Major Don Schmenk's Hun 1/48 Monogram F-100D

[Gary Brantley]

This is the venerable Monogram 1/48th North American F-100D. This kit was given to me by retired Air Force Major Don Schmenk. The plane has the markings of the Hun that Schmenk actually flew in Vietnam. I had the kit for many years before I finally got around to building it about 10 years ago. Mr. Schmenk had included spare drop tanks and instructions for converting the kit’s tanks to the appropriate sized tanks used in combat in Vietnam. I added the bombs and did a bit of detailing in the main gear bays that is for all purposes unseen now. I detached and modified the horizontal stabs to make them adjustable. The paint used was Model Master and Humbrol enamels, applied with my trusty Paasche H, weathered with an over spray of Floquil Dust. Here she's seen at the Cameron airport on an overcast day. I think the clouds add a nice touch. I hope you enjoy!

[Thomas_M]

The F-100 was in my opinion one of the most sleek and beautiful aircraft ever build! Well, at least among those without Balkenkreuze...

So, the Major gave you this kit to build it for him? He surely was pleased with the result you achieved from this old Monogram oldie! To get an aircraft kit a slight overspray in dust colour is a nice hint I have to keep in mind!

[LyleW]

Beautiful bird! love me some F-100. Well done, Tex.

[Gary Brantley]

Thanks guys! In the late '80s, I bought some kits at a Michael's closeout sale. One was the old Lindberg F-100. At about the same time, I read a letter to FSM from Maj. Schmenk, commenting on an earlier F-100 article. He said he had flown them in Vietnam. I had a lot of questions about the Lindberg kit and since he had posted his name and hometown, I found his number through directory assistance and just called him!

He was so gracious, and really helpful. He said, "let me see what I can find, and I'll mail it to you." A few weeks later, a big box arrived. He included a note saying this kit would be a lot better to work with, and mentioned that it had the markings of his aircraft. He included some spare parts to correct the kit drop tanks too.

When I finally did get around to building this plane, I sent pics to Maj. Schmenk via email. He was again very gracious and nicely complimented my work. I looked for his website to post a link but didn't find it. He had a business building beautiful wooden aircraft models.

[Thomas_M]

A really wonderful story, Tex! Something like this personal touch is the icing on the cake of modelling.

[Stikpusher]

Very nice work Tex. Especially on the heat burned paintwork near the afterburner!

[gino b2]

nice work texgunner !

[Stuart]

That's a stunning build and a great story! I agree with stick, the burnt metal effect is very good.

[Duke Maddog]

I third that motion about the scorched paint on the exhaust area. Brilliantly done on a spectacular model. It is also great to know you got to build it in the markings of the pilot who flew it and gave you the model. You are truly blessed.

[Gary Brantley]

Thanks Duke! That turned out okay; I was trying a technique I saw using rubber cement. The "idea" worked well but my paint seemed a bit too thick for scale. I had good luck spraying the color variations though. It kinda "pushed" me and the old Model H a little. You're right about the kit. It is the most "special" one in my collection Duke.
Gary