1/8 Scratchbuilt North American Texan T6-F

Gallery Article by Andrés F. Acuña on Mar 1 2018

 

      

North American Texan T6-F Fuerza Aérea Colombiana - FAC 777

This model depicts a Colombian Air Force advanced trainer used during the middle of the 20th Century. It is the only surviving airworthy example of its kind in Colombia. During it service it was registered as FAC 777. My father oil painted it with the FAC color scheme. It has been long retired from service and Mr. José Guillermo Pardo purchased it and kept it in airworthy condition. This T-6 bears the civilian registration HK 2049-P, and currently depicts a machine used by the US Navy in its dashing trainer color yellow scheme.

From time to time, its engine sputters to life and fills the air with that characteristic and nostalgic sound of radial engines.

This Texan is currently part of the aircraft collection at the Museo Aéreo Fénix*, in Cali, Colombia. A museum dedicated at preserving the universal history of aeronautics and other means of transportation. Mr. Pardo is the Founder and Director of the Museum. The 1/8 scale model and the real T-6 are both housed under the same roof at the Museum. 

Click on images below to see larger images

Mr. José Guillermo Pardo and the Texan T6 HK 2049-P.

The 1/8 Scale Model
To build the model of the T6-F FAC 777, I used the magnificent plans designed by RC modeler Al Holmes, published by RCM Magazine in November of 1972.  Mr. Holmes plans were for a radio control model and I had to modify the blueprint to include cockpit structural detail.

I scratch-built all of the internal detail using the old fashioned techniques of Master Jedi Modelers like Sheperd Paine, Caz Dalton, Rodney Williams and Edward Fuquay, but foremost I hold my father Ferrando Acuña responsible for embedding in my DNA the passion for building models out of bits of wood, plastic, paper and wire.  Thanx´s Dad!  I miss you buddy!

Visit: www.museoaereofenix.org

Andrés F. Acuña

Click on images below to see larger images

 

Photos and text © by Andrés F. Acuña, Cali-Colombia, 2018