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A-10 Thunderbolt II "Warthog"

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  • Member since
    March 2015
  • From: Streetsboro, Ohio
A-10 Thunderbolt II "Warthog"
Posted by Toshi on Thursday, June 25, 2015 12:23 PM

To my fellow forum members, This past weekend having to be Father's Day, as gifts, I received a Tamiya 1:32 Mitsubishi A6M2b Model 21 "Zeke" Zero Fighter. While window shopping on eBay, I also came across a Visible B-17G Flying Fortress. As a child, I would drool over this kit knowing that I could not afford to purchase this very expensive model kit.

Of course this was during America's Bicentennial year 1976. The bussiness of where the B-17G resided was "College Pharmacy". Back then, it was out of the question on spending $25.00 on a plastic model kit. If my father was still alive he probably would have fainted at the costs now in regards to model kits. Mrs. Toshi said; "Go ahead and buy it now before someone else picks it up". So I waited for the delivery of these two aircraft. Just a quick note, I've never made a Zero in my life, so this should be very interesting. I also never made a German WWII aircraft as well.

We both found out that the two kits would not be delivered on Father's Day. So to keep me occupied, we went to Michaels and bought a A-10 Thunderbolt II "Warthog". Many of you forum members know that I have a affinity to nothing but fighters and bombers of WWII. So this build will definately challenge me, I've never seen so much munitions in my life! Do these jets actually carry all these munitions to there destination? I guess so. I look forward in building the Thunderbolt II, I'm sure there are forum members that can help me with this build and point out what my next steps will be. I'll do my best with my photography, I'm currently using a iPhone 4s.

Here is another story from the Toshi family. My father had enlisted in the Air Force, he was at several different bases during his initial trainning as far as that was concerned. He was finally sent to Wiesbaden, Germany Strategic Air Command or SAC.  He mentioned that "That was the best beer he'd ever drank in his life".  He got to travel all of Europe and he took several photos with his newly purchased camera, a Leica for $50.00.

For those of you unfamiliar with cameras, let's just say that the Leica is one of the best cameras ever made second only to Hasselblad. Leica can be described as the Lamborghini of cameras. Currently, Leicas go for (Brand new) anywhere from $500.00 up to $20,000.00. This is not a misprint, yes $20,000.00. Where as Hasselblad top of the line go for $50,000.00 to $60,000.00. These cameras do not come with the lenses, you have to buy the lenses separately. I ended up selling the Leica as I was not interested in photography only to have my daughter take photography as her major at Kent State University. I was reprimanded many times by my daughter for selling the Leica. Oh well, such is life, and as far as my life goes, I hope everyone enjoys my very first jet plane since my return to modeling.

On The Bench: Revell 1/48 B-25 Mitchell

 

Married to the most caring, loving, understanding, and beautiful wife in the world.  Mrs. Toshi

 

 

  • Member since
    March 2015
  • From: Streetsboro, Ohio
Posted by Toshi on Thursday, June 25, 2015 12:26 PM

On The Bench: Revell 1/48 B-25 Mitchell

 

Married to the most caring, loving, understanding, and beautiful wife in the world.  Mrs. Toshi

 

 

  • Member since
    March 2015
  • From: Streetsboro, Ohio
Posted by Toshi on Thursday, June 25, 2015 12:46 PM

I forgot to add, the version that I'm building is:

A-10A Thunderbolt II 80-0236, "Let's Roll".  Pilot, Major Jill Long 354th Fighter Squadron, 335th Fighter Wing, Davis Montana AFB

On The Bench: Revell 1/48 B-25 Mitchell

 

Married to the most caring, loving, understanding, and beautiful wife in the world.  Mrs. Toshi

 

 

  • Member since
    March 2015
  • From: Streetsboro, Ohio
Posted by Toshi on Thursday, June 25, 2015 12:54 PM

On The Bench: Revell 1/48 B-25 Mitchell

 

Married to the most caring, loving, understanding, and beautiful wife in the world.  Mrs. Toshi

 

 

  • Member since
    August 2013
Posted by Jay Jay on Thursday, June 25, 2015 1:37 PM

Can't wait to see this one Toshi.  I'm sure with your build schedule, I won't have to wait long LOL

Munitions ! yes, this plane was actually designed around the gun.

