As I look at an article on the Thunderbirds and Blue Angels I am dreaming of building a collection of these planes. May be a good cookup subject in the future. This would really stress those painting skills, or decaling skills as the case may be. When you consider the international teams we have today, this would be a huge pool of possible subjects that are extremely colorful.
Of course, I am still working on my submarine and I just have to build a flying boat. My major Hellcat build is slowing down production!
Ken Pugh
Yes Yes yes, aerobatic teams are a must. They span n from early biplanes to ultra modern jets. Count me in when it starts.
another project which would be interesting is the MISSING MAN FORMATION, one could use all one type of planes, or as witnessed in such places as Oshkosh, a combination of war birds from different eras.
Ted Billings
Ray posted an Air Progress drawing of the F9F Cougar in Blue Angels livery which caught my attention:
http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-628 (http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-628)
Lou, you made one these, didn't you?
Garet
I have not tried the Cougar yet but would be more interested in the Panther.
To clarify my position, I would build a single demonstrator aircraft. Some that come to mind would be aerobatic teams from the 50s/60s/70s. However, I am not even remotely close to committing yet. Too much on the bench.
It has been a while since this post has been revived. The first selection is the RAF Red Arrows BAe Hawks demonstration team. The AirToon version is presented for your viewing.
Lou
Forgot one.
I was fortunate to see the Frecce Tricolori aerobatic team in person in spring 2000 while on military duty in Italy. They are very impressive. I have started with drawings from http://richard.ferriere.free.fr/ and sized them to 1/48 scale. So far the fuselage block lamination is drying in 5 clamps and one wing plug has been cut.
Lou
The Aermacchi MB-339 was harder to complete than first anticipated but enjoyable regardless.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/10004/normal_DSCF1749.JPG)
Lou
Very nice indeed, Lou. I'm sure it was worth all the effort.
Cliff.
Thanks Cliff. They are always worthy of completion. Next time I will attempt an easier colours scheme.
Lou
Wikipedia quote: The Blue Devils or the 410 (F) Squadron Aerobatic Team was a Royal Canadian Air Force aerobatic team that flew the de Havilland Vampire jet aircraft from 1949 to 1951. The unit was the RCAF's first postwar aerobatic team, and belonged to the RCAF's first operational jet fighter squadron, No. 410 Squadron. Unquote
1/48 Scale DH-100 Vampire
Lou
P.S. My last military posting was with 410 Squadron. 410 Squadron and 433 Squadron share the CF-18 Hornet Demonstration team duties.
Very nice Lou, the decal flashes turned out great. Regards Paul J.
Thank you Paul.
Lou
Great job, Lou! I like the way how you painted the cockpit.
Looks really good.
Thank you Jorrit. Using thin strips of Tamiya tape works well for doing this type of work.
Lou
Lou, for your info I've placed 4 of your very nicely done posters concerning the up and coming year's competition. Also seemingly, the four that I've given out have been chiefly to model shops that still had last year's poster up some place. Still got two to go.
Cliff.
We need all the help we can get.
Lou
I had forgotten to add flying control outlines on this Vampire.
A worthy addition to your jet fleet Lou.
Barry.
Thank you Barry.
Lou
I would love to make 1 or 2 stunt planes but I have got at lest 7 planes to finish for Dad. :(
Abe
Forgot to include my Skylancers Sabre to the Aerobatic post.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/10004/normal_Completed_1-48_Sabre_005.jpg)
Lou
Latest Aerobatic aircraft from my bench. An Avon Sabre Mk 32 in Black Panther colours.
Lou
A Canadair Sabre Mk 5 in RCAF Golden Hawk colours.
Lou
PS Built 2014.
Missing is Garet's Snowbird. I have taken the liberty of adding it.
Lou
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_TutorTop_s.JPG)
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_TutorBottom_s.JPG)
A flying demonstrator that has been in my collection for over 30 years is a 1/24 Canadair Snowbird.
Lou
PS. I enjoy surfing old cook-ups and member boards.