Homage to Jim Goodson
I am late, I know. He died more than two years ago. But I actually built this diorama before his death. James Goodson has always been one of my favorite air aces of WII. He is one of those guys that never achieved the popular status some other allied pilots did, even though he was one of the greatest. Most people heard about Gentile, Gabresky, Bob Johnson, Johnny Godfrey, many never heard about Goodson (try to get the decals for his plane!). But check out the lists of all time aces - he was credited with 30 kllls, 15 in the air, 15 on the ground (which was even more dangerous). Strafing eventually got him into the Stallag a few days after D-day, where he spent 10 months.
Goodson served in the 4th Fighter Group under Blakeslee, was CO of 336 Squadron and Deputy CO of the Group. His subordinates in the squadron included Gentile, Godfrey, Ralph Hoffer and many more of the famous. "Goody" wrote a book Tumult in the Clouds that is a classic story of WW II in the air and a must for everyone with interest in the topic (he actually wrote three, the other two being "The Last of the Knights" and "Over Payed, Over-sexed and Over Here"). In the first mentioned he gives a lasting homage to his young colleagues (beside the already cited there are Mike Sobanski, Vic France, Willard Millikan, Kendal Carlson, Fred Glover and many more), many of whom surpassed him in fame. And this is a proof of the greatness of this man.
The kit is a Tamyia, but the tail had to be cut off and supplemented with a filletless one (Ultracast). A lot of aftermarket was added (wheels and wheel wells with all the details, a panel with machine guns, spinner, cockpit with placards and all other details). The decals were a problem to get - but I succeded after all (the firm was called Spada Decals).
Enjoy and happy holidays to all - a lot of peaceful modeling hours!
Exemplary workmanship and a fitting tribute, sir...very nice job all around.
That looks fantastic! Well done.
Excellent diorama and back round info.
Great-looking Mustang - and excellent NMF!
Excellent article and a fine build too. I really like the original photos too. You did a fantastic tribute to both the man and the machine.
Two thumbs up!
Nice work
A lot of thought and effort and has gone into this and it really shows.
Very nice - you did get the look of the airplane. Jimmy was indeed a helluva guy. I had the pleasure of knowing him in the 80s. He was one of those guys, you didn't have to be looking at the door to know when he walked in the room. Called "Gable handsome" back during the war and kept it.