“It’s better to be first than last” (as in First of 2009) was my catch phrase as I found myself trying to rush this through for 2008. But in the end I’m glad i didn’t rush it through.
Here is my entry to the “Forgotten War” GB: the Hobbycraft T-33 in 1/48. It’s a nice old kit and the decals were acceptable…especially since I couldn’t find any other Korean War T-33 decals. The finish is Alclad’s “chrome” with several other shades to offset random panel.
Big thanks to Mr. C. Wayne Sharp, who’s Korean War T-33 build I used extensively as a reference. I corresponded with him via e-mail and he was kind enough to send me some detailed cockpit pictures he hadn’t posted of his build. His build was all the inspiration I needed to build a T-33.
This is my first "in flight: build and I’m happy with how it looks “in flight”. The idea to do this hit me mid-build: after I realized I forgot to add nose weights and all possible areas were glue shut! [:I]
I also had a disaster with the yellow band which cracked after application to a white undercoat. My best guess is that the undercoat hand’t cured and the yellow paint reacted poorly to it. I had to sand off the yellow without touching the Alclad and then re-shoot. The band is not perfectly symmetrial but I once again hired a cameraman who hid this well in the photos.
I borrowed the “smoke” display idea from other modellers I’ve seen on this and other forums. Just some stuffing “donated” from one of my childrens’ toys. I haven’t told them “Stripey” had liposuction yet. Shhhhhh![:-^]
Now THAT is what I am talking about! Exceptional work Charles, especially with that rakish pose and the smoke trail behind. Looks like she’s beat-feeting it outta the way of trouble. One of the nicest T-33’s I have seen in a long time. [^]
WOWSER. Charles man that is sharp and shiny. Freakin’ beautiful. The pose is fantastic. Looks like it is about to excute a perfect hammerheard. [tup][tup][tup] You get 3 from me.
Thanks a million Roger, Frank, Kevin, Ken, Marc, John Justen and Rick. Your comments really mean a lot to me.
The funny thing about the smoke is it actually looks better in the pictures than up close. Many times the flash or lighting can makea build look off color, show too much wash, etc. but this is a rare case where the “smoke” is more convincing on a monitor!
