As promised, here is my P-61 build in a step by step photo shoot. I suffered a work related injury TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) so some of my details have a hard time to convey itself. I was able to start on the most basic steps in any build; the cockpit. As I progress, I will continue to add to this thread.
It looks ok to me, not great, but just ok. I’m awaiting a PE bending tool, and only then Can I progress to the next step in building my P-61. For now, please enjoy my first introductory after a 40 year hiatus.
I could not see the pictures for some reasons…Any how I wish you a speedy recover from your injury and will find comfort in this hobby. I bought the same kit 2 weeks ago and plan to build it some time in next couple months…
Be prepared for some frustration. The Revell P-61 is an old kit, known for various fit problems. I built one recently and had to do a lot of “improvising.” But it will result in a decent model if you take care.
Yep this is a “tough” one especially the canopy. I wanted to make a closed canopy and I made such a mess of it that I re-bought the model to get a new canopy
My canopy (Forward, pilot side) was melted. Why, what, when, and whom made the error on my canopy is of no concern to me. All I wanted was a replacement canopy, I just received a email from Revell in regards to my melted canopy. I should see the new one in two weeks, I’ll update everyone on how this went well; or not.
Here is the partial build of my P-61. As you can see by the photos, it was a challenge to make everything fit and square. The P-61 was put together with extreme discipline, several clamps, and a huge amount of putty.
After the partial assembly, I took some time to look it over and contemplate my P-61 build, it seems to be going in the right direction. As always the case in any hobby, it was extremely fun to get this far. If I’ve learned anything thus far that pertains to a hobby is that, there are no correct ways nor an incorrect way to assemble a project such as this. The main factor is; “I’m having fun”! Here are some highlights to this evenings assembly.
I will definately take your advice and look into it. I’m already having trouble aligning the radome nose cone to the fuselage. Thanks to Testors putty, I think I can feather it in. I think my next model kit will be a Tamiya P-51 Mustang. I’ve read that the Tamiya kits are fantastic, and the details are superb.
We have a member building it (the G.W.H. kit) over at Genessis and it’s a far superior kit to the Revell. There has been a little putty involved but nothing at all compared to the mess that the Revell kit gives you. He says the build was rather easy and quite enjoyable.
If you have a choice of building a second one in the future the G.W.H. kit is the one you should get next time from what I can tell. The only experience I’ve had with the Revell kit was a horrible one long, long ago, in a galaxy far, far… Seattle 1989. lol
I’ve read rave reviews on the GWK Widow. I’ve even seen that the radome nose cone is made of clear plastic just like the actual full scale aircraft. I didn’t find out about these other products until I purchased the Revell/Monogram kit. I guess at the very least, I can be nostalgic at best. Thank you for the read and reply!
I’ve heard and read nothing but good things in regards to the GWH Kit. I guess there’s no comparisons between the GWH to the Revell/Monogram Widow. I’ll do my best in completeing this project to the best of my abilities, it’s nostalgic to say the least. I have invested in the Eduard interior and exterior photo etch items, my next purchase for this kit will probably be two complete resin engines, rubber tires with the correct tread patterns, and aftermarket decals. Since this is my first build after a 40 year haitus, I’ve have had to invest a substantial amount of funds in order to start building scale models once again.
I do enjoy the challenges that the Revell Widow kit has to offer yet, at times it can be frustrating at best. When I encounter this, I turn to my other hobby of which is the collecting of Football cards. I’ll go back and forth on this issue, a hobby should be enjoyable and not stressful. Currently, my issue is the radome nose cone connected to the fuselage. The gap is huge, I’ll have to utilize Testors putty and feather the gaps in. Once that’s completed, on goes the wings and the nacelle pods. If all goes well, I’ll put a nice coat of Testors primer, followed by flat black, and clear coat. I can then add the decals with the decal solution and weather the Widow with Tamiyas weathering kit, it actually looks like a women’s compact case. I’ll attempt the sea salt technique of which I’ve read about and seen on YouTube with a final clear coat. I’m hoping for this to be completed by May or the begining of June. Wish me luck.
FYI: If by chance I’ve missed any steps whatsoever, please feel free to direct me in the correct preparation and process, your input is most valued!
Just FYI the nose was a fiberglass shape. In certain backlit conditions there have been photographs that seem to show the antenna, but it’s rare and usually on a prototype. If you are building a black one, it’s painted black.
The one engine in that kit actually isn’t so bad. It can use some help, but it’s not a bad starting point.
Another glitch is that the port engine, the one thats closed up, has closed cowl flaps, while the starboard one has open flaps. Thats bogus, they should both be open.
This is my progress of the P-61 thus far. Before I continue on, I just purchased these items via eBay.
4" photo etch bending tool (The ones with two screw downs at each end).
After Market Decals (Moon Happy).
Eduard Canopy Mask
Metal Landing Struts
Vector Resin Engine and Cowlings
I’ve also made an earlier purchase on a Eduard interior/exterior photo etch. This was a major investment in regards to a $38.00 Black Widow purchased from Hobby Lobby, and not to exclude building materials/paraphenilia for the purpose in assembly of the P-61 and future projects that will come to my attention.
Through nothing more than excitement, I know I went way overboard pertaining to my budget. Luckily, Mrs. Toshi approved my purchases and supports my new endeavor. One can only hope that this model will prove to Mrs. Toshi and I that all of this was worth the effort.
Some of the issues I’ve come across thus far is the assembly of the two halves of the fuselage. My other issue is the radome nose cone. With extreme patience and discipline, I was able to putty the inconsistency and feather in the huge gaps via wet/dry sanding. As you can see, the primer tells the truth in regards to fit and finish. I must emphasize that no matter the obstacle large or small, I am having so much fun, and in this hobby or any other for that matter, having fun is part of the equation.
Here is what I was able to complete last night! Thank you forum members for the read and reply.
