Hello folks, things have gotta a bit less hectic lately so I’ve been able to peruse the forums a bit more. 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.
The depth of detail you achieve is outstanding mate. I have one of these birds on my building desk and won’t come close to this in finish, another brilliant build. Just looking at the mask and stencil manufactures you mention, THANK YOU!
Brilliant as always. Hey Lawdog, next build you post can you provide in progress pictures of the various stages of paint? The finish you achieve is remarkable
All around great model, build quality, finish, decals and weathering, all first rate. I’m too old and shakey now to do work even approaching that, but seeing your work is always appreciated very much.
Thank you. I stopped doing work in progress threads due to perceived lack of interest in them. On your request I’ll do one on the bubbletop just started, particularly how I do this technique. It’s actually pretty simple.
Did a P-47 for a friend who flew them in WWII. Didn’t turn out as good as yours but he and his wife were very pleased with it. He passed away a year after I gave it to him. His son now has it on his desk with an EF11 that he flew that was made for him by another member of our club.
It’s great being able to build a model and give it to the guy who flew the original. He had the small gold P-47 on the chain around his wifes neck made for her when they got married. He told her to always keep it on and there would always be a P-47 watching her 6.
Thanks Jim. What an awesome story! I’m sure this hero was appreciative. It’s a shame we’re starting to lose all of them now as they push 100. There will never be another generation like them.
That’s a great looking plane. I built Oscar Perdomo’s P-47N Little Meat Chopper about 10 years or so ago. His nephew saw it on here and bought it off me. That was a great feeling.