SPA Modeler

The photo in my interview segment photo is a 1/144 scale VC-54C Sacred Cow, the original "Air Force One" by Minicraft. I happened to see that at a LHS and wasn't going to pass on it. The only error I found on the kit was the placement of the elevator. the instruction guide had it faced backwards. At first, I thought it was odd to see the elevator placement to face the tail end when it's suppose to face the nose direction.

Great interview, didn't really know you were a car guy.

midnightprowler wrote:Great interview, didn't really know you were a car guy.

Oh yeah, big time! I started out building cars at first then went on to aircrafts, armor, and ships for the challenge. I hardly did armor and ships though.

A bit late to the party but another great interview guys - very interesting!

BlackSheep214 wrote:

midnightprowler wrote:Great interview, didn't really know you were a car guy.

Oh yeah, big time! I started out building cars at first then went on to aircrafts, armor, and ships for the challenge.

BlackSheep214 wrote: I hardly did armor and ships though.

Great interview Tom!!

Nice to learn more about us,nice interview Tom,I guess even though we had some conversations never new your name.

Wow! Once again, I've seen your name and posts on a number of Forums before here and I never knew any of this about you. Tom, you are an amazing and inspiring man that I do hope to meet someday. Maybe if you're going to the Chattanooga Nationals, we could meet up. That would be fantastic!

Now if I could find some aftermarket decals to make the Sacred Cow in 1/72 scale, I'd do it! I already have the kit!

Bruce, I commend you for coming up with this idea. It is brilliant! I think I might like to steal it for some of the other Forums I frequent.

Scale Plastic Aircraft Modeler member interview

Tempest Johnny
Naples, Florida

My forum name “Tempest Johnny” comes from my nickname that my close friends call me—Johnny. Tempest is a British plane and I was born in England. Most of the time my forum name is shortened to “TJ,” which is fine with me.

One good story from my model past is a trip I took to England when I was 13 to see my grandparents. Was there for a month. Every penny I had was spent buying model kits. So much so that my dad had to buy another suitcase.

1. First model kit?

MPC Pacer Wagon.

2. Preferred scale?

I flip flop between 48th and 72nd.

3. Preferred subject or subjects?

Aircraft from the 30's onward. With occasional cars to change it up now and then.

4. Favorite model built to date?

I would say my Accurate Miniatures Il-2. It was the first time that the weathering and distressing came out right.

5. Hardest model built to date?

I can't think of one but there have been a few that have been a hard fight to build.

6. Holy Grail kit?

Anigrand 1/72 C-5 Galaxy.

7. Favorite kit maker?

Overall for quality and quantity is Hasegawa.

8. Favorite glue or glues?

Tenex til it went out of business now any liquid cement.

9. Favorite paint?

I was a Floquil lover again until it went out of business. Now it's a combination of Tamiya Gunze and MRP.

10. What started you as a modeler?

My dad was a wood ship builder when he was young. I really enjoyed tinkering with things even as a little kid. At about 10 years old I became infatuated with aircraft. And it hasn't changed 40 years later.

I wish someone would start making Tenex again. That stuff was great!