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VNAF A-1H Detail–Page#6
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VNAF C-47 Echo Whisky–Page#7
BUIDING THE DREAM
It has been more than 30 years, since the end of Vietnam war, today all VNAF airplanes are gone. A few retired in US air museums. Some lucky restored ones are still flying in the freedom sky of Australia. But the rest has been lying rusted somewhere in an abandoned corner of the forgotten military airfields in Vietnam. And soon they all will fade away in memories of many wariors; but not in aircraft modeling.
On this Website, you will have a chance to see all kinds of VNAF war birds. The tiny plastic ones? Yes, but amazingly they all look like the real full size VNAF airplanes, from the thin antenna to the small detail paint chips and the real serial numbers. Look at the T-6 Texan's picture on the left, who can tell it's a tiny plastic one? Surprisingly, most VNAF model aircraft today have been built by "big kids" who during the VN war were just...kids, never had a chance to touch a real VNAF aircraft much less riding them. So you can say they are building a dream, yet they also restored and presersed the history so that many next Vietnamese generations would know who we are, where we came from and how manificently we flew!
It takes you a few seconds to look at the photo of a VNAF model aircraft, but it took the modeler about a month to get his model finished. The guy then has to set up the model for a photo shot, doing some touch up on computer before sending it for posting on the website. So don't get disappointed if you see only a few photos.
How a bout a slides show of VNAF model aircraft that it takes you a few minutes to go through, but it took the guy some two or three years to get the whole thing done.
PHAN DAI
As the VNAF model aircraft making has been progressing; it is not only a static display model any more but a flyable work. The following photos depict an VNAF 112th Observation Squadron's masterpiece which belongs to Phan Dai (see his story at page 18). Seeing the photo of VNAF O-1 Birddog in flight who can tell this is a radio control 1/6 scale model! Phan Dai is about to complete another VNAF T-28 1/6 scale R/C aircraft. We will update when the pictures are available.
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THE DUNNAHOO BROTHERS
Mike Dunnahoo and Dan Dunnahoo have built a radio control T-28 model aircraft with an outstanding feature: VNAF markings. The RC aircraft was modified from standard Parkzone T-28 Trojan RC model and bore the markings of VNAF Flying Tiger Squadron in the early 1960s. Thank you, Mike and Dan for sharing with us the pictures of your significant VNAF flying model aircraft. A year ago I had contact with a vietnam Vet who was also in process of building an VNAF Skyraider of 83rd Squadron in 1/6 scale. Hopefully we will soon see the many pictures of his finished project.
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CHRISTIAN THIELE
Christian Thiele has sent in his VNAF Skyraider Model (ESCI Skyraider model kit with Hasegawa ordnance kit and PJ production's pilot figure). The aircraft is nice and clean. Without the heavy exhaust stains, I can tell it's just rolled out of Bien Hoa's paint shop hangar a few days ago and now ready for its first mission. Not many modelers build VNAF scale model aircraft, but those who build them do share one thing in common: more or less they know the history of that magnificent Air Force.
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FLYINGDRAGON'S MODEL AIRCRAFT
Most of the VNAF modelers have a nick name. Today I introduce to you a "modeling Vet." FlyingDragon is one of the founders of Model Aircraft Club in Orange County, CA. His VNAF model collection alone, in term of numbers and categories can be used to set up a grand VNAF exhibition. During the VNAF MAC exhibition, someone has said, "I never saw that many Skyraiders in my live." Yes, that fleet of VNAF Skyraiders (all markings, all Squadrons) belongs to FlyingDragon. The following photos can reflect FlyingDragon's modeling skills.
