Building the Tamiya 1/48 Scale A-10 Thunderbolt II Strike Aircraft

This latest model build video covers the construction and detailing of the 1/48th scale A-10 Thunderbolt II Tamiya kit #610828-3300. Custom decals were created to label the attack jet from the 357th Fighter Squadron based from Davis-Monthan AFB in Tucson, Arizona.
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Intro music excerpt “The Coming Storm” by Ethan Meixsell -- Free from KZbin Music Library.
A-10 intro sound effects by nicStage from freesound.org Creative Common License 3.0 creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Background Music selections:
“Listen”, “Cosmic Glow”, “Running Out of Time” composed and performed by “Andrewkn” via Freesound.org are Creative Commons 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain Dedication
All other images and sounds are Public Domain from Government and Military sources.
ERROR(s) for this video: At the 13:00 mark, I show the XF-58 "Olive Green" bottle, but I listed it in the text as "XF-55".

[@kingtigerbooks1162]

I flew an A-10 for several years. I thought our base was being attacked so I went out and strafed a rusty tank, a Honda Civic and a Tyrannosaurus. The boss smelled alcohol on my breath so I never got credit for the dinosaur. To whom it may concern, these are my 3 favorite art books: - Works of Wonder by Michael Whelan - Icon by Frank Frazetta - Great Fighter Jets of the Galaxy 1 by Tim Gibson

[@slackjaw703]

Absolutely gorgeous. Loved the extra details added by you. Made a significant difference in the end result. I’m glad you chose that particular color scheme for that model, as a gray paint scheme might stand up better in a more recently released model. Looks great overall, and the decals you made were also spot on. Well done!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks John, I appreciate the comments!

[@harryhathaway1086]

Perfection !

[@jonathanherrera4744]

I love your videos so much there a mix of asmr,educational facts and modeling at the same time love it

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Jonathan! I'm grateful for your message, it gives me the inspiration to keep producing them ;-)

[@kyleSD70MAC]

That looks great! I saw a couple of A-10s from DM at an airshow yesterday. One of them was still flying around when I got there, first time I've seen an A-10 for real.

[@chrishuffman6734]

Not bad looking kit when put together. I love the paint scheme!

[@grailph]

Great video. The rain and thunder is a refreshing change from music normally played during long sequences of painting. Makes me feel like I'm doing this in my room during a storm. It puts me in a zen like mood.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks John, Serenity Now 😊

[@vaderboy121]

I did this kit a couple of years ago it,s well worth your time doing

[@fredtedstedman]

Love this plane - used to see them exercising in the valleys of Mid Wales . A great model in 1:48 . with lizard camo .

[@captives6479]

Plane good against Muslim insurgents or Jihadists only. Easily shot down by Russian or Chinese air defence.

[@edwardwally]

Another great video. I look forward to the amazing job and tutorial on the f-14d. Always really enjoy your builds.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Edward! I do believe the F-14D will be quite the challenge, but also rewarding if all goes well!

[@jclc4201]

Love the builds.. keep it up!

[@bengalghost5403]

Magnificent work! Very inspiring.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks very much Bengal Ghost!

[@nikkireborn5923]

Good video! I love your added help hints. Keep them coming!!!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Nikki, glad you enjoyed it!

[@andrewjessett28]

Thanks for doing this video - Really helped me with the build I have on now.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Andrew, I'm glad it's useful for you 🙂

[@fe1zed]

I like a gray A-10, but it have perfect eyes and it looks great.

[@aidi58]

FYI the kit was first issued in 1977 and I built in 1979. For that period it was great.

[@zeusjuice5639]

Thx for the honest review.. 👍🏻

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi zeus juice, you're welcome! I hope that there is a re-tooling at some point to make this a friendlier kit. 🤞

[@sleepypat905]

I enjoyed this vid being an A-10C Maintainer i loved it btw nice audio of the APU Revving up 🤙🛩🇺🇸

[@md6265]

Duuude so cool. It’s one of the most badass planes in the world.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Definitely a force to be reckoned with, it is the friend to pilots and ground troops alike. Thanks M D!

[@larryshamlin8578]

Beautiful paint job,great work.Simple and easy going on your description and problems in manufacturing of kit.Thanks for posting.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Larry, thanks! You're making your way through all my videos very quickly 😃

[@bruceosborne1892]

Excellent.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Bruce!

[@oot007]

Excellent video. You made your own decals and scribed your own panel lines. That is dedication. I remember as a kid in the early 80's I saw this kit in my Tamiya catalog.

[@user-wk1un8bz6f]

Excellent video i enjoyed it . Thanks

[@MrVcstealth]

Nice intro! Great detailing...as always. I stop and stare whenever the A-10s fly by here in Tucson!

