Jaguar in USMC service

[nev]

This kit has languished in my half-finished pile for more moons than I care to remember.  It was originally given to me by the late lamented Wooksta, along with several Airfix and Italeri Jags that he had taken the decals and stores from (all he wanted from them as he dislikes Jaguars almost as much as Phantoms).  I started it for the original Matchbox Madness GB on ARC back in 2006, but never got much past the basic construction



Basic construction is quite appropriate a term for this kit too.  Low on detail, atrocious on fit, and not particularly accurate either.  The thought of the mountains of filler required saw it shelved indefinately.....until the recent lull in GBs (here and elsewhere) prompted me to pull out a few unfinished kits and push on and finish them.  Even as I was PSRing it, I was unsure as to what colours it would wear.  Luftwaffe was one choice, but in the end USMC won out and thanks to the generous donation of some Italeri A-4M decals from chrisonord I was able to get it done.



I've got real mixed emotions about this kit.  The finish isn't the best as I wanted to just get it done, but also because its such a poor base kit that I couldn't be bothered going the extra mile.  Having said that, I love how it turned out!    I know USN/USMC gull grey/white with full colour squadron markings is something of a WMD, but it looks much better than I could have hoped.

This is now kit number 7 finished for the year!  And I like it so much that I intend to use the lo-vis Blacksheep markings left on the sheet to do a Desert Storm Jaguar for next years 1WGB, loaded to the gunnels with iron 



I haven't really come up with a backstory or decided on a designation.  A-8 or A-9, and something to do with the Harrier not being purchased to to politics, subsonic etc etc.

[Brian da Basher]

Few build 'em as sharp and clean as you, Nev! Looks every bit the champ in that scheme!

Brian da Basher

[thedarkmaster]

it is very nice,  and it has given me some inspiration to get some bits done.

[anthonyp]

Clean and sharp looking model you got there, Nev!  Really like it.

[chrisonord]

Now that looks really nice Nev, can't wait to see the low vis one too. Glad to have donated to such a nice build.
Chris

[tigercat2]

A really clean aircraft!!

Wes W.

[Eddie M.]

Outstanding look to an aircraft I really enjoy a lot. Saw one fly by 91 while I was at sea. Been hooked ever since. Again, great work. You're work never fails to amaze me. 

[AeroplaneDriver]

Wow!  Nice looking Jag Nev   

I love the idea of USMC/USN Jags...its on my to-do list too.

[Cobra]

Sweet Job!!!!!!!!!!! why do i see some Insurgent type yelling,"poo-poo!!!!!!! it's a Jaguar!!!!!!!!"? Hope to see more Cool work like this!!!!!!!!

[thomasweir]

Unique reminds me of some Hollywood movies where they can't get correct jets for some reason and just paint up anything they can get their hands on. US NAvy Folland Gnats in Hots Shots for example.

[batmancustoms]

nice

[Joe C-P]

It's odd, but an interesting build.

Maybe the USN bought them as exchange for the RN and French buying various US aircraft?

[Captain Canada]

Nice one, Nevster. Always one of my favourite aeroplanes.....

[Jschmus]

Nice build, but it would look better all dressed up, ie, loaded for a strike mission.

[nev]

Thats my plan for next years 1WGB