken animosity towards an aircraft. This is not the first time you have spoken out against the Skyraider. I think you ought to give this one a chance. I know you will not purchase one, but wait until you see the finished product. I hope you will at least respect the job we did with the Skyraider. It really will be a nice model. But you do come across as having legitimate hatred for the Skyraider.
Not to get off topic, but I will ask pickelhaube, only, this one question: What would you have rather seen produced?

I do respect your opinion. Not every aircraft will appeal to each person. I myself have my likes and dislikes.

Regards,
Jason

Hello Jason,
It feels like I have been put on the spot. I know that the Raider is a popular plane. I know quite a lot of GI's owe there life to this bird and that within itself is a reason to make it. The contribution to the Vietnam war in ground support will probably put it in the annuals of aircraft history for years to come. This aircraft could carry enough weapons (I think) all most as much as the B-17. It was faster than the helos of the time. It could get in dump ordanance and get out and have enough fuel to linger and stay on station to support the ground pounders. It was a loved plane. But........
I think that it is probably one of the ugliest planes ever made. The fuselage and rudder looks like I don't know like something that you see in a comic book. The prop and hub looks totaly goofy. If they would have done a tiny hub like is on the P-47 or Corsir it would probably gave it a few points in my book.
I do have another reason I don't like this plane. But to be fair it is more personal. Before the storm a few years ago there use to be a pair of bombers that would come to the Lakeside Airport every once and a while. A B-24 and B-17. So me and a close buddy of mine who took 2 tours in Nam decided that we would take our sons and go down and see them. That was a thrill. As an extra bonus they also had a Skyraider who flew with them or just happed to be there at the time. My buddy saw this plane and almost broke down and cried. We went over to talk to the pilot and my buddy talked to the guy about his time over there and saw with his eyes what this plane could do first hand. The pilot could care less. My buddy got so angry that we left then and ther.Luckly we went through the bombers before we went to talk to the pilot. The guy was a complete jerk. So I tie the pilot with the plane fair or unfair that is other reason for my dislike of the plane.
To answer the question of what other plane that you should have built instead of the Raider? That is a tough one. I know you guys think long and hard on these questions and the end result is really a crap shoot. I know you guys like the hobby as well. But I also know that this is a money thing. What will the populace want to buy is a question that has been asked for years by all retailers. Nobody wants to make make a product and not sale. I really do think that the A-10 would sell as much or better than the Skyraider. But it seems that this is a dead horse. We keep beating it and beating it but it still wont get up. You can't go wrong with WW 2 German planes. ANYTHING will sell as long as it is German WW 2. Russian stuff would be a crap shoot as well. Brtish stuff would pably do better. The Spit was popular. It's stable mate the Hurricane will probably sell very well as well. The Tempest (one of my favorites ) would do so-so. Some people like that big chin scoop some people don't. The winner for me would be the

WILDCAT

again this is NOT one of my favorite planes. It aint German. But I would buy every version that will be put out ther. It is the plane that we as Americans went to war with. Ok Ok I know that we had the P-40 and the P-39 (I do like the P-39) But every war movie made has a Wildcat in it. It was one of the first planes that fought the zero . This will out sell the BBI Hellcat hands down. There will be alot of paint schemes to chose from. I know, I know you guys ( forum members)are saying a Wildcat

That this is not on the top of all you guys list. But I truly know that it will be popular and be a money maker.
Jason by no means am I slamming AT when I slam the Raider. I have several of your 86's and plenty of your 262's and have a few of those on pre-order as well. You guys make a GREAT product and I WILL CONTINUE TO GET THEM IN THE FUTURE. But my dislike for the Raider is personal.
Matthew

FieroDude · Post by **FieroDude** » Fri Feb 23, 2007 7:51 am

STUKA wrote:I may get one - depends on funds and if my wife thinks I'm losing it after hanging my dauntless... but I would like to wait for the different versions to come out and take my pick.
I will probably pick up the F-4 phantom II first
when it hist my local WMs

Knowing the Walmart distribution and timing, you may want to check with your retirement community first to see if they will let you display it.

Jason of Admiral Toys · Post by **Jason of Admiral Toys** » Fri Feb 23, 2007 12:55 pm

Dear pickelhaube,

I completely know what you are talking about. I myself have attached my feelings towards something with the attitude or experience related to but not defining the actual subject matter. I do not fault you at all, and respect your opinion. I just like to hear people’s stories behind the hobby and get a sense of what defines their likes and dislikes. I was truly interested in what your feelings were on the issue and now that I have heard them I understand. Thank you for your response.

I also see your point with the looks of the Skyraider. Like I said I myself have my likes and dislikes.

I think the Wildcat would make a great model as well. That darn landing gear might require some artistic license by the manufacturers.

Thank you again for your candid response.

