Ghostbase Posted November 25, 2017 Share Posted November 25, 2017 Based at Suwon (K-13) during the Korean War in 1952, "Evil Eye Fleagle" was a Lockheed F-80C Shooting Star serial 49-547 assigned to the 36th FBS (Fighter Bomber Squadron) under the 8th FBG (Fighter Bomber Group). The Lockheed Shooting Star was a first generation jet and as the Korean war progressed the type struggled against the MiG-15 however performed sterling service in the bomber role in a very harsh environment. This is the HobbyBoss 1/48th kit of the F-80C, it can be built as "Evil Eye Fleagle" or the equally well-known "Saggin Dragon". I chose the first aircraft as it was supposed to be a quick build and I didn't have the blue paint needed for "Saggin Dragon". If I recall correctly the HobbyBoss kit was slated for the inaccurately sized air intakes. MJW Models were offering the kit at a very reasonable price so I decided to give it a try. It went together very well and needed a minimum of filler which is a real bonus for me anyways! The decals also went on well however the kit instructions are a little bit vague. I added Misawa wing-tip tanks which are correct for 1952 however as far as I can tell they didn't carry the red stripes as shown in the instructions. I wanted to depict a worn and well-used Korean theatre aircraft. Currently I don't have a functioning airbrush so I decided to use a rattle can of Halfords Aluminium which went on really well. Detail painting was done by using Vallejo Model-Color acrylics and again these went on well. I then mixed some dark grey paint with enamel thinners and brushed this over the entire aircraft to give a "dirty" look then sealed it all with a matt Humbrol spray. The only thing I am not happy with is the canopy painting, I used Vallejo Silver then Airfix 11 acrylic silver but it didn't go on very well though hopefully I can get away with it by claiming it is "Korean weathering" and wear and tear! So was it worth it? Yes, I now have an in-theatre Korean workhorse and I love this old first generation jet. Some learning for the next time, maybe the RF-80 kit next? Michael 19 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
exdraken Posted November 25, 2017 Share Posted November 25, 2017 Nice model! Congrats!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corsairfoxfouruncle Posted November 26, 2017 Share Posted November 26, 2017 Nice F-80 👍 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CurrantBunbury Posted November 26, 2017 Share Posted November 26, 2017 I like this. I think you've done a good job on the weathering - it looks mucky in an operational sort of way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ghostbase Posted November 26, 2017 Author Share Posted November 26, 2017 3 hours ago, CurrantBunbury said: I like this. I think you've done a good job on the weathering - it looks mucky in an operational sort of way. Thanks, it was more by luck than judgement! I wanted her to look grubby but without exaggerated dark panel lines. I referenced colour photos from the Osprey book 'Korea - The Air War (2)' Michael Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Silver Fox Posted November 26, 2017 Share Posted November 26, 2017 Nice work, it looks nicely grubby. The intakes have put me off buying one but they don't detract from the model at all. Perhaps it is time for a rethink. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve27752 Posted November 26, 2017 Share Posted November 26, 2017 Yes, it was worth it..................Very nice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevej60 Posted November 26, 2017 Share Posted November 26, 2017 Cracking job all round Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now