After getting somewhat bogged down in a 1/48 bomber, I decided to take a break, go back to my 1/72 roots, and work on something … well frankly - easier ! I picked an Airfix P-40E Kittyhawk in the RAF No. 112 Squadron markings. It’s pretty much out of the box, with some very simple scratch built additions. I’ll blab more later - you probably just want to get on with the pics…
She’s hand painted - and I have been trying to work on being able to duplicate a bit of a fuzzy edge. I haven’t gotten it down so that it’s really uniform - but its getting there. Needs some touchup after sanding. The only real problem I have now is the fit of the forward canopy section (gap at the back). It’s not glued on yet - it’s just sitting there. There was a wing dihedral problem that was fixed with some persuasion and a little bit of filler. Main gear doors are scratchbuilt from a cut and formed section of wing pods that I think came from a 1/48 Mongram Hurricane. The kit gear doors were pretty lame. Instrument panel was made from sheet styrene. I also performed a surgical modification of the pilot’s head. I think they look too much like robots if they’re just staring forward - so he was decapitated and then reassembled facing 10 O’Clock. Rivets needed to be sanded down, but the panel lines weren’t nearly as pronounced. Decals were good to work with - just a little bit of white edge on the roundels. That’s always tough to trim off - I might clean it up with some paint.
A purist will note that the underside is Sky “S” - probably not the right call for this desert Bird / Cat whatever ! I think Azure undersides were a bit more bluish, but hey - I needed a break, and after I bought the bottle of Dark Earth - I already spent more on paint than I did on the kit.
I forgot to mention - if it’s not really obvious - I’m not done. Guns in the wings have been drilled out and need to be replaced. It will also be my first attempt at an “in-flight” model - hence the lack of blades on the prop spinner.
Yeah - I think the P-40 was just made for a sharkmouth !
Hiya Chris,
First off, could you please stop sending snow my way…[:p][;)] Your kitty is sure perdy…
For a little kit, you sure did put time into her… You are one of the few who can hand paint well… Wish I could do that[:(]
Thanks for sharing…
Flaps up, Mike
Thanks to all of you for your kind words. It’s a pleasure to be able to post pics now and here back from so many of you who’s work I admire. It also makes me appreciate all the work and time people put into showing us their work - not just into building - but prepping for photos, getting pics taken and posted. It eats up gobs more time than I thought it would.
Mike - If I could send it West - I would ! But that’s where its comin’ from. I’ll probably spend some part of the weekend trying to prevent icedams from forming on the edge my roof line. I guess we’re gettin it all at once this year.
I have pretty steady hands and there are ways of painting and steadying ones hands on a neaby solid surface. The one really good thing I have going for me is good close vision (inches) when I take my glasses off. [8)] Of course I’m also blind as a bat beyond 2 feet when I take them off - so I guess it’s a mixed blessing. I guess my eyes were just made for modelling. I’ll have to tell my wife that one !
Yardbird, funny you should mention the Bulldog. I have one that is nearing the surface of the “to build” pile. I’ll make sure I keep 'em leashed !
Hiya Chris,
Sure blame us for the snow…!!! hehehehe. Mmmmm I may have to use that line with my wifey, I mean girlfriend.
Its amazing how some people can steady their hand with out any problems. For instance, the way I write, I should have been a doctor, yet when it comes to modelling, its steady as steady can be… Go figure…!!!
Thanks again.
Flaps up, Mike
