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Revell 1/48 P-38J Lightning completed

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  • Member since
    April 2013
  • From: Eleva, Wisconsin
Revell 1/48 P-38J Lightning completed
Posted by Greatmaker on Tuesday, October 11, 2016 8:47 AM

Well what can I say about this kit.  The plastic looks like it was made from recycled fan bases. Had to use heavy doses of Tamiya Extra Thin just to get it to stick.  Too many fit issues to name.  As Mustang 1989 stated I would be lucky to finish this model with all my hair intact.  I did lose a few and some alcohol was needed. I did save the best mess for last.  The canopy fit was terrible.  I kinda wondered since there are very few pictures of this kit with the canopy closed.  Even Revell's pictures show the top open and the side panels off.  Unfortuneately for my poor little dude (Richard Bong), I had to cut off the top of his head to make the canopy fit.  A fitting end to this build.  In my defense this was one of the first models I bought when I started model making again and at that time Revell was all that I knew.  It was my first time doing a two tone NMF with an airbrush and I'm happy with how that turned out...thanks to some excellent tips from fellow forum members.  Despite all the issues I still had a blast builting this kit especially in tribute for a fellow Wisconsinite Richard Bong.  At least I am one year older than the mold of this model.  Thanks for looking. As always sugesstions for improvement are most welcome

 

  • Member since
    June 2014
Posted by BrandonK on Tuesday, October 11, 2016 9:49 AM

Ive heard this kit is a challange, but you did a splendid job with it. It looks great.

BK

On the bench:

A lot !! And I mean A LOT!!

2024 Kits on deck / in process / completed   

                         14 / 5 / 2  

                              Tongue Tied

  • Member since
    April 2016
  • From: Parsons Kansas
Posted by Hodakamax on Tuesday, October 11, 2016 9:57 AM

Having endured all of the challenges of that kit, I must say you've done an excellent job of saving it. Despite all of the shortcomings of fit and such they can look good as in your case! Sympathy all the way! LOL! Nice work.

Max 

  • Member since
    April 2013
  • From: Eleva, Wisconsin
Posted by Greatmaker on Tuesday, October 11, 2016 10:03 AM

Thanks guys! This is one of those kits that just lets you know how much more you need to learn.  I really wish I could have have hit it with primer first to find all the gaps but that's taboo with metalizer paints.  I did use Stynylrez primer on the non-metal areas and was very happy with how that adhered

 

  • Member since
    February 2012
  • From: Olmsted Township, Ohio
Posted by lawdog114 on Tuesday, October 11, 2016 10:07 AM
That a tough kit. You did a splendid job with it. Gimme ham on one hold the Mayo...

 "Can you fly this plane and land it?...Surely you can't be serious....I am serious, and don't call me Shirley"

 

 

 

 

  • Member since
    November 2009
  • From: SW Virginia
Posted by Gamera on Tuesday, October 11, 2016 10:39 AM

She looks pretty good to me Your Imperial Majesty. Nice work! 

"I dream in fire but work in clay." -Arthur Machen

 

  • Member since
    March 2015
  • From: Streetsboro, Ohio
Posted by Toshi on Tuesday, October 11, 2016 10:49 AM

I've made this kit once and know of all the issues at hand.  You overcame them and produced an exceptional product.  A very nice build indeed!

Toshi

On The Bench: Revell 1/48 B-25 Mitchell

 

Married to the most caring, loving, understanding, and beautiful wife in the world.  Mrs. Toshi

 

 

  • Member since
    April 2013
  • From: Eleva, Wisconsin
Posted by Greatmaker on Tuesday, October 11, 2016 11:07 AM

lawdog114
That a tough kit. You did a splendid job with it. Gimme ham on one hold the Mayo...
 

Thanks lawdog! Your builts are all works of art. mine.......are works

Do you know what it's like to fall in the mud and get kicked... in the head... with an iron boot? Of course you don't, no one does. It never happens. 

 

  • Member since
    April 2013
  • From: Eleva, Wisconsin
Posted by Greatmaker on Tuesday, October 11, 2016 11:11 AM

Gamera

She looks pretty good to me Your Imperial Majesty. Nice work! 

 

Thanks you giant flying turtle you!

I needed plenty of Brivari on this one. Now if I only had some double twister tail flowers like I gave Adira. I could put some on this one's tombstone.

 

  • Member since
    April 2013
  • From: Eleva, Wisconsin
Posted by Greatmaker on Tuesday, October 11, 2016 11:12 AM

Thanks Toshi!

Did you do a NMF and try to close the canopy?  I"d be curious as to how that went for you.

 

  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: Sonora Desert
Posted by stikpusher on Tuesday, October 11, 2016 4:07 PM

You did good enough on ole Marge. Yes In all fairness the original molds were first made back in 1964, so she is about as state of the art as a Gemini space capsule... Wink

 

F is for FIRE, That burns down the whole town!

U is for URANIUM... BOMBS!

N is for NO SURVIVORS...

       - Plankton

LSM

 

AT6
  • Member since
    December 2005
  • From: Fresno
Posted by AT6 on Tuesday, October 11, 2016 5:35 PM

You still did well with the old bird. The molds are probably getting a little tired after 50+ years. I built one back in the 70s and had no fit problems back then.

  • Member since
    August 2016
Posted by Keyda81 on Tuesday, October 11, 2016 5:57 PM

This one's on my to do list, but maybe I'll hold off a while, lol.  Good job dispite the issues, looks great!

