Grumman F9F-8 Cougar.
It's been a very slow start to my modelling year. My own fault as I rarely give in when confronted with a difficult model. My Cougar falls into this category: one of my favourite aircraft, but not the easiest build as far as I am concerned. Having built the 1/48 'Twogar' from Kittyhawk & survived the experience, I thought the single seater would be a breeze. I got through the basic assembly about 4 years ago before tackling other, more satisfying projects; but it bothered me, so out she came! Two very slow months later she's finished. I have deliberately left off the yellow flashes, with the excuse that the pilot didn't like them (& neither did I!) I had to scratch build new main U/C doors as they had disappeared. Decals were good with one exception: decal No.19 for the upper intake opening could not be found - why on earth would you print a tiny white three letter word (JET) on pale bloe backing paper? Anyway, putting real or imagined difficulties behind me; I'm quite happy with my Cougar now she's finished. I've always liked the Grumman fighters, from biplanes to Tomcats; I just wish someone would bring out a good kit of the Grumman Tiger (Please?) I did build the Lindberg effort many moons ago, but we won't go there!
A perfect looking Cougar to me, Tony @tony-prince
I think you, and the pilot, did wise on leaving out those yellow flashes.
Thanks John, glad you like it.
The news is, the Cougars and the Furies are on the next batch of Crappyhawk kits the new owner of the molds will be releasing, most likely in June - and the Cougars will use a plastic that can be glued with glues like Tamiya Extra-Thin.
You're entirely right about this kit being close to "unbuildable," so your (rare) success at achieving this singular success is really notable.
Thanks Tom. That's encouraging news. A friend built the FJ-2 which turned out very well, but the FJ-3 didn't make it here, unfortunately. We won't talk about the Banshee!
Wonderful result out of this very challenging kit, Tony!
Congratulations!
Thanks Spiros. The Cougar reminds me of the story about the man who kept banging his head against a brick wall. When asked why he did it he said:"Because it feels so good when I stop!" I still get a charge from all the great comments here, and a feeling of satisfaction when I pack the airbrush away, so it's all worthwhile.
Nice cat, Tony.
Thanks John. There's always room for another 'Cat in my hangar.
OK, now I get why the WOW button is included in the reaction options. This one is beautiful. I agree on the need for an F-11. Your experience restarting a project set aside hits close to home. I recently spent a considerable amount of time trying to locate difficult to replicate parts for a mostly finished P-51D that resided in a paper shopping bag for twenty years.
Thanks Russell; very nice of you to say so. I never throw any left over parts away. you just never know...
No pain no gain. Tony, you frustration in building this kit was over come by your gifts, talents and willingness to over come the margins.
Hi Stephen. Kind words indeed; thank you.
What beautiful Cougar!
I admire your perseverance to complete this challenging kit, well done.
Thanks Alfred. Perseverance is why I've been making model aircraft for over 70 years and still enjoy it (mostly!)
Excellent results Tony!
Thanks Robert; I guess persistence pays off.
That feline is nicely done! I love those early jets. Excellent work Tony.