wardog

I am literally in awe every time I read Rich's updates. Not only is the workmanship above and beyond anything I've ever seen, but the step-by-step tutorials are also a huge bonus...........TY, Rich! Elmo

Hello all, I recently finished my A-6 build and have many items left over that I'll never use. Most items are for the Monogram/Revell kit but can most likely be used on the Kinetic/Hobbyboss A-6 kits with minimal or no modifications required. Some of the items are incomplete, either because I used some of the parts, or I lost them. Some of the decal sheets are untouched, while others have had some decals used. However, the "used" decals can still come in handy for some of you. The prices are without shipping and are what I believe to be "fair" for what you're getting. All items sho

GW8346, Thanks for the explanation, it makes total sense. That also explains why in the pics I've seen of squadron personnel with chains draped over their necks/shoulders are of the same color too. Thanks again. Elmo

Hello all, Wondering if there are any experts out there regarding the tie-down chains typically used by the USN/USMC when securing aircraft on the boat or land. My question is regarding the "color" of the tie-down bodies; I've seen red, blue, yellow and green. In most of the pics I've seen on-line, the airplane is tied down with chains of all the same color; perhaps it's just a coincidence. Wondering if each squadron purposely use the same color, or perhaps, different aircraft models are assigned different colored tie-downs? Thanks

Hello Mr. Happy, great work you're doing on this Tomcat! I appreciate your "thinking out of the box" idea of using a toothpick to represent the antenna; however, curious as to why you chose a toothpick instead of styrene rod? -Elmo

Outstanding job on such an old, and brittle kit.

as usual, top-notch work that's second to none. I always enjoy seeing your updates as I'm always left speechless. Now I have to figure out why I'm no longer getting alerts for the builds I'm following. -E

Hello, kike, sorry for the late reply; for some reason I am no longer getting alerts when someone posts a comment. My next project will most likely be the Hasegawa A-4 "E or M" in 48th. I have a few of those kits in my stash and after the long-drawn-out A-6 build, I want to build something that is easier and won't take as long. Hoping to start that journey during the latter part of this year. I may lean towards the "M", but the "E" variants in the following link may change my mind. Double trouble: Douglas A-4E Skyhawk, VC-5, US Navy (1/48, Hasegawa) - Ready for Inspecti

Hello, Acuity, thanks for your kind comment. However, nothing could be further from the truth, but thanks anyway. -Elmo

Thank you all for your continued support and interest in my A-6; it truly feels like I've been on this thing forever. My goal is to have it finished in time to enter one of the bigger local shows in Southern California (Orangecon) during October. As far as the Nats goes, I'm not a fan of flying with models in tote so I may have to wait until it's back on the west coast so I can drive there. Hopefully within the next few months I can post some completed pics, and then, on to the next project. Cheers, Elmo

Hi, Rich, I'm just now catching up on your WIP thread.......all I can say is, Simply Amazing! The workmanship and attention to detail are second to none. Every time I see your work, I'm blown away. I really hope we get to see the phantom phinished one day: It'll be nothing short of amazing. Cheers, E

Hello all, Time for a very short update. Still plugging away on the beast and little by little, I'm getting closer to the finish line. There's a lot that's been done since my last post, but due to lack of time, I'm sharing just a few pics to show the current state of the build. The major items left to install are the outboard wing panels, extensible equipment cage and the tailhook. The balance should be just some minor stuff. Thanks for looking, E.

Hello Rod, Thanks for your comments; glad you like the build. The wash I used is Panel Liner for grey and blue from AK, see pic. I used the product directly over MRP paints which dry to a semi-gloss finish. Hope this helps. However, to provide a bit more depth and interest, I used Abteilung oil paint washes of slightly different colors in select areas. -Elmo

Hello Rich, I'm not sure I have enough left in the tank for such a project. I plan on keeping it simple for the next few builds, although I'm not quite sure what'll be after the A-4. Cheers, Elmo