SPA Modeler

Having been wanting to do this project for a LONG time, I bought Hellers 1/72 Fouga Magister, to build "In Memory" of Roger Simpson. Roger based his Fouga at my airport, back when I was working on my Private Pilot license (late 90's-2000). He also had a Stearman, that he took me up in and gave me enough stick time to log in my log book. He also said, if the timing worked out, that he'd give me a ride in the Fouga. Sadly, I was only a month away from moving out of state, and it didn't happen.
On June 16, 2001, while on final approach in La Crosse WI, the left tip tank came off, followed by further breaking up of the wing, resulting in a firey crash, killing Roger and passenger (his friends newlywed wife).

This Heller kit is not great, but it was cheap, available, and looks like a Magister. Having had "feelers" out for years, at my airport for any pics or details remembered about Rogers plane, leading nowhere....and having only one old pic turn up...



accident report link

That pic is what I based this off of. It seems as though I vaguely recall some insignias ans different #'s, but 15 years fogs the memory...and nobody else at my airport remembers either....SO...those who remember there being a Fouga at the airport, will see this model (which will be displayed at the airport) and remember Roger, so regardless of the accuracy, the model will serve its purpose.

Sorry to hear that Fermis. I do recall you telling us of that. You will do it justice.

Sorry to hear of your friend's death. Such a tragedy no doubt. A nice tribute on the build Fermis.

Thanks guys!

To be honest, a can't really say "friend", as I didn't really know him, but being based at the same airport, he was "one of our own", so to speak. The ride in the Stearman was kind of a fluke. I was in the terminal building, waiting for "my" plane to come back so I could go fly. Roger pulled up, about 5th in line at the fuel pump. One of the workers, that I had become well acquainted with, said "Follow me"!...We went out and he told Roger "Hey...it's gonna be at least 20-25 minutes before you can get fuel, why don't ya take this guy up for a spin"! He obliged...and made this student pilot's day!



In addition to the Magister, I did Special Hobby's (MPM) 1/72 Zephyr...navalized Magister. This kit is far superior to the Heller kit...There is also parts to do a Magister trainer and some weapons. Main differences between the two (Mag/Zeph) are the nose and gear, canopy and tail cone.

Just like the Magister, I used MM Metalizers and mixed the orange with MM enamels, with a Minwax gloss lacquer.

Sad story Fermis, but great idea, great builds!

Glad (if I can say so?) to see not only one, but two Fougas!

That small special looking bird is one of my all time favorites,

- Kari

They both look brilliant and well done on commemorating one of your own. I also built the Heller Magister in 1/72 scale, doing mine s a German bird. I didn't know enough about this aircraft to know how bad the Heller kit was; I had a blast building it. It was even the best bare metal finish I'd ever done at the time.

Well done once again, both of them look magnificent.

Thanks again guys.

I can finally call this "project" completely complete!

Got the Magister into the display cabinet at the airport. It's nice to have this done, after almost 15 years of wanting to get it done!

Way to go Fermis! It's great to see this in the cabinet next to everything else. Looking great!