1/48 Testors F-19 Spectre
I never got one of these kits from back in the day but I always thought the F-19 was a cool concept. I knew going in the kit would be a bit of a dog. And yeah, I got what I expected. But there were some nice parts to the kit as well and it went together in record time (despite me sanding off 1/3 of it).
These were very popular in their day. You should still be able to find these easily at yard sales, swap meets, model shows, and thrift stores. They are very simple kits too.
For those interested I have a video that goes into some thoughts about old school kits: https://youtu.be/iyRPCyWEa8w
And a blog entry with more pictures: https://modelairplanemaker.com/2025/04/25/1-48-testors-f-19-the-game-changer/
Very cool, Chris. Somehow I missed this growing up in the 80s, I’m not sure how because this would have been right up my alley.
Nice job on what I can well imagine is a rough kit.
Beauty
I did one of these years ago but I did it in Air Force aggressor colors like the F-16’s, tan brown and green. I even moved the two upward facing little wings into position like canards. It was a fun build since I wasn’t trying to replicate anything real.
Very cool, Chris (@modelairplanemaker). I haven't seen one of these built in a long time. Well done.
A great result, Chris @modelairplanemaker
An unknown aircraft to me. I'm definitely going to read about it.
Well done.
Nice! I remember the MIG-37 Ferret!
This model had more of a profound effect on the hobby that anyone has stated here. John Anderson, the model's designer, created the kit for Hawk Models. Testors bought the company about this time and created a working relationship with Italeri. Both released it.
This model created a real upheaval in government circles. Anderson was called before congress to explain who had leaked the stealth designs to him. He explained that he had just used all of the many speculative articles that had been published about stealth aircraft and put them all together in an imaginary design. In addition, the "F-19" designation had been mysteriously skipped. Turns out, he came very close to the real "Have Blue" aircraft, the predecessor to the F-117.
All of this sent model sales of the F-19 skyrocketing with reports that many non-modelers were buying the kit as well. Other model companies, like Monogram, create their own designs.
After images of the real F-117 were release, the "F-19 craze" pretty much faded.
Excellent model, Chris! Absolutely cool! Loved the video, as well!
Great job Chris! I remember this kit when it came out, thought it was cool then, it's still cool now.
I built this when it was first released, this kit generated a lot of hype in model magazines and during the club meetings back then. Great job on your build!
Now there's a throwback! Love building old kits... (I built that Matchbox Privateer not too long ago...)
Great dappled effect on the paint. I remember those testers kits with the yellow trimmed boxes. Somehow they looked more high-scale back then. Thanks for sharing.