I started with a clean and organized workshop! Now I am going to be hammering hard to get as many projects as I can completed. One of my current projects is part of a FineScale Modeler Forum group build- Strategic Air Command Group Build II which I currently have two models I am working on…a KC-135A early variant and an EC-135C. These two big models will take up some serious space when done, fortunately I have the room.

Another work in progress is a conception aircraft that I have been putzing with for quite some time (years). I have it primed and ready for its final sanding. This is an aerial water tanker for fire fighting, so it will get a similar paint scheme as my FIRE BOSS did. I’m not sure whether it will be a pure jet or not. I might add some propellers to it to make it a turbo prop which seems more appropriate for the mission it will fly. Stay tuned this should prove very interesting.

Also on the bench I am knocking out a 1:48 Monogram F-84F which will get a NMF, I should start applying paint in the next couple of days. I might include this in the SAC Group Build as well. This kit is not too bad…not like the Tamiya straight wing offering, but not bad. A little flash here and there but fit is good. I will be using this to prepare tutorials about using my paint products. It will feature a new color I am testing. Some of my recent customers have received preview samples to try…hopefully I will be getting feedback from them soon.

As you may have noticed in my piece about modeling with Photo Etched Parts earlier, I am building a 1:48 Academy CH-53. I will document this build to show how and what techniques I use to incorporate the PE into the build. For the novice or inexperience user of PE this will be of value. As with anything, I too learn along the way through trial and error as well as from others who have skill sets greater than my own.

Then there is this 1:48 Monogram Pro Modeler He 111H-22 that has been staring at me from my stash for years…so I dug it out and started assembling it. It will received some slight modifications (my mind works in mysterious ways) to be “The one to get away…Bird to Freedom.” More about that later in the project. The kit is a nice kit, I thought about getting some aftermarket for it but opted to build it as is. I would like to do another one with a conventional early production nose section as an airliner.

Hey!..If you’ve got a tip you want to share, send me a note and we can discuss getting it published here in Hawkeye’s Squawkbox. If you have questions about how to do something or a technique you’d like demonstrated send that in too. Send them to gerald@hawkeyeshobbies.com I’ll either show you the answer or find someone who can.

January is proving to be an ideal month for scale modeling here in Wisconsin. Today as I put the finishing touches on this post, the temps outside are -16F with wind chills at -40F. Area schools are closed and many organizations have canceled their activities for the next day or two until this dip in temp subsides. So it is definitely a good day to stay inside! I had thought about venturing out to get more photos of the  American Bald Eagles that have taken up residence in the area…but I think I’ll wait. I’ll let them have a day or two alone to breed without distractions of some crazy guy with a camera.

Have you noticed the new banner photo? McDonnell F-101 Voodoo. This official McDonnell Aircraft photograph came by way of a family member. I’ll share with you about our family’s connection to the McDonnell company in the near future. So that’s it for now. Hope your New Year is off to a really great start!