Academy 1/48 A-10C Warthog: “The Best Hog Is A Filthy Hog!”
Here is my Academy 1/48 A-10C Warthog. This represents a jet from the 354th Fighter Squadron “Bulldogs” supporting Operation Inherent Resolve in June 2017. Photo references show that these jets were covered with gun soot from nonstop missions attacking targets in Syria and Iraq.
I used DEF Models' seat, instrument panel/HUD, and wheels; Sierra Hotel Models' engine, exhaust, and gun, some AMK ordinance, Speed Hunter Graphics decals, and a Master pitot tube. Weathering was done with several layers of Van Dyke brown mixed with indigo and Ammo Mig washes and enamel effects.
The Academy kit is pretty nice, the only major issues were a poor-fitting windshield and an incompletely-molded main gear. Some of the surface detail is incomplete; the refueling receptacle and chaff/flare dispensers are represented by decals, which I wasn't thrilled about. I scribed the refueling receptacle but left the chaff/flare as is.
Very well done
This is fantastic.
Your attention to detail is amazing! The cockpit is something I can strive for and I noticed how your weathering to the right of the boarding ladder is circular, reflecting how the “Remove Before Flight “ flag blows around. Well done!
Nothin’ better than a filthy Hawg! Great build, especially the weathering.
Amazing.
Beautiful paint work!
SUBERB!
Very well done weathering!
Looks like how a hog should look, great work.
Toby that came out freagin awesome buddy !
Superb job, Toby!
Welcome aboard!
Great work on the weathering.
What a wonderful entry to iModeler, Toby @tobsnelson
You did an amazing job on this Warthog, superb weathering.
Welcome.
Super modelling Toby. Great way to introduce yourself to imodeller 👍
@tobsnelson - Absolutely fantastic work. The detail work and weathering are incredible!
Welcome to iModeler.
Sometimes you just look and think: yep, this one is exactly how it is supposed to be. Congratulations!
Welcome to iModeler, Toby! @tobsnelson, that is magnificent work! 🤩
Toby, as I have said before on other sites, this is a true work of art. Having flown the HOG for twelve years, I can attest to the fact that you got it right...on all levels. You have skillfully captured the "wear and tear" that an A-10 gets during combat ops. The GUN really does produce that much grime and residue. The engine troops have to "water wash" the engines. on a regular basis because the gun gas residue dirties the engine and reduces thrust. When I fired the GUN, I could not only see the gun smoke, I could smell it in the cockpit (OBTW, I loved that smell!). Once again, congratulations on another WINNER!
This is incredibly well done. I have this kit on the bench right now. Never gonna be this authentic that’s for sure. You jumped a high bar on this build. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks everyone for your kind comments and warm welcome to the site!
Yep - what everyone else said! A fantastic build - love the weathering - I'll use this build as a reference for mine!
This is a beautiful finish and obviously a labor of love! The execution of that filth underneath is EXCELLENT. Awesome job overall, you should be very proud of this build!
Toby @tobsnelson, this has got to be one of the best Hogs I have ever seen. I have always drooled over the underside image you included, and you knocked that look out of the park. Would love to know how you acheived the gun soot effects. Amazing job and an incredible first submission!
Thanks Doug! The gun soot was three or four layers of Windsor and Newton oil paints over MRP clear semi-gloss. I let the oils dry a few days between coats, and would alternate between the top and bottom of the model, so the weathering took the good part of a month.