Sigh Where to begin? I’m currently working on an AMT Hawker Tempest in 1/48 scale (as you may have guessed). I purchased this one while I was visiting family in middle Tennessee. My dad took me to a tiny town in the middle of nowhere that still has an old school department store in it. The store is nothing special really, but they do get hard to find models in there sometimes. Anyway, I picked up this kit and a 1/48 Ju-88 while I was there, and got all the paints and such I would need for the kits when I got back to my area.
As soon as my supplies came in, I jumped on the Tempest. Progress has slowed considerably because there have been some serious fit/seam issues. All that being said, here are some WIP pics of my Hawker Tempest.
This is my first ever attempt at painting a 1/48 figure. Be gentle.
This is the model dry fit together. As you can see, there are some definite fit issues.
I had to shave down the ledge that the bottom half of the wings sit on in order to have the sit somewhat flush.
All glued up. Gaps absolutely everywhere in this one. I did what I could before gluing, but still so many issues.
Thanks for that. my next build is going to be the Ju-88 I got at the same time. Must be from the same series because the box design is identical (except for the picture of course). The good news is that I opened it and did a test fit when I saw how many problems the Tempest has and it’s not nearly as bad.
Yup, that kit must have come out in the mid 1970’s from when I remember seeing it. They (AMT) also did a Birdcage Corsair, P-36, Ju-88, Meteor Mk.I w/V-1, Beechcraft Staggerwing, Lockheed Vega, and a B-26. All in 1/48. The interiors and decals are weak, but externally they were not horrible compared to all the other kits out from everybody else (except Monogram) at the same time.
You’re doing just fine on this build. I hope that Round 2 (who actually makes the kits now and uses the old AMT boxing and label for us older modelers with nostalgia tastes) makes better decals than the transluscent original AMT decals. If not, I know there are a few sets of AM Tempest decals out there.
Thanks, y’all. I haven’t really examined the decals closely, but I haven’t noticed anything that looked wrong with them. I’ll have to take a closer look at them.
I’m sure that in your capable hands this one will come out nicely. odd that AMT makes nice car models but usualy their aircraft leaves something to be desired. I have an old 1/48 AMT A-26 that’s still in the stash for the same reasons.
This is actually my first AMT build. I have heard that about their planes before, but the odd thing is the Ju-88 I’ve got had hardly any issues when I dry fit it a week or so ago (had to check to be sure after the way this one is going together). I’m assuming that since it’s a repop of the old AMT molds that the molds are just on their last leg. I’m not too worried though. If it turns out looking like anything that remotely resembles a Hawker Tempest, I’ll have something to be really proud of after all this.
AMT did the B-26 Marauder, not the A-26 Invader. The AMT kit is supposed to be pretty good externally, from what I have read. It is has not been really seen since those days of Jimmy Carter and “Have a nice day” and is a real collectors item. It is a later variant compared to the Monogram Marauder from what I have read. They pop up every now and then on ebay, but are pretty hard to find nowadays. You have a real rarity there Jay Jay.
First I have to give you a virtual high five over the interwebs, lol. 2nd Time Around LLC has been repopping these older kits out for nostalgia and I’m all on board with that.
I like what you’ve done with that Tempest so far. You’re on the right track and it’s looking good for your efforts. I think you did a dang decent job of that pilot fig!
Now, one thing to remember is that yes, the molds are OOOOOLLLLLLD, and they are showing their age terribly. But the kits are still worth your efforts. Just keep at her till YOU are happy with the results.
I really enjoyed building this old Lindberg Ju-87B that 2nd Time Around repopped as a double kit with the Me-262. The 262 has some fit issues that will take some will to shape it up, bu the Stuka turned out great and the fit was fantastic for an old kit.
So keep at it! I LOVE seeing these older kit built up these days! If I can find more of these old kits you bet your bonnet, sunny boy, I’ll be adding it to my collection lol!
Thank you very much, Brindos. I’m definitely on board with the repops too. I’m only 30 (well 31 in a few weeks), so I don’t get the nostalgia. I have heard about some of these kits for ages though as I’ve been building since I was probably 7 and “helping” my dad with his builds since I was 3. So, beyond just loving pretty much everything related to the air war in Europe, I have an appreciation for the old companies.
I appreciate the feedback. I get…not really discouraged…I guess reluctant would be the word because I’m new to this part of modeling. As far as the pilot goes, I actually bought my first set of detail brushes for this pilot/kit because the cockpit was too plain to display with no pilot. Lol. I’m fairly pleased with it.
I called my dad today to talk about some model related things, and when I brought up old models and repops, he told me that the first plane he did was a Lindbergh. Funny that you’d bring that up this evening. Great looking Stuka, btw.
So, beyond the pressure I put on myself to do these incredible machines justice, I feel the need to make sure that my finished product lives up to the reputation of the original manufacturer. Lol.
Don’t worry. I totally get it too. I’m only 41 lol. Most of my nostalgia comes from Monogram kits that I did in the 80’s. But these older kits can still be a lot of fun, and sometimes frustration lol.
All I was trying to convey is just have fun with it.
And a tip for future use; You can fill gaps with stretched sprue and bit of card stock. In some cases, such as wide gaps, it works a lot better than putty because it adds extra strength and stability to the area. (I noticed those wide gaps on the bottom where the wings attach to the fuselage and thought this info would be handy fo rthe next time you have that issue)
Not that you seem to be needing it on this build however. You’ve obviously go this well in hand.
I totally get that. With the exception of, I think, 1 Academy kit, all my builds until my Tamiya Flak 88 (built 4 years ago) were Revell/Monogram/Revell-Monogram because of coming up in small towns. Walmart was the only place to get kits.
Thanks for the tip. As I’ve said before, this is my second kit bothering with seams. I need all the pro tips I can get on seams and weathering.
Thanks again for the encouragement. Just trying to figure out things out as I go makes me wonder sometimes. Other modelers (that I’m not related to) Thinkin I’m doin alright helps a lot.
I grew up in West Seattle so I guess I’m not an expert on small towns lol. I did spend a lot of my chore money on saving up for Monogram kits though and I never got to build them all lol. So far however I’ve re-collected the P-51D, SBD Dauntless, F4U-4 Corsair, P-40B (for the 7th time lol), and then the Revell Spitfire Mk II, and the PT trainer because I’d never done that one before.
Still waiting for the F6F-5 and the Helldiver to pop up for me.
Lots of very fond memories and now I’m giving them all a second chance to build them up like I always wanted to as kid. Its been fun building all of these other kits while trying out new ideas for those Monovell builds to come. Although… I have built that P-40 plenty of times. This time I’m keeping it!
I remember finding Testors kits on occasion and I loved those as well. Until the last couple of years when I learned that they were all molds from other companies and Testors never made any of their own. But I still loved those kits. I’d tear into the Gee Bee racer in a heartbeat lol.
Anyways… Yeah. You need any help, we’re all hear to share and learn. NEVER be afraid to ask for help. Not here. This is what we do!
Lol. I did the revell P-51D when I was in high school. Loved that kit. Hands down my favorite fighter ever. I too have built different variations of the P-40 6 or 7 times (as well as an Apache 2 or 3 times). Lol. My dad had been looking for the F6F-5 for like 6 months when we went to the store where I got these old AMT kits. Found that and a Grumman Goose for him. First two kits I touched were those two. Now that I think about it, I’ve never done a navy/marine corps plane except for the blue angels F-18 I did after seeing them at an air show when I was 9 or so. Probably my favorite build was the P-38J. Did that at the same time I was working on the P-51D.
