1/48 ERTL/Esci Curtiss P-36A Hawk (Completed pg. 6)

No idea but, really,really,really build it. MHO.

Always the question. They are supposed to be built or you could sell it and buy multiple models. It's more likely to be seen and enjoyed when you build it and we all get to see it and enjoy it. In a box collection it may never be seen again or used to increase wealth. Seems like a shame to receive that fate. Brings to mind the question "Should I go or should I stay?"  Wealth or Culture? I'm trying to make you feel guilty!

Just philosophizing--Heck, I dunno. Let me sleep on it.

Max

What's the point of buying it if you don't want to build it?

Alrighty! you've convinced me! I'm going to build it.  :D

seems you guys feel the same way I do.  :D 

I don't think the collector value is very high on it, but it's well worth building.

:D

That's even better to hear!

I haven't dug up any old reviews on it. I've been hoping for some insight.

Thanks!!

Build, build, build, and build!

Toshi

Ok, I have slept on the problem and decided  that you should definitely build this one! LOL.

Max

OKay! I just hope I can pick it up today. lol

I was thinking about it all day yesterday, and woke up thinking about it today lol!!

I wants it. Must build it. Can't ... resist.. urges...

It should be painted in the war games camoflage they used back then.

roger_wilco

Is this the older AMT molding from the 1970's? I know