This was a commission build for 425 Squadron here in Bagotville, Quebec.  The "boys" picked up this huge toy while away on training, and asked me if I could convert it from a US Marines jet to a Canadian version from their squadron.  Given that I retired from the military as a Flight Commander flying the Hornet at 425, I couldn't refuse!  The first pic shows the evening where I presented them with the finished job - flanking me on the left is the pilot who asked me to do the kit, and the other fellow is the squadron commander.  It now proudly hangs in their squadron lounge, amongst much other "stuff" the squadron has accumulated over many years.

Click on images below to see larger images

Pic 04 shows the American markings about to be oversprayed.  In 05, the sheer size of the kit is evident - it almost filled up the back seat of my car!

The kit was repainted lightly, to cover the American markings and add the false canopy.  Closeups show the surprisingly good level of detail for this beast, which is really a toy masquerading as a model.  Decals came from Canmilair - thanks again for the excellent work in providing the custom tail number and 425 tail flash.  Sticklers will note that the roundels and other markings are too dark - when I sent the pics to Canmilair, he immediately noted the problem and sent me a replacement set with white undercoating.  I can't say enough about how I appreciate the quality and service I've gotten from Canmilair.  For someone like me who often builds Canadian Forces aircraft, it's a god-send to be able to find virtually anything I need in Canadian markings, in any scale.

Dan