Mexican Navy Pogo

[Ed S]

I can't stand it.  I have to jump into this GB.  I may not get much sleep this next week, but what the hell.  You're only young once.

I have a KP 1/72 XFY-1 Pogo that I'm going to do as a Mexican Navy operational F1Y-2 Pogo in a "caribe" color scheme.

BACKSTORY:

After test flying the Pogo and the Lockheed Salmon, the Navy decided that the Pogo would provide them air power for their smaller ships.  This would not have been practical without the newly developed Sperry shipboard gyro stabilized landing platform with it's radar altitude and attitude feed to the new cockpit display along with quick acting landing grapples built into the deck.  Although the USN operational career of the Pogo was less than 5 years, the Pogo quickly found a home in many of the world's smaller navies that needed some form of airpower but couldn't afford the massive carriers of the USN.  In 1957, the Mexican Navy recieved one squadron of F1Y-1 fighters new from Convair. When the USN retired theirs, then Mexico was able to purchase a second squadron of the -2 version at a very affordable price. Later, all of the Mexican Pogos were refitted to -2 standards.  In addition to newer electronics and a 20% more powerful engine, the -2 fighters were capable of carrying the new AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles.  Primarily used for air defense of the fleet, the Pogo's occasionally found themselves flying ground attack missions carrying a couple small bombs or rocket pods along with their 20mm cannons.  The Mexican Navy finally retired their Pogos in 1970.

Photos to follow.

Ed

[cthulhu77]

SWEET!!!!!

[John Howling Mouse]

Sounds like a plan.  Now, we need to see some in progress pics please.

[Ed S]

Here's what I'm starting with.  KP 1/72 XFY-1 Pogo and some ZOTZ Roundels of the World decals.



Ed

[Eddie M.]

I'm glad to see you've jumped aboard for this one. That is one impressive colection of decals!
   Eddie

[Ed S]

I'm glad to see you've jumped aboard for this one. That is one impressive colection of decals!
   Eddie

For sure...  These Zotz Roundels of the World are pretty good.  This package has North America & Carribean (except USA).  Other packs have lots of other 3rd world countries.


End of Day 1.  Here's what it looks like after a late start yesterday.  Got the major subassemblies glued up, the cockpit and instrument panel worked on and painted.  Found some AIM-9B's and launch rails.  And I managed to break off one prop blade.  Oh well, I can fix that.




Here's what the cockpit is looking like.



And here's a close up of the instrument panel.



More to do today.

See ya,

Ed

[cthulhu77]

Heck, even your clamps are on spring break!!!!

[Brian da Basher]

I like the idea of a Pogo in different markings. I'm going to enjoy watching this one come together.

Brian da Basher

[John Howling Mouse]

I like the idea of a Pogo in different markings. I'm going to enjoy watching this one come together.

Brian da Basher

What he said.  This is going to be one eye-catching build! 

[Captain Canada]

Looking good so far, Ed ! Keep the updates coming !

[anthonyp]

[Channeling Van Halen]PANAMA!!!   (duh-de-duh-de-duh-duh-de)  PANAMA-OH-OH-OH-OH-OH!!!!  PANAMA!!![/Channeling Van Halen]

Er, sorry, got distracted by certain roundels...

Lookin' good!  I didn't even know there was a 1/72 Pogo kit out there!   

[Ed S]

Day 2.

Got the cockpit done, and the fuselage glued together.  Got a couple seams that need attention in the morning and it should get primer on it tomorrow.  It's late now and I'm off to get a few hours sleep.

Here's a detail shot of the cockpit interior.  Next step is put the fuselage halves together.



Here's the full assembly.  Fuselage, wings, tail and intakes glued up.



See ya tomorrow.

Ed

[cthulhu77]

Looking great, that'd be a perfect island hopper.

[Ed S]

Day 3.  It's coming along

Here is the model with a coat of primer (Tamiya Rattle can).  Got a couple small areas and seams to clean up, but it's coming along.




And here it is with the first color coat.  I'll start on the camo pattern tomorrow.  This should be interesting, since I'm experimenting with a new idea for the camo.



At least it isn't going to be boring gray.

Ed

[cthulhu77]

Yeahhhhh baby! Love that blue!