STORY OF THE OV-10 BRONCO - and what kits of it you can get!

[@mrjockt]

One variant missed was the OV-10B(Z) flown by Germany, an OV-10B with a supplementary J85 turbojet mounted in a pod above the fuselage, the West German Air Force operated 12 of them as target tugs for a couple of years then reverted them back to standard OV-10B’s.

[@adandap]

The 1983 Airfix "OV-10D" is actually a NOGS prototype, complete with turret. So the MPC release is probably the same, just with the correct name! I built the NOGS with some white metal seats and undercarriage and was really pleased with it - it's certainly quite nice for a 1960s release.

[@hanschristianben505]

I have both releases and I can confirm that the original Airfix release does have the belly gun turret and fairings

[@wkelly3053]

They fly today as a fire spotters for the California Department of Forestry, or ‘CAL FIRE’. Great visibility, maneuvering, and STOL ability. Still awesome! You said it.

[@modelnut]

Hi Gary, Another brilliant run down of the OV's history & and kits didn't realise the Aircraft was that old to be true full. Looking forward to the build.

[@wkelly3053]

In the 1980’s, an OV-10 had a problem with an elevator locked upward over Edwards Air Force Base in CA. It had to do continual up and down wing overs until, fortunately, the control jam was freed and a normal landing resulted. I watched it happen from the ground. We all thought the crew would have to eject, but it turned out well.

[@garys_stuff]

Wonder if it was a loose bolt jammed somewhere....?

[@wkelly3053]

@@garys_stuff A friend might know, but I don’t recall. The plane was based elsewhere and time has taken its toll on my memory. 🙄

[@barrywalker8790]

There's a Bronco that flies at a free airshow at Clacton on Sea after your video l'll have to look at it a bit closer 😃can't miss it as it's painted orange now l know some of it's history👍

[@bobapthorpe]

Looking forward to the build video - I have a soft spot for the low-intensity-warfare observation and aircraft of the era typified by the OV-10 Bronco.

[@hanschristianben505]

hi sir, the Japanese brand F-Toys also released a 1/144 scale kit of the -A model (with the B & C export variants also available)… the kit came pre-painted but would still needed to be assembled, though intended to be a snap-tite model, experience suggests glue is still needed… markings came with waterslide decals provided… despite its snap-tite nature, the model’s shape is surprisingly accurate, even better compared to the miniwings resin OV-10D kit, and the finished model is balanced enough to be able to sit on its landing gears even without any nose ballast… the F-Toys kit is available as a bundle set (5 OV-10s and 5 A-10s) via Hobbylink Japan

[@janxspirit6707]

Great Video. The Airfix 1/72nd OV-10D kit had the underbody turret too.

[@DavidLee-df888]

That 1/87 Trident is the same scale as HO gauge train models. Which is going to make a big diorama if you pair it with a loco. HO is the "standard" scale for trains worldwide, it's only here in the UK that OO is more popular than HO, thanks to Hornby.

[@ronaldbyrne3320]

Watching these “Story of ...” videos of yours Gary takes me back to poring over the descriptions in the 70’s Airfix catalogue - I couldn’t get all the kits but I learned much about the many planes, helicopters, tanks and ships in it. And your videos are even more informative; keep up the good work. ❤👍🏻

[@Jonathan_55018]

amazing little plane

[@petermerz2704]

Nice history! Thanks for sharing Gary! 😎🇨🇦

[@maxbrandt6]

I had the old Hawk/Testor kit of the Bronco in quarter scale, I was shocked that there was no cockpit detail whatsoever and quite sad that by the time I found out about the Cutting Edge resin cockpit set, the company went belly up.