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VNAF MODEL AIRCRAFT EXHIBITION
 "SILVER WINGS"
VNAF MAC (Model Aircraft Club) is holding a major exhibition at the gallery of Viet Herald news paper (Orange County, Southern California) on 3rd and 4th of July, 2010. The display will consist of four categories:
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VNAF MODEL AIRCRAFT EXHIBITION
It began with the three "poor guys" (an ARVN foot-soldier, a VNAF mechanic and a "big kid") who happened to befriended one another while hunting for VNAF model-aircraft kits at a bargain model swap-meet. Then the idea of holding a VNAF Model Aircraft exhibition was cooked up between the three. After their idea was turned down when asking for sponsorship of the exhibition (from some military groups), the three guys decided to hold the exhibition with their own money ($130) and a sole support of Vien Dong Daily News (free of charge for the rent of gallery room and promotion ads).
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THE 2nd EXHIBITION OF VNAF MAC
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"REMINISCENCE OF A LONG GONE DREAM""Back by popular demand!" Rumors about the VNAF exhibition had spread around...the world! :0) This time more participants jointed in. Not want to miss the fun, some "big kid" flew from Ohio for the show! The exhibition had a "romantic theme" name (Goi Giac Mo Xua - loosely in English "Reminiscence of A Long Gone Dream") and included diorama, VNAF books and VNAF artifacts. The VNAF Model Aircraft Club was also founded by this time.
A lot of thanks should be directed to the following people and business firms for their sponsorship of VNAF exhibition: |
THE 3rd EXHIBITION OF VNAF MAC
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"FLYING BACK FROM FORGOTTEN PAST" To commemorate the 50th Anniversary of VNAF's founding history and to mark the 30th year since the Republic of South Vietnam falled under Communism, the VNAF Model Aircraft Club (VNAF MAC) has organized an exhibition in April, 2005. The two-day exhibit was a great success, drawing a big crowd in Orange County, Southern California. Click on the two thumbnail pictures below for the slide shows of the exhibition. 
 THE GUYS WHO SHOULDER "THE ELEPHANT TUSKS"
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"WINGS OF FREEDOM" Click the thumbnail picture below to view the slide show of the 4th VNAF MAC EXHIBITION (Little Saigon, June 17th & 18th, 2006)  FROM THREE "POOR GUYS" TO ROW AFTER ROW OF "RICH KIDS"
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INTRODUCTION of VNAF Model Aircraft Club|
VNAF Model Aircraft Club (VNAF MAC) is a group of VNAF modeling enthusiastes who devoted in building VNAF scale models. The group has organized three major exhibits of VNAF in Southern California. We are proudly presenting some of VNAF MAC's works. Click on one of the name lists below to see MAC members' model aircraft. |
VNAF MAC's SKYRAIDERS VNAF MAC's More Models
VNAF MAC EXHIBITION at Little Saigon Tet Festival 2009
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VNAF MAC at TET FESTIVAL I sneaked up on the booth of VNAF MAC exhibition at the Tet Festival in Little Saigon on Friday Jan 30, 2009 at 1:00 PM, prior to the opening time. The photos below are what I have caught while the guys were still busy preparing the show. Due to the limiting space, the display would be only a small fraction of VNAF MAC model inventory (but more stuff, including revetment dioramas would be brought in after I left). Please note that for technical reason, the VNAF MAC exhibition will be available for public viewing for only one day on Saturday Jan. 31.
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VNAF MODEL EXHIBITION IN AUSTRALIA
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A group of VNAF modelers and former VNAF airmen have held two-day VNAF exhibits on the occasion of TET festival (Feb. 2006) in Victoria (Australia). One of the main features on display is the introduction of VNAF's History book (in Vietnamese language). Here's a few humble photos.
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GLOBAL MASTER III C-17
I wish I could build a C-17 model aircraft, unfortunately no C-17 kit is available so far. But as a soldier of Vietnam war and an enthusiastic aircraft modeler, I know the practical value of the super C-17 aircraft for its vital supporting role not only to US troops in today's tactical military operation, but also for humanitarian aid around the world during peace time as its motto has expressed: "Anything - Anywhere- Anytime."
If you happen to read this entry, please take a few minutes to sign the petition (at the link below) to save the C-17 program. By doing so you also save more than 30,000 jobs of the blue collars workers who badly need the real "Hope" and "Change" that only you, an American patriot (or an aircraft modeler) can provide.
