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Gary Brantley
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Major Don Schmenk’s F-100

November 29, 2012 · in Aviation · · 10 · 4.7K

This is the venerable 1/48th North American F-100. The kit was given to me by retired Air Force Major Don Schmenk. The plane has the markings of the Hun that Schmenk flew in Vietnam.
I had the kit for many years before I finally got around to building it. Mr. Schmenk had included spare drop tanks and instructions for converting the kit's tanks to the appropriate sized tanks used in combat in Vietnam. I added the bombs and did a bit of detailing in the main gear bays that is for all purposes unseen now. The paint used was Model Master and Humbrol enamels, weathered with an over spray of Floquil Dust. I hope you enjoy!

edit: Major Don Schmenk "headed west" on January 26, 2022. The final photo here shows Maj. Schmenk's . Rest in peace, Major Schmenk.

Reader reactions:
4  Awesome

9 additional images. Click to enlarge.


10 responses

  1. Always loved the "Hun" (my favorite Thunderbird a/c)...and the way you set this one up for pics really "sells it".

    • Thanks Craig! I like taking the pics out at the airport. It is only about 4 minutes from my house and it's hard to beat the natural light, and the "natural" setting too.
      Gary

  2. I long for the chance to shoot my kits like this! Beautiful presentation- nice build!

    • Thanks Dan. The airport is a great place for these model pics. Sometimes the wind out there is a bit much for the models though. I've had one or two try to actually go "airborne" on me!

  3. Great work again - I know what you have to go through to get here with that kit.

    • Thank you Tom. Yes, that kit does have its challenges. I think that's why I waited a long time before building it.

  4. That's a really good looking Hun. Love the way you shoot it at an airport, really makes the presentation pop.

    • Thank you Tom! I do think they look a lot better out at the airport. Next to flying through the air, it's their most natural environment I guess. Lol, I have been tempted to fly a few through the air though. Good sense, and patience, finally prevailed! 🙂
      Gary

  5. Thanks Bob! I felt honored to build this in tribute to Don Schmenk. You're too kind sir!:)
    Gary

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