Announcing the “Year of the Cat” Group Build
This article is part of a series:
”Year of the Cat”
Traditionally, the Chinese have a calendar year that is named after some sort of animal. This year is the “Year of the Rooster”. So what do you think about this?
The year of the “Cat”… Anything would go that was named after any sort of Cat / Feline.
I’m talking about most of the Grumman planes, Hellcat, Wildcat, Bearcat, Tigercat, Panther jets, Cougars, F-14 Tomcats,
Curtiss P-40 Kittyhawks, “Flying Tiger’s” SEPECAT Jaguar’s, what have you……………..
But wait…. there’s more!
To add in a small twist for our fellow Armor builders, what about including anything Armor related such as Tiger’s, Panther’s, Jagdpanther’s, Jagdtiger’s, Sturmtiger’s, Bergepanther’s, Leopard tank’s, Puma’s and so on? Triumph Tiger motorcycles, various cars and Jaguar vehicles would all qualify too.
Basically anything that was named after a cat of some sorts – any scale or “Cat” subject would do. If you can find a boat or a ship with a “Cat” name or designation, it would work too.
George Williams came up with another brilliant twist. Why not carry it over until the Chinese New Year? It’s on February 16th, 2018, and ironically, it is followed by the “Year of the Dog” next. This will give us even more time to complete our projects.
We can start posting our reveals on February 16th, 2018, when ironically, the next Chinese Year is the “Year of the Dog” (seriously, it is)… However if you don’t want to wait that long, go for it and post up your completed projects when you get them done.
So… What do you think? Do you care to build a Cat?
Everyone is invited to join. Here’s a link to the Group Build.
Hopefully this one will turn out like the recent Midway Group Build… Like in the Midway build, I will have to ask for assistance with this event on occasion.
So, without further delays, Lets get cranking out some Cats! Please feel free to start your Build Log.
Thanks everyone…
Sincerely,
Louis
19 additional images. Click to enlarge.
Chuck A. Villanueva said on June 21, 2017
I’m in with a Kitty Hawk Jaguar Gr.1, in 48th scale, it will be an Operation Granby bird in Desert Pink.
Louis Gardner said on June 21, 2017
Sounds great Chuck !!!! If it turns out half as nice as your Midway Group Builds did, you will have a real head turner for sure !!!! Go for it……………..
Chuck A. Villanueva said on June 21, 2017
My first Kitty Hawk kit ever, I am aware of how difficult these kits can be. So I am up for the challenge, and looking forward to the project. I was also thinking of doing a Jag of a different kind. Now if I can find a kit of the Jaguar XKE. Back to the music “Year of the Cat”. Al Stewart
Louis Gardner said on June 21, 2017
There ya go !!!!!! Sounds like a good plan. If I run across an XKE I’ll shoot you a PM.
Craig Abrahamson said on June 21, 2017
Well, hell….maybe with a deadline that far away, I may be able to actually get something new done by then. I’m in.
Louis Gardner said on June 21, 2017
I think you can do this Craig………………… Give it a go.
Craig Abrahamson said on June 21, 2017
I hope you’re right, Louis (got a lot on my plate lately). Anyway, I just got that Tamiya F-14A and guess that’ll [hopefully] be my entry.
Louis Gardner said on June 21, 2017
That looks like a great kit Craig……………….
Brian Scott said on June 21, 2017
Im in with a 1/48 Hellcat soon as i get back from vacation
Louis Gardner said on June 21, 2017
Sounds great Brian. Take care and have a safe and fun vacation………………….. I want to build a few more F6F’s too.
Josh Patterson said on June 21, 2017
Well, I think I can probably meet that deadline!! I have a Panther almost done already with a /cougar near paint. It would give me an excuse to bust out my Academy Tomcat and get cracking on it too! (Built one as a kid and loved it!) All I can say is Robert Royes is going to love your cover shot!
Louis Gardner said on June 21, 2017
Thanks Josh !!! We will be looking forward to seeing your builds. Please fell free to post up as many as you like………… I want to crank out a few more F6F’s soon. (Possibly a F9F too).
I hope that Robert approves……………… Felix has always been one of my favorite “Cats” along with the “Pink Panther”……….. who was just too cool.
neil foster said on June 22, 2017
What about a Catalina….
lol N.
Louis Gardner said on June 22, 2017
Go for it Neil. The Cat – a – Lina would be a fantastic choice.
Terry Schuler said on June 22, 2017
Louis, it seems like I’m always doing something else when these group builds come up and I can’t participate. Not this time. I’ve got a Tamiya F4F-4 that says I’m in !
Louis Gardner said on June 22, 2017
Fantastic Terry !!!
We will be looking forward to seeing your progress.
Allan J Withers said on June 22, 2017
I have one more Catalina to add to my collection, three Blue Angels, several other cat themed subjects, a couple close to completion, lets see how many I can get done, so much fun to be had !!
Louis Gardner said on June 22, 2017
One can never have too many Cats …….. a Blue Angels Cat would be a great one to see.
Louis Gardner said on June 22, 2017
As would another Catalina………..
Rick Wilkes said on June 22, 2017
I’m in with a Cougar, a Mercury Cougar that is. For starters anyway.
Louis Gardner said on June 22, 2017
Excellent Rick. Years ago when I was in High School, one of my friends had a Cougar “Eliminator” that he drove to school every day. It was bright red trimmed in black. Fun car ………. 🙂
Louis Gardner said on June 22, 2017
It may have been Orange not red.
