VF-82 Iron Men F3H Demon
This is the Hobbyboss 1/48 kit that I started back in 2015 as a model for a YMCA buddy, Ken Sommerfeld, who flew them, and this exact bird. Ken tragically passed away before I finished and I shelved the kit until a couple of months ago. It turned out nice and I am attempting to contact Ken's relatives in order to pass the model along. I found a squadron patch on EBay and a carrier display base as well.
The kit is basically OOB with the exception of an Eduard cockpit ZOOM set. Paint is Model Master Gull Gray and Flat White with a Mr. Color semi-gloss clear coat. Decals are Eagle Strike-one of the Deadly Demon prints. Weathering is Tamiya Weathering Master-various colors.
4 additional images. Click to enlarge.
Don Weixl said on February 20, 2022
Beautiful model and tribute Clark.
Clark Cook said on February 20, 2022
Thanks Don, I appreciate your comments.
Jim Sullivan said on February 20, 2022
Very nicely done Clark and what a fine thing to do for the family in memory of Ken. Well done Sir.
Clark Cook said on February 20, 2022
Thanks Jim!
John vd Biggelaar said on February 20, 2022
That would be a great remembrance for the relatives of Ken, Clark @clarkcook
A beautiful build.
Clark Cook said on February 20, 2022
Thank you John, I appreciate your kind words.
Spiros Pendedekas said on February 20, 2022
An excellent build, Clark, a great tribute to Ken!
Clark Cook said on February 20, 2022
Hello Spiros, thank you my friend!
Dan Lee said on February 20, 2022
That model is a real nice tribute to a friend.
Just a piece of free advice: Might be best to keep it as a memorial to your friend. I've made models for friends who later died. In my experience I've found the family doesn't want the keepsake and I ended up getting it back. I hope that it is different for you.
Clark Cook said on February 21, 2022
Thanks Dan and I certainly understand your point. It may well end up that way as thus far there has been no connection with relatives.
Brian Scott said on February 21, 2022
Beautiful build on the McDonell Demon and love the story and connection 🙂
Brian
Clark Cook said on February 23, 2022
I very much appreciate your comments Brian! Thanks.
John Healy said on February 21, 2022
Nicely done!
Clark Cook said on February 23, 2022
Much appreciated John!
Robert Royes said on February 21, 2022
Beautiful job and tribute, I've always been a fan of the Demon.
Clark Cook said on February 23, 2022
Hello Robert, and great to hear your comments regarding the Demon. She's a big bird. My buddy Ken often told me about trying to get it off the carrier deck. He shared a photo or two with me and pointed out his squadron mates who didn't live through the cruise.
Greg Kittinger said on February 21, 2022
Nicely finished Demon - well done!
Clark Cook said on February 23, 2022
Hello Greg and thank you sir!
Bob Torres said on February 24, 2022
Beautiful work and nice tribute to Ken.
Clark Cook said on February 24, 2022
Thanks Bob. Good to hear from you.
Gary Brantley said on February 24, 2022
I agree with Bob. 😃 Beautifully done Clark! 👍
Clark Cook said on February 27, 2022
Much appreciated Gary-thanks