RC-135V Rivet Joint (USAF)

1
July 9, 2023
Photo of the subject aircraft
2
July 9, 2023
Photo of a RC-135V. Note the short cheek fairings that were not used on the RC-135W variant.
3
July 9, 2023
Photo of a RC-135V. Note the missing overwing antenna on the left wing, and the unusual engine pylon configuration of the RC-135V variant.
4
July 9, 2023
Another photo of the RC-135V for reference on antenna placement.
5
July 9, 2023
Photo of the crew access door open.
6
July 9, 2023
Photo of the crew access door open.
7
July 9, 2023
Photo of the crew access door open.
8
July 9, 2023
These are the TF-33 engines that came with the kit. These have many problems... ejector pin marks in obvious places, the intakes are uneven (not very round), and the pylons are not right for either the V or W variant. I will use the engines from my EC-135 kit to augment these and use the best of the bunch.
9
July 9, 2023
TF-33 engines with correct pylons partly assembled and ready for painting
10
July 9, 2023
Front cabin assembled and ready for painting. I will probably need to remove the two rear seats for detail painting. I've decided to open this kit up a bit!
11
July 9, 2023
The instructions do not show this piece, but it is clearly the crew access door for RC-135 aircraft, as it was on the sprue for RC-135 specific parts. It looks like AMT/Ertl may have abandoned the idea because the left cheek fairing would need to be redone. Because I am a glutton for punishment, I think I will try to do some surgery and scratch building!
12
July 9, 2023
Horizontal stabilizers assembled
13
July 9, 2023
Gear and wheels assembled
14
July 9, 2023
Main gear bays assembled
15
July 19, 2023
Base paint coat applied to the cockpit
16
July 22, 2023
Deciding whether to put any additional effort into the cabin. There is a good amount of detail, but much can't be seen when the plane is assembled!
17
July 22, 2023
Sanded off the seams and ejection pin marks from the wheels and gear - ready for painting
18
July 23, 2023
This hobby would probably be more relaxing if I didn't do stuff like this. Using Dymo tape to guide my cutting blade.
19
July 23, 2023
Removed a section of the cheek blister that opens with the cargo (crew access) door.
20
July 23, 2023
Used plastic card to build the interior panels for the door and blister, then applied a liberal amount of white putty
21
August 5, 2023
Painted the gear
22
August 5, 2023
Painted the gear door interiors
23
August 5, 2023
Started fuselage assembly... this will take a lot of patience. Warping has been reported to be a problem with these kits, and it is considerable with this one. It was kept in a garage for at least 15 years.

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All RC-135V/W Rivet Joint aircraft are permanently based at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, and operated by the 55th Wing. RC-135s are frequently deployed to various forward operating locations worldwide. I provided weather support to RC-135 crews when I was stationed in Saudi Arabia in 1996. The RC-135 flew out of Prince Sultan Royal Saudi Air Force Base on a regular basis to perform SIGINT missions near Iraq. I regularly provided weather information for the operational planning of these missions.

RC-135V Rivet Joint (USAF)

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1:72 RC-135V Strategic Recon (AMT/ERTL 8956)

1:72 USAF C-135 Recon Variants (Caracal Models CD72128)

1:72 C-135 Family General Markings (Caracal Models CD72070)

Boeing RC-135W Stratotanker

US Air Force (1947-now)
55 SRW 62-4134 (Rivet Joint)
Offutt AFB, NE
FS16473 Aircraft grey FS17875 Insignia White

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RC-135V Rivet Joint (USAF)

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Album info

Boeing RC-135W Stratotanker

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