Also I really enjoy your romps back in history, keep em coming.

 

 

 

 

 

 I'm finally retired. Now time I got, money I don't.

  • Member since
    August 2014
  • From: Willamette Valley, Oregon
Posted by goldhammer on Thursday, June 25, 2015 1:44 PM

Watch the fit on the front landing gear bay.  Saw another one on here of the Revell kit and it had some issues there.  Have the same kit in line after 4-5 others, and the SAC metal gear set for it.  Will probably do mine in the Euro camo scWill watch it come together.

They are a nice little dump truck with all the hard points and the 30MM.

Nicely done on the Mitchell by gthe way.

  • Member since
    March 2015
  • From: Streetsboro, Ohio
Posted by Toshi on Thursday, June 25, 2015 3:08 PM

To goldhammer,

Thank you for the heads up.  It's these tips from forum members like you that can assist me in the building of model aircraft kits.  Thank you for the comment of the B-25J Mitchell, also thanks for visiting this thread.  

Toshi

On The Bench: Revell 1/48 B-25 Mitchell

 

Married to the most caring, loving, understanding, and beautiful wife in the world.  Mrs. Toshi

 

 

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, England
Posted by Bish on Thursday, June 25, 2015 4:09 PM

Will try and keep an eye on this build. I have always been a fan of the A-10 since a kid when they would often be in the sky above where I lived. I had not seen any in years and then 4 turned up at the base where I work a while back, was really nice to see them again.

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
    May 2013
  • From: Indiana, USA
Posted by Greg on Thursday, June 25, 2015 5:20 PM

That should keep you busy for a few days, Toshi.

I like A-10's a lot.

  • Member since
    March 2015
  • From: Streetsboro, Ohio
Posted by Toshi on Thursday, June 25, 2015 6:54 PM

To Bish,

I am excited for this build as I too was a fan of the A-10 when I was a child.  Thank you for stopping by and replying.

Toshi

On The Bench: Revell 1/48 B-25 Mitchell

 

Married to the most caring, loving, understanding, and beautiful wife in the world.  Mrs. Toshi

 

 

  • Member since
    March 2015
  • From: Streetsboro, Ohio
Posted by Toshi on Thursday, June 25, 2015 6:56 PM

To Greg,

Well, the B-25J Mitchell took me a little over a week.  I hope this build will keep busy for that long a time frame.  

Toshi

On The Bench: Revell 1/48 B-25 Mitchell

 

Married to the most caring, loving, understanding, and beautiful wife in the world.  Mrs. Toshi

 

 

  • Member since
    March 2015
  • From: Streetsboro, Ohio
Posted by Toshi on Thursday, June 25, 2015 7:01 PM

Here is the cockpit of the A-10, I've built only three jet planes when I was 10, so this is a totally new experience for me.  Im very excited!

On The Bench: Revell 1/48 B-25 Mitchell

 

Married to the most caring, loving, understanding, and beautiful wife in the world.  Mrs. Toshi

 

 

  • Member since
    January 2015
  • From: Tumwater, WA.
Posted by M. Brindos on Thursday, June 25, 2015 10:13 PM

That looks good in green.  :)

I thought I was in the wrong thread at first lol. I like the details you chose to bring out. Your pilot looks pretty good and I can see some improvement in your brush skills. You're doing well my friend. :)

Psst... He should be wearing gloves.  ;)

- Mike Brindos "Lost Boy"

  • Member since
    February 2012
  • From: Olmsted Township, Ohio
Posted by lawdog114 on Friday, June 26, 2015 2:03 AM

Looks great.  Nice drybrushing on the IP.  This was the second kit I built when I returned to the hobby.  I almost quit again!......lol!  If you need seam work and putty practice, this is the kit.  I look forward to your progress.

