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1/48 Monogram F-80C "Shooting Star"

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  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Cameron, Texas
1/48 Monogram F-80C "Shooting Star"
Posted by Texgunner on Wednesday, February 10, 2016 7:28 PM

This is Monogram's F-80C, in 1/48 scale.  It was painted with SnJ Aluminum, and some panels were polished with their aluminum powder, while others weren't, in an attempt to give the finish a bit of variety.  I replaced the kit exhaust with part of a ballpoint pen, and made some "hinges" from fine copper wire to hold the gun-bay panel open (it gave me fits keeping it glued in place until that mod).  Decals are aftermarket.  The twin whip antennae underneath are just stretched sprue, and about the only other non-stock additions.  I did detail the gun-bay and radio a little as well.

 I photographed her out at the airport a few years ago.  The wind was really gusting that day and I had to curtail the session early. So, I only have a handful of decent shots. I was glad that I didn’t knock-off either drop tank. They disengaged (read: knocked off!) a couple times just moving the model around the display cabinet!  To say their attachment is tenuous is an understatement. Wink

In the very first issue of FSM magazine that I ever bought (Jan. ’89), there was an article by the great Bob Steinbrun on converting this old kit into one of the YP-80s that were sent to Europe in the waning days of World War Two. Bob did an incredible job and it sort of inspired me several years later when I built this Korean War-era bird. So, here’s the “Salty Dog” at the Cameron Airport.

Thanks for taking a lot at the "Salty Dog".  As you can see, I have a soft-spot for the old Monogram quarter scalers.  I hope you like this one!

Gary


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

  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Between LA and OC, SoCal
Posted by oortiz10 on Wednesday, February 10, 2016 7:51 PM

Gary,

Good looking build. I currently have that kit on my bench for the NMF GB. Your NMF looks sharp. Thanks for the inspiration!

Cheers,

-O

-It's Omar, but they call me "O".

  • Member since
    August 2015
  • From: the redlands Fl
Posted by crown r n7 on Wednesday, February 10, 2016 8:01 PM

Snj that was some great stuff and nice job on that P-80

 

 

 Nick.

  • Member since
    November 2003
  • From: Naples, FL
Posted by tempestjohnny on Wednesday, February 10, 2016 8:42 PM
That really looks good. The variation in the panels is subtle but just right.

 

  • Member since
    November 2003
  • From: State of Mississippi. State motto: Virtute et armis (By valor and arms)
Posted by mississippivol on Wednesday, February 10, 2016 9:05 PM
Very cool old school mods. I remember the article you mentioned, but I think my copy disappeared years ago. FSM should rerun some of those old articles.
  • Member since
    June 2003
  • From: Cavite, Philippines
Posted by allan on Wednesday, February 10, 2016 9:59 PM

Texgunner

 I was glad that I didn’t knock-off either drop tank. They disengaged (read: knocked off!) a couple times just moving the model around the display cabinet!  To say their attachment is tenuous is an understatement. Wink

 

 

Well they dont call them "drop tanks" for nothing. lol.

 

Beautiful build, Gary.  And again, beautiful shots!

 

The old Monogram 48s are beautiful kits, even by today's standards. Although I collect 1/72 Ive been able to build a number of them and theyre really great kits!

No bucks, no Buck Rogers

  • Member since
    December 2010
  • From: Salem, Oregon
Posted by 1943Mike on Wednesday, February 10, 2016 11:27 PM

Looks great! As has been said - good photography as well. Do you prefer SnJ or Alclad? I've not used either but just ordered some Alclad for my P-47M when I get around to building it.

Mike

Mike

"Le temps est un grand maître, mais malheureusement, il tue tous ses élèves."

Hector Berlioz

  • Member since
    September 2012
Posted by GMorrison on Wednesday, February 10, 2016 11:40 PM

Somewhere Hans is smiling.

Great job on a dumb old model.

I was at an airshow where they had a T-33 with it's radio bay open.

My buddy Airman Jim told the guy, "I could rebuild that ARC-3 crystal set for you".

"Sure, that'd be swell, but who'd be out there to listen ?".

Those tip tanks weren't really drop tanks. They were prefered to stay on the aircraft. They made the plane fly poorly if one emptied and the other stayed full. In that case they could be jettisoned.

"Now this ain't no *** " story I heard from a jet jockey. One emptied, the other didn't but would not be released. Guy opens the canopy and shoots a bunch of holes in it with his .45.

 

 Modeling is an excuse to buy books.

 

  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Cameron, Texas
Posted by Texgunner on Thursday, February 11, 2016 12:08 AM

Thanks guys, I'm glad you like her!

