“Capt. Eddie” A-7 Corsair II by GrandpaPhil - 1/48

[GrandpaPhil]

I’m turning an old commercial model of an A-7 into the plane that a friend of mine actually flew back in the 1980’s.

 

The model is old, plastic and had been through a flood.

It was in pretty bad shape.

 

The weapons racks are broken and many of the bombs are missing.

 

One of the sidewinders is missing along with its hard point.

 

It didn’t have a stand either.

 

When it is done, this plane will go to my friend’s former employer and be placed in one of their display cases for permanent display.

 

I started working on the model a couple days ago.

I cleaned it up and made a flight base for it.

I removed the weapons racks.

 

This model has a deadline so making new racks and replacing those missing pieces is contingent on how long the rest takes.

 

I have already made new sidewinder racks that are much more accurate than the old ones.

 

I added a FLIR pod and am currently debating on how to make a tail hook and the pitot tubes.

 

I’ll make all of the antennas out of card.

 

This one will have the gray camouflage scheme with Strategic Air Command markings.

[Canute]

Phil, that looks like a Vought factory model, given to new pilots checking out in. I have an F-4E, looking very old. Very nice of you to restore it. The gray scheme is one of the later schemes for the SLUF (Short Little Ugly Fella). I do question the SAC markings, since these were tactical aircraft. Active duty bases were at Davis-Monthan, AZ, Myrtle Beach, SC and Korat, Thailand. And there were numerous Air National Guard bases. A-7s were at Korat to replace the USAF A-1s that were being retired. They flew Sandy missions as part of the combat search and Rescue (SAR) missions. Looking forward to your refreshing the old girl.

[GrandpaPhil]

Ken,

  You are correct about the SAC markings.  
 

Upon a second look at my reference photos, that is the unit marking for an ANG tactical fighter wing, not SAC.

 

Good catch!

 

 

Edited June 1 by GrandpaPhil

[GrandpaPhil]

I added all the pieces that the old model was missing compared to the actual aircraft.

 

Once the glue cures, I will seal the model and begin painting.

 

I wasn’t going to do a build log for this one, because I’m just taking an old model and essentially bashing it into a different aircraft.

 

But, there are many of you who are far more knowledgeable than I am about these aircraft.

[Canute]

Phil, we are here to help. 😄 The SLUF was the jet I wanted to fly after I got my pilot's wings. The AF chose another career path for me. 😉

 

That model came loaded with weaponry in use in the late 60s/early 70s. Very nice. My Phantom had 4 Sparrow radar missiles and the nose mounted cannon. Pretty bare bones.

 

Nice work on the antennas and sensors.

[GrandpaPhil]

Thank you very much!

The model has been primed black:

The stand will now get gloss coated and the plane itself will be painted a light grey except for the canopy.

 

The canopy will be gloss coated much like the faceplates of the last round of Terran Marines, from the Starcraft franchise, that I painted.

 

Then I’ll add the darker gray stripes and start on some markings!

[GrandpaPhil]

The model has been base coated light gray now:

I hand painted the canopy.  It needs touched up, but that will wait until after the model gets dark gray stripes.

 

First,  I need to let the model dry for about an hour.

[Canute]

Phil, that color is pretty close to the belly color on most Viet Nam era jungle camo paint jobs, It's too light for the later Ghost Gray schemes, though. Coming along nicely.

[Old Collingwood]

Very nice  start  to this  Phil.

 

OC.

[GrandpaPhil]

Thank you both very much!

 

The camouflage pattern is painted on and looks pretty close to the original aircraft.

 

The shades of gray are a little off, but the paint on the actual aircraft is pretty faded.

 

The grays are a little darker than in the photos too.

 

Next, I need to add a blue and white tail flash and do all the minor detail painting.

 

Somewhere along the way I need to touch up the canopy and gloss coat the glass.

 

I need to gloss coat the base too.

 

I have photos of the actual plane to make markings from.

 

I’ll import trimmed down pictures into Word and resize them.

 

Then, I’ll print the markings in color and clear coat both sides of the paper, much like on a normal card model, and cut them out/glue them on.

 

Hopefully, I’ll have this one done by Friday.

 

 

[Egilman]

46 minutes ago, GrandpaPhil said:

I have photos of the actual plane to make markings from.

 

I’ll import trimmed down pictures into Word and resize them.

 

Then, I’ll print the markings in color and clear coat both sides of the paper, much like on a normal card model, and cut them out/glue them on.

Ah yes the lost art of printing stenciling... Completely old school I love it!!! The camo look good as well.... (using grey greys instead of grey blues)

USAF A-7E Corsair II at the Davis Monthan boneyard....

[GrandpaPhil]

I didn’t get it done by last Friday, because I ran into some unforeseen challenges.

 

However, Capt. Eddie is now complete!

This has been a fun rebuild!

 

Now, it is time to finish Esther’s ratlines!

Edited Wednesday at 11:01 PM by GrandpaPhil

[Old Collingwood]

That looks so good Phil  -  full  of charm.

 

OC.

[Coyote_6]

That looks fabulous - awesome color choices.  Much sharper than the beginning state for sure.  Well done Phil.  Nice interlude.

[Canute]

Good looking SLUF, Phil. 👍

[GrandpaPhil]

Thank you all very much!