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
    March 2015
  • From: Streetsboro, Ohio
Posted by Toshi on Friday, June 26, 2015 7:17 AM

To MBrindos,

I'm glad you like it, I've got paint schemes all for WWII aircraft and none for modern warfare jets.  I honestly wasn't thinking.  But it turned out ok.  I'll change his hand color to a glove color.  Thanks for the tip.

Toshi

On The Bench: Revell 1/48 B-25 Mitchell

 

Married to the most caring, loving, understanding, and beautiful wife in the world.  Mrs. Toshi

 

 

  • Member since
    March 2015
  • From: Streetsboro, Ohio
Posted by Toshi on Friday, June 26, 2015 7:21 AM

To lawdog114,

Thank you for the heads up on the seam and putty work.  I can use all the practice I can get.  I look forward to your visit here on this thread, especially the experience.  Thank you for the read and reply.

Toshi

On The Bench: Revell 1/48 B-25 Mitchell

 

Married to the most caring, loving, understanding, and beautiful wife in the world.  Mrs. Toshi

 

 

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, England
Posted by Bish on Friday, June 26, 2015 11:40 AM

That's IP does look nice. I just had to go back and check to see if you were using any PE, but I don't think you are, are you. That pit looks nicely detailed and well painted.

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
    November 2009
  • From: SW Virginia
Posted by Gamera on Friday, June 26, 2015 11:45 AM

Very cool again Toshi!

BTW: There is a cannon from an A-10 exposed on display at the USAF Armament Museum near Pensacola, Florida. I have photos somewhere- it's about the size of a small car...

"I dream in fire but work in clay." -Arthur Machen

 

  • Member since
    August 2008
Posted by tankerbuilder on Friday, June 26, 2015 11:52 AM

Hello Toshi !

   This is a little out of place . My daughter used to fly one . Now , as a male child , can you imagine the excitement if someone way back when , told me they designed a bird Around that Big Monstrous gun !  Imagine a gun that if fired to long , could bring the A/C to a midair stop ! Always did like flying , ammo dump trucks !

  • Member since
    July 2014
Posted by modelcrazy on Friday, June 26, 2015 12:23 PM

Toshi,

The A10 is flown by the 124th fighter wing here in Boise. I get to see them all the time. I will be interested in this build.

Steve

Building a kit from your stash is like cutting a head off a Hydra, two more take it's place.

 

 

http://www.spamodeler.com/forum/

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, England
Posted by Bish on Friday, June 26, 2015 12:30 PM

You lucky swine Steve. Though a member of the model club I am in made a comment the other day that I have to agree with, and that's that they just don't look the same in grey.

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
    March 2015
  • From: Streetsboro, Ohio
Posted by Toshi on Friday, June 26, 2015 1:11 PM

To Bish,

No PE on this build, it'll be a OOB build.  I'm already being challenged by the assembly of a modern fighter jet, I don't want to mess it up any further with after market items.  LOL!  Thank you for visiting my threads, I most appreciated.

Toshi

On The Bench: Revell 1/48 B-25 Mitchell

 

Married to the most caring, loving, understanding, and beautiful wife in the world.  Mrs. Toshi

 

 

  • Member since
    March 2015
  • From: Streetsboro, Ohio
Posted by Toshi on Friday, June 26, 2015 1:13 PM

To Gamera,

Isn't that just crazy yet awesome!  I read that the entire aircraft was built around the cannon (Gattling) gun.  I'd love to see a photo of that!  Thanks for the read and reply.

