Having been wanting to do this project for a LONG time, I bought Hellers 1/72 Fouga Magister, to build "In Memory" of Roger Simpson. Roger based his Fouga at my airport, back when I was working on my Private Pilot license (late 90's-2000). He also had a Stearman, that he took me up in and gave me enough stick time to log in my log book. He also said, if the timing worked out, that he'd give me a ride in the Fouga. Sadly, I was only a month away from moving out of state, and it didn't happen.
On June 16, 2001, while on final approach in La Crosse WI, the left tip tank came off, followed by further breaking up of the wing, resulting in a firey crash, killing Roger and passenger (his friends newlywed wife).
This Heller kit is not great, but it was cheap, available, and looks like a Magister. Having had "feelers" out for years, at my airport for any pics or details remembered about Rogers plane, leading nowhere....and having only one old pic turn up...(thanks again Bill
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accident report link
That pic is what I based this off of. It seems as though I vaguely recall some insignias ans different #'s, but 15 years fogs the memory...and nobody else at my airport remembers either....SO...those who remember there being a Fouga at the airport, will see this model (which will be displayed at the airport) and remember Roger, so regardless of the accuracy, the model will serve its purpose.