Mike, I've never used Alclad so I can't make a comparison.  I don't believe SnJ is still available, or is it?  At any rate, I think it's a great paint and really easy to use.  I have  one unopened bottle that I'm hoarding.Big Smile

I don't really think it's a dumb kit. Old yes, maybe a couple fit issues but some "modern" kits have those too.  Like many Monogram models, there is a lot of bang for the buck.  Wink  A friend from another model forum has Bob Steinbrun's YP-80 in his collection now and he kindly sent me a bunch of pics of that masterpiece.  I would post a couple here but they make my bird look pretty shabby...oh, what the hell!  I hope Bob doesn't mind if he should happen upon them.


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

  • Member since
    March 2015
  • From: Streetsboro, Ohio
Posted by Toshi on Thursday, February 11, 2016 4:34 AM

Nice build, I especially love the background!

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
    August 2015
  • From: the redlands Fl
Posted by crown r n7 on Thursday, February 11, 2016 6:55 AM

Snj is no longer available.Crying so called hazardous to your health

 

 

 Nick.

  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Cameron, Texas
Posted by Texgunner on Thursday, February 11, 2016 8:32 AM

Toshi

Nice build, I especially love the background!

Toshi

 

Thanks Toshi!  I love how they look at the airport too.Big Smile


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

  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Cameron, Texas
Posted by Texgunner on Thursday, February 11, 2016 8:33 AM

crown r n7

Snj is no longer available.Crying so called hazardous to your health

 

I thought so...just another brick in the wall.  Thanks to our Nanny State.Angry


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

  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Cameron, Texas
Posted by Texgunner on Thursday, February 11, 2016 8:35 AM

GMorrison

Somewhere Hans is smiling.

Have you ever heard what happened to ol' Hans?

 

"Now this ain't no *** " story I heard from a jet jockey. One emptied, the other didn't but would not be released. Guy opens the canopy and shoots a bunch of holes in it with his .45.

 Surprise  While full o' fuel?!?!  Uh oh.  Smile

 


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

  • Member since
    June 2014
Posted by BrandonK on Thursday, February 11, 2016 9:10 AM

That looks really nice for an older kit. Great job. But, you need to speak to the crew cheif and let him know that there is a massive hydraulic leak that needs his attention.

BK

On the bench:

A lot !! And I mean A LOT!!

2024 Kits on deck / in process / completed   

                         14 / 5 / 2  

                              Tongue Tied

  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Cameron, Texas
Posted by Texgunner on Thursday, February 11, 2016 9:32 AM

BrandonK

That looks really nice for an older kit. Great job. But, you need to speak to the crew cheif and let him know that there is a massive hydraulic leak that needs his attention.

BK

 

Thanks Brandon!  Yeah, that stain is from a radial-engined crop-duster that parks out there. Wink  


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

  • Member since
    June 2013
Posted by bvallot on Thursday, February 11, 2016 9:37 AM

Sweet build Tex! You oughta' come over to the NMF GB happening right now and bring something fresh out onto the bench. =]

On the bench:  

Tamiya F4U-1  Kenneth Walsh

 

  • Member since
    January 2016
Posted by suomi39 on Thursday, February 11, 2016 9:55 AM

Great work on this one. My grandpa transitioned from F-51s to these, flying strategic air defense stateside in the 50s, so obviously I need to build one someday. Would you recommend this kit? Or is there a better F-80 kit out there? 

  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Cameron, Texas
Posted by Texgunner on Thursday, February 11, 2016 10:06 AM

bvallot

Sweet build Tex! You oughta' come over to the NMF GB happening right now and bring something fresh out onto the bench. =]

 

Thanks Brett, that's a great compliment.  You are so right, I do need to start  something fresh.  I was talking to my wife about that just last night.  I'm in a terrible modeling slump at the moment. I have three stalled aircraft builds right now.

As for the NMF GB, would a 1/24 1936 Auto Union C qualify? Big Smile  I'm struggling over whether to drop $170 for a resin kit on Ebay.  It would be silver of course!  Man, with that much scratch invested, I would have to build it. Surprise

Thanks again, Gary


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

  • Member since
    June 2013
Posted by bvallot on Thursday, February 11, 2016 10:44 AM

Holy crap Tex! I just took a peek at her...you should do it. =]  Sounds like a lot to drop, but she looks gorgeous.  I would even have to jump ship and go auto for a few months. lol  Seems like a NMF to me.  I say bring it!  In the rules it talks only of aircraft, but I don't think it would be problem to squeeze in something that beautiful.  

On the bench:  

Tamiya F4U-1  Kenneth Walsh

 

  • Member since
    February 2007
  • From: Brunswick, Ohio
Posted by Buckeye on Thursday, February 11, 2016 11:15 AM

Nice job on this kit, very realistic finish.Yes

Mike

  • Member since
    March 2010
  • From: MN
Posted by Nathan T on Thursday, February 11, 2016 11:31 AM

Great work Gary. That Gun panel is right on! Don't see any modeled with that open. I believe SNJ is gone because Hawkeye Voight quit his business. Nothing due to regs that I know of. 

suomi39

Great work on this one. My grandpa transitioned from F-51s to these, flying strategic air defense stateside in the 50s, so obviously I need to build one someday. Would you recommend this kit? Or is there a better F-80 kit out there? 

