This modest
replication of the F-15E Strike Eagle by Revell is the first model I'm
submitting to ARC and also only the second model I have ever built by myself
since helping my father build jet fighter models a very, very long time ago in
my all too distant youth. About a month ago I built a 1/48 Apache in honor of my
father who used to work for Mcdonnell Douglas both as a mechanic and later
programming various computer components for their version of the AH-64 Apache
until he was diagnosed with ALS a few years ago. Unfortunately I rather rushed
that one and being very out of practice I wasn't all that happy with the
finished product, particularly the paint job which I did completely by hand, so
as you can imagine the paint job on that one came out rather thick and just
sloppy looking especially compared to many of the excellent models submitted
here by other modelers.
Being recently
unemployed and spending a lot of time with my nephew Jonathan this summer he was
rather impressed with my Apache although I wasn't, so I decided to build another
model of his choice for him. Having learned from the many mistakes I made
rushing the previous Apache model I took my time with this one and I hope it
shows, particularly in the paint job which I am much happier with. I tried to do
my best to give it a somewhat weathered look, and although I am very happy with
the panel lines and overall paint job/scheme I still have a lot to learn about
reproducing a truly authentic weathered look particularly in regards to how
airflow informs the patterns and direction of the weathering. All in all I had
an immense amount of fun building and painting this F-15E and more importantly I
got to spend some great time with my nephew and got him away from the ridiculous
amount of hours he puts in playing video games and also got him interested in
building aircraft models himself!
Click on
images below to see larger images
Obviously
no aftermarket parts were used and while I put a lot of effort into the detail
of the cockpit I unfortunately found it very hard to get a good, focused picture
of that detail. I also mixed and matched some of the alternate decals so this
F-15E isn't exactly an accurate replication of any specific air combat squadron.
I also decided to remove the fuel tanks and missiles as it made it very
cumbersome for my nephew to handle the model while he uses it as a reference for
drawings. Furthermore I wanted him to appreciate this and all aircraft more as
wonders of modern engineering and ingenuity than as a war machine. Lastly I also
added the JB on the topside of the right wing as they are my nephews initials.
I
hope you all enjoy the finished product as much as I enjoyed building and
painting it!
My thanks to Steve Bamford maintaining ARC and to everyone who has submitted pictures of their
wonderful aircraft models and craftsmanship.
I have gotten much inspiration and
many ideas from all of you, keep up the great work!
Peace, health and longlife.....
David
Ull aka Meurglys
Click on
images below to see larger images
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