USMC Hawker Hunter Finished!!!!

[Modelling_Mushi]

I wonder why they felt the need to put a US flag on the fin...

It seems to be an american fetish, everything has a flag or "USA" whacked on it (preferably in HUGE sizes). Maybe they have really short short term memories and cant remember what their flag looks like (eg their president always seems to need at least two flags with him whatever he does - maybe if he doesnt have these he will think hes president of cuba or something), or perhaps they are afraid the russians will steal everything if its not bolted down and they wont be able to get it back  . A mate came back from a trip to the US with the absolute ridiculous extreme of this - a bog roll with each sheet labelled "GO USA" and the stars and stripes on it - lasted about 20 minutes and it wasnt the softest either!

[Stargazer]

I would go for a less exotic explanation myself: since these are used by an official service, they MUST carry some sort of national identification. The U.S. Customs, Coast Guard and other non-strictly military entities put flags on their aircraft to acknowledge that official use.

[Maverick]

Although the USCG, etc are ultimately civilian organisations, they are paramilitary in nature which is why I suspect they use the flag (along with the 'star & bar' for CG aircraft).  This other type is purely civilian, although a 'contractor' so I'd lean towards MM's explanation.  Just a case of 'flying the flag' (quite literally) rather than an official requirement.

Excellent build btw. Coming along very nicely.

Regards,

Mav

[Stargazer]

True enough, Mav. I'm just reminded of the Flight Systems Inc. and their leasing some F-100 aircraft to the military. These carried no flags or "national" markings of any kind, so indeed, the "flying the flag" explanation must be the right one.

[ChernayaAkula]

ATAC operates their Hunter not just in the US. I'm sure they also flew (still fly?) them in Japan as well. Maybe that's why they felt the need to put a flag on the tail (although I suppose it isn't actually necessary).

[Taiidantomcat]

Two hours of masking for less then 5 minutes of airbrushing!

Thats how you know you are doing it right! 

That little cutting gizmo with the razorblade, a couple pages back, I have thought about getting something like that myself, what are your opinions on it?

[FAR148]

Two hours of masking for less then 5 minutes of airbrushing!

Thats how you know you are doing it right! 
That little cutting gizmo with the razorblade, a couple pages back, I have thought about getting something like that myself, what are your opinions on it?

It's the Chopper! I love mine I think anybody who scratchbuilds should have one.  You can pick one up at Sprue brothers
The Chopper I Cutter   http://store.spruebrothers.com/nwsl-the-chopper-styrene-and-wood-length-cutter-49-p4817.aspx
The Chopper II Cutter  http://store.spruebrothers.com/nwsl-the-chopper-ii-styrene-and-wood-length-cutter-69-p4815.aspx
The Chopper III Cutter  http://store.spruebrothers.com/nwsl-the-chopper-iii-styrene-and-wood-length-cutter-59-p4816.aspx

Until Later,
Steven L 

[bearmatt]

Holly s......
Has been a while I didn't show up here and then THIS!!!!! 
FAR, This is 

Very much looking fwd to see it finished! Great job (as always...!)

[FAR148]

Here's a small update. I haven't had alot time to work on her due to working a ton of overtime at work. One day last week I did manage to get her gloss on. I tried something new, I used a lacquer based gloss coat and not Future. Well it..... Orange peeled So this morning I wet sanded her with some 3M mircofine sanding pads. After her sanding, I then had to give her a bath to wash off the sanding residue. Hopefully I can start decaling her sometime this weekend.





Until later,
Steven L   

[sandiegobrit]

great model,I was thinking of a USAF hunter to use the decals from my RAF HUSTLER but seeing this i am thinking that i should do a USAF BAE Lightning instead ?

I live near marine air station Miramar and i thought i saw a hunter last summer, perhaps it was one of the civilian missile training aircraft.

[Taiidantomcat]

Still looks great! Glad you were able to save all of this excellent work. 

[FAR148]

Thanks Guys

Decaling has started along with my next project.....





Still more to come,
Steven L 

[ChernayaAkula]

What a tidy workplace! 
That Hunter is a thing of beauty!  Err, wait, of course it is. All Hunters are! But this one even more so....

Canadian Spey-engined Phantom, but with a six-shooter or Weasel nose? 

[Ian the Kiwi Herder]

Awwww, not a Rafale then  - Great work on that Hunter, Steven. I'm working on a real world one just now aswell as the Ta183. Love that workspace, I have a similar layout ('L' shaped - really efficient way to model  ).

Ian

[James]

Steven, that Hunter is amazing. The scheme looks just right on it.