AMT/ERTL 1/48 Douglas A-20J Havoc

Modeling Subjects Aircraft
1

This is AMT/ERTL’s Douglas A-20J.

The kit looks pretty good if somewhat sparse but nothing that can’t be fixed by AM goodies. I’ll be using Eduards Cockpit set (actually very little of it fits). The kit comes with True Details wheels and raft - the wheels are simply miles better than the horrible kit ones - the diamond pattern on the kit wheels is "layered"on - looking like snake skin, rather than cast with recess tread and looks appalling!
I must say from dry fitting, everything seems to snuggle up nice and tight. Another huge "needs fixing"area is the main wheel wells, they are just empty caverns and the forward section looks straight into the empty nacelles area. Bombadier’s area is also going to have to get some extra trash to make it look a bit busier.

Cockpit went OK but as I said i could use very little of ED’s interior set…note the Millipit seat cushion :whistle:

All major sections fit really well and besides a slight upward warp of the wings tips which hot water sorted out, they are all ready for assembly…

2

Actually those AMT kits are pretty good and with a little work they turn out as head turners. Excellent work in the pit. [B]

3

Getting there just a few more hours of work…

(http://s173.photobucket.com/user/jug-junkie/media/Aircraft/AMT%20Ertl%20Havoc%20A-20J/havoc_zpsc8c02fc0.jpg.html)]

(http://s173.photobucket.com/user/jug-junkie/media/Aircraft/AMT%20Ertl%20Havoc%20A-20J/havoc1_zpseeeb9fb3.jpg.html)]

4

Getting there just a few more hours of work…

5

Very nice so far! More photos please!

6

Nice…I built the P-70 years ago thought it was a decent kit. Wish it didn’t dive bomb the cement floor

7

Cool build.

8

I love those WWII twin-engined bombers! This is gonna be cool.

Gary

9

Thats looking great,eager to see the next update!

10

Very excellent A-20 jj. Those older AMT really aren’t half bad. Plus they made some subjects in 1/48 that you still can’t find today i.e. F7F Tigercat. I have their A-20G in my stash and I’ve gathered all the AM I can find for it. Looking forward to getting it built some day. Looking forward to the finished product.

11

Hi Guys thanks for kind words, JOE do it man, I had a lot of fun building this kit, it has some minor issues but actually all helped to make the build enjoyable. The only real headache is you have to install the main landing gear struts very early on which means they have to be painted up and installed and then protected form breaking and all subsequent painting - not easy!

12

Looks great!!! Built the gun nose version a few years ago- it’s a wonderful, well-fitting kit.

13

Thanks for kind words all, props and wheels on and now just the final bits and bobs…

14

All done for number 1 for 2015

15

Looks great! Any words of advice for someone with one in their stash?

John

16

Great work JJ! Decals and weathering came out spot on. I like the look of those TD wheels.

17

Thanks Guys, John - the best bit of advice is as Nathan said, you have to get the True Details wheels, the kits wheels are appalling. and you need to to do a wee bit extra in the nose section because it’s very clear and needs something extra.

18

Very nice work! Love the camo and weathering. [t$t]

Mike

19

Great build! Wish I would have caught you sooner. The main gear mounting point needs to be moved forward about a 1/4 inch. The forward edge of gear doors almost bisect the main tire! Check out some side shots of the A-20 and you will see what I mean. This was brought up years ago when the kits first came out! Sorry to be the bearer of the bad news! Only the “rivet” counters will know!

20

Thanks Mel, I know the main landing gear struts are also incorrectly placed but i’m one of those builders that if it looks like a the plane when done, then i’m happy. If something is glaringly and immediately noticeable as wrong, then I will fix but otherwise…i’m happy.