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Robert Royes
256 articles

SNJ-2 conversion, Skytypers 1/72, Heller

August 14, 2024 · in Aviation · · 7 · 123

I first saw a around 1961 i was all of five years old. We lived close to Flushing airport in a part of Queens NY. You could see the airfield from my bedroom window. Hearing six radial engines taking of one after another, I could imagine being in some field in WW2. At that time they wore the red fuselage scheme. The scheme I chose was an earlier one, there was a hulk of a fuselage leaning up against a fence at the airport painted in tricolors back then. Recently I came across the photo of one in that scheme. Apparently sponsored by Pepsi. Later sponsors included Miller beer an GEICO. Originally known for their unique 'Skytyping' a form of skywriting, they also showcased formation aerial flying.

I modified the tail to the older rounded one, and converted the cockpit to a single seat, of which I think was an actual modification, I don't recall any single seater SNJ's from the factory. Pepsi decals from an N scale model RR sheet.

wing numbers are from a Luftwaffe sheet. rattle can paint. For give the canopy paint, shaky hands.

I learned aircraft maintenance on SNJ in Aviation H.S.

Reader reactions:
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7 responses

  1. A very interesting scheme on this beautiful build, Robert @roofrat
    Well done

  2. Very nice SNJ-2, Robert!

  3. Well done, Robert

  4. I worked for 18 years at the DPW at Amityville. The Typers were a familiar sight and sound going over. like you said, it is an evocative sound, nothing like it.
    The model is a nice reproduction.

  5. Nice conversion and build to bring this kit up these standards, Robert (@roofrat). The paint and markings came out really well. I would never attempt to hand paint the frames on this 1/72 kit, so hat's off to you getting the canopy done.

  6. Nicely done Robert, I love the Pepsi scheme!

  7. Interesting take on the old bird - well done!

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