Academy 1/72 OV-10D Bronco – Desert Storm
This is my entry for the Desert Storm group build. I added details to the cockpit - some bulkhead at the rear deck, boxes, cables, ejection handles, etc, knowing it would be pretty visible under that expansive canopy. Nothing extra to the external other than drilling a few vents.
My first time with AK Real Colors - I really liked them. But I'm still new enough to airbrushing that I had a few issues - I need to "overpaint" a bit more on my first color, and then do a more careful job masking so I don't leave gaps between the colors - especially when I'm trying to paint thin over blackbasing to get some mottling showing through. The first color I used for the lighter shade was totally the wrong color so that gave me a chance to go back and clean up some of my mistakes.
The other issue I faces was trying to figure out how to get the airbrush in those tight spots under the wings on the sides of the fuselage and booms. My solution was to glue the booms to the tail section, and then paint the fuselage and booms/tail section separately, then attach. The challenge was then filling and painting the gaps where they join. Didn't come out perfect, but I think it was an overall better solution!
I used kit decals, and Academy isn't known for having great decals! They worked ok, but the combination of those decals and me learning to get a better gloss coat out of the airbrush led to a little silvering - I used the "slash and Microsol" technique to try to eliminate it, and for the most part it isn't too noticeable. Overall I'm pleased, and I'm now inspired to do a Prowler with the Desert Sand scheme (which includes another darker brown to the mix). Coming soon... after a few other builds on the bench are done! Happy New Year!
14 additional images. Click to enlarge.
John vd Biggelaar said on December 31, 2020
Very nice looking Bronco, Greg.
The way you presented your build looks great.
Beautiful scheme in a fantastic pose.
Happy New Year
Erik Gjørup said on December 31, 2020
Looks like you got the airbrushing right Greg (@gkittinger). Very nice.
Dan Lee said on December 31, 2020
That is a really nice model. Happy new year.
Anthony Conway said on December 31, 2020
Great looking build
Louis Gardner said on December 31, 2020
Greg, @gkittinger
This looks magnificent and you nailed it. This camouflage scheme is hard to do and get it looking right, especially in this scale. It looks like you are becoming good friends with your air brush.
Had I not known that you always build things in 1/72, I would have thought this one was a much larger model. It looks that good, especially the details in the cockpit, and the under wing stores.
Well done my friend. Happy New Year, and I pressed the "liked" button too. Stay safe.
Chuck A. Villanueva said on December 31, 2020
Good morning Greg, thanks for contributing the Bronco, these are quite remarkable Vietnam era aircraft that operated during DS. The Marines really got some work out of them as FAC in Desert Storm, which during that time F/A-18D's started to take over that mission as well. Today 13 former USMC Broncos are now flying for the California Dept of Forestry and Fire as what they were created for, directing fire bombing tankers to their targets. You don't hear or see much about that in the news. You are also getting the hang of that airbrush as well. Well done on a rarely built subject. Thanks for sharing, wishing you a Happy Safe New Year to you and the family.
Pedro L. Rocha said on December 31, 2020
Wow Greg, this is some neat inflight display, it can pass for a bigger scale easily. Also worth mentioning is the excellent pain5 work and weathering, thumbs up!
Walt B said on December 31, 2020
Good looking plane. You did a nice job and your display really brings it to life. It really looks like your two occupants would be having a great time flying that plane. Pretty amazing work really for 1/72nd scale! (Any scale really) 🙂
Spiros Pendedekas said on December 31, 2020
Congratulations, Greg!
You built a wonderful Bronco.
What a little cutie!
All your extra detailing paid off. Also the airbrushiing looks great!
Happy New Year, my friend!
neil foster said on December 31, 2020
Brilliant work ,well done Greg
Bernard Bedeur said on December 31, 2020
Nice Job Greg.
We had a private acrobatic display by a Bronco as guests of the US army
Maneuvering in monte Romano Italy 1979. A real and agile bucking Bronco !
Steven Brandon said on December 31, 2020
I never had any opinions one way or the other about the Bronco until I saw a video of one taking off. Instant love. It leaped into the air after a short run, then pulled up into a climb at an insane angle, while doing a full roll. The power to weight ratio was amazing.
Tom Cleaver said on December 31, 2020
Lookin' good with the airbrush, Greg. Nice result.
Allan J Withers said on January 1, 2021
Nicely done Greg, another fine addition to your collection !
Paul Barber said on January 1, 2021
Congratulations, Greg - a really stunning build, beautifully displayed!
Eric Berg said on January 1, 2021
Nice one Greg. I see these Cal Fire Bronco spotter planes zooming around quite frequently during fire season as there are a couple based near by. Sure is a good looking plane.
Robert Royes said on January 1, 2021
Nicely done, Greg!