Nighthawk! The Griffon Mustang that never was....

[K5054NZ]

Hi all!

Yes! I paid for a limited run model of Precious Metal, Ron Buccarelli's divine Griffstang

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVWmI1PMUUs
only to sling aside the decals and paint her as a WHIFF!

Some time ago - as brought up in the "Someone stole my idea" thread - I brainstormed a TV series or movie around the Reno races, with the "bad guy" flying a black Mustang, modded with a Griffon and contraprop combo, low drag canopy etc. I drew a picture of this baby, sadly I've no idea where its gone , and the result looked a lot like PM. About which I knew nothing at the time! Anyway, this aircraft was Race #17, Nighthawk, painted mostly black and having a stylised hawk's head on the nose.

Damian2 - bless 'im - came up with a much cooler and easier idea, about which you'll learn more when I get around to painting.









Flash flash everywhere! But I've read and reread a review of the World Jet boxing at Modeling Madness, so I knew what I was in for anyway. A bit of filler, but mostly sanding and trimming. SUPERB engraved detailing, it'll practically disappear under paint. Some parts will be absolute carp if I get em off the sprue due to MASSIVE gates, so I'm cannibalising a Revellogram P-51D for these. Things like wheels, doors, radiator lip etc. Thanks again to JHM for this kit......see, it's being made! Sorta...

BTW the original decals for this puppy will be put to use on my 1:48 Italeri Harvard, for Kiwi Unlimited Race Team® (Engine By Toolslinger Engine Works®)....you'll like the pseudo Kiwi connection in the name ....

[sotoolslinger]

Wow is that cool I am really looking forward to seeing this painted

[K5054NZ]

She's my favourite inline racer. Listen to her passes in that YouTube video....she growls like some demented beast.....it's a crime she's not a Gold contender, and the list of confirmed entries for this year sadly doesn't include Race 38 .....

Re the paint scheme, allow me to misquote Mr M. Jagger: "I've got a silver Mustang, I gotta paint it black....no green wings anymore, I want them to turn blaaack..."

[Damian2]

Now if only I could remember what I suggested! Glad SOMEONE wrote it down

Damian "The Muse" Manley

[gunfighter]

Why do you think there are nor spitfires modified as racers? Isn´t the MK XIV fast enough? I remember there was a model with short wings, and it´s a nice aircraft anyway.

[K5054NZ]

Probably due to the fact they're seen as so precious........and the fact they're English, maybe? The 1949 Cleveland races had a Griffon Spitfire - XIV I think - competing,. as Race 80. Perhaps it wasn't able to keep up with the Stangs, Super Corsairs and Bearcats? Mind you.....Airacobras took part.....on the subject of Brit planes at Reno et al, what about a Mosquito? Hornet? I was thinking - US - the Twin Mustang.

I read somewhere that the immaculate FHC FW-190D Yellow 10 was at one point looked at as a racer in the seventies.......now I know how I'll paint my 1:48 Tamiya D-9

[Tophe]

Zac, will you change only the colours or modify something else too?

[K5054NZ]

On this Mustang? Sorry Christophe, I hate to disappoint you but yes, just the paint. It's not yet 0600hr here in NZ - so much for a sleep-in - but when the stores open I'm off on the prowl for some gloss black spray. Updates later today I think.

Thinking of what to do with the Dora.....and if you love racer conversions, keep an eye on the "Oooooh, Barracuda!" thread 

[K5054NZ]

PROGRESS!



Canopy masked, last bit of spinner on (really does give her a massive snout, huh?), fun with the exhausts and off to the paint shop!

Sadly they now keep their sprays under lock and key - no joking - and there were no staff around. Tomorrow, methinks. Sigh. Still, playing "Reno" on the sofa is fun. Shame Tiff isn't here to "fly" the competition........

[Tophe]

NICE!

[K5054NZ]

 

PROGRESS! I only hope I've done justice to Damian's idea.................still a fair amount of painting to do: name, number, prop/spinners etc, attachment of u/c, U/C well painting.........


Hope that's cool. I asked my folks and sis if it was eyecatching enough, they approve 

[Damian2]

Looks great Zac! Can't wait to see more of her!!

D

ps. Hope Tiff is doing better!!

[sotoolslinger]

Really cool looking ZAC

[Ed S]

Looking good.  I like the artwork on the side.  But I really think it would look better with different colored props and spinner.

Ed

[Tophe]

I had never seen a plane deserving so much the names of Nighthawk or Blackbird... Congratulations for the paint job.