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A piece in Loving Memory.

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  • Member since
    August 2012
A piece in Loving Memory.
Posted by AndrewW on Wednesday, September 10, 2014 2:52 PM

I thought I'd put a few photos of my latest up, though it's still a little personal.  It's an entirely fictional piece, done for my father.  This past May we saw the passing of my younger brother, Ross, after an 18 year fight with Multiple Sclerosis, at the age of 37.  My father had likened the 18 year struggle to watching a pilot wounded and dropping, and being able to do nothing.  I wanted to do something for him to remember Ross prior to the disease, so I took his favorite plane, the Spitfire, and dressed it in a B scheme.  I decided then to personalize it, using Ross' name as the radio call letters, and in a nod to his Canadian birth, I changed the roundels to RCAF roundels.  Finally, I used his birthdate for the serial numbers.  I've set it on a small wooden board, and not pictured, I've made a wood and plexiglass cover for the piece. 

I used Aires resin wheels, Eduard fabric belts, AML B scheme camo masks, Maketer RAF and RCAF masks for letters, roundels and fin flashes.  I used a CMK Merlin engine, Vallejo paints througout and Flory washes for the panel lines.  Eduard's etch added those little details here and there, speaker wire strands made my main gear brake lines and added a little bit to the Merlin engine.  I scrounged a decent kill tally out of an old decal sheet, I figure you don't get to fight that long without a good kill record.

Thanks for looking.

Andrew

Life is hard, it's even harder when you're stupid - John Wayne.


  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Cameron, Texas
Posted by Texgunner on Wednesday, September 10, 2014 3:24 PM

Andrew, yours is one of the most moving posts I've ever read, on this forum or any other.  That is a beautiful tribute to your brother, and your father must be so proud of that.  Many thanks for showing us and letting us share in your family's loss and now, your tribute.  I think I've got a little dust in my eyes...can't keep them from watering.

Gary


"All you mugs need to get busy building, and post pics!"

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, England
Posted by Bish on Wednesday, September 10, 2014 3:34 PM

That is a great looking build and an awesome tribute. I am sure your brother would have loved it.

Thank you for sharing.

I am a Norfolk man and i glory in being so

 

On the bench: Airfix 1/72nd Harrier GR.3/Fujimi 1/72nd Ju 87D-3

  • Member since
    February 2014
  • From: N. MS
Posted by CN Spots on Wednesday, September 10, 2014 3:53 PM

Beautiful job!

Seeing his name on the side of the plane after reading your story hit me harder than expected.

So sorry for your loss.

  • Member since
    March 2013
Posted by patrick206 on Wednesday, September 10, 2014 5:45 PM

Andrew - What a thoughtful tribute to your brother, for your dad, who I'm sure will be delighted to have it. A very nice job you made of it, Ross's name in the call letters is something quite special indeed. I extend my condolences for your loss, (I'll bet you were a great brother to him.) Thank you for sharing such a significant story. I wish you the best.

Patrick

  • Member since
    December 2013
  • From: Greenville, TX.
Posted by Raymond G on Wednesday, September 10, 2014 8:05 PM

Tried to explain it to my wife, but just couldn't get through it.  My heart breaks for you and your family.  He is, I'm sure, in a place where his body, mind, and soul are whole once again.  Somehow wow, just doesn't say it for your build.  Kuddos...  You're a good brother, Charlie Brown....  Raymond

On the Bench:

U.S.S. Arizona (Revell)

P-51D Tribute (Revell)

57 Chevy Bel Air

 

 

 

 

  • Member since
    January 2013
Posted by BlackSheepTwoOneFour on Wednesday, September 10, 2014 9:08 PM

I am touched by your thread. Sorry for your loss and I love how you created the Spitfire in memoriam for your brother. No doubt he's looking down at you smiling. Well done!

  • Member since
    November 2010
  • From: Florida-West Central
Posted by Eagle90 on Thursday, September 11, 2014 5:46 AM

Andrew, our thoughts and blessings go out to you and your family on your loss.  What you did is nothing short of awesome.  You honored your brother and I'm sure made your dad very proud.  Thank you for sharing.

Eagle90

 

  • Member since
    August 2014
Posted by Topesio on Thursday, September 11, 2014 5:53 AM

Astonishing!

Apart from the perfect modeling work, subject and insipiration are wonderful.

Big respect, dude!

  • Member since
    October 2007
  • From: Scotland
Posted by Milairjunkie on Thursday, September 11, 2014 10:09 AM

Sorry for you loss & well done!

