Well I am finally done with the a4 that I started about 4 months ago. It is my first jet and gave me plenty of troubles along the way, but overall I am fairly happy with it and wont list the many little problems that it has as to not taint your opinion of it.

It is Hasegawa's 1/48 "Lady Jessie." This was my father-in-law's squadron (VA-164 - The Ghostriders) and while he said he did get to fly the plane marked Lady Jessie a few times, I decided to change the number (401 of Lady Jessie to 410) and be a little more plain. Of course I will admit to you that I didn't change the BuNo and probably will always kind of wish that I had.

Anyway, I avoided the temptation to put my father-in-law's name on it as he said that in reality they didn't often fly the one that they got their name on, but more so whatever was more conveniently "parked" on the carrier.

I hope you enjoy the pictures and encourage any comments you have, both positive and negative.

Thanks for letting me share.
Leon

Also, I know it is very clean, but for this one it was intentional. I don't know if I am totally convinced on keeping it that way, but atleast until he sees it that's the way I'll keep it.

Hi Leon
The A4 looks sweet There is definately nothing wrong with a showroom floor look. All aircraft originally looks that good before use.
Forgive my asking for I don't know much jet aircraft history at all How long ago was your father-in-law a pilot? Was this 'Lady Jessie' from the Vietnam era? ...post Vietnam?....

Nice job and I am sure your Father-in-law will be proud of the job you did. Very cool

Wayne

Thanks for the comment Wayne.

This was Vietnam era. The actual "Lady Jessie" story is kind of a nice one. Here's a link if you are interested.

Lady Jessie

It's toward the bottom of the page. But essentially Jessie Beck was a casino owner who kind of adopted the squadron through one of it's members.

Again, thanks for looking.
Leon

Thanks for the link Leon.
That is some very good reading and a great story.

Wayne

Nice clean build you got there! Maybe a little wash would show the details much better