Finally finished the Black Widow. This is probably the third time I’ve built this kit, first time as an adult. For those familiar with the kit, you’ll see that I’ve deviated from the instructions in places. I chopped off the locator tabs for the flaps which would display the flaps in a down position, but I don’t think that would be accurate given photographs I’ve seen of these birds parked.
I also closed up nearly all of the hatches that were designed to be displayed open. The only hatch I left open is the cockpit access hatch with the ladder.
I ran into a few construction issues, most notably with the poorly formed main canopy hatchh. It required a putty job to fill in the sizable gap. From the outside it looks okay but inside one can see where the putty globbed. Oh well, I wasn’t planning to enter this one into any contests.
It’s nearly all OOB except for the tires. I was incredibly dissatisfied with the kit tires, so I got the aftermarket tires from Squadron. Dry brushed some light tan on to represent dirt. Paint is Tamiya semi-gloss black applied over MM acrylic white primer, with the engine streaking a mixture of desert tan, dark gull gray and black. Weighted the nose down with a bunch of BBs.
Finally the photographic inspiration for this build:
This is from the book Pacific War Eagles in Original Color by Ethell & Brodie.
Good lookin’ Widow you have there. Exhaust staining looks perfect. I just picked one up the other day. I noticed on the decal sheet the bathing suit for the “Hussy” version is blue now. All the other ones I have had the suit was red. I have liked this kit from the first time I saw one. Now if someone would make a 1/32 version. Good job!
I agree, well done! Exhaust stain are especially well done. From what I have heard, this is a difficult kit to build. You did a wonderful job on yours, thanks for sharing! [tup]
Thanks for everyone’s kind comments. The Monogram Widow is a difficult kit to put together, and there were times when I wanted to just wash my hands of it (after hurling it against a solid object) but I resisted those urges and saw it through to completion. Now if only I had a good and safe (ie, away from prying 2-year-old hands) place to display it …
Good luck with that! I took my last completed build and gave it to my 6 year old nephew. I just took some twine and hung it in the corner of the ceiling in his room. But I know full well that it only bought me time. I’m sure at his age, it’s eventually going to go down in flames, literally. There’s something to be said about the inquisativeness (sp?) of a small child, after all. In the meantime, I’m looking for the same kit to build at a future date. It wasn’t the best of fit as far as a kit goes, but I enjoyed the subject nonetheless.
Steven, that is a beautiful job on a pig of a kit, fit-wise! I am especially impressed on how well you got the glass to fit up prpoerly, and your detailing and weathering is exceptional! I did the same kit a couple of years ago, (one of my top 10 fav a/c) and mine did not come out 1/2 as nicely as yours! Bravo!
Nice job on a difficult build. Glad you stuck with it as it looks great. Exhaust staining looks great. I like the fact that the entry ladder was in the wheel well. Theres probably loads of planes that do that but ive not seen any.