Regards,
Jason

Jericoeagle1 · Post by **Jericoeagle1** » Fri Feb 23, 2007 1:39 pm

I always thought the Skyraider looked like the job it was supposed to do. That is, to carry bombs and attack. Much like the P-51 looked like a fighter or the F-104 an interceptor. Thats what always made it so cool to me in the first place. I can't imagine what would have happened if it had been used in World War II with all the ordinance it could carry which was much heavier than a B-17s bomb load.

Sabrefan · Post by **Sabrefan** » Fri Feb 23, 2007 1:45 pm

The Skyraider is classic form follows function. To me it is one of the coolest looking prop driven airplanes ever used by the military. I am really looking forward to this model.

KAGNEW · Post by **KAGNEW** » Fri Feb 23, 2007 2:41 pm

theres nothing like the smell & sound of that big old leaky radial starting up in the morning

The local Skyraider was just back from an airshow in october and dumb old me decided to go under it for some pix, as i went under the rear of cowl the sump decided to burp. got my P-51D hat black with oil. my wife and the crew chief

thought it was funny

pickelhaube · Post by **pickelhaube** » Fri Feb 23, 2007 3:40 pm

Hello Jason,
Thanks for the understanding on the Skyraider. I know the Wildcat has it's issues but I know it will sell well.

The undercarrage is a challange but I know how to simplify it. In no way can you make it function.

The price to do so would make it cost prohibitive. I have the solution. Make the gear removable. Make it in one unit. Snap it in and take it out. Make the gear doors close with fake 1/2 wheels . All you need to do is open the doors take the fake 1/2 wheels off and snap it the gear. Problem solved.

Spudkopf · Post by **Spudkopf** » Fri Feb 23, 2007 3:44 pm

G'day Pickelhaube

It's a sad fact that some pilots tend to treat the general public with very little respect and some with even total distain, it is so very unfortunate that the Skyraider driver that you meant on that day was one of these.

It is even more unfortunate that this negative experience has turned you so against the A-1 (Alpha Dog or is that Alfa Dog or Able Dog??). For me it's ugliness is what make it such a great looking aircraft (in some respects this is also true for me in regards to the Stuka), however despite it's awkward and brutish appearance it did the job it was designed for long after the designers had intended it to.

I only wish I could repair the damage which that up-him-self pilot did on that day that has now turned you so much against the big ugly and then maybe you could also see what a lot others here see, a functional WWII apex design, attack aircraft which has an ugly ducking beauty all of it’s own.

As far as the Wildcat is concerned (and please do not take this as some kind of F4 bashing) I find it’s oversize tail, squat landing gear and portly barrel like looks quite ugly and to be honest it would never be on the top of my wants list, but having said that I can also see beyond the initial ugly to it’s own buried beauty as these very same features give the F4 it’s own appeal and I would somehow be compelled to buy one.

The only thing that would stop me as far as the F4 is concerned is the fact that I have very little interest in this period of the war which is the same reason I am yet to buy the BBI A6M2 Zero but if there was a A6M3 or even better an A6M4 available I’d have one in an instant.

So please just take one last look at the Skyraider through unbiased eyes and see if you can learn to also love her.

Oh yeah didn't the old 1/32 Revell Wildcat have working gear, I seem to recall that it did but I had this kit when was I a kid so I may be wrong.

VMF115 · Post by **VMF115** » Fri Feb 23, 2007 4:36 pm

Pickelhaube I feel for you, but you need to let that bad experience not influence you life, I to had a bad experience once years ago, I was 15 and this guy at a car show had a 1967 red Corvette convertible. I wanted to ask him about it and let him know how much I like his vette; well he could care less and acted like a complete butt hole, you know what I still would like to own a 1967 red corvette convertible. Please don’t miss direct you anger on the A-1 sky raider.

VMF115 · Post by **VMF115** » Fri Feb 23, 2007 4:46 pm

However I do respect your feelings about what that pilot did to you, in fact there are so many people in the world today that are narcissistic and don’t care about anyone’s feelings other then their owns. It’s a sad fact but some people just don’t care and will never care, that is just how they are. How ever I do care about what that narcissistic pilot did to you and your buddy.

I for one cant wait to get the A-1 it was one of many aircraft that I made as a child, and I have found memories working on the A-1 model with my Great Grand Father.

I want one of each
I hope for an early post Vietnam dark blue Navy version, that one I know I will buy more then one of.

