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Tom Cleaver
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RIP Norris Graserwhat a shock!

April 21, 2023 · in News · · 10 · 0.7K

Just heard that Norris Graser died of a heart attack this past Sunday. Man! That is such a shock! I was emailing with him 2 weeks earlier; he asked me for some ideas of "P-47s not previously done to death" from my research for "Clean Sweep: VIII Fighter Command Against the Luftwaffe 1942-45" that's coming soon. I was making a list of P-47Cs, since Dora Wings' P-47C is arriving around the same time as the book. And now...

Anybody who ever used one of his sheets knows they were the best. I never knew till I did "Snafu" that the D-Day stripes on the wings were not 18" wide, they were what would fit over the flaps because they didn't want to put extra weight on the balanced ailerons. Norris knew that, and the information was there on the instruction sheet, along with a little technical history lesson as to why. That's what's meant by "Attention to detail."

Plus he was one of the nicest guys I ever met in this hobby. Always willing to share everything he knew - and he sure knew a lot! - because "there are no modeling secrets."

I could come up with a long list of people whose departure would truly make the planet better. Norris Graser would not be on that list.

I'm putting up pix of my take on "Snafu." If anyone else has Thundercals P-47s, put them up, please.

Reader reactions:
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2 additional images. Click to enlarge.


10 responses

  1. I bought several of his sheets to do a bunch of Jugs in the future. Very colorful and informative.
    Someone like that will always be missed.

  2. For everyone born into this world, someone must leave. Its always at the wrong time. Especially, if there sound of mind and productive and your friend.

    RIP Norris . . .

  3. TC, it's great that you & Norris were friends, sharing thoughts about this awesome hobby. May Norris Rest-in-Peace.

  4. Nice tribute. RIP. I wish he had produced 1/72 decals - the sheets are phenomenal!

  5. Sorry to hear this, Tom @tcinla
    May he rest in peace.

  6. Very sad news. Norris was a great guy.

  7. “I could come up with a long list of people whose departure would truly make the planet better”, a great quote, give me a sheet of A4 and I’ll give you a short list……….. there would be a lot of so-called politicians on there, and “bean counters”. OK - end of rant.

  8. Hi Tom @tcinla fantastic model very real looking I do enjoy your attention to detail and knowledge you clearly have. The shading is something I look to achieve on my models as a side note looking forward to Peter and Nigel's new book due next week there will be lots of new and corrected decals with the book for 56thFG looks like we have some friends in common hope to speak to you at some point cheers Martin

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