This was a commissioned work for a crew member who served aboard this C-118. They were stationed out of NAS Glenview. Using actual photo’s I was able to create the actual aircraft using Heller’s 1/72 C-118 Liftmaster.
UPDATE
2025 – The model survived many movements and cleaning over the years. However, a few weeks ago it was accidently knocked off the shelf. This damaged one of the propellers, the nose gear, the nose gear doors, and the wings off the fuselage. I had to scratch build the propeller and nose gear doors. With everything repaired I decided to mount this on a circular plaque along with a copy of the squadron patch so that it can be hung on a wall to prevent further shelf falls.
NAS was just a couple blocks from my old house. I really miss seeing the aircraft come and go now that the base is gone.
My uncle took my brother and I there when we were kids living on the North Shore. He was in the Air Force and could get a base pass. I remember the Cougars taking off. (I think one crashed into a nearby house sometime in the late 50s…) Then he would take us to the hobby shop to buy a model, Yep, an Aurora or Lindberg Cougar was one of my first. That’s how I got started….
My first post A-School engine work was to install the QECK on a R-2800 for VR-51 at the NAS Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department.