Toshi

On The Bench: Revell 1/48 B-25 Mitchell

 

Married to the most caring, loving, understanding, and beautiful wife in the world.  Mrs. Toshi

 

 

  • Member since
    March 2015
  • From: Streetsboro, Ohio
Posted by Toshi on Friday, June 26, 2015 1:17 PM

To Tankerbuilder,

LOL!  That is crazy!  I'm sure you must be so proud of your daughter to pilot one of these very inspiring yet dangerous weapon.  Tell her I said thank you for her service, she risk her own life to ensure our safety here in the USA.  Thank you for the read and reply and also sharing that very cool comment in regards to your daughter.

Toshi

On The Bench: Revell 1/48 B-25 Mitchell

 

Married to the most caring, loving, understanding, and beautiful wife in the world.  Mrs. Toshi

 

 

  • Member since
    March 2015
  • From: Streetsboro, Ohio
Posted by Toshi on Friday, June 26, 2015 1:22 PM

To modelcrazy,

Wow, thank you for the live shots of the A-10.  That must be so cool to see them up this close, thank you for sharing these wonderful photos with me as well as to FSM forum members.  Thank you for the read and reply.  I'll do my best on this build, I hope I can at least meet members expectations on the A-10 assembly.

Toshi

On The Bench: Revell 1/48 B-25 Mitchell

 

Married to the most caring, loving, understanding, and beautiful wife in the world.  Mrs. Toshi

 

 

  • Member since
    March 2015
  • From: Streetsboro, Ohio
Posted by Toshi on Friday, June 26, 2015 1:35 PM

Here is a update on the A-10 build.  As a forum member noted on this thread, this will test my skill in sanding and adding putty for the "Thunderbolt II".  I must agree so, I spent all afternoon sanding the entire aircraft and as I add and glue more parts to the A-10, I see much more needed attention to detailed sanding as needed.  Luckily, I've only used, so far putty for the tail section.  

Here is the 3oz. weight needed to keep the A-10 parallel to the ground.

The only putty needed thus far.

With all this sanding, I've lost a lot of detail, I guess this is a give and take situation.

On The Bench: Revell 1/48 B-25 Mitchell

 

Married to the most caring, loving, understanding, and beautiful wife in the world.  Mrs. Toshi

 

 

  • Member since
    April 2015
Posted by UlteriorModem on Friday, June 26, 2015 4:42 PM

Yea I remember the fit of that engine, I got lazy and did not address it. Anyhow good progress so far!

I see you got the gun in already. That for me took a lot of head scratching "how does this thing go in there???"

  • Member since
    March 2015
  • From: Streetsboro, Ohio
Posted by Toshi on Friday, June 26, 2015 5:26 PM

To UlteriorModem,

Yes, it did take a few dry fits and a little web page shots, including your photos with your A-10 build, of which is so helpful, before I figured out the installation of the front landing gear and cannon.  Thank you for touching base with me on this build.

Toshi

On The Bench: Revell 1/48 B-25 Mitchell

 

Married to the most caring, loving, understanding, and beautiful wife in the world.  Mrs. Toshi

 

 

  • Member since
    December 2009
  • From: West Chester,Ohio
Posted by roger_wilco on Friday, June 26, 2015 9:20 PM

Toshi,

Your A-10 is shaping up really well. Back in 1991 at an airshow in Houston,an A-10 put on a very cool performance They built a mock tank out of wood that the A-10 blew up. The fake tank was blown up with explosives since the A-10 obviously could not use its gun. Still,it was pretty impressive!

"Build what YOU want, the way YOU want, and above all have fun!" - RIP Modeler Al. 

  • Member since
    March 2015
  • From: Streetsboro, Ohio
Posted by Toshi on Saturday, June 27, 2015 7:40 AM

To roger_wilco,

That sounds so cool!  I bet it was a great show.  I didn't realize the A-10 had that much fire power and could take severe damage and yet manage to fly back to base.  Amazing.

Toshi

On The Bench: Revell 1/48 B-25 Mitchell

 

Married to the most caring, loving, understanding, and beautiful wife in the world.  Mrs. Toshi

 

 

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