Hey Gang,
Is the Revell 1/48th P-61 the only game in town? It was the last model I built before I took my 17 year hiatus and I’d really like to give that bird the treatment it deserves.
I’m just wondering if there are any other makes with AM kits available or maybe AM kits available for the revell kit.
Thanks,
Fred
Unfortunately the Revell kit is the only choice in 1/48. AM Tech was attempting to produce a new kit but the company folded before anything more than a mock-up was produced and that item was stolen from the company at the Chicago Nats. You can add the Eduard PE detail sets, they really do improve the overall kit. You can also add the Lone Star resin cockpit – A very nice set. If you want to get really radical Lone Star does an F-15 Reporter conversion with resin and vac parts that is pretty darned nice (I’m building one right now). The Reporter conversion also includes new engine faces and engine cowlings for the P-51C which the Revell kit misses on. You can also look to Quick Boost or Vector for replacement engines. Quick Boost is just faces while Vector is complete engines that are kits all by themselves. The last thing you could do if you have full blown AMS is scribe the kit and add correct rivet detail. This last step will require a frontal lobotomy when you are done so be warned.
Sounds like about a two or three evening project, ha, ha. Maybe for Swanny, Pixilater or Rick.
Darwin
Dragon/DML did a wonderful 1/72nd scale version, although I haven’t seen it available in some time.
Thanks for all that info, Swanny [tup]
Would you, by any chance, know where to find the lone star resin cockpit? I found the Vector engines (I am becoming an unwilling expert on the P&W R2800 double wasp [(-D]). I also found eduard interior and exterior PE sets, canopy masks and AM tires. Would it still be worthwhile to get the interior PE set if I find the cockpit?
Thanks,
Fred
DML makes one in 1/72 in addition to the Revell one. Both kits have AM available.
David
Click on the link in my signiture picture, you’ll find a banner ad for Lone Star on my site right near the top of the page. The PE sets are more aimed at the rear gunner’s station, access ladders and such plus the exterior set is, well, exterior. I would get the PE and the Lone Star sets. You won’t have much cross-over.
Most excellent, Swanny - thanks again [tup]
Now to come up with an entire list of everything I’ll need. This will come after my F4U-4 (which I’ll start after I finish my Zero type 52) [8-].
-Fred
Yeah Revel is the only game in town for 1/48. Cutting Edge makes replacment crowlings for it as will. You can get the Cutting Edge crowlings at Meteor Productions: http://www.meteorprod.com/ part number CEC48302
They’re pretty nice, I have a set for my next Black Widow.
They also have some nice after market decals for them to if you are looking for any. Check out their PYN-UP brand markings. These are a nice brand of decals, thin but can be a bit fragile if your not careful, but look great when your done.
I finished the P-61 last year when I found one in my stash. There are some fit problems specially around the canopy area. I painted it gloss black so that I don’t have to spray clear gloss over it before decalling. I sprayed it with clear flat later. Came out well I think.
If you’ve got pics, I’d love to see 'em.
I just spent a small fortune at Hannant’s on AM parts for this kit. I got 2 Aires P&W R-2800 engines, Eduard interior and exterior PE sets, Eduard mask set, Quick Boost gun replacement set, the new cowling set and new tires. I still need to get the resin cockpit. This is a damn sickness, I tell ya.
-Fred
Gig,
One thing I’d like to mention is replace the cockpit canopy with a one piece canopy. The one it comes with is crappy and very hard to work with. I too have built the Black Widow and have one in my stash.
Air Master
[soapbox] We’ve made enough 51’s, 109’s, Spits, etc. Since this was the only dedicated night fighter of WW II, why are there no ‘build’ articles in FSM? The last article ref this a/c was March of 1995! Since Revell is the only company making this particular a/c in 1/48th scale and the cost of the kit won’t break the bank, it’s time for a ‘build’ article from FSM.[banghead]
Who makes a replacement canopy for the Black Widow? As far as I thought, there wasn’t one available??
Thanks!
I second the question! And can a one piece be modded so that ou can have it in the open position as well? I’d really like to dress up the office and show it off with a nice open canopy.
-Fred
Awhile back I came across a web site for vac form clear parts and offered one for the Revell P-61, however I cannot find the site anymore and did not save it to fav sites.
Sorry.
Air Master
Maybe it is time for “someone” to submit an article of building a P-61. [:-^]
I mean, it’s not like they’re not asking for submissions.
It can be difficult to print something you don’t have in the first place, you know. [;)]
Tom [C):-)]
[#wstupid] I was under the impression that FSM, with it’s numerous ‘build’ articles and talented staff could update the '95 article. If ‘someone’ with more skills than I, could produce such an article, it would be greatly appreciated.[:D]
Gig, The canopy that comes with the kit can be done open or closed. I usually prefer closed position.
Air Master
I have that kit sitting in my stash (purchased it decades ago) along with a set of resin wheels, some micro-scale decals, and a nice resin/PE cockpit set from Aires. Someday I hope to get around to building it. Always thought it was an impressive-looking bird.