SPA Modeler

Well, since Thunderbolts seem to be popular, here's my one and only, thus far. It is the ancient ex-Hawk kit sold by Testors in the 80s. It has to be 60 years old I'd say. The kit came with parts for a razorback or bubble-top version of the D model. I chose the razorback simply because that insert fit better. This build is old, around 20 years back; it was inspired by an article in FSM by Dr. Paul Budzik. His model was 1/32 but I tried to use as many of his ideas and techniques as I could.

"Okie" was the mount of Quince Brown who unfortunately did not survive the war. The kit has several inaccuracies according to Tom Cleaver who saw this on another site and reflecting it's vintage, I'm not surprised. I just built her out of the box so all that is no doubt true. I cut the cowl flaps in order to show them open and that required a bit of engineering to then mount the cowl. I added quite a bit of detail in the cockpit, on the engine and some brake lines. The horizontal stabs were lowered and the gun barrels drilled.

This was also one of the first builds where I tried to modulate the paint finish a bit but it is almost unseen in the pics. I’m sure I was too timid in my efforts. The decals mark her as a 84th Fighter Squadron plane with the 78th Fighter Group, operating out of Duxford, Cambridge in 1944. Thanks for your interest!

love the tinted airport pics, looks legit!

It may not be state of the art, but it looks pretty good from here! Nicely done (as usual).

Old kit but nice model. Once again, it shows that modelling skills can make a silk purse out of an sow's ear.

That is a great looking build, Gary! Great!!

Thanks Owl, Stik, Borg and Lyle! Your comments mean so much to me; I'm glad you all found something to like about my Jug. It is a rather crude old kit but it can be built into a fairly nice model. A true "foor-footer" I guess compared to today's fine kits, I guess I won't mind too much displaying it alongside my Monogram Jug bubbletop or a Tamiya P-47 when I get one of those.

It might be wishful thinking but my retirement is just a couple years away and man, do I have a lot of modeling plans! I keep repeating to myself, "two more years, two more years", usually every time another 7th or 8th grade class walks in, Thanks again my friends.
Gary

Gary, you can always be a plumber.... With 7th and 8th graders, two years is a life sentence! The time should fly by. I can't wait on your behalf. I was wondering if I would "miss" JCPS...haven't thought very much about it at all, and now that the wife is retired from there, too...it is even more of a dim memory.

Uh, no, I couldn't be a plumber. For one, I don't have the cleavage for the job and every time I've tried to do some minor plumbing job (you know, to save money?), I've had to resort to calling the actual plumber to fix it right. This after I've spent money and time and basically threw both down the drain Then I get to spend more money having it done right.

You know Lyle, one of the best things about a teaching job (career?) is how quickly the days go by. Each day is divided up into eight 50 minute periods and I think that causes time to fly by. I'm sure the next two will be the same. Heck, each year it seems like no time before we're talking about Thanksgiving and next thing you know, it's Christmas and half the year is done! I do sincerely hope that I can "catch up" with my model building in a couple years. Then, I can actually have some new builds to show!

you know, Im actually considering going back and getting a teaching degree...

just gotta save up some money for books first! lol

Good for you hun! We need a lot more good teachers in the profession. There are many great ones but it is a challenging business and many bail out quick. But, you just can't beat the holidays! If I can help in any way just send me a PM, I'll do what I can to advise or suggest.
Gary