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This is the Italeri T-45A in 1/72nd
scale. Since I started working on the T-45 here at Boeing I had wanted a model
of it for my desk. Our company gift shop has the hand carved display models but
they are a bit pricey at over $120. So I decided I could build one for a little
bit less. Unfortunately there are no mass produced T-45A's in 1/48 or larger so
I was left with the only choice of Italeri's 1/72 scale version. The model
goes together rather quickly and some filler is needed on the underside between
the fuse/wing join area. Since this was a desk display model I built it with the
landing gear up. The gear doors fit OK but some filler is required to get a
decent mold line appearance. I didn't detail out the cockpit too much and had
initially thought I would just paint the clear areas opaque blue. However, I did
paint the seats and interior so I left it clear. The canopy leaves a bit to be
desired since it isn't that clear. There are some crazing lines internally in
the plastic (very light). But at 1/72 scale I guess I can't complain too much.
Painting was easy. After filler,
sanding, masking and surface prep I sprayed the entire model with Krylon white
primer then several thin coats of Krylon gloss white. I masked the nose area for
the red and used brush applied acrylic paint from the craft store to
do the red. The wings and vertical weren't masked. I freehanded those to
the panel lines. After the red dried, I hand drew the outline of the anti-glare
panel then free handed the black with acrylic craft paint. The decals went on
very well and were nice and thin. The stars and bars on the upper left wing
snuggled down very well to the stall fences there. After the decals dried I
painted the intakes and engine exhaust nozzle.
The a final clear coat of Krylon gloss was applied.
A very easy model that took just a few days. I get a lot of questions when
people come to my desk about where I got the model and that they wish they could
afford one. I just smile and say it's nice.
Jeff
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