1/48 F-89C Scorpion
This is the Revell kit from 1999. It was a modification of the original F-89H released around 1989. This is one of those kits that I kind of wanted, but passed up when they were available. Naturally, I’ve really wanted one for the last few years. Well, I got lucky at the annual Butch O’Hare show in suburban Chicago this past November 12. I found the kit and an Aeromaster ANG decal sheet on the vendor tables, and went to work! I built it in 3 weeks, something I haven’t been able to do in years. It’s pretty much out of box. I painted it with Tamiya lacquer and Floquil enamel metallics. I buffed some of the panels with some old SNJ powder, and used Humbrol and Testors enamels for the rest. This is an honest kit with few vices and finishes surprisingly easily considering its raised panel lines.
7 additional images. Click to enlarge.
Craig Abrahamson said on December 10, 2016
That’s good work, John – and the pictures really do it justice. Monogram always DID produce nice kits.
John Healy said on December 10, 2016
Thanks Craig! I always assumed that this kit and the A-6 were designed by the Monogram shop in Morton Grove, and released under the Revell label after the merger. Not so, said Norris Graser who I bought this kit and decal set from. He told me that he did most of the research for this model and that it and the A-6 were in fact designed by the Revell team in California. The things you learn at model shows!
Bernard E. Hackett, Jr. said on December 10, 2016
John thanks for that anecdote. Both Monogram and Revell were icons of my yuth’. And still worth getting. I don’t see anyone doing another 1/48th Scorpion of any type.
Way back, Revell had a box scale F-89D, a favorite of mine.
Louis Gardner said on December 10, 2016
John you did a fantastic job with the Scorpion. I really like how your finished turned out. Amazing what one can learn at shows ??????
John Healy said on December 10, 2016
Thanks, Louis. The O’Hare show is always a good time.
Robert Royes said on December 10, 2016
A real beautiful job.
John Healy said on December 10, 2016
Thank you, Robert.
Dmitry Ryzhenkov said on December 11, 2016
Great model! Very neat.
John Healy said on December 11, 2016
Thank you, Dmitry!
George Henderson said on December 11, 2016
Very nice
John Healy said on December 11, 2016
Thanks, George!
George Williams said on December 11, 2016
Looks great, whatever its origins.
John Healy said on December 11, 2016
Thank you, George!
Jim Sullivan said on December 11, 2016
Very nicely done and with a fine set of markings too.
John Healy said on December 11, 2016
Thanks, Jim! They are colorful. I enjoy doing ANG aircraft.
Tom Bebout said on December 12, 2016
Really nice job John, especially like the ANG markings. I picked the same kit up at a show in November, but it lacks decals. On a mission now to secure some, only draw back is it’s a big model in 1/48.
John Healy said on December 12, 2016
Thanks, Tom. Try Hannants for the decals. They seem to stock almost everything decal-wise. It is big!
Greg Kittinger said on December 12, 2016
Nicely done – great NMF work and a nice overall scheme! Unusual subject also, which is always nice to see.
John Healy said on December 12, 2016
Thanks, Greg. It’s a fun kit.
Terry Schuler said on December 12, 2016
John, this is a beauty. Nice paint work and I like the clean scheme.
Have you ever read about the battle of Palmdale ?
John Healy said on December 15, 2016
Thanks, Terry. Yes I do know about that errant Hellcat! Neat story.
Gary Brantley said on December 20, 2016
Very nice John! I have that kit in the stash; would that it turns out that well. 🙂
John Healy said on December 20, 2016
Build away! It’s a fun kit that behaves well.
Mark Krumrey said on December 15, 2019
Nice work John: I am just pulling out the F-89D and am going to tackle that. It’s always been a favorite of mine.