SUU-14 Bomblet Dispenser

This is an extremely common store for USAF piston engine attack aircraft during the war in SEA.  It can be found not only on A-1's but is common on the T-28 and A-26 as well.

This weapon is generally referred to as a CBU, Cluster Bomb Unit, which is exactly what it is.  To be technically correct though, the SUU-14 is the dispenser itself and the "CBU" designation refers to the munitions carried within.  On the Skyraider it could be either a CBU-22 or CBU-25.  For first hand expert understanding see Byron Hukee's explanation here.  There is also some very good information here as well.

From a modeler's standpoint, we first have to keep in mind this is NOT a rocket launcher as seen in this display where somebody needed to do a little more research.  I've seen it modeled this way as well.  Remember, the bomblets came out the rear of the dispenser, not the front.

Both CBU types are pretty much same/same for us; we're only interested in the SUU-14 itself.  The only difference between a -22 and a -25 is color striping on the end of each dispenser signifying the ordinance contained.

Also, not to put too fine a point on things, it can be a complete PITA to represent in miniature.  A lot of kit manufacturers try to provide these for us, and in my opinion every last one of them fails miserably.  This is because they all follow the failed process of providing the last few inches of the tubes as a separate piece; ostensibly to reproduce the hollow ends, but they never, ever, fit right.  It's a limitation of the injection molding process, I'm sure, but still, tying to sand and file around all those little tube details would try the patience of a saint, and will still never look right in the end.

I build a lot of SUU-14's in both 1/48 and 1/32 scale, and I don't have time for all the Kindly Old Geppetto makee-workee it takes attempting to make kit parts even half way presentable.  Of course, now Eduard has come up with some beauties in 1/48th scale, but I came up with my own way which is a little labor intensive on the front end, but allows quick, easy and repeatable reproduction for as many as I need in whatever scale.  Here's pretty much how it goes:

 

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