I thought I’d post some pics of my 1/72 F-15A Baz of the IDF/AF which I built earlier this year. The kit is the old-tool version (kit C6), kitbashed with parts from other F-15 kits (like the landing gear wheels, fuel tanks, pitot tubes, and some of the cockpit parts). I removed the ailerons and stabilators, then reattached them in a more relaxed position. For ordnance, I went with for an air superiority load (4x AIM-7 Sparrow, 2x AIM-9 Sidewindows and two Python IV AAM’s). The Python IV missiles were scratchbuilt from styrene rod and sheet. For the finish, I used Model Master Acryls for the Ghost Gray scheme. The camo was accomplished using an Aztek A470, with paper masks suspended above the model’s surface for a nice feathered effect (little rolls of Blu-Tak works really well for this). SnJ Spray was used for the natural metal areas while MM Metalizers were used for the exhaust nozzles. The decals are from Sky’s Decals (nice set, allows you do almost any F-15A-D in IDF/AF service) The markings represent a/c 695 of the Twin Tails squadron (nicknamed ‘The Star’ as noted by the Hebrew script on the radome). Very little was done weathering wise. Just some pastel staining here and there, plus a wash in the landing gear bays, struts, and wheels. For a final touch, I used fine wire which was sharpened to represent AOA probes.
Thanks for looking, all comments and critiques are welcomed.
Terrific paint job – both color interpretation and application. Marvelous tight edge between the colors. I had to double check I was looking at a 72nd job. Care to comment on the painting?
Thanks Hawxboss. Given the patterns on the wings, tails, and stabilators, it was easier to use paper masks to insure symmetry on both sides, plus to have the feathered demarcation lines. The fuselage was done with Blu-Tak rolled into sausages and applied right on the model (the airbrush was sprayed at an angle to the Blu-Tak to keep the edges feathered). I still haven’t mastered the black art that is spraying MM acrylics freehand (I could have used enamels as I have no problem spraying camo freehand with them, but I’m trying to ween myself from them. Not much success on that front I’m afraid).
Those are ‘No Push’ and ‘No Step’ stencils. They came from the decal set that came with the kit which represents an F-15 from the early 1980’s. Most of the stencils on the real jets have been painted over during repaints (except for the major stencils), so you don’t see them as bold (or at all). I am sure that applies to IDF F-15s as well. If anything they add a little visual interest (though I went nuts applying them. [:P] )
