The Little World

192 Squadron IDF.

This is the newest exhibit at the Schmattarim Air Force Base museum. It has been scrubbed clean of identifying marks like number and squadron insignia for security purposes, retaining only the insignia.

The whole project took essentially a week and a half and has been one of the most rewarding in recent times. to the credit of the old Heller firm, there were no insurmountable fit issues and the complicated landing gear struts went together perfectly. The aircraft needed half a musket ball as weight just behind the pilot’s compartment but that is firmly epoxied in place and it sits lightly on the front wheels.

The raised panel lines proved a great boon when it came time to paint the de-icing strips. I used the bow pen and a diluted semi-gloss black and it just flowed on perfectly – stopping at the tiny ridges moulded into the wings and tail. If I get ambitious some day I may flow weathering ink into the control surface depressions – the paint and decals are sealed with a matt varnish. Despite admiring Lena Horne, I am not a stormy weatherer.

I was pleased to see that the example of this aircraft in Hatzerim was the older 4-bladed prop version. The modern aircraft flown off US Navy carriers now have the 6-bladed curve props, and that would have meant buying aftermarket parts. at 3 X the price of the kit.

So do I look like I’m made of money, already?