1/48 Revell F-15E Strike Eagle

Gallery Article by David Ull aka Meurglys on Oct 11 2010

 

This modest replication of the F-15E Strike Eagle by Revell is the first model I'm submitting to ARC and also only the second model I have ever built by myself since helping my father build jet fighter models a very, very long time ago in my all too distant youth.  About a month ago I built a 1/48 Apache in honor of my father who used to work for Mcdonnell Douglas both as a mechanic and later programming various computer components for their version of the AH-64 Apache until he was diagnosed with ALS a few years ago.  Unfortunately I rather rushed that one and being very out of practice I wasn't all that happy with the finished product, particularly the paint job which I did completely by hand, so as you can imagine the paint job on that one came out rather thick and just sloppy looking especially compared to many of the excellent models submitted here by other modelers. 

Being recently unemployed and spending a lot of time with my nephew Jonathan this summer he was rather impressed with my Apache although I wasn't, so I decided to build another model of his choice for him.  Having learned from the many mistakes I made rushing the previous Apache model I took my time with this one and I hope it shows, particularly in the paint job which I am much happier with.  I tried to do my best to give it a somewhat weathered look, and although I am very happy with the panel lines and overall paint job/scheme I still have a lot to learn about reproducing a truly authentic weathered look particularly in regards to how airflow informs the patterns and direction of the weathering.  All in all I had an immense amount of fun building and painting this F-15E and more importantly I got to spend some great time with my nephew and got him away from the ridiculous amount of hours he puts in playing video games and also got him interested in building aircraft models himself! 

Click on images below to see larger images

  

  

  

Obviously no aftermarket parts were used and while I put a lot of effort into the detail of the cockpit I unfortunately found it very hard to get a good, focused picture of that detail.  I also mixed and matched some of the alternate decals so this F-15E isn't exactly an accurate replication of any specific air combat squadron.  I also decided to remove the fuel tanks and missiles as it made it very cumbersome for my nephew to handle the model while he uses it as a reference for drawings.  Furthermore I wanted him to appreciate this and all aircraft more as wonders of modern engineering and ingenuity than as a war machine.  Lastly I also added the JB on the topside of the right wing as they are my nephews initials.  I hope you all enjoy the finished product as much as I enjoyed building and painting it!

My thanks to Steve Bamford maintaining ARC and to everyone who has submitted pictures of their wonderful aircraft models and craftsmanship.  I have gotten much inspiration and many ideas from all of you, keep up the great work!

Peace, health and longlife..... 

David Ull aka Meurglys

Click on images below to see larger images

  

  

  

Photos and text © by David Ull aka Meurglys