 

Well there is the Hobbyboss kit, but it is exspensive and like all Hobbyboss jet kits, they got the intake shape grossly wrongAngry

 

 

  • Member since
    November 2009
  • From: SW Virginia
Posted by Gamera on Thursday, February 11, 2016 11:39 AM

She's another fine lookin' bird Gary! 

I have one in my stash but I keep reaching for a new Tamiya or Hasegawa kit. I know Hans would slap me... Black Eye

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

 

  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Cameron, Texas
Posted by Texgunner on Thursday, February 11, 2016 2:56 PM

suomi39

Great work on this one. My grandpa transitioned from F-51s to these, flying strategic air defense stateside in the 50s, so obviously I need to build one someday. Would you recommend this kit? Or is there a better F-80 kit out there? 

 

Thanks suomi39 (big fan of the M-39 Finn?  Or, obviously, the Suomi!  Me too!)!  Yeah, that's a great family connection, you just gotta build one for sure.  It seems that the old Monogram kits may be most accurate.  As you can see from Mr. Steinbrun's YP-80A above, it can produce a stunning model.  I really haven't looked at any of the other P-(F?)80 kits so I can give much of an answer.

Gary


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

  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Cameron, Texas
Posted by Texgunner on Thursday, February 11, 2016 3:03 PM

Mike (Buckeye), thanks brother!  I appreciate that a lot.Beer

Nathan, thanks for the kind words my friend.  I had hell getting that gunbay door in place.  There just wasn't much room for a good purchase for the glue, and I was afraid I'd smear glue all over the NMF with my clumsy work.  The copper wire worked great, though I'm sure it's not all that accurate.  But, hey, that's not the first time I've done somethng like that and won't be the last either!  Thanks again!

Gamera, thank you too!  Comments like these from great model builders like you guys mean the world to me.  And, they inspire me to get off my butt, and start building. Big Smile


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

  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Cameron, Texas
Posted by Texgunner on Thursday, February 11, 2016 3:08 PM

bvallot

Holy crap Tex! I just took a peek at her...you should do it. =]  Sounds like a lot to drop, but she looks gorgeous.  I would even have to jump ship and go auto for a few months. lol  Seems like a NMF to me.  I say bring it!  In the rules it talks only of aircraft, but I don't think it would be problem to squeeze in something that beautiful.  

 

Isn't that a great looking model?  I've never spent that kinda dough on any model before.  That investment alone might be the motivation I'd need to get it finished.  In fact, I love their '54 Ferrari PanaAmericana racer too.  That might be a hard choice!  Man, one could wind up sinking some serious ducats on those kits...Surprise


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

  • Member since
    January 2016
Posted by suomi39 on Thursday, February 11, 2016 3:28 PM

Texgunner

 

 
suomi39

Great work on this one. My grandpa transitioned from F-51s to these, flying strategic air defense stateside in the 50s, so obviously I need to build one someday. Would you recommend this kit? Or is there a better F-80 kit out there? 

 

 

 

Thanks suomi39 (big fan of the M-39 Finn?  Or, obviously, the Suomi!  Me too!)!  Yeah, that's a great family connection, you just gotta build one for sure.  It seems that the old Monogram kits may be most accurate.  As you can see from Mr. Steinbrun's YP-80A above, it can produce a stunning model.  I really haven't looked at any of the other P-(F?)80 kits so I can give much of an answer.

Gary

 

 

Ha! Thanks -- I am indeed a fan of anything Finnish and WWII related (or earlier for that matter). Odd how we get dialed in to specific periods/subjects.

Your build is no less a stunner Tex. I think I'd be just fine with the Monogram kit if I can turn out something even approaching what you've done. Bare metal finishes are scary!! 

  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Cameron, Texas
Posted by Texgunner on Thursday, February 11, 2016 9:06 PM

"Your build is no less a stunner Tex. I think I'd be just fine with the Monogram kit if I can turn out something even approaching what you've done. Bare metal finishes are scary!!"

I am trully humbled by those kind comments.  You will turn out beautiful metal finishes!

Gary


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

  • Member since
    June 2003
  • From: Cavite, Philippines
Posted by allan on Thursday, February 11, 2016 9:36 PM

GMorrison

"Now this ain't no *** " story I heard from a jet jockey. One emptied, the other didn't but would not be released. Guy opens the canopy and shoots a bunch of holes in it with his .45.

 

 

 
Hahaha. Im trying to picture this scene.

No bucks, no Buck Rogers

  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Cameron, Texas
Posted by Texgunner on Thursday, February 11, 2016 9:48 PM

"Hahaha. Im trying to picture this scene."

Indiana Jones?  I think I saw that one!Big Smile


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

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