STUKA · Post by **STUKA** » Fri Feb 23, 2007 6:48 pm

FieroDude wrote:
STUKA wrote:I may get one - depends on funds and if my wife thinks I'm losing it after hanging my dauntless... but I would like to wait for the different versions to come out and take my pick.
I will probably pick up the F-4 phantom II first
when it hist my local WMs
Knowing the Walmart distribution and timing, you may want to check with your retirement community first to see if they will let you display it.

good thinking - i should also go ahead and schedule for the van ride over to the WM -

pickelhaube · Post by **pickelhaube** » Fri Feb 23, 2007 6:49 pm

Hey guys I didn't mean to sound like a complete downer. I enjoy this hobby alot. Sometimes too much . Ask my wife. I also enjoy getting in on the forum and having my say so. Sometimes acting the fool. It is fun. I have stated my reasons about the Skyraider. It also seams that there are a lot of good guys on the forum and I thank you for the support on this subject. I hope that I have not brought you guys down and I will cease and desists on the negativity on the Skyraider.
This hobby is fun and part of the fun is waiting to see WHAT IS NEXT. We all have our likes and dislikes but the banter back and forth is part of the hobby. LET'S HAVE FUN !!!!!
Jason what's up with the Me-163 ? I am so there

KAGNEW · Post by **KAGNEW** » Fri Feb 23, 2007 6:55 pm

i have a story like that,
my favorite car of all time is 1969 RS/SS Camaro.

i saw a real nice one at a show and wanted to talk to the man about his.
he was a nose up butt head, he thought he was above everyone there.
had littles papers about how much he spent on this and that on his car.
when judging came around, mine won 1st place. :evil:his came in 3rd

then he wanted to talk to me about mine. it was fun treating him with kindness & being friendly and not treating him like he treated everyone else

VMF115 · Post by **VMF115** » Fri Feb 23, 2007 6:57 pm

Hey pickelhaube your alright in my book, dont sweat the small stuff.

KAGNEW · Post by **KAGNEW** » Fri Feb 23, 2007 7:08 pm

hey P/H
I bet your VN vet buddy would love an 1/18 Sandy.
i'm a VN vet, that maybe 1 of the reasons i'm getting 4 A-1s as they repaint them.
if you had seen them in action you can't help but love them

pickelhaube · Post by **pickelhaube** » Fri Feb 23, 2007 7:25 pm

My buddy is out on a boat in the Gulf he is a deisel mech. trouble shooter. I will talk to him when he gets back.

wreckchaser · Post by **wreckchaser** » Tue Feb 27, 2007 5:51 am

Hi
Pickelhaube I know what you mean about some of those guys. A friend of mine and I have talked about this several times I just don't get it you would think that they would want to talk to someone who has an interest, and it tends to turn people off. What's going to happen when these guys are gone? We use to have a guy here who had a Corsair man you would have liked him he came over to our display and talked about hunting parts for his bird when he was rebuilding it,and just hung around awhile. sadly he lost in a crash a few years ago.Anyway back to the Skyraider.
I plan on getting one ,maybe two. Sea camo and one Navy. I love the tail markings on the Navy and Marine birds of that period.

For Jason
Do you have any plans for an A-1E??

pickelhaube · Post by **pickelhaube** » Tue Feb 27, 2007 6:03 am

Hey Wreck Chaser. That is a bummer of a story as well. Bad things happen to good people all of the time. Some murderous thugs live to be old and gray. It makes you wonder.

supersonicfifi · Post by **supersonicfifi** » Tue Feb 27, 2007 7:39 am

Through our passion of aviation i tend to regard the A1 skyraider as one of the most magnificient looking aircraft ever ( il like really the brutish look of it ... just like my favorite WW2 airpalne is the TEMPEST !)
To let change your view about this airplane just read all the vietnam era books related to combat aviation : you will certainly find some chapter about rescue operations (SANDY's A1)
and they all regard this airplane from a different perspective (like an angel ?)
I was sometime so moved (& thrilled) by the exploits of theses true HEROs that i really can't wait to see the AT version !
here are some of my favorites books :
-Cheating death" from
-100 Missions North: A Fighter Pilot's Story of the Vietnam War by Ken Bell
-War For the Hell of It: A Fighter Pilot's View of Vietnam by Ed Cobleigh
-Phantom Over Vietnam; Fighter Pilot USMC by John Trotti
-Da Nang Diary: A Forward Air Controller's Gunsight View of Combat in Vietnam by Tom Yarborough
-Wings of Fury: From Vietnam to the Gulf War -- The Astonishing, True Stories of America's Elite Fighter Pilots by Robert K. Wilcox
- When thunder rolled
- MISTY (FAC F100) & Bury us upside down ....

All theses books are amazing but you will find some more ...

Philippe

supersonicfifi · Post by **supersonicfifi** » Tue Feb 27, 2007 7:43 am

the big "SKY" really rule !

KAGNEW · Post by **KAGNEW** » Tue Feb 27, 2007 7:49 am

AND MOVIES ALSO.

in "Flight of the Intruder" Sandy's saved the day!

Quixote511 · Post by **Quixote511** » Tue Feb 27, 2007 9:34 am

Did you guys catch the bit on the THUD this weekend on Dog Fights on the History Channel? It talked about a F105 pilot flying cover for Sandys

Sabrefan · Post by **Sabrefan** » Tue Feb 27, 2007 9:37 am

Yes they had a dogfight marathon Sunday evening. That is a really good show.

Small Scale Military Headquarters

Who plans on getting a Skyraider?

aviation BUFF

A 1 skyraider rule