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INTRODUCTION.

This is the first jet that I've built other than the Me 262 in about 20 years.  I now have a few more jets on the shelf, all vintage 1950 era types.  I do, however, want to do a couple of more modern jets, my old squadron flew the F-4J and my brothers old squadron flew the F-16. I like the old prop planes but I did this one for the ARC gang to show that I am not totally biased. I would however like to take this moment to quote a famous gent from West Virginia " The first time I saw a jet I shot it down " -Gen. Chuck Yeager.

BACKGROUND.

The Lockheed F-80 "Shooting Star"-the first turbojet fighter to enter the inventory of the USAF for operational service. Powered by the Allison J-33 centrifugal flow gas turbine engines, the F-80's were capable of speeds in excess of 550 MPH! Also in addition to speed and beauty, the F-80 was fitted with six .50 caliber machine guns, an ejection seat and dive brakes. The F-80 was entering the second world war at the closing days, but were very aggressive in the action of the Korean skies during the conflict. The first all jet confrontation in history saw the aging F-80 piloted by Lt Russell Brown attack and destroy the feared Mig 15.

CONSTRUCTION.

The old Monogram kits are showing their age, but they build up nicely with good fit and outlines.  I don't remember where I picked this kit up from but I had it a long time, the decals were in pretty bad shape and it had a few missing parts but I posted for help on the ARC/Hyperscale boards and help arrived with the missing parts. I started the build by rescribing the panel lines I then decided at that point to close up the access panel for the gunbay.  Also the mating ends of the rear fuselage where the engine can be accessed was fixed closed. the kit took a lot of nose weight to sit right.

PAINTING & MARKINGS.

I used Testors model masters for the colors and the NMF came from SNJ, Testors Metalizers and a lot of work. I dipped the canopy in future.  The decals are Super Scale 48-590 - I chose to do *Seductive Shirley A 25th FISQ F-80C,#49-805,at Kimpo in December 1950*.

CONCLUSION.

I would like to give a special thanks to the following people who took their time and money to donate parts,STEVE HAWLEY and DARREN 'DAZ from the UK' , Also a thanks to STEVE STOHR who supplied the decals.