1/32 Trumpeter A-10A Thunderbolt II 

by Ion C. Tesu

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  Romania National Day 2006 

 

The history of A-10 is well known. From a “ready to retire” status before the First Gulf War, it blossomed into a fierce fightign machine, prompting the Pentagon planners to indefinitely extend its service well into the 21st century. I decided to “treat” the subject with the necessary respect, so I added almost all possible aftermarket stuff available: 

  • Cutting Edge A-10A Cockpit Super Set (CEC32057), 

  • Cutting Edge Bulged Wheels and Hubs (CEC32062), 

  • Cutting Edge A-10A Exterior Detail (CEC32061), 

  • Cutting Edge A-10 Dual Rail Adapter (DRA) for two AIM-9L/M Sidewinders (CEC32087), 

  • Eduard A-10 Interior Set (ED32061), 

  • Eduard A-10 Exterior Set (ED32062), 

  • Eduard Armament Set (ED32063), 

  • CAM AGM-65 Maverick Set, 

  • CAM Stencils, 

  • Verlinden A-10 Detail Set (VP 1691), 

  • Two Bobs AIM-9 stencils (32-027), Two Bobs A-10 decals (32-013). 

The model depicts a late version of A-10 that has the LASTE improvements such as formation lights and various antennas. It is a post Gulf War airplane.

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Under the wings I decided to hang six AGM-65 Mavericks, two AIM-9, twelve Mk-82 and the ALQ-184 ECM Pod. Be advised: the kit Mk-82 bombs are terrible. It took me a long time to make them round and all. The first one was kind of fun. The last one took for ever…

This airplane is big, so painting took many hours. After painting, I followed the “standard procedure”: weathering, glossy acryl coating, decal applying, another coat of glossy acryl and the final dullcote (Model Master 1260).  

As always, it took almost a full year to complete the build, working mostly on weekends. I had a good time building this A-10 (except the last … eleven Mk-82s…).

Hope you enjoy the pictures,

Ion

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Photos and text © by Ion C. Tesu