I normally build armor but want to broaden my horizons. I saw some photos of this plane and would like to know if anyone makes a model of it and if there happens to be more than one company making the kit which one would be tter to purchase.
Thanks in advance for all of your help and info.
Monogram did one in 1/48 scale and there were a couple of others done in 1/72nd. Hasegawa and Academy, I believe.
We’re still waiting for the AMTech “P-61 Blackwidow / F-15 Reporter” series to come out but, nothing yet.
Only kits I can think of are the Revell/Monoram in 1/48 & the DML/Dragon in 1/72. There was a new 1/48 promised from AMTECH, but I wouldn’t hold my breath waiting for it.
Regards, Rick
You can pick up lots of Airfix 1/72s on eBay… even some Frogs (Yccch!). I’ve built a couple Widows (my favorite warbird) and the Dragon/DML is by far the best in 1/72. Getting a B is pretty easy… finding an A in the Dragon is harder. Actually, I bought both new from a guy in Australia who ships from Hong Kong and was super pleased.
Never built the Monogram./Revell although the Revell is on my shelf.
Lone Star Models makes an F-15 Reporter conversion for the Monogram P-61 and offers a resin replacement cockpit package for the P-61 versions. Eduard has a large PE set for the P-61 version that really adds to the kit. AM Tech is working on the new kit and are only two years behind schedule, so far.
I would stay away from the Revell/Monogram kit, lines are rised not really a big deal to fix but the big thing is the fit I started it and gave up because of that yet I still have to waiting to be built. I think I would go for the 1/72 Dragon.
Thanks for info about the Revell/Monogram kit. I will check into the Dragon 1/72 scale kit.
Hey Michael,
I’ve read other reviews that state the Revell/Monogram kit is pretty darned good. Most Monogram kits require a little bit of sanding, filling, and touch-up, but nothing like major surgery.
This review states that “construction is pretty straight forward.”
http://www.modelingmadness.com/reviews/allies/us/lueyp61.htm
I’ve got one of these kits in my stash and I’ve seen a couple that have been built. It’s pretty impressive.
Another review (http://www.modelingmadness.com/reviews/allies/us/spahrp61.htm) states:
I see nothing wrong with raised panel lines. They look good in comparison to some of the overdone recessed lines I’ve seen. If you sand a raised line away, you can scribe a new, recessed line, and most people won’t even notice.
The Dragon (or DML) kit can be seen here:
http://www.aircraftresourcecenter.com/Gal-Fea%20Archives/Prop/P-61/P-61.htm
I really like 1/72 scale planes, but I’m looking forward to building my 1/48 scale P-61. I may also, some day, get a 1/72 scale one too. [:)]
Regards,
Aw the revell ain’t that bad! just some putty and some sanding will fix her up. the detail is actually pretty good, i like it!
The only 1/48th in town is the Revell/Monogram kit which really isn’t that bad.
In 1/72, Frog had one at one time (not worth the powder to blow it to hell), Airfix/MPC had one which still pops up on E-bay now and then (It’s supposed to be a B model and is a late 60s early 70s kit with the attendant problems plus it’s nose is somewhat short forward of the wing). And of course Dragon still has a model of both the A and the B out. (The Revellogram kit might have fit issues, but it can’t hold a candle to the fit problems of the Dragon kit)
Ive heard the revel kit didnt need that much surgery,but needed some weight in the nose…hope any kit works out for you.
definately weight in the nose…
Thanks for all of the info about this plane. Once I decide which one to get I will be back will more questions.
Cool plane? Was it in service for long?
Not really. Let’s see, off the top of my head…It served as a night fighter in the latter half of WWII and continued on as a weather observer for a few years after the war. It was a cool plane though. I tried the Monogram kit, bu screwed it up. Want to try it again someday, or better yet, the mythical Amtech kit that is theoretically coming out someday.