I'd like to share with you : The second of two model build projects I did after coming back to modeling from decades of absence, two first one allowed by retirement from work…The exercise is to simulate/replicate the personal aircraft of erstwhile Philippine Air Force Commanding General , Jose E Rancudo, when, earlier, in command of the 5th Fighter Wing. The marking “Lightning” was made possible by locally made HARIBON Decals .
The kit received some detailing like opened starboard gun bay; scratch built Pontiac M-39 20-mm cannon; and, the canopy actuating mechanism at the canopy rear; added small lengths stretched sprue to simulate the many thin linkages in the landing gear struts, landing gear door. Scratch built also a simulation of the gun-sight from a bent No. 10 Staple Wire and from thin plastic rod the Auxiliary Compass by the windshield inner frame … Bosny (Krylon) Automotive Chrome Enamel (decanted from rattle can) simulated the prototype’s Silver Lacquer Painted Finish . The chrome was laced with some white enamel to reduce the “chrome-y” effect(?). Shown shot of the subject next to the HARIBON Decal cover sheet..
and
(The picture above tries to commemorate the “First Event” in Philippine (Air Force) military aviation The North American P-51D Mustang (exampled by “The Shark of Zambales”) was instrumental in making the Philippine Air Force fighter/combat capable in 1946 equipping a full pledge fighter wing (of four squadrons); and, the F-5A(/B) had ushered the Philippine Air Force into the supersonic age of flight in 1966…) . . (Post script to the dedals: These were initially my personal and home-made/printed dedfals that turned commercial)
Finally, the inspiration of the above :
Many thanks for viewing... regards from the Philippines...
Farouk