Click PETITION TO SAVE C-17 PROGRAM
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CLICK THE LEFT THUMBNAIL PICTURE FOR THE VIDEO OF "FLIGHT OF A GLOBAL MASTER C-17." A C-17 Globemaster III from Charleston AFB flies a supurb demonstration at the 2006 Dover AFB Open House & Airshow on Saturday October 7, 2006. |
This 1/9th scale radio-controlled C-17 model was built in the United Kingdom. To date it has about 20 flights. It was built as the centerpiece of a 15 program television series produced in the UK. for the Home and Leisure satellite TV channel.? Built with the aid of three friends, it took 1 year to build and is powered with 4 Jetcat P-120 turbines with a total thrust of 108 lbs.?
The models weighs over 250 lbs fuelled, and carries 12.5 liters (3.3 US gallons) of 95% kerosene and 5% turbine oil fuel.? Other details include 5 Futaba PCM receivers, 16 battery packs (93 cells), 20 Futaba servos, on board air compressor, electro/pneumatic retracts, etc.? The four builders are shown in the lower right image below.? Colin Straus is at the nose of the aircraft. Wingspan is 20 feet 8 inches, and the top of the fin is 74 inches (6 feet 2 inches) above the ground.? Takeoff weight is 264 lbs. The rear cargo doors open and they drop an r/c jeep on a pallet, as well as 2 freefall r/c parachutists.? The model also has smoke systems both of the inboard turbines, and uses 2.4 GHz data link to provide real-time data to a laptop computer on the ground while in flight, this data includes airspeed, turbine RPM, EGT, fuel consumption, etc. It is covered in fiberglass and epoxy resin. Built mainly from balsa and ply, with many glass and carbon fiber moldings to reduce weight.? This C-17 Globemaster III is one of the largest jet models in the world today!? Complete with retractable landing gear and pneumatically operated flaps.
(Sent by Triple-T)
C-17 PAINTING
YANKEE-CARIBOU'S MODEL AIRCRAFT
YanKee-Caribou's just returned to Vietnam theatre with his VNAF A-37B, which represents the "generic" paint scheme of VNAF A-37 (without Tactical Wing and Squadron insignias) at the late time of Vietnam war. If the digital photo is so convincingly real, you would be marveled for his skill at the 1/72 Academy scale. And look again, perhaps thanks to the visual trick of refraction image at the cockpit.
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Yankee_Caribou brought back this model page again with his C-123. And don't fool yourself by thinking this is 1/72 scale. Man, it's 1/144!
This particular aircraft 033 crashed in a training flight at LONGBINH the transmission shaft snapped in flight . The Chinook crashed killed all crew. 033 is one of the oldest Chinook airframe that US Army handed over to VNAF ... The flarebox was built using alluminium can, (reference is from the famous Xuan Loc Chinook) . Hope you guys enjoy it. (Yankee-Caribou)
History of VNAF CH-47 (SN 033)
66-19033, Boeing build number B-291, was a CH-47A helicopter. The U.S. Army acceptance date was 9 January 1967. The administrative strike date was 14 February 1974. 66-19033 accumulated at least 2,056.0 aircraft hours. At some point, 66-19033 was assigned to the 237th Helicopter Squadron, Vietnamese Air Force (VNAF), in the Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam), and remained there until it was lost due to unknown causes. On 14 February 1974, 66-19033 was on approach to an unknown location when it blew up in mid-air. Sabotage was suspected, but has not been confirmed. The last known location of 66-19033 was in the Republic of Vietnam. Aircraft status: Crashed. (Source:CH-47 Chinook Helicopter)
TRIET CAM'S MODEL AIRCRAFT
Sure, you would get confused when viewing this detailed model of VNAF Skyraider A1E in 1/72 scale; because this is a "Frankenstein" A-1 experiment :0))) Just like the name, the assembly is a combined product of Monogram and Hasegawa's parts plus the scratch built canopy, etc. (to make what the VNAF A-1E should look like), not mentioning most decals and tail code lettering were also hand masked or cannibalized from something else. This crazy on-and-off project took Triet Cam about 8 months to the finishing line of an A-1E of VNAF 518 FS (with wJ tail code, serial number 132503). If the picture's worth a thousand words, then enjoy the photos.
