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A Warthog for the Badgers -- Wisconsin ANG A-10A Thunderbolt II (1/72 Revell/Italeri)


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I have just completed the final planned entry for my Wisconsin Air National Guard collection: the A-10A Thunderbolt II (a.k.a. "Warthog"). Over the past two years, I have added the F-51D Mustang, F-86A Sabre, F-89 Scorpion, F-102 Delta Dagger, O-2A Skymaster, OA-37B Dragonfly, A-10A Thunderbolt, F-16C Falcon, and F-35A Lightning.

 

In October 1981 the Wisconsin ANG's 128th Tactical Air Support Wing was re-designated the 128th Tactical Fighter Wing and began trading in their Cessna OA-37B Dragonflies for the A-10A. During the A-10 era, the unit received two Outstanding Unit Awards, three Air Force Flight Safety Awards, and in 1991 an "Outstanding" in its Unit Effectiveness Inspection. Deployments with the A-10 included Operation Coronet Cove to Panama, and "Checkered Flag" missions to NATO bases in West Germany and England. With the end of the Cold War, the early 1990s marked several changes. In March 1992, the wing became the 128th Fighter Wing and shortly thereafter began transitioning from the A-10A to the F-16C/D block 30 Fighting Falcon, which they fly to this day.

 

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This is the particular aircraft I have modeled:

 

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The kit:

 

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and a bit of aftermarket:

 

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Painted using Mr Color:

 

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Decals are by Caracel, plus a few I made myself.

 

The build log can be viewed here:

 

 

 

On with the show! First, a walk-around:

 

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Next, some shots with a more suitable background:

 

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and a few detail photos:

 

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Model Master's GAU-8 really puts the icing on the cake!

 

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Finally, a couple more to end the show:

 

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My display case dedicated to Wisconsin-themed aircraft. Not much room left!

 

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Thanks for viewing! Comments are invited.

 

 

 

 

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This is a masterpiece Bill.  The detail and the subtle paint wear make it incredibly realistic.  So realistic, that I actually did a double-take on the first shot with a natural background because I wondered why you were putting more pictures of real aircraft among the pictures of the model!  The hanger picture could easily be mistaken for a real a/c as well.  Beautiful work. 

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Just now, giemme said:

Impressive result, Bill - you deserve all the praise here

Thanks Giorgio, but compared to your build (from which I cribbed mightily), I cut quite a few corners and skipped many opportunities to add details that you included. 

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Outstanding Bill!!!!!  The A-10 fits perfectly with the rest of your “Wisconsin Air Guard” tribute.  Despite being a Buckeye myself 😉, ole` Bucky Badger looks good on the engines. :like:

 

Mike

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4 minutes ago, Sky Keg said:

Outstanding Bill!!!!!  The A-10 fits perfectly with the rest of your “Wisconsin Air Guard” tribute.  Despite being a Buckeye myself 😉, ole` Bucky Badger looks good on the engines. :like:

 

Mike

My gf is a Buckeye, so I can’t hold it against you !

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Really nice, I always liked the European One Camouflage schemes, and the A-10 looks good in it, it looks like a great addition to your display cabinet too!

 

Rich

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