[@hanschristianben505]

another interesting info about the Hawk/Testors kit is that the model actually represents the original prototypes… the original kit replicates the original short-wing, straight sponson, initial variant, while the Testors issue represents the late version of the 6th prototype, with the longer wingspan and canted & redesigned sponsons, which was the closest out of the 6 when compered to the final production version) even though it lacked the cockpit/utility bay and landing gear wheel wells, the Hawk/Testors kits are actually very accurate models of the prototypes…

[@ChristianSchroter]

A lot to know about the bronco. I learned something new.very nice. With sticky greetings.christian

[@mikeupton5406]

Actually that's a really good video. The rundown of all the available kits. Really interesting there was a Bronco produced in 1/87. It would be a interesting scenery piece. Anyway great video

[@markfranks1329]

Another good overview of an interesting a/c, Gary. The only kit I ever made was the Hasegawa offering in the FROG box. That was so long ago that all I can recall was lots of dark green plastic!🤦‍♂️ Seeing this has certainly stirred interest in the type and I will now look into the 1/48th alternative from ICM. This version for those followers of, 'The One True Scale' (ahem), will have a fabulous replica.😁

[@emmabird9745]

Seeing this AC reminds me of Danny Glover and Gene Hackman in the very enjoyable "Bat21". I suspect Danny's plane might have been the O2 though.

[@tcandle695]

I didn't know it was released before by so many companies. I only have the academy kit in 1/72. I am considering getting the ICM kit in 1/48. Thanks for the videos

[@garys_stuff]

The 1/48 from ICM is really good.

[@tonyperez4791]

Great video , Gary. Thank you for sharing. Always liked the Bronco, I was I the USAF in 76 and we had them and O-2's. On Saturdays I volunteered to wash them, any excuse to be near Airplanes. Big pails of soapy water and long handled brooms, we had a great time. 😁😁 Hope you have a great week, looking forwards to your build. Cheers, Tony

[@johncunningham6928]

Unusual to see an aircraft kit in 1/87th scale in the UK; I wonder if they're more common on the continent, or in America, come to that...

[@DavidLee-df888]

That 1/87 Trident is the same scale as HO gauge train models. Which is going to make a big diorama if you pair it with a loco. HO is the "standard" scale for trains worldwide, it's only here in the UK that OO is more popular than HO, thanks to Hornby.

[@chrisfirth1803]

Great review as always. I was lucky enough to watch one of these displayed at Duxford airshows several years ago. The agility of this aircraft was displayed beautifully by the pilot.

[@willwoods6466]

Fun and informative video as always Gary. You really do put your all into this hobby. Much appreciated.

[@garys_stuff]

Thanks Will!

[@Robutube1]

Thanks for this Gary, well researched as usual. I cant help observing that the number of kits/repops of this 'plane is quite amazing and a tribute to its popularity.

[@marksinthehouse1968]

This sort of aircraft done well in Vietnam more suited to jungle warfare,my partner is from Baguio Philippines and one of her nephews flew one ,even today a lightweight simple to maintain platform is needed ,all the best Mark 😊😊

[@anfieldroadlayoutintheloft5204]

good vid nice kit thanks lee

[@neilthefish]

Thanks for these informative videos Gary have a big tumbs uo,, l am currently building the airfix Austin k2 not finding it an easy build , above my skillset l guess 😅😊🎉🎉

[@garys_stuff]

Just take your time and double check the fit of everything before glueing. Dry fitting it the key to getting the Katy done!

[@johnscarsandstuff]

1:87 isn't an unusual scale, at least not to anyone familiar with model railways. It's HO scale.

[@garys_stuff]

True, but pretty unusual for an aeroplane. Of 56,000 items on the Hannant's web site, for example, just 11 items are listed as 1/87 and six of those are locomotives. None is an aeroplane (although they do have Mel's Drive-In from "American Graffiti").

[@johnscarsandstuff]

@garys_stuff fair point. It's a source of frustration for people who want to build miniature worlds. Too many different scales, British N gauge is 1:148 and the nearest model aircraft scale is 1:144. Probably close enough for practical purposes, but still mildly irritating if you want to be consistent.

[@ruskiwaffle1991]

Cool little plane. Don't know if any of these kits have Philippine decals or if aftermarket decals for those even exist.