I
guess for many here around too October 4th 2006 marked a quite
special and emotional day. The last remaining U.S. Tomcat would touch ground for
the very last time at Republic Airport Farmingdale around 11.40 a.m.
I
planned to do this little diorama now for quite some time and eventually found
the time and inner peace to give it a little try.
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images below to see larger images
There
is not too much footage of the event but long island wallpapers has covered the
event quite well and thus has generously provided the fan community with plenty
of fantastic shots of Felix 101, the last flying U.S. Tomcat.
I
also found a great shot showing Felix 101 in the very second he touched town for
the very last time and I thought: YES!!! This is how I want to portrait Felix!
This is the moment, the one special heart break moment! The last one, for the
last time, never ever again (I know I’m opening old wounds here, sorry!).
It
was the first time I ever tried to show a special Tomcat in a special condition
at a special time with very distinctive wear and tear marks and I’m still a
little uncertain but at least for me personal that’s pretty much what I’m
capable of. I really tried to incorporate as many distinctive features as
possible like for instance that tiny little yellow maintenance mark on felix’
right wing, discolorations of the formation lights, the unique form and shape of
the stains and wear marks on the fuselage, that strange colour deterioration and
breach in colour consistency where ever the darker TPS paint scheme on the back
changed into the brighter one on the fuselage’s sides, the very specific marks
on the wing caused by the wing sweeping process, the differently coloured
stretchers inside the engines nozzles caused by maintenance, the crew’s
helmets and the bag which was placed behind the RIO’s seat or where
“exactly” Felix eventually hit the runway etc. I also tried to imitate the
last wishes of the maintenance crews on Felix’ gear bay doors. I can only hope
to have caught about everything possible. Thanks to the in depth footage of long
island wall papers I’m not too unconfident.
Meanwhile
Fightertown decals has issued a 1/32 scale decal sheet for Felix in his last
moment. Hmmmmm….makes me have kinda' stupid ideas here hehehe!
Hope
you like it and take care!
Alexander Breunig
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