I don’t know about you, but I LOVE to look at wonderful models other guys build. I find it greatly motivating, even if I didn’t build it myself! We may have a hobby that’s based on individual performance, but seeing the jewels other guys create is great too.
Several years ago Master Modeler Mike Schine graced us with a touching story about building a model of the P-40E his uncle flew in combat in the SW Pacific during WW II. (See his stunning P-40E model and story here).
Mike recently contacted me with pics of one of his latest masterpieces, an AMT A-20H strafer in the markings of Miss Behavin’ of the 312th Bomb Group/388th Bomb Squadron. (Obviously I’m honored he used my PYN-up Decals for the markings!)
I don’t think Mike has a backstory for his A-20G like he did for his P-40E kit (seriously, be sure to read his P-40E story here). Even without such a beautiful backstory, this is a great model and I hope it motivates you as much as it does me! So without further ado, here’s Mike’s beauty:
1/48 A-20 Decal Sets Still Available (none in 1/32 or 1/72):
PYN-up Decals A-20 Havoc Hussies #1. First is a striking A-20H-5, 44-062/Y, “Miss Behaven,” flown by Lt Harry Zditosky of the 312 BG/388 BS. This ship featured a huge white-outlined red heart with “sexy female” artwork on the left side nose, along with the 312th’s skull & crossbones on the tip of the nose and a large white heart aft of the fuselage star. This is possibly the largest and most colorful nose art ever applied to an A-20. The second subject is an early A-20B, 41-3127, #17, “Dinah Mite,” flown by Lt J. R. Delapp of the 16th Obs Sq in North African combat. Nose art on early A-20s was fairly rare, and this bird had a large “swooping woman carrying a big bomb” pained under the left side cockpit. The tail number, 17, was almost certainly white, but since there is a slight chance it was yellow, we provide both options on the decal sheet. Only 16 sets still available.
PYN-up Decals A-20 Havoc Hussies #2. My good friend, the late Dan Rees (former B-52 bombardier with the 410th Bombardment Wing, SAC), was the inspiration for this set showcasing two glass-nosed World War II 410th Bomb Group Havocs with their distinctive black/white striped rudders. First is “Mama Lou,” an A-20J, 43-10127, 6Q*B, of the 410 BG/647 BS. About a bazillion (yes, “bazillion” is a technical term :)) unevenly-painted mission markings and nice female nose art grace the nose, and you’ll also notice the unpainted battle damage patches that dot the airframe. I really like the battle damage repair patch on the left nose gun access panel with the swastika painted on it! Reminiscent of the family left at home, “Bill,” an A-20J, 43-22022, 5D*G, of the 410 BG/644 BS displays a little boy wearing his daddy’s flight helmet and pointing towards the sky where his daddy works. This is poignant artwork, and a nice change from the common female figures that adorned the noses of so many WW II planes.