Two recent completions: 1/72 Airfix Harrier Gr. 1 and Academy P-40E
Hello all,
Here are two recent completions that were lingering on my shelf for a while . . .
First, the 1/72 Airfix Harrier Gr. 1 that was completed as a part of the OTS Group build - If you like - you can see all the gory details and more photos there . . . I heartily recommend this kit to those who are up for a nicely detailed kit that is very small, has a high parts count, and is an absolute decal monster ! The decals are very nice - there's just ALOT of them !
Yesterday I completed this 1/72 Academy P-40E. It was made with a few aftermarket decals. I thought this was a simple, but attractive scheme from an Aleutian unit on Adak Island. It's not the Aleutian Tiger scheme or the more traditional Shark Mouth that I often see. With such a simple scheme - I thought I would work on the weathering a little more - trying to develop some techniques for making a simple Olive Drab bird more Olive-ish and less drab. It's painted with MM Acrylics in various "adjusted" shades of OD and greys. Washes and pencil were used to highlight panel lines, dry brushing and silver pencil highlights in spots, pastel chalks for exhaust staining, and what has become my go-to easiest trick for aluminum painted items and wingtip lights . . . Sharpie markers in silver, red, and green (SO EASY !)
I really like this kit. I've built 5 or 6 of Academy's P40 E, M, & N variations over the last 10 years or so. Its getting to feel like an old friend. It's a very nicely detailed kit that has a few easy to fix issues. I prefer it over the Hasegawa kit.
{edit} Yikes ! when I edited these photos, I guess I made them darker than I thought. This bird is actually quite a bit lighter OD than what you see here . . . live and learn !
Please feel free to offer any critiques. I welcome them !
Model on friends !
Chris