  • Member since
    January 2015
  • From: Tumwater, WA.
Posted by M. Brindos on Tuesday, October 11, 2016 6:08 PM

This is another classic I need to find and add to my own collection. :)

You've made this kit look easy, so very good job! I've been hearing about those issues for so long. If it's like the P-61 or the P-40 then that's a serious load of work.

- Mike Brindos "Lost Boy"

  • Member since
    April 2013
  • From: Eleva, Wisconsin
Posted by Greatmaker on Tuesday, October 11, 2016 6:53 PM

M. Brindos

This is another classic I need to find and add to my own collection. :)

You've made this kit look easy, so very good job! I've been hearing about those issues for so long. If it's like the P-61 or the P-40 then that's a serious load of work.

 

Honestly I'd take the P-61. The canopy was the major fit issue on that one  If I took a picture of the P-38 straight on you would see the the right engine nacelle is warped so the right tail fin is canted. The anterior landing Bay door curves away from the body in the back. Most shots of this model on the internet don't show that and the one I found that did, the guy put in a funny looking shim in there. Despite all for some reason I just liked this plane and didn't get near as aggravated as I could have

 

  • Member since
    November 2003
  • From: State of Mississippi. State motto: Virtute et armis (By valor and arms)
Posted by mississippivol on Tuesday, October 11, 2016 6:57 PM
That's a fine looking bird, well done!
  • Member since
    November 2009
  • From: SW Virginia
Posted by Gamera on Tuesday, October 11, 2016 7:19 PM

Greatmaker

 

 
Gamera

She looks pretty good to me Your Imperial Majesty. Nice work! 

 

 

 

Thanks you giant flying turtle you!

I needed plenty of Brivari on this one. Now if I only had some double twister tail flowers like I gave Adira. I could put some on this one's tombstone.

 

Your Turtleness is fine...

Brivari always helps. More so than some people. Mr. Mordon asked me what I wanted. I told him I want this seam on a 1/48th Kinetic F-16 to stop popping loose while I was sanding it. He just looked at me and walked off...

"I dream in fire but work in clay." -Arthur Machen

 

  • Member since
    April 2013
  • From: Eleva, Wisconsin
Posted by Greatmaker on Tuesday, October 11, 2016 7:45 PM

stikpusher

You did good enough on ole Marge. Yes In all fairness the original molds were first made back in 1964, so she is about as state of the art as a Gemini space capsule... Wink

 

Hey watch it that puts me in the same state.  When 800 years old you be. Look as food you will not hmmm.  Thanks stikpusher!

In 

 

  • Member since
    April 2013
  • From: Eleva, Wisconsin
Posted by Greatmaker on Tuesday, October 11, 2016 7:49 PM

Gamera

 

 
Greatmaker

 

 
Gamera

She looks pretty good to me Your Imperial Majesty. Nice work! 

 

 

 

Thanks you giant flying turtle you!

I needed plenty of Brivari on this one. Now if I only had some double twister tail flowers like I gave Adira. I could put some on this one's tombstone.

 

 

 

Your Turtleness is fine...

Brivari always helps. More so than some people. Mr. Mordon asked me what I wanted. I told him I want this seam on a 1/48th Kinetic F-16 to stop popping loose while I was sanding it. He just looked at me and walked off...

 

m

Nah it has to be something like your Grand Turtleness.  I'm sure it was Mr Mordon's associates. They worked their magic on this one as well. Putty...sanding...more putty...more sanding..and still seams BUT raised panel lines we don't need no stinking raised panel lines.

 

  • Member since
    April 2013
  • From: Eleva, Wisconsin
Posted by Greatmaker on Tuesday, October 11, 2016 7:52 PM

Keyda81

This one's on my to do list, but maybe I'll hold off a while, lol.  Good job dispite the issues, looks great!

 

Thank you! Be sure to store up on alcohol. It helps. Not only can you drink it but it works wonders removing model master metalizer paints

 

  • Member since
    May 2016
Posted by jsmith on Tuesday, October 11, 2016 9:26 PM

beautiful metal finish, and a wonderfull job overall

  • Member since
    February 2011
  • From: Bent River, IA
Posted by Reasoned on Wednesday, October 12, 2016 7:33 PM

AT6

 The molds are probably getting a little tired after 50+ years.

 

I know I am Hmm, so all things considered your Devil looks great!  Got the exact same kit on my bench, hope it turns out as well.

Science is the pursiut of knowledge, faith is the pursuit of wisdom.  Peace be with you.

On the Tarmac: 1/48 Revell P-38

In the Hanger: A bunch of kits

  • Member since
    April 2016
  • From: Parsons Kansas
Posted by Hodakamax on Wednesday, October 12, 2016 8:30 PM

Yep, I purposely didn't show any angles that revealed the slanting rear tail fins or poor fit canopy on mine. I finally just put it together. As you said though the plane is likeable when finished. I think it's the cool original design, it certainly was not to my credit! LOL! At least we did tackle a classic. Good job again!

Max

  • Member since
    April 2013
  • From: Eleva, Wisconsin
Posted by Greatmaker on Friday, October 14, 2016 1:53 PM

Thanks again guys. I sent a pic. to my wife's uncle and found out he worked in the building where these were originally built. At that time he was working on the SR-71

 

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