This is Monogram’s F-80C, in 1/48 scale. It was painted with SnJ Aluminum, and some panels were polished with their aluminum powder, while others weren’t, in an attempt to give the finish a bit of variety. I replaced the kit exhaust with part of a ballpoint pen, and made some “hinges” from fine copper wire to hold the gun-bay panel open (it gave me fits keeping it glued in place until that mod). Decals are aftermarket. The twin whip antennae underneath are just stretched sprue, and about the only other non-stock additions. I did detail the gun-bay and radio a little as well.
I photographed her out at the airport a few years ago. The wind was really gusting that day and I had to curtail the session early. So, I only have a handful of decent shots. I was glad that I didn’t knock-off either drop tank. They disengaged (read: knocked off!) a couple times just moving the model around the display cabinet! To say their attachment is tenuous is an understatement. [;)]
In the very first issue of FSM magazine that I ever bought (Jan. ’89), there was an article by the great Bob Steinbrun on converting this old kit into one of the YP-80s that were sent to Europe in the waning days of World War Two. Bob did an incredible job and it sort of inspired me several years later when I built this Korean War-era bird. So, here’s the “Salty Dog” at the Cameron Airport.
Thanks for taking a lot at the “Salty Dog”. As you can see, I have a soft-spot for the old Monogram quarter scalers. I hope you like this one!
Very cool old school mods. I remember the article you mentioned, but I think my copy disappeared years ago. FSM should rerun some of those old articles.
Well they dont call them “drop tanks” for nothing. lol.
Beautiful build, Gary. And again, beautiful shots!
The old Monogram 48s are beautiful kits, even by today’s standards. Although I collect 1/72 Ive been able to build a number of them and theyre really great kits!
Looks great! As has been said - good photography as well. Do you prefer SnJ or Alclad? I’ve not used either but just ordered some Alclad for my P-47M when I get around to building it.
I was at an airshow where they had a T-33 with it’s radio bay open.
My buddy Airman Jim told the guy, “I could rebuild that ARC-3 crystal set for you”.
“Sure, that’d be swell, but who’d be out there to listen ?”.
Those tip tanks weren’t really drop tanks. They were prefered to stay on the aircraft. They made the plane fly poorly if one emptied and the other stayed full. In that case they could be jettisoned.
"Now this ain’t no shit " story I heard from a jet jockey. One emptied, the other didn’t but would not be released. Guy opens the canopy and shoots a bunch of holes in it with his .45.
Mike, I’ve never used Alclad so I can’t make a comparison. I don’t believe SnJ is still available, or is it? At any rate, I think it’s a great paint and really easy to use. I have one unopened bottle that I’m hoarding.[:D]
I don’t really think it’s a dumb kit. Old yes, maybe a couple fit issues but some “modern” kits have those too. Like many Monogram models, there is a lot of bang for the buck. [;)] A friend from another model forum has Bob Steinbrun’s YP-80 in his collection now and he kindly sent me a bunch of pics of that masterpiece. I would post a couple here but they make my bird look pretty shabby…oh, what the hell! I hope Bob doesn’t mind if he should happen upon them.
That looks really nice for an older kit. Great job. But, you need to speak to the crew cheif and let him know that there is a massive hydraulic leak that needs his attention.
Great work on this one. My grandpa transitioned from F-51s to these, flying strategic air defense stateside in the 50s, so obviously I need to build one someday. Would you recommend this kit? Or is there a better F-80 kit out there?
Thanks Brett, that’s a great compliment. You are so right, I do need to start something fresh. I was talking to my wife about that just last night. I’m in a terrible modeling slump at the moment. I have three stalled aircraft builds right now.
As for the NMF GB, would a 1/24 1936 Auto Union C qualify? [:D] I’m struggling over whether to drop $170 for a resin kit on Ebay. It would be silver of course! Man, with that much scratch invested, I would have to build it. [:O]
Holy crap Tex! I just took a peek at her…you should do it. =] Sounds like a lot to drop, but she looks gorgeous. I would even have to jump ship and go auto for a few months. lol Seems like a NMF to me. I say bring it! In the rules it talks only of aircraft, but I don’t think it would be problem to squeeze in something that beautiful.
