Hobby Master HA4702 USN North American RA-5C Vigilante, RVAH-9 "Hoot Owls",USS Nimitz

[ACpilot]

Hobby Master 1:72 Air Power Series
HA4702
North American RA-5C Vigilante
USN RVAH-9 Hoot Owls, AJ601, NAS Key West 1977

August 2015 Release as announced on Hawkone's website.

http://www.hobbymastercollector.com/HA4702.html

Dan

[ACpilot]

Actually, there is some good history on this airframe (before it was rebuilt to 156 Series standard).

Dan

[Ironclaw]

Nice release
Looking forward to all the new USN molds

[ACpilot]

The scheme for this release has been changed to reflect how the aircraft looked during its deployment aboard the USS Nimitz 1976-1977.

Dan

[ACpilot]

I was researching this scheme and was having some difficulty with the Hooter's Owl Emblem on the side of the fuselage.

There are lots of photos of the regular "Hoot Owls" emblem used on previous and later cruises. However, the one used on the 1976-77 Cruise on the Nimitz appeared to be different. Unfortunately none of the available references gave a clear indication as to how the emblem was different from the normal one.

I asked a group of Vigilante Veterans for their help and found out the answer.

Since RVAH-9 began their cruise aboard the Nimitz in July of 1976, they had a special "Bicentennial" version of the Owl worn for that deployment that lasted into 1977.

The Owl is actually wearing a Revolutionary War hat (includes a button with 1776-1976 written on it). From a distance the button looked like an aircraft light - so it was confusing until the Veteran provided a clear photo of the "Special Hoot Owl".

Dan




Special "Bicentennial Hoot Owls" Emblem used on the 1976-77 Cruise on the USS Nimitz.


Regular RVAH-9 "Hoot Owls" Emblem seen on a Squadron Patch.

[ACpilot]

Final Product photos are up on Hawkone's website.

http://www.hobbymastercollector.com/HA4702.html

Dan

[ACpilot]

The Hoot Owl's RA-5C has just arrived and is sitting with her sister from RVAH-6.

Dan

[ACpilot]

Complete Photo Review to come.

Dan