1/48 F-16 Thunderbird Ejection 

by QC Tan

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Hi Folks,

Good to be back...Hope you enjoy this one.  I got the inspiration from seeing a photo shot of the event http://www.afforums.com/ppost/showphoto.php/photo/1004 

"Capt. Chris Stricklin ejects from the USAF Thunderbirds number six aircraft less than a second before it impacted the ground at an air show at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Sept. 14 2003. Stricklin, who was not injured, ejected after both guiding the jet away from the crowd of more than 60,000 people and ensuring he couldn't save the aircraft."

Too bad about the aircraft but Well Done on getting it out of the way!...and cheers to Staff Sgt. Bennie J. Davis III who took this fantastic photo! 

Click on images below to see larger images

This is a Academy Thunderbird Model OOB.  The fit was OK, but the decals were a pain. The only modification was to correct the flaps position.  The aircraft was held in 'flying' position by a acrylic rod (to simulate exhaust) and glued to a acrylic board.  The Canopy was stuck into position with CA  glue (if you notice a string, it is a redundant artifact).  No weathering was done since Thunderbirds are well kept and clean.  As for the ejection seat fume... Cotton with some airbrush paint (I'm sure you guessed that smilie)

If you have any interesting ideas for my next project, I am all ears ....

BTW...The video of the actual event is at the following: http://www.avweb.com/newswire/10_05a/briefs/186582-1.html

Cheers

QC

Photos and text © by QC Tan