This is the Academy 1:48 P-36A Hawk. It was a real nice kit but VERY basic and not much detail. The only complaint I have is the decals were way too thick. I omitted the rudder decal because it refused to settle and looked bad. This was my first attempt with Alclad white and dark aluminum. I used some metal foil accents for fun as well. I felt the finish came out pretty well but required some doctoring during the process. Now that I have used Alclad and do not fear it, I will add it to my arsenal. Feedback always welcomed. Enjoy…
Since the rudder decal you ommited is nothing more then a verticle blue stripe with horizontal white and red stripes, personally I usually discard the kit decal for these things and simply hand paint them with a fine artists brush, such as those Hobby Lobby has made by Testors.
It is a simple matter of painting overall insignia white, then insignia red stripes (I don’t usually mask when hand-painting, but stright horizontal stripes are simple enough if you want to), finishing up with the verticle blue stripe in insignia blue.
In every case, I have actually found this easier then fighting the stupid rudder-size decal for placement and alignment, havng to trim it where it overhangs, and still putting up with gaps and having to paint the edges where the decal does not cover.
Great one, Andy…I’ve been waiting to see the final bird. I’ve got the kit, and now have no choice but to move it up in the building order! You did a great job with the Alclad…what did you use as a basecoat?
I used Krylon laquer spray decanted. The prime coat came out ‘gritty’ so I had to polish it down. Instead of sandpaper, I used a sterling silver polish rag. Has very fine filaments on it. It polished it right up!
I agree with you guys after all…I should have painted the RWB rudder. I think I will go back and do it! Won’t be too difficult.
