I don’t build many 1/72 scale anymore, but I wanted to see how the shrunk down Tamiya kit compared to the earlier 1/48 release. The kit is easily the best Razorback in this scale with finely engraved panel lines & excellent detail. It lacks some of the features of the 1/48 kit such as optional open cowl flaps, closed fuselage vents, & dropped flaps, but still builds into an excellent model. Decals are included for a late version of Little Chief as well as Sleepy Time Gal. I had already built a late version of Little Chief in 1/48, but picked up an Eagle Cals decal sheet which included markings for an earlier version of the scheme.
The aircraft was flown by Lt. Frank Klibbe who achieved ace status with 7 confirmed victories. Klibbe was from Anderson Indiana & the Little Chief/Anderson Indian scheme was a reference to his High School.
There were 2 airframes named Little Chief & at least 4 versions of the scheme. This model depicts the early airframe with the second marking scheme. For some reason, the S in Anderson was never painted on the aircraft. Eagle Cals provides the S as a separate decal, but I decided to depict the model as it existed & not finish the artists work.
The model was built OOB & painted with ModelMaster & Floquil enamels. Panel lines were accented with washes of Paynes Grey & Burnt Umber. Chipping & weathering were minimal, as photos show the aircraft to be in immaculate condition. The OD was waxed to maximize performance & appears glossy in photos, but I chose to show the model in a flat finish.
The large & Small of it. This shows the 1/72 build with it’s 1/48 sibling. I built the 1/48 version a few years ago, shortly after Tamiya released the kit. The 1/48 model shows the final evolution of Little Chief.
Hope you enjoyed this long winded post & the peek at Little Chief.
all i can say is - wow ! thats a really nice 1/72 bird, could have fooled me that it was 1/48 if not for the fact that it doesnt take up enough space in the picture so i know you had to have it far away enough for the lens to focus. but again, wow, that is a really cool thing you have there, two similar birds, both excellent looking.
third time and i think it deserves it - wow [:)]
Two great-looking builds, Rick. I always enjoy reading a bit of background info on the planes and pilots too, so didn’t find the post long-winded at all.
Beautiful work! The 1/48 is probably my favorite kit in the whole world and I have another sitting on the shelf to be built! Tamiya’s 'Jugs are super kits and i would like to tackle the 1/72 after Christmas. Your build has inspired me to go out and get the kit!
Great work, Rick. The 56th is a particular favorite of mine, and it’s always interesting to see a/c from the group as builds on the forum. Thanks for posting.
Chris, Daniel, Keyworth, Mike, Thanks for the posts & comments. Much appreciated.
Chris, No post shading in the usual way, but I used an Acrylic wash over Future & let it smudge a bit around the panel lines. It gives a similar effect as spraying with something like Tamiya Smoke, but it’s a little easier to do, especially in 1/72 scale.
