paulsbrown Posted August 19, 2020 Share Posted August 19, 2020 I read an article in last month's Combat Aircraft written by Joe Copalman about the US Marines forming small squadrons of fast forward air controllers in 1966. They were called tactical air co-ordinator (airborne) or TAC(A). The Marines essentially had fast FACs in operation 10 months before the USAF had F-100Fs 'Misty' on the scene. The TF-9J was a tough airframe from the Grumman 'ironworks', these platforms usually carried two 4 shot Zunis had a pair of 20mm cannon with 200 rounds per gun as well. I like FAC aircraft and this one had a shark mouth so it was an easy decision. Kinetic's 1/48 offering even had the decals for one of the A Shau valley aircraft. I'd like to say the kit was like building a limited production kit but because my last build was a Tamiya F-14A I can only say the kit is a pig. Decals out of register or just plain wrong, poor fit, chunky bad plastic, missing obvious details, etc. The front landing gear needs lengthening to give it the right sit in case you are considering one. Otherwise despite a lot of Tamiya induced frustration there are good points to the kit and it sure looks like a Cougar. This was the photo that got my attention. I ended up doing number 3 as it has eyes and a red refueling probe. 51 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ForestFan Posted August 19, 2020 Share Posted August 19, 2020 Looks like a great build from a poor kit. Pity the kit is a bit of a dog as I don’t imagine anyone else will release this in 48 scale. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phildagreek Posted August 19, 2020 Share Posted August 19, 2020 Looks good, it certainly looks sharp in that classic grey over white scheme. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SAT69 Posted August 19, 2020 Share Posted August 19, 2020 It definitely looks the hard worked FAC. Very nice work on weathering and the cockpit. It's just a shame it's such a difficult build. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orion Posted August 19, 2020 Share Posted August 19, 2020 Hello Paul, Beautiful little bird. Finished to perfection in a realistic wash. Semper Fidelis USMC. Regards, Orion The Netherlands. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Silver Fox Posted August 19, 2020 Share Posted August 19, 2020 Wow, that's a great result from the Kittyhawk monstrosity. It is the scheme I wanted to do after reading about the unit more than 40 years ago in an issue of Aircraft Illustrated. However after building the single-seater version I vowed never again. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wulfman Posted August 19, 2020 Share Posted August 19, 2020 Superb build, great job on the weathering ! Wulfman 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
72modeler Posted August 19, 2020 Share Posted August 19, 2020 (edited) That's a faithful replica of an airplane that did great service but was relatively unknown; what the others have said goes double for me. Too bad Monogram never got around to doing one to go with their classic but still very nice F9F-5. Oohrah! Seeing yours has given me a good scheme to do on the 1/72 Sword kit. Mike Edited August 22, 2020 by 72modeler deleted redundant text 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMCS Posted August 19, 2020 Share Posted August 19, 2020 Awsome 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
F-32 Posted August 20, 2020 Share Posted August 20, 2020 That's awesome! Great article wasn't it? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ColinChipmunkfan Posted August 20, 2020 Share Posted August 20, 2020 Have to agree with the comments made already. A great effort with this kit and beautifully finished. Well done! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kapam Posted August 21, 2020 Share Posted August 21, 2020 Beautiful work. The soot deposits around various openings give it a very workmanlike and realistic look. Well done! 👍👍👍 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sky Keg Posted August 21, 2020 Share Posted August 21, 2020 WOW!!!!!!! A standing ovation is in order for replicating this difficult kit into an accurate replica. Mike 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Joyce Posted August 21, 2020 Share Posted August 21, 2020 On 8/19/2020 at 11:31 PM, ColinChipmunkfan said: Have to agree with the comments made already. A great effort with this kit and beautifully finished. Well done! Me too! Cheers, Mark 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RicardoD Posted August 21, 2020 Share Posted August 21, 2020 Very nice model of a very nice aircraft, so pleasing to the eye. I think they used to build more beautiful aircraft these days... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevej60 Posted August 21, 2020 Share Posted August 21, 2020 Superb build and finish! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulsbrown Posted August 22, 2020 Author Share Posted August 22, 2020 On 8/20/2020 at 7:20 AM, F-32 said: Great article wasn't it? Yeah, I've read a lot of FAC books but I was totally unaware of these guys. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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