SPA Modeler

Hello folks, I hope you are all doing well. I thought I'd share the first of my two Tamiya Jugs I've been asked to build (I'll be starting the second one soon). Not only is the Tamiya Jug my all time favorite kit, as it's pure modeling bliss to me, but this was fun because it's out of the norm, a Pacific machine based on Saipan in 1944. It's Hal Dunning's "Smokepole" of the 318th FG. I could not find much information on Dunning, only that he flew 219 combat missions and he died in 2010 at age of 89. Thank you for your service sir. This is a pretty neat pic, it gave me Olive Drab weathering ideas.



I was given license to "beat the devil out of it" (as Bob Ross would say)..... so I did. I used AK Interactive Real Colors Olive Drab and faded Olive Drab over Neutral Grey. I recently discovered the nifty Uschi Spatter templates which makes the basing technique a chinch. It's just a matter of lightening or darkening the paint to get the effect you want. Chipping was a mix of the hairspray techique and liquid frisket. Extras are Ultracast wheels and PE seatbelts (I went with the green ones for a change). I wired the engine and landing gears. Main markings were painted on with Maketar masks. The decals used were by Superscale. I had no issues.

Here's Smokepole decked out for some serious ground attack carnage.












A few in-progress pics.....

Great looking Jug and glad to see you posting on here

Wonderfully realistic Lawdog, and some of your finest work (and that's really sayin' somethin'!) in my opinion! Who wouldn't love that!?!?

Great work!



- Kari

Outstanding! Great subject with interesting OD and NMF combo. I too love that kit, both the bubble top and the razorback and intend to build a few more. Very interested in those splatter templates - I'll have to add those to the next shopping list.

Good to see you back on here Lawdog! That is one great looking war weary Jug! Bravo!

Absolutely incredible work.

Joe you've done it again. Spectacular

Floki wrote:Great looking Jug and glad to see you posting on here

Thanks bud

Gary Brantley wrote:Wonderfully realistic Lawdog, and some of your finest work (and that's really sayin' somethin'!) in my opinion! Who wouldn't love that!?!?

Thanks Gary! I don't know about that but I'll take it!