[@MaxAfterburner]

More content, more content! ;-)

[@BinhNguyen-yn9on]

I don’t even build models, but the process and intricacy of these models is amazing. Keep it up.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Binh!

[@tladrt48]

very nice build and finish! thanks for sharing

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Teddy, I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@calvingifford9442]

Great build and nice work on the homemade decals!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Calvin 🙂

[@pilot4701]

Excellent as always! Keep the videos coming, can't get enough.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Cole!!

[@foabmoab]

Very nice. Always loved that paint scheme.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Foab Moab, a blast-from-the-past paint scheme!

[@richardlaurent7229]

Thank you very good, spell bound!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Richard 🤩

[@romanpenechko2717]

Отличная работа. Прекрасное звуковое сопровождение. Высший бал!

[@ohgary]

Can google translate do Cyrillic characters?

[@MaxAfterburner]

@Roman Penechko огромное спасибо !

[@jacekbrylka8837]

Respect!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Jacek! 😊

[@WalterDWormack214]

The meticulous attention to detail that you are committing to assembling this Tamiya model, is in a word, HUMBLING!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Walter, thanks, your message is most appreciated! 😃

[@YK-fj5bj]

Outstanding build. Good job!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks YK 15 😊

[@monkey555500]

great build vid

[@arnoldmayii3563]

That was really cool. Very well done!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hello Arnold, thanks for the kudos!

[@amatexan6536]

Great video.Really enjoyed your workmanship.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi AmaTexan65, thanks so much for your kind comments! 😊

[@zsifk3212]

I built this exact model over 30 years ago. I was at uni then. It was probably 1988 or so. It was an amazing model then. The first model I used an airbrush on. In fact, I still have the airbrush, but the model died in a tragic event.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Sounds gruesome. 🤕

[@zsifk3212]

@@MaxAfterburner It involved my mom and a full suitecase on top of the A-10. She felt so bad, she bought me another model. I think it was the Tamiya 1/48 F-4. The one Randy Cunningham flew. 😁

[@ryankc3631]

Possibly the most badass, purpose built design in aviation history. Nice job with the model.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks again RyanKC 😃

[@Tahoe2002Md]

she looks great! I have lived under the flight path of ANG A-10s for many years, I just love that sound. I wish they had kept the green camo, something about it that is visually striking. Great choice for the model. Bravo.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks very much Tahoe2002Md. It's always nice to look up in the sky and see an A-10!

[@WADIII]

Great looking A-10. Enjoyed the fact you did the lizard camp. Remember doing one of those when I was younger. Thanks as always for sharing and looking forward to project 11.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks WADIII Andrew!

[@rayinzunza1359]

Spot on. Sound affects to. Amazing work. Now I'm going to buy me an A10 and build it like yours.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Ray 😀

[@jimcurt99]

I've lived in Tucson almost 50 years, seen a lot of awesome planes flying out of DM and the air national guard base- but I really like the A-10 the best- the most beautiful ugly plane ever- great build!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks james! I served at the 162nd FW which still flies the F-16s as you know.

[@842qwery]

Awesome build!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks 818116A!

[@vortexmodeling]

excellent video, thank you for posting this educational upload!.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Vortex, a lot of info in this one for sure!

[@markhonerbaum9874]

I'm impressed , recall balsa wood and all that stuff that puts it together,man this is new heights of an old school.

[@JackFlemingFan1]

Excellent job building your Fairchild A-10 Thunderbolt II! Excellent video too and thanks for posting it!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks for watching, I'm glad you enjoyed it JackFlemingFan!

[@UncleSam-awesome]

Awesome

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks mirage spetsnaz! 😊

[@danielwebb9306]

I love the A-10 it's a awesome Air plane it saved a lot of life's I hope it stays in service . awesome video

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Daniel, I also hope it stays for a long time too!

[@samuelcarnahan4360]

I live near Fort Wayne Indiana, the home of the 122nd Fighter Wing Blacksnakes. I hear them doing exercises every so often, what a great sound to hear. Keep up the great work!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Samuel!

[@hugohernansaenzmora9418]

Outstanding A-10 Modeling job!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Hugo, thanks, I'm glad you liked it 😊

[@hugohernansaenzmora9418]

I builder seven of those Tamiya 1/48 Scale A-10 Warthog! It’s an amazing Modeling experience! Love that model!

[@hugohernansaenzmora9418]

Thank you for sharing your important building modeling experience!

[@michaeltruhett4170]

Fantastic job for sure of a truly great aircraft.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Michael, a tough little bird with an amazing sound!

