Model built 29 years ago

[at6]

I built this model 29 years ago. Built to represent it as it appeared the morning of May 5, 1985. A scant two hours later it would be lost in a fatal crash at the NAS Lemoore Airshow. The pilot was Kirk McKee. To this day I remember every millisecond of that incident. I deliberately left out the last photo I took when the plane crashed. I built it in memory of him. That was the first and last time that I ever witnessed anything like that thankfully.

 

[Capt. Vick]

Wow...that's creepy...

 

[Aaron Brooks Wolters]

Very nice build, and a nice jesture sir.

 

[Vic Balshaw]

A very nice model and certainly befitting of the memory it holds.

 

[Wildcat]

A nice model and a great tribute mate.

 

[Wayne Little]

Agreed!

 

[Lucky13]

Indeed....

 

[Shinpachi]

Nice photos, at6.
I have ever seen a dozen of AT-6s painted in khaki at a JGSDF airfield when I was a kid.
They looked huge fighters. Very memorable aircraft for me.
Thanks for sharing!

 

[at6]

Thank you for your kind words. I used decals from several differing sheets and a couple of other model kits to replicate the markings. I've always loved the At-6/SNJ. When I was small in the 1950s, I saw rows of At6 aircraft at Stallings Airforce base. Unfortunately, the clear coats has yellowed over time and I don't think that I can find a way to change that.

 

[Gnomey]

Good work!

 

[John B]

I just finished building a model of the exact plane and markings. I was surfing around and found this. Kirk was my Brother-in-Law. He was married to my eldest sister. Your tribute is beautiful. I hope this post makes its way to you. I noticed this thread is from 2014.

JB

 

[SaparotRob]

Hi John and welcome to the Forum. I like to some pictures of your model.

 

[at6]

I just finished building a model of the exact plane and markings. I was surfing around and found this. Kirk was my Brother-in-Law. He was married to my eldest sister. Your tribute is beautiful. I hope this post makes its way to you. I noticed this thread is from 2014.

JB

Thank you. Please share photos of your build. I still have the model in my collection.

 

[BobB]

Thank you for your kind words. I used decals from several differing sheets and a couple of other model kits to replicate the markings. I've always loved the At-6/SNJ. When I was small in the 1950s, I saw rows of At6 aircraft at Stallings Airforce base. Unfortunately, the clear coats has yellowed over time and I don't think that I can find a way to change that.

My father was flying those T-6's over you, making $600/month as an instructor. He lived in Goldsboro; I guess there was more housing available there especially as Seymour Johnson was closed at that time.

 

[John B]

Thank you. Please share photos of your build. I still have the model in my collection.

To be clear I am almost finished. I have a few more decals to place and final assembly. I'm going to share several photos you'll probably like..

 

[at6]

Thank you John. Very nice photos and it looks like your build is coming along very well. Base personnel escorted me to the flight line so that I could photograph the plane. Unfortunately I did not meet your brother in law but did at least get to photograph his plane. My belated condolences to you and the rest of your family on his tragic loss.

 

[Vic Balshaw]

Now that looks to become a nice little build and all credit to you for representing on this thread.

 

[Wurger]