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TRIET CAM'S AD-6, 1/48 scale
Triet Cam is a VNAF modeling "old timer" who has built the VNAF models at the time when the computer technology didn't exist. The photos below were the works of his newer phase of aircraft modeling accomplishment. Thank you for sharing with us the photos of your VNAF models. Nice paint job and great presentation!
See Triet-Cam's A-37 (below) and F-5B models (on the last row). Most assumed that it was a 1/48 scale model. Hold your breath, this is a 1/72! Holy macro, what a detailed labor....
TANGO 0-5'S MODEL AIRCRAFT
Tango 0-5 returns with the Alouette, Chinook, and H-13 choppers. Two more models H-21 and H-19 will come in the near future. Thank Tango for the great collection of VNAF choppers and rare documentary of VNAF Chinook
From Montreal, Canada, Tango 0-5 joins us on this page with his H-34 (Song Chuy Squadron) , UH-1B (Than Tuong Squadron), the Bird-Dog L-19, and the C-119G. The VNAF decals, especially the Song Chuy insignia are all home-made. A job well done on the meticulous and time-consuming home-made VNAF decals and congratulation on the landing of Tango 0-5's choppers at VNAF-MAMN airbase!
GUCCI'S MODEL AIRCRAFT
I sent these photos of my VNAF B-57 to the ARC for the anniverary of the Tet Offensive model show, unfortunately I missed the deadline 1 day. Those photos wouldn't be able to show up on the "flight line." As a result, they retuned to the Home Air Base. Enjoy the old model but with new pictures!
The VNAF chopper below is an old model (1/35 scale, I don't remember Company name) that I have built long time ago out of the box without modification. It originally bore US Army Air Cavalry insignia on the pilot side's door. After I can make custom-decals, producing a lot of VNAF insignias, I put the chopper through "Vietnamization program," by taking out some "fancy machine guns" and rocket pods that used to be mounted on both sides of US helicopter (controled by pilot). The "poor guy" VNAF choppers have the basic M-60 guns or 7.62 mm mini-gun manned by side door gunner. Now the UH-1 bears VNAF insignia with tail number 059. The #059 served dutifully throughout the VN War; its last duty was to ferry ARVN troops for the final ARVN epic battle at Xuan Loc (April/1975, see the last photo in row).
The VNAF UH-1H looked good in the photos, but actually it had some tiny gaps between the assembled part; because long ago as a model novice, I thought that was the manufacture company's fault for molding their defect products. We don't have to fill the gaps (and fill with what?). Today I still think any model companies that produce models with unfitted parts are the lousy culprits to be blamed for flawed assembly. The modeler shouldn't fix, fill, or file their defect products :0)
MORE GUCCI'S MODEL AIRCRAFT
COHUONG'S MODEL AIRCRAFT
TRIPLE-T'S MODEL AIRCRAFT
Photos & texts (printed on photos) by Triple-T. See "HALL OF FAME" for interesting story about Triple-T.
BIRD-DOG'S MODEL AIRCRAFT
THE ARVN EXHIBITION IN AUSTRALIA
THE ARVN EXHIBITIONA group of young Vietnamese generation held an exhibition on the subject of the Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces (ARVN) on June 19, 2007, Melbourne, Australia. The exhibition is to pay tribute to the ARVN on the commemoration of the South Vietnam Armed Forces Day (June 19) and consists of various categories: Documentary photos, paintings, digital art works, and military artifacts. Thanks CoHuong for the great work and the interesting photos of that event.
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Some art works, photos, and articles are properties of their owners, the rest by VNAF MA MN.© Copyright 2005 vnafmamn.com.