This is the 1/48 Hasegawa kit with Model Master enamels and Pyn-up decals, representing Dick Cresswell’s plane in mid to late 1942. The build, with all the inserts and plugs, wasn’t as difficult as I had initially feared, although some issues arose that made me wonder if Hasegawa has some sadistic engineers.
The previous three pictures were taken without a flash, while this last one was. I’m not much of a photographer so am wondering if you think with or without the flash looks better. Suggestions?
As always, comments and constructive criticism are welcome. Thanks for looking!
Photographs of models using a flash present the subject in a more natural light, that is to say it is more like sunlight. The colors and shadow become more as though the model were a real vehicle in a more real environment. Without a flash a subject appears as it does on your bench allowing us to see it as if we are there. So, it depends on what you want us to get from the picture. No flash lets us see your work, flash lets us feel the realism.
The weathering looks pretty good. If rules allowed you to balance your colours, then without flash, but balanced would be better. Nothing beats natural light, but the flash isn’t quite “natural”. Great build.
Nice build. I have this kit too, & have been wondering whether or not to do a RAAF Kitty. I think a flash is definitely the way to go, though a lighter coloured backdrop might be a better idea, as the blue has absorbed a lot of the light from the flash. The first couple of photos look like the plane is parked up in the outback somewhere with a bushfire in the distance, filtering the sunlight a bit. Very nice weathering too. Is this one of the newer P-40 kits Hasegawa has just released, along with the N & M? Did you find any problems with the kit like everyone has been saying?
Great looking build, nice weathering. I have the Pyn-up set with these decals but I plan to build the ‘Empty Saddle’ P-40N that’s also in this decal set, and I’ll build it with the Eduard Shark Mouths over China kit.
All your photos are good, with or without flash is only a matter of taste or preference.
I have a question, though. How did you do, or what did you use for the fuel spillage stains on the fuselage side and drop tank? I like that effect.
I appologize for having forgotten to mention how impressed I am with your build. I find it is more difficult to build realistic aircraft than armor, but you have done a good job on this. The photographs are pretty good.
I picked up the same kit this past weekend, so I was wondering about your comments concerning the build quality. Can you elaborate on some of the more difficult or tricky assemblies?
Very nice build Mark, looks great. Your non-flash pics look better to me, but both sets could benefit from a little TLC with Photoshop or similar Software. Digital pics need to be massaged a little to look good on the net.
I would have to vote for the flash, with the caveat that an indirect “fill flash” would be good if you can do that. The model itself is superb! The staining and exhaust are very well done - did you darken the panerl lines at all? If you did, the effect is subtle and spectacular. This is one of the most realistic builds I have seen!
She came out perfect, Mark. I really like the decals, and the fule spillage is top notch.With the realism of the landing gears and weathering I almost forgot to notice how nice your airbrush work is!
Shaun and Dave: Yes, this is the new Hasegawa line of P-40s. No real major issues with the kit, just some unexpected surprises that left me grumbling a bit. I took the advice of others who have already built it, which was very helpful. The main thing is to disregard the instructions when it says to assemble the fuselage halves and then build the inserts and plugs. It’s much easier to glue the inserts in each fuselage prior to putting the halves together. However, I wasn’t pleased with the fit of the clear quarter panels and getting the drop tank to fit well onto the support structs was tricky, just to mention a couple of other things.
Steve and Brian: The panel lines were darkened with an oil wash of Burnt Umber, followed by airbrushing highly thinned Tamiya Smoke. For the fuel stains on the fuselage and drop tank, I tried using a thickened wash of Acrlyic Burnt Umber, water, and liquid detergent–basically the ‘sludge wash.’ However, when I airbrushed a coat of Pollyscalle dullcoat on the fuselage stain it turned white! I ended up going over it with an oil wash.
Thanks everyone for the kind words! They are much appreciated, especially the input on pictures.
I have to agree with your assessments of a couple of issues with the kit. Especially the one about the fuselage. On the 1st one, an N, I did it according to the sheet and the 2nd one, the E, make the halves first and that eliminated 80% of the filing and sanding I needed to do on the 1st kit. I just picked up another E. It is really a great kit and you did a terrific job on it.
Thanks Marc! I hate to think how much filling and sanding I’d have to do if I followed the kit instructions. I’d probably still be working on it!
Now if I can only get my hands on one of Hasegawa P-40K kits. Apparently they were a limited release or something, and I’m still kicking myself for not picking one up when they first came out.