[@Air-Striegler]

The aptitude, experience and professionalism displayed here are quiet remarkable. Beautiful result!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks STWWT 😊

[@danielcgomez]

I've been binge watching lots of your build videos last few days ...great work! Keep 'em coming!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Daniel, thanks, I'm glad you're enjoying the "series"! 😉

[@robertsalanon2909]

Superbe camouflage Félicitations ...Très beau résultat ...

[@MaxAfterburner]

merci beaucoup, vous êtes très gentil!

[@00ironcross]

Great job. A10 Warthog is one of the Greats.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks 00ironcross, glad you enjoyed it!

[@daver.8630]

Como siempre verdaderas obras maestras

[@MaxAfterburner]

Dar Reb, Gracias!

[@samuelgibori1647]

GREAT VIDEO - VERY HELPFUL - THANK YOU

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi samuelgibori1647, glad you liked the video and the build. Even after all this time, this episode still gets some attention 🤩

[@MarkMiller-zm2th]

Great build, great plane

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Mark!

[@rivazza68]

Thanks, excellent

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks rivazza68 😃

[@chucktelschow]

Great job. Super excited I saw your video. My daughter is in the AF and her ts mascot was the Warthog. Was able to dl the instructions to print off the camo pattern, great idea and thanks for the dimensions!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Chuck and please thank her for her service! 😊

[@Boeing734]

Nice job

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Aidan!

[@iryairya2008]

Love your work, very professional build. And your video presentation is easy to watch. I learned a lot from your videos. A good content for military modelling, makes me want to start one! Thanks for sharing!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Lain x2! Have fun and try one out! :-)

[@cvarmit1716]

Well done video with some great tips!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi cvarmit1716, thanks! I hope to do another A-10 one day in the grey paint scheme. ✈️👍

[@Pillowcase]

thats really nice

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks for the note Pillowcase :-)

[@405chiraq]

Can’t wait for that excellent Tamiya f-14d

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Riley, I hope to do a super job on it.

[@VonDrinkoften]

That's a fantastic looking A-10 mate! I prefer the Lizard scheme myself as well. This Tamiya kit was one of the first model kits that I purchased when I got back into modeling about 4 years ago after a 20+ year break. As yet, it is still sitting in my stash unbuilt. After watching this, I may have to do something about that. Also, great tip for extending the brush for the extra thin cement. I had no idea!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks James C! I think the Tamiya glue applicator extension is their best kept secret ;-) I was really keen on doing the shark teeth nose art, but alas, DM did not adopt the iconic look as far as I know.

[@JV-kg1dm]

Top Build

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks J V 😇

[@gianluigimarino8264]

Best work ....!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks again Gianluigi 🙂

[@markstott6689]

I was 16 (1984/85) on a school geography trip to Flamborough Head in Yorkshire. Crossing the Yorkshire Wolds on a long straight road there came flying down the road towards us were two Hogs. One either side of the road flying low. It was an experience. The rest of the class didn't have a clue what they were seeing sadly.

[@MikkyTee]

So relaxing to watch, i have not built anything in years but watching your videos does give me some inspiration ;) Excellent skills.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks MikkyTee! It was someone else who inspired me to return to the hobby! :-)

[@je1design]

Love your content, especially all the details and fun facts you added into the video. Learn a lot from you on the scale models and real life jet knowledge. Great Video!!!!!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Je Wei Wan, that's awesome, thank you! 😇

[@nemijs]

Since the corona pandemic is taking place in The Netherlands I have enough time to get into modelling again, I bought an old revell set of the warthog (which isn't perfect) and this video is inspiring. Just wish I had enough money to buy a new airbrush hahaha.

[@SkyscraperModels]

Very nice!!!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Skyscraper PM!

[@joshuaguerrero231]

I love your videos! I like the way you provide a little bit of history. Keep up the good work!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Joshua 😊

[@jessicaread4880]

I bought mine partly built but sprayed with no instructions and some bits missing. This video has proved invaluable in putting the thing together. The undercarriage is a complete pig. I am going to redo the camouflage and make it grey. It is a large kit even for 1/48. the first time I ever bought are started kit. Thank you for the video, great build. I used lead as a weight for nose as was already assembled. Lead from my friends gun shooting range and melted on stove. It is also massive compared to my 1/48 Spitfire model!!!!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Glad the video is helping, have fun!

[@frankiefuckenj88]

I love the historical parts you added in about the planes history

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi frankie, glad you enjoyed the format! Thanks for watching! 😄

[@Chaos_Apex]

whanks so much this is going to help so much

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Chaos_Apex , that's great to hear! Have fun with your A-10 build 😊

[@JamesFolkers]

Great job - thanks! I’m ready to start on mine now…

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi JamesFolkers, thanks! I hope your A-10 build goes great! 😀

[@mr.modern4419]

Another great build!!! Love your channel!!!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks so much, mr.modern44! 😊

[@Ralle1968]

Love it!👍👍👍

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed it Ralle‘s Scale-Model-Corner! 😃

[@dsmith8984]

All these years I’ve been using Tamiya extra thin cement and never knew that the brush can extend further out for when the bottle is getting low. Great work by the way. 😊👍

[@MaxAfterburner]

Tamiya's best kept secret! 😉

[@marcelburger2436]

❤Great job... Nice story..

