[:)] I got the P-38 that I was wanting, I was wanting any tips to help me to get a good build OOB. My husband is not much help cause he is not into airplanes just yet. Just wanting some general tips to help me get started on it. Thankyou ahead of time [:p]
What scale & which kit ? They’re all a little different. Someone has probably built the particular kit that you have, and can offer some direction.
Good luck !
Congrats Sheila…look foward to seeing pictures when its done!
Chris
It is a 1/48 Revell Monogram P-38J Lightning. Hope that helps more.
Hey Sheila - You’re bringing back good memories here. I built the first Monogram issue of this kit back in the '60’s, and it has always been one my favorites, straight OOB, with just the very basics of painting and detailing. (I was only about 15 at the time…who ever heard of an airbrush at that time?)
Wish I still had that model!
As I remember, it was a rather easy build. Everything fit well and the cockpit was especially well detailed.
Send us some pics in progress, and welcome to the aviation world!
A friend just finished his Monogram P-38 in Major Bong’s MARGE straight OOB and came out just fine. I like P-38s also. I have 8 in all, only I’m in 1/72nd scale. Good luck and happy modeling!
If you choose to paint the plane in a “metal” finish, I would strongly recommend reading the posts in the painting & techniques topics. For a metal finish, all seams, sanding marks, imperfections, etc. must be removed. The “sheen” of the paint reflects all the flaws in the underlying plastic. If you have a marking choice that is not a metal finish, I would suggest that one. Painting metal finishes are the most difficult of all. I wouldn’t want to see you discouraged from aircraft models because of the unforgiving nature of metal finishes. Good luck, and enjoy the build.
I have several of these in my built collection at my mothers house. I really enjoyed doing them. Except for the nightfighter version. I had a lot of problems cutting the fuselage and getting that insert to fit well. I have tried this one three times and screwed it up each time. Maybe next time I’ll get it right!! Oh yeah, and welcome to the family!!
Thankyou all for the welcomes to the Aircraft forum, I am learning soooo much sinced I joined the forum about a month ago. All of the tips I know I can really use in good time.
Dont worry that much you are a pro judging from your armour work…
I’ll be working on my P-38J Lightning this weekend , and of course I’ll take my time
Enjoy Sheila! Im still working on my FW190
Sheila,
As an addition to the comment regarding the metal finish, if you happen to be painting this with an airbrush, I would like to suggest using Alclad paint. It’s a lacquer, (it’s expensive but worth it) and PLEASE wear a mask or something, but the stuff will take a lot of abuse (meaning you can mask it an not pull it off the plane) There is one draw back. If you mess it up and need to remove the paint to start over, don’t bother. Alclad has a nasty habit of attacking the plastic under the primer. I hope I haven’t scared you, it really does make for a nice finish.
Good luck, I look forward to seeing the finished project
Best Wishes
Hey Sheila,
I dont know if it will be on again, however on History Channel they had a show called HEAVY METAL which featured the P-38…neat show
one more tip…If you want it to stand on its gear without tailsitting. put as much weight in the nose and the front of the engine nacelles as you can without breaking the landing gear. I thought I had enough in my Hasegawa P-38 WRONG GOOD LUCK
Well sheila, you want the best tip of all???
Sell the wingy thingy and buy a Williams Bmw F1 racecar and come join us in the CBP in the auto forum !!![(-D][(-D][(-D][(-D][(-D][(-D][(-D]
Jusy joking around!!!
the P-38 is beautiful plane, and judging by your tank project, i’m sure your plane will just as beautiful…
If your P-38 is half the job the armor project was, it’s going to be a real treat for us to see . Hope you’ll post the finished product for us to admire.
Hi everyone I’m back sorry it took me so long to reply to you guys out there. I got caught up in a jurry trial some of you know how it goes. thanks for all the great tips on how to make my plane look really great [swg]
Hi lizardqueen2!
Listen, I’m about 1/2 through with the exact kit you are getting ready to build. Perhaps you’ve already started it. I’m doing the Night Fighter version and it is incredible! This is only my third aircraft build and she’s going to be a beauty! I picked up this microsaw to transform the fuselage and made room for the radar op. She’s gonna be armed to the teeth. Very little weathering, not a lot of detail, just straight out of the box. Good luck!