Hobby Boss 1/48th Scale North American FJ-4 Fury
While I’m usually a “propeller” guy, I enjoy building early jet subjects from time to time for a change of pace. The FJ-4 was North American’s "Navalized" version of their famous F-86 Sabre. The kit was built for a good friend of mine who is an old marine and so appropriately depicts a Marine subject from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMF 232) nicknamed the "Red Devils". The Red Devils are the oldest and most decorated fighter squadron in the Marine Corps. The model was a fun build, the kit exhibits crisp detail with no fit problems other than the main wing to fuselage join which is tricky due to the curve of parts. The build is OOB with the addition of some added detail behind the ejection seat.
6 additional images. Click to enlarge.
Craig Abrahamson said on May 23, 2013
Turned out really well, Erich...I like the base as well - nice presentation.
Jack Mugan said on May 23, 2013
Erich... Very nice OOB build and presentation. I assume your old Marine friend liked it as well. If he didn't, you can send it to me.
bob mack said on May 23, 2013
that's a fine looking model erich
Drew Tarter said on May 23, 2013
Great-looking Fury, Erich. I have this kit in the stash, and have decals to finish is as a Marine jet from VMF-451, the 'Warlords'.
Erich Goldbach said on May 23, 2013
Drew, I thought you might find this amusing: " In 1959 the "Warlords", redesiged their unit insignia to feature a jet punching through a Carling beer label and sporting the motif, "Vini, Vici" meaning "we conquered some wine" as opposed to "Veni, Vici" which means "I came, I conquered". ...got to love it.
steven a weinmann said on May 23, 2013
excellent build excellent subject excellent display...excellent job erich
Ray B. Hall said on May 23, 2013
Erich .. good looking finish .. I built two Fury's .. one in the VMF 212 .. other in the VMCJ-3 type ..both in 1/48 scale ... NOW I have got to get 'em entered in here .. although they are NOT as good in detail as yours !
Erich Goldbach said on May 23, 2013
Thanks all for the kind remarks about my Fury.
John Healy said on May 24, 2013
That's a nice Fury! I'll be referring to yours when I build mine.
Donn A. Wells M.D. said on May 24, 2013
Beautifully done ! May I ask what you use for the wing and stab leading edges?
Erich Goldbach said on May 25, 2013
Hi Donn, I used Bare Metal Foils matte Aluminium and Black foil products. This was my first attempt at using it for leading edges. I found the process easier and much faster than masking and painting.
Erich Goldbach said on May 25, 2013
Hi Donn, I used Bare Metal Foils matte Aluminium and black. This was the first attempt at using it for leading edges. I found the process easier and much faster than masking and painting.
Donn A. Wells M.D. said on May 25, 2013
Looks like it worked well. My understanding of those leading edges on Navy 50's jets is that they are not natural metal, and not some standard paint, but some coating that had an extra protective quality. I believe there was a special name for it.
Erich Goldbach said on May 26, 2013
I think the metal leading edges on early jets and props driven AC (Skyraiders) were made of Dural-aluminium which is a high strength, low weight alloy. Never been able to lock down the color but usually I go with Floquil dull Aluminium + a touch of primerer grey for the effect.
Jeff Mason said on September 21, 2013
I did a "Fury" search and came across your build - it looks great. I'm building the F4J-B version.