Mitches Military Models' 1/9 scale replica of legendary American fighter pilot Robin Olds is a startling likeness, says CHRIS CLIFFORD.
Above: This new bust of famed USAF fighter leader Robin Olds oozes detail.
Modellers who enjoy figure painting – and like to try refreshingly different subjects – have a fine option with the new 1/9 bust of revered fighter pilot Robin Olds. The fulsome, non-regulation moustache says it all. Brig Gen Olds was a maverick career officer, who recorded aerial victories in World War Two while flying the P-38 and P-51, and gained further fame as leader of the USAF’s Phantom-equipped 8th Tactical Fighter Wing 'Wolf Pack' during the Vietnam War. His off-duty life was just as colourful, having married a film star, Ella Raines.
The resin bust from Mitches Military Models captures the aura of Olds perfectly. The strong jaw, trademark rule-breaking moustache and steely gaze are key elements, but the flight gear is just as impressive. Olds wears an HGU-2A/P helmet and this is a worthy facsimile, with separate chinstrap and finely detailed oxygen mask fasteners (although no mask is included). The helmet could be painted to emulate the camouflaged example seen in the famous photo of Olds in an F-4 cockpit, whereby ‘Col. Olds’ is painted on the helmet front.
Above: Olds' strong jaw line is well replicated. Note the accurate features on the flying helmet, such as oxygen-mask clips.
Detail abounds on the K2B flight suit and survival vest, the former featuring excellent seam and zip rendering, plus the zip-pocket and pen sleeve section on the left-upper arm (you could have fun scratch-building a pen to add to the sleeve). It’s impressive how the vest’s mesh is represented, too, along with all the fully laden pouches, harness with adjusters and even splendid sheathed survival knife. Bare rank tabs are present on the shoulders, so you’d need to replicate colonel ‘birds’ for extra authenticity.
The bust will make a stunning individual display piece, but how about mounting it on a base with a model of an actual Olds F-4? It’s great value too, at £28 direct from Mitches Military Models…. and pays homage to one of the 20th Century’s most notable fighter pilots.
Above: The only real neatening required is this obvious casting seam... the rest of the bust is free of blemishes and will be a great painting project.
