1/48 AMT S-3A Viking by Terris Dods

1/48 AMT S-3A Viking

Gallery Article by Terris Dods

Hi, everybody! This is my S-3A and my first contribution to the ARC website! I think ARC is one of the best sites dedicated to aircraft modelling out there, and it proved very valuable while working on this project. This kit was built entirely OOB with the exception of resin nav lights on the wingtips that are available from Cutting Edge Modelworks. Unfortunately I found out about the wing / tailfold kit from Paragon Designs too late far into production as I think it would have been a nice touch.

There were some minor inaccuracies between the kit and the actual aircraft markings, but not enough to really lose any sleep over. The instructions call for a very particular green for the tip of the vertical stab - FS 14115 - and it took me forever to actually find it, so as a heads up to anyone else building OOB - look for Pollyscale 505026 or RLM 25.

Weathering was kept on the subtle side as the aircraft was still relatively new while sporting this high-vis paint scheme. Watercolour pencils were used to highlight the panel lines, and a wash was used to bring out some of the detail in the gear and torpedo bays. It was the first time I'd used either of these techniques and I feel it paid off.

Click on images below to see larger images

This kit went together just great, the one exception being the engine pods. It was after having done them that I came across other reviews and articles all saying the same thing. Removing the ejector marks from the inside of the pod and then erasing the seam where its' two halves join together is a tedious task (especially for the inside) but take heart - it can be done.

I also found out too late that this kit is a tail-sitter. There is nowhere in the instructions calling for any weight to be added to the nose, though maybe it's simply taken as common sense....just not mine - hehe. This was easily solved by just fixing the arrestor hook in place at the appropriate position.

I initially chose to display this kit with everything in the extended / open position and followed through on that with the exception of the crew door which doesn't really lead anywhere. The tailboom also extends out, though it isn't shown here.

Overall this is a fantastic kit for the money and I found it to be a refreshing changeup from fighter aircraft kits. I was just reading yesterday that the U.S. Navy is planning to start phasing S-3s out of service starting in 2004 and ending in 2008, so in not too long this kit may also possess some "nostalgic" value.

I hope you enjoy the pics and I look forward to contributing more to ARC in the future. Now, if someone could kindly point me in the direction of some aftermarket 300 gallon drop tanks........

Terris Dods