SPA Modeler

Clint, Bruce, Stuart, TJ, Thank you sirs.

Floki wrote:Great job Carlos, the weathering sure does look the part of a A-7 that hasn't had the time to be properly cleaned between the constant missions of operation linebacker.

Yes, I wanted to capture the look of a hard used bird. From what I’ve read, when carriers were on the line at that time, Aircraft and pilots were often flying two sorties per day. That sort of pace adds up wear quickly.

speedgraflex wrote:Congratulations!

Yes, the first start and completion of a build in a new residence is reason for a moment of celebration!

Stuart wrote:That is a fantastic build Carlos - a truly superb build of that old Monogram kit and I do like the additions you made, including the load out.

It's great to see a build from you again!

Not bad for an old kit. The load out was something that I really wanted to turn out well, and be historically correct. It is GREAT to be building again.

tempestjohnny wrote:Looks great. The weathering looks perfect

Man was that a hard middle ground to reach... too much or too little...

Okay, one could debate about the close-up shots and the roughness of the wash in some areas. But it's an ancient Monogram kit which panel lines are nowhere on the level like on modern kits. I think you made the absolute best of it and I'm sure -no, I know - that it looks awesome from the standard viewers perspective in real life. I really dig this one!

very good build and phantaszic paint work

mostrich wrote:Okay, one could debate about the close-up shots and the roughness of the wash in some areas. But it's an ancient Monogram kit which panel lines are nowhere on the level like on modern kits. I think you made the absolute best of it and I'm sure -no, I know - that it looks awesome from the standard viewers perspective in real life. I really dig this one!

Thank you Torben! Yeah, I actually went with pencil on the raised panel lines. The washes just did not have enough area to grab onto with those. The washes were just in the few molded in or rescribed recessed lines and around a few certain raised details that had good deep corners to settle in. And yes, from standard viewer distance, it looks fine. But up close you can easily see the roughness...

Cherrylock wrote:very good build and phantaszic paint work

Thank you Peter. The paint work really had me questioning my self until the end...

Brilliant job Carlos! As others have said, you look to have perfectly captured the look of a well used bird. I would recommend you check your starboard HARM, it looks to be a bit cocked on the ER. Since that is the only easily rectified issue, I'd say you have quite the masterpiece here. Way to go and congrats on completing your first model in the new place! Have an extra drink for me!

Thanks Mark. Good eye for catching the Shrike hanging off the proper vertical. I completely missed that! I’ll have to watch for stuff like that on the next one hung with ordnance like a Christmas tree. This one is not going anywhere but to the display room once I get some shelves up in there. No IPMS here until June at least. Perhaps July...

BlackSheep214 wrote:Looking gorgeous!!

X2!

Thank you MP!

Wow! What a wonderful build! I'm not gonna try and critique because when I go down that road, I often lose the forest for the trees and I don't want to do a disservice to a great representation of this beast of an aircraft. I've always like the A-7 as it has a chunky aggressive look to it... it really does evoke images of a linebacker. You've pulled off the worn gull grey/white scheme well, with just the right amount of weathering. And the canopy presentation is clean... something I always notice. Very impressed, Carlos!

Carlos... you do realize this makes #2 build I want from you besides the B-26 Marauder kit. I'm in awe of this build. Again, well done!!!