I thought I’d put a few photos of my latest up, though it’s still a little personal. It’s an entirely fictional piece, done for my father. This past May we saw the passing of my younger brother, Ross, after an 18 year fight with Multiple Sclerosis, at the age of 37. My father had likened the 18 year struggle to watching a pilot wounded and dropping, and being able to do nothing. I wanted to do something for him to remember Ross prior to the disease, so I took his favorite plane, the Spitfire, and dressed it in a B scheme. I decided then to personalize it, using Ross’ name as the radio call letters, and in a nod to his Canadian birth, I changed the roundels to RCAF roundels. Finally, I used his birthdate for the serial numbers. I’ve set it on a small wooden board, and not pictured, I’ve made a wood and plexiglass cover for the piece.
I used Aires resin wheels, Eduard fabric belts, AML B scheme camo masks, Maketer RAF and RCAF masks for letters, roundels and fin flashes. I used a CMK Merlin engine, Vallejo paints througout and Flory washes for the panel lines. Eduard’s etch added those little details here and there, speaker wire strands made my main gear brake lines and added a little bit to the Merlin engine. I scrounged a decent kill tally out of an old decal sheet, I figure you don’t get to fight that long without a good kill record.
Andrew, yours is one of the most moving posts I’ve ever read, on this forum or any other. That is a beautiful tribute to your brother, and your father must be so proud of that. Many thanks for showing us and letting us share in your family’s loss and now, your tribute. I think I’ve got a little dust in my eyes…can’t keep them from watering.
Andrew - What a thoughtful tribute to your brother, for your dad, who I’m sure will be delighted to have it. A very nice job you made of it, Ross’s name in the call letters is something quite special indeed. I extend my condolences for your loss, (I’ll bet you were a great brother to him.) Thank you for sharing such a significant story. I wish you the best.
Tried to explain it to my wife, but just couldn’t get through it. My heart breaks for you and your family. He is, I’m sure, in a place where his body, mind, and soul are whole once again. Somehow wow, just doesn’t say it for your build. Kuddos… You’re a good brother, Charlie Brown… Raymond
I am touched by your thread. Sorry for your loss and I love how you created the Spitfire in memoriam for your brother. No doubt he’s looking down at you smiling. Well done!
Andrew, our thoughts and blessings go out to you and your family on your loss. What you did is nothing short of awesome. You honored your brother and I’m sure made your dad very proud. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you very much everyone, more than anything I’m glad I get to celebrate him and share some memory of him. I’d like to thank you ALL for the very kind words, I cannot say how much that means to me.
I’m sorry for your loss Andrew. I’m still grieving from the loss of my Dad last year so, I certainly understand. Anyways, that’s a gorgeous Spit and wonderful tribute…thank you for sharing.
Agree! Very nice tribute. My dad passed about a year ago and I want to build a Skyraider in his honor. I have not built lately due to work but will tackle it soon hopefully. I do plan on a couple of easy practice builds to knock off the rust first.
