Thought I would share this oldie that I am building for the 1945 GB. This kit was a gift from a good friend on the forum, along with a Monogram 48th P-61. I don’t know what’s stranger, me building a PTO aircraft or me having a 48th one. Wonders never cease. But I do rather like the look of the Black widow, so its nice to have the chance to build one, even if it is a 1960’s Airfix kit.
I know some people would say not to throw god money at this. But I figured as the kit was free and every kit needs a bit of TLC, I decided to splash out on a few bits, all of which are for the dragon kit.
It quickly became apparent that the dimensions of the dragon kit are not the same as the Airfix. The Aires cockpit parts are to small for the kit but the Eduard wheel bay bits are to big. So the cockpit tub has needed some packing out and some filling. Its also to short by a long way. Looking at some pics, it seems the kit is to long here, even though the over all length of the kit is slightly to short. But rather than trying to cut down the canopy, I will just fill the gap behind the IP once its in.
The rear section wasn’t quite as bad, just a bit of filling around the back.
And I got one wing together. A lot of filler needed here. The openings in the leading edge have Eduard pars in there, which in this case were both to small and to big.
Also used some styrene strip around the movable aileron on the wing to fill that out a bit.
That’s all for now. Thanks for looking and of course all comments are welcome.
I did not know Airfix kitted this. My Father in Law crew chiefed and occasionally flew missions in these things.
Can’t be worse than the Monogram POC.
I have two Dragons in the stash.
Look forward to seeing it complete. I wouldn’t weather it too much, his squadron’s look very clean and shiny. About the only wear and tear, besides the 20mm that hit his and destroyed the instrument panel, was where the tape that sealed the gaps between the control surfaces for shipping was removed and took the black paint with it.
Ye, its not an often seen kit, I don’t think its been released in years. I am pretty sure I built this in my early modelling days.
Is the mono kit that bad. Funnily enough that’s the 48th kit I have. I had not realised Dragon did this until I saw the AM for it.
Funny you should mention the shine, I was going to ask about that. I have some AM decals, certainly not trusting these old Airfix ones. In the decal instructions it says Gloss black. But I was sure if it should be gloss or semi gloss. From what you say, it sounds like the former. I was not going to go to heavy on weathering anyway.
Europe, 414th NFS. He trained in the States in the P-70, which was a version of the A-20.
First over, they got Reverse Lend Lease Beaufighters, which he adored. Tunisia, Sardinia, Corsica and then Pisa Italy. At that time November of 1944 they were issued the P-61. Their primary use by that time was as fighter bombers blowing up trains in the Alps.
His old saying: "how do you tell a water-tube boiler from a fire-tube boiler?
“Shoot holes in it and see.”
Their aircraft was glossy. You can see the sun reflected brightly in the finish.
Thanks, glossy it is then. I am doing this one in a PTO scheme and the Mono kit I will build as a European based 61A.
I did notice when looking through some sources mention of a bomb control panel. I had not realised this could carry bombs. I am guessing these were externally mounted.
Yes, the Widow could carry extra fuel or additional bombs. Your guess is correct in that it was all external. My first comeback build was a Monogram Widow. I purchased a ton of PE for it and had a great time building the P-61. I’ll definately will be following this thread.
P-61 is a funny aircraft. They were so late in the war that they didn’t score a lot of victories. Total all theaters, all aircraft 127. Just weren’t targets left in the sky. But they did massive fighter bomber missions. They could carry four bombs, or two and two tanks.
Thanks Toshi. My kit does have the tanks, but as I could see no sign of a bomb bay, I took a guess that weapons could also be carried externally.
I have some AM for the Mono kit, both PE and resin. Not sure when I will build that though. Hopefully i will have another update at the weekend. the pit is finished, but I have spent most of this evening cleaning up pour stubs from the forward canopy.
Thanks GM. I knew they were introduce late, but was not sure how late. I believe it was originally designed to meet a British requirement for a night fighter to deal with German bombers over the UK.
I wonder what you are going to do here - it sure is a pity to see a good kit sitting on the shelf forever. And as you said every kit needs a little TLC - this one just needs a little bit more! So far it’s lookin’ good! Good luck with it and have a nice day
Right, the bottom of the aircraft is totally a weapons bay for the four cannon. Inside is a combo of radio gear, the turret and the ammo towers. No way to move front to back.
Pawel, thanks. Ye, I am starting to notice that. Fortunately, I now have no need to rush as I am not up against any tight GB deadlines. So I can take my time with it and hopefully do the aircraft some justice.
GM, yes, of course, I forgot about those cannon in the belly. With those 4 underneath and the turret on top, I can’t image there would be any room left over in there.
Cool Bish, good luck with all that aftermarket. After trying to fit parts designed for a Tamiya kit into a Dragon one you’ve got your work cut out for you.
Thanks Toshi. Not to sure about it being a winner, I will just be happy with a nice build.
Thanks Gamera. So far, the resin bit at least seem to be more on the small side, which I think is easier o deal with than if it was on the large side. But with all the resin done, I can now see how the PE goes on.
All your add-on bits make this tired old kit (though it was one of my favourites as a kid) look stunning. I’ll be watching to see what it looks like when finished.
It’s a good thing you’re replacing the u/c as I recall the legs to be a bit flimsy.
If I recall correctly, there are four bombs provided in the kit and you have the option of mounting those or the fuel tanks under the wings.
I have always liked the Widow but I haven’t added one to my stash as everyone gripes about the Revell kit being so bad. Does anyone make a 1/48 Widow that is decent?
Looking forward to seeing this completed. Nice work as always.
Both Great Wall Hobby and Hobby Boss make 48th Black Widows. I don’t know what they are like, but I think there kits are generally pretty good. I found a couple of reviews of the GWH kit and it seem favourable.