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks for watching, Marcel. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@alejandroceferinomoyano4659]

Exelente trabajo saludos desde argentina ....

[@MaxAfterburner]

Gracias alejandro!

[@larryshamlin2369]

As allways,great work and attention to detail,your painting is superb.Nice build.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks again Larry 😀

[@laurensrodi4264]

awesome plane, really

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Laurens, I appreciate that!

[@Johnny-tt8zc]

I think it turned out pretty nice.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Johnny, thanks, I appreciate the comment! 😃

[@libertyprime8964]

Love crewing these babies

[@MaxAfterburner]

Nice, thanks for your service Liberty Prime!

[@libertyprime8964]

@@MaxAfterburner Thank you for yours

[@RIchardDavidson007]

I think your a master at this. it's an art form.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks, Richard! Happy New Year!

[@sferguson1130]

Great build outcome, despite the poor kit. My dad worked for Fairchild, when the A-10 was conceived and built. I got to see it up close and personal at one of their air shows in Hagerstown. Always been my favorite, for nostalgia, and unique appearance

[@MaxAfterburner]

Some great and unique memories! 😃

[@torokun]

It's still a great result! Looks fantastic.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks James, I appreciate that!

[@torokun]

Do you also make tank models? If you are ever into cartoony models too, check out “World War Toons” tank kits from Meng.

[@matejmraz4362]

Your assembly and the coloring of the models is simply astonishing, beautiful work. Well deserved sub and like

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Matej, I appreciate that!

[@aarong.4691]

Fun fact. The A10 was the first plane to be designed around a gun. Awesome build!

[@MaxAfterburner]

A very powerful 30mm! I've seen images where the whole Gatling system is removed and compared to the size of the original VW Beetle automobile. :-O

[@TheJer1963]

The gun is 19 feet long so it is even longer than the Beetle.

[@thethirdman225]

Aaron FPV Yeah, Americans probably believe that too...

[@spoofle5181]

@@MaxAfterburner The A10 was the tank killer, don't ask me why :D

[@peterresetz1960]

@@spoofle5181 If not kidding, the A10 was designed to attack Russian tanks if the then USSR invaded into West Germany through the Fulda Gapp. The 30mm GAU-8 rounds only required 3-4 hits to a tank would disable or destroy a tank.

[@NapFloridian]

for being an old Tamiya kit from the 90s it came out ok to say the least. Good job my friend.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Extra work for sure, thanks NapFloridian!

[@Manwap_]

Great model and more important great video

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Manwap, I'm glad you enjoyed the A-10 video!

[@egycsab]

The A-10 is one of a kind.

[@PhuVet]

See su25 frogfoot.

[@cptkettch]

@@PhuVet Soviet kludge.

[@ScipionLaurentiend]

great video, very informative ...keep it up

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks ScipionLaurentiend!

[@kevinlawton7758]

Thanks for the added info about Capt. Button. I was living in Sedona AZ and was standing outside my work on Feb.9, 1985 in the morning when two A-10s flew into Oak Creek Canyon just north of Sedona. One A-10 crashed into the wall of the canyon killing the pilot. The they were on a low level training flight (in a rainstorm) flying from Williams Air Force Base to Davis -Monthan AFB. The pilot was identified as Capt. Stephen P. Bowden, of the 355th Tactical Fighter Wing at Myrtle Beach Air Force Base, S.C. Excellent job on the model & the paint job. I've built the Tamiya kit and the Revell kit of the A-10 (did not re-scribe any panel lines). I have to admit that I like the Revell kit a bit more than the Tamiya kit. Still have the AMT/ERTL A-10 Thundrerbolt II 'Action Series' kit waiting in the stash.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Kevin, and I enjoyed your stories! I love Sedona, such an amazing looking landscape. 🙂

[@kacyklepper6297]

The A-10 warthog model looks pretty slick. The A-10 is one of my favorite planes.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Kacy, Brrrrttttt!!

[@Andrew-tz1cc]

I may have to get this model eventually- I’m just getting into the hobby. I like your information about the real world aircraft along side building the model

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Andrew, thanks and best of fun building and painting! 😊

[@Gastello100]

Красивый камуфляж вышел, только чистый очень:)

[@MaxAfterburner]

Спасибо !

[@kallenhunstiger7279]

I get to see these planes flying everyday.