I would like to introduce my version of Revell's 1/48 SR-71A. This Blackbird is the second one made #61-7951, 1st flight 1965. In 1971, she was loaned to NASA for testing. That started the confusion; for some security reasons NASA could not use SR-71 to identify her. They finally came up with YF-12C #06937 (the model). Just to make things a little complicated; #937 was actually an A-12 that was still in operation. The bottom line, there is no such thing as a designation YF-12C which was called by the number of another air frame. The real 937 and 951 are currently in museums.
The kit is an easier assembly than I made it; the US version is easier than the European version. The reason is if you are building two J-58s; You will be making two cylinders out of 8 panels! Painting black is always fun. I stared with a base coat of Tamiya Flat Black (should have started with a prime coat)and then added at least a half dozen shades of blacks and grays. The decals are from the kit and Caracal SR-71 pt 1. I would recommend this kit!
Boxes - US and Eurpean kits
DSC00537 by Ship Wreck, on Flickr
Manuals
DSC00551 by Ship Wreck, on Flickr
Parts
DSC00540 by Ship Wreck, on Flickr
DSC00542 by Ship Wreck, on Flickr
The spine is serious
DSC00475 by Ship Wreck, on Flickr
The Suites are not accurate but close enough
DSC00497 by Ship Wreck, on Flickr
Landing gear
DSC00549 by Ship Wreck, on Flickr
Nose gear bay
DSC00488 by Ship Wreck, on Flickr
Main gear retracting
DSC00715 by Ship Wreck, on Flickr
Nose gear retracting and belly view
DSC00716 by Ship Wreck, on Flickr
J-58 - European kit only
DSC00712 by Ship Wreck, on Flickr
SR-71 or is it YF-12C or is it a Y-12???
DSC00702 by Ship Wreck, on Flickr
On the Bench:
Revell 1/96 USS Constitution - rigging
Kinetic 1/48 YF-104A 5+2957
Trumpeter 1/350 USS Hornet CV-8
Revell 1/48 B-1B Lancer Prep & Reasearch