  • Member since
    February 2007
  • From: Brunswick, Ohio
Posted by Buckeye on Thursday, September 11, 2014 11:22 AM

I'm very sorry for your loss.  A beautiful build and tribute.

Mike

  • Member since
    January 2010
Posted by CrashTestDummy on Thursday, September 11, 2014 12:37 PM

I see he was an ace, too!  Nice work.  Nice tribute!!

Gene Beaird,

Pearland, Texas

G. Beaird,

Pearland, Texas

  • Member since
    September 2014
Posted by rooster513 on Thursday, September 11, 2014 1:36 PM

Simply amazing! Great way to show your love and keep him in your heart. Bless you Andrew.

-Andy

  • Member since
    August 2012
Posted by AndrewW on Thursday, September 11, 2014 2:11 PM

Thank you very much everyone, more than anything I'm glad I get to celebrate him and share some memory of him.  I'd like to thank you ALL for the very kind words, I cannot say how much that means to me.

Life is hard, it's even harder when you're stupid - John Wayne.


  • Member since
    December 2002
Posted by 7474 on Friday, September 12, 2014 12:53 PM

Andrew outstanding job on this, I'm sorry for you and your family's loss.

  • Member since
    May 2013
  • From: Indiana, USA
Posted by Greg on Friday, September 12, 2014 5:46 PM

That is outstanding and very creative.

And it got to me too. Sincerely sorry for your loss.

What a great and positive remembrance you have built.

  • Member since
    February 2012
  • From: Olmsted Township, Ohio
Posted by lawdog114 on Friday, September 12, 2014 6:51 PM

I'm sorry for your loss Andrew.   I'm still grieving from the loss of my Dad last year so, I certainly understand.   Anyways, that's a gorgeous Spit and wonderful tribute....thank you for sharing.  

Joe

 "Can you fly this plane and land it?...Surely you can't be serious....I am serious, and don't call me Shirley"

 

 

 

 

  • Member since
    August 2009
  • From: Borlando Fla home of the rat
Posted by TREYZX10R on Friday, September 12, 2014 7:24 PM

Andrew  thats one great looking Spit and a very nice tribute to your Brother. My condolences .

Zar
  • Member since
    October 2008
Posted by Zar on Saturday, September 13, 2014 1:48 PM

Agree! Very nice tribute. My dad passed about a year ago and I want to build a Skyraider in his honor. I have not built lately due to work but will tackle it soon hopefully. I do plan on a couple of easy practice builds to knock off the rust first.

  • Member since
    April 2014
Posted by r13b20 on Saturday, September 13, 2014 8:19 PM

What more can be said about your fine work?

Peace to you and yours. Bob

  • Member since
    November 2008
  • From: Central Florida
Posted by plasticjunkie on Saturday, September 13, 2014 11:10 PM

I know how you feel. I lost my brother 40 years ago and it feels like yesterday. He was my best friend and taught me a lot. You are very creative and an excellent modeler. My sincere condolences.  

 GIFMaker.org_jy_Ayj_O

 

 

Too many models to build, not enough time in a lifetime!!

  • Member since
    January 2014
  • From: Nampa, Idaho
Posted by jelliott523 on Sunday, September 14, 2014 4:54 PM

Andrew, awesome tribute to your brother!!  Great looking build, I too love the way you incorporated the important, personal details to the model.  You sir are an inspiration!

On the Bench:  Lots of unfinished projects!  Smile

  • Member since
    June 2013
Posted by bvallot on Monday, September 15, 2014 8:04 AM

Yes Yes

On the bench:  

Tamiya F4U-1  Kenneth Walsh

 

  • Member since
    September 2013
Posted by AdeB on Monday, September 15, 2014 11:15 AM

wow, that is an awesome build..

Nice back story too.

I want to build another Spit now.

  • Member since
    August 2008
Posted by tankerbuilder on Wednesday, September 17, 2014 12:57 PM

Andrew :

A truly moving example of love  . I know the loss and how it's felt . I built a Ford F-100 like the one my son built ,for that very same reason .I lost him at age 12 in 1982 .God Bless your family .

  • Member since
    March 2005
  • From: Lancaster, South Carolina
Posted by Devil Dawg on Wednesday, September 17, 2014 5:17 PM

Absolutely beautiful, Andrew. Just beautiful.

Devil Dawg

On The Bench: Tamiya 1/32nd Mitsubishi A6M5 Model 52 Zeke For Japanese Group Build

Build one at a time? Hah! That'll be the day!!

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