SPA Modeler

Here is my latest bits of progress on this one…

First I airbrushed on white primer where the white ETO ID markings will be applied on the tail and cowling. The next day I airbrushed on Tamiya Gloss white to those areas





Yesterday in the morning I masked off the white ID markings will be areas, and also the wheel wells





Then in the afternoon I airbrushed on the Olive Drab 41 and Neutral Gray 43 using AK Real Colors





I need to go back and do some touch up on the OD and NG, then I can get the gloss coat on for decals… more to come in a few days…

Progress! Can’t wait to see more!

Thanks guys!

speedgraflex wrote: ↑Sat Aug 01, 2026 2:54 pm Great progress! I went back through to see more detail about the actual aircraft and I’m excited to see the early insignia type in use! Thanks also for taking the time to include the battle damaged photos. Often this fine level of research into the life of the aircraft is totally missing from projects and I’m so happy to see you’ve included details about both the pilot and the aircraft, as well.

This incident happened in June 1943, before the bars and red outline were added to the national insignia, so that is the reason for the style carried. I actually did a bit more reading on the aircraft itself and apparently it was repaired, issued to another Fighter Group, and would fly combat until being lost in summer 1944. I’m surprised that any C’s were still flying combat at that time, with D’s rolling off the assembly lines in great quantities by then. And as far as the pilot goes, well, I first read his autobiography, “Thunderbolt” when I was in grade school, and got hooked on this tale at that time. Some things stick with you over the years.

BlackSheep214 wrote: ↑Sat Aug 01, 2026 4:52 pm Progress! Can’t wait to see more!

I need to do touch ups to both the OD amd Neutral Gray, so it will be after then that I can get some more progress photos up. Sundays are days I usually don’t spend any time at my bench, so it will be Monday evening at the soonest…