tc`s VF-111 `Sundowners` `upgrade to 1/48` Project

[tc2324]

Here TC goes again scratching - I think that we should rename you Scratchy from now on!

Keep it going

Steve

Cheers mate.

Just as long as you don`t start calling me Itchy, I can live with that...

[paddyboy]

Hi Scratchy

I am peeking



Cheers

Patrick

[tc2324]

Final update piccie for this build prior to the final shots. I`m just awaiting the white star/1 decal, although I could just complete it in this scheme if I wanted.

Added a probe, fuel tanks and `winders to hopefully `complete` the look.

[Mosquito]

This looks wonderful mate, I really like the finish you've achieved on this.

[paddyboy]

Hi TC

Top notch as always

Cheers

Patrick

[steve149c]

Great job again TC! Really stunning conversion

[tc2324]

Taking a break from Tigers, I head back in time and onto the other side of the world and the Pacific.

Now, as some may or may not know, The USN squadron that we know as VF-111 `Sundowers` actually started life as VF-11 `Sundowners`. Unlike us Brit`s, the Americans do not seem that sentimental when it comes to unit designations and tend to change names around. For instance, VF-11 became VF-11A post war for a couple of years before getting the VF-111 prefix.

Due to a clerical error in 1944 VF-86 on the Atlantic coast also bore the title `Sundowners` until they transferred to the Pacific and the error was spotted. (VF-86 became the `Wild Hares`)

The Sundowner patch has/had two Wildcats shooting down a Rising Sun, but that is not the full story for the Sundowners title. A `Sundowner` is an old nautical term referring to a diligent worker, a sailor that works all day until the sun goes down.

So..., enough of the history..... and on to the subject.





Charles R Stimpsom, (decal sheet missed out the P) is the highest scoring ace in VF-111 history and credited with 16 confirmed kills. 6 in a Wildcat and 10 in the Hellcat. He passed away in 1983.

[paddyboy]

Hi TC



'nuff said

Looking forward to this b-i-g time

Best regards

Patrick

[tc2324]

Spent time building the cockpit and engine. Quite happy with both so far.

[paddyboy]

'Quite happy'

So you blinkin' should be

Best regards

Patrick

[tc2324]

Have to say I`m really enjoying this kit. The fit is great so far, the detail excellent and it`s all very easy on the eyes as well.

Pretty much the main build is complete so it`s off to the paint shop. Just one last look at the radial before it becomes concealed by the cowling.

[paddyboy]

Hi TC

All that engine work, and then you go and put a blinkin' cowling on it

Looks great, mate

Best regards

Patrick

[tc2324]

Thanks Patrick.

So with everything going well with the kit the one thing to let me down was the tc logistics division......

Here`s how she looks upright....,



...... and here she is upside down.....



... that's right, I ran out of spray paint. Thinking I had another in the supplies..., it turned out I was wrong.

On the plus side I did manage to start sorting out the prop. As you will notice from the first picture I corrected the prop boss from the decal profile by painting it white.
All aircraft from the USS Hornet on the 1944 cruise had this done as a way of easy identification.

I also managed to correct the engine/prop gearbox by painting it `grey` as it should be.



Now stalled until the new spray paint arrives.

[steve149c]

Looking great there TC - nice colour blue too!

[paddyboy]

Hi TC

Lost for words

Great work

Best regards

Patrick

[tc2324]

With the `resupply` complete, I finished the paint work and have started on the decals.

[paddyboy]

Hi TC

You don't need me to tell you she is looking g-r-e-a-t

Best regards

Patrick

[tc2324]

Just a couple more tweeks to go before the final `finished` shots.

[paddyboy]

Hi TC

Looks like a weather-beaten warbird to me

Well done and best regards

Patrick

[tc2324]

And so moving onto my next project, it`s about time I got round to getting this done as it`s been sitting in the stash for the last 8 months or so.



Now on the whole, I`m not really into CAG birds. That `rainbow` effect added to the tail marking really does not do it for me. So what to do..., what to do...??

Well, how about a more interesting `Sundowner` Phantom with a bit of history to it...?

MiG killer me thinks.......



.... and here she is shortly after her run in with the MiG-17.....



.... finished with a picture of the happy crew shortly after landing from the encounter.....