Robert Royes said on June 26, 2017
There was a blue with white trim one in my neighborhood where I was growing up.
Louis Gardner said on June 22, 2017
WOW !!!!!!
I am simply amazed at the turnout with this Group Build. So far we have 8 builds started. This is more than we had in the first day of the recent Midway Group build, which really turned out great. I’m very excited with the reception………….
Excellent work everyone.
There’s plenty of room for many more …….. Please keep them coming .
Thanks again !!!!
Greg Kittinger said on June 22, 2017
I went to the group thread before posting here, but I think I can modify my contribution! I am in with an F-5F Tiger II in Aggressor scheme for sure, and think I will also attempt to pull my High Planes Cheetah out of the stash – with the longer deadline I think I could get them both done.
Louis Gardner said on June 22, 2017
Tigers and Cheetahs sound fabulous Greg. Thanks again for starting another build thread.
Richard Mcstay said on June 22, 2017
Go on then, I’m in!
Louis Gardner said on June 22, 2017
Awesome Richard.
David Mills said on June 22, 2017
Great idea Louis – I’m in with the Hasegawa 1/48 Kittyhawk iii
Louis Gardner said on June 22, 2017
Sounds good to me !!!
Roberto Colaianni said on June 22, 2017
Louis,
I have some work in progress, but I believe the long time available, will allowed myself to accomplish the task! Group joined.
Louis Gardner said on June 22, 2017
Thank you Roberto. I would really like to see you build something in this group. We have a lot of time left.
Robert Royes said on June 22, 2017
I’m in , don’t what with yet, but I’m in. Maybe the Felix family.
Louis Gardner said on June 22, 2017
That sounds good. I have been thinking about building a Brewster Buffalo marked as Jimmy Thatch’s plane when he nosed it over on the deck of the Saratoga ??? As long as it has a “Cat” theme to it that should be fine. Felix builds would qualify.
Darren Dickerson said on June 22, 2017
I am a big cat fan, so count me in.
Darren Dickerson
Louis Gardner said on June 22, 2017
Sounds great Darren. When you can. please head over to the Group Build section and start a thread on your next ‘Cat project. I just noticed that you like Thunderbolts…………… so do I.
Take care.
Morne Meyer said on June 23, 2017
I am definitely in with a Grumman Tigercat. Would a Tigermeet scheme or cat inspired insignia or nose art also suffice for entry?
Louis Gardner said on June 23, 2017
Yes Morne. Anything Cat related, cat schemes or Cat inspired will work. I was thinking about building a Brewster Buffalo with Felix the Cat Squadron insignia. Basically anything Cat related, named or otherwise is fine.
Morne Meyer said on June 23, 2017
I have a B25 G with the most stunning Cat/Tiger head markings covering the whole nose area. Currently a toss up between the B 25 G and the Tigercat. Thank for this brilliant theme!!
Louis Gardner said on June 23, 2017
You’re welcome my friend. Why not build both ???? 🙂 🙂 🙂
Jeff Bailey said on June 23, 2017
I’m in, Louis! Sorry for the delay. This should prove mucho fun!
Louis Gardner said on June 23, 2017
No problems Jeff. It’s great to hear from you buddy.
Michael Drover said on June 23, 2017
I think I could be convinced by this, there’s some great subject material to choose from. I’ll make an attempt to join and contribute a whirly gig.
Fingers crossed.
Cheers,
Mick
Louis Gardner said on June 23, 2017
We will be looking forward to seeing your project. Thanks my friend.
David Mills said on June 23, 2017
Sword 1/72 TF-9J Cougar – saw this kit and had to have it – perfect excuse to build it
Robert Royes said on June 23, 2017
I’ve got that in my stash too. you are right-perfect excuse!
Louis Gardner said on June 23, 2017
Go for it !!! Both of you guys could build your own. The more the merrier.
George Williams said on June 23, 2017
OK, I’m in with a “Kitty” Hawk Sepe “Cat” “Jaguar” GR1/GR3, I couldn’t find a model with more than three cat references, wish I could find a “pussy” as well though…….
Louis Gardner said on June 23, 2017
🙂 🙂 🙂
Sounds like a great plan George. I also want to thank you again for the great idea of extending this build to coincide with the actual beginning of the Chinese Year of the Dog. This will allow us all more time to build.
Frank Cronin said on June 23, 2017
Louis,
I’m going through the models iv’e started FO this comes at a good time. I’m in for a P-40, F8F, and an F6F. Great idea you have here.
Louis Gardner said on June 23, 2017
Thanks Frank. Those are all wonderful choices. We will be watching for these builds for sure. Thanks again buddy.
Jaime Carreon said on June 24, 2017
Ok, I’m in. 1/48 AMT F7F Tigercat….
Louis Gardner said on June 24, 2017
Cool Jaime…….. Looking forward to it. Thanks
Paul Barber said on June 24, 2017
I am in – but still deciding – some out and out cats, and some more tenuous links.
Louis Gardner said on June 24, 2017
Awesome Paul ………. This is great news my friend.
Mike Still said on June 25, 2017
Decided to go old-school … doing a figure of Al Stewart …. lol. Actually, pulling out one of my old Monogram 1/48 F-14As and applying tons of trickery and brute-force modeling along with a 30-year old Superscale decal sheet for VF-84 in low-viz overall light gull gray.
Louis Gardner said on June 27, 2017
Too funny !!!!! Sounds like you have a plan…………….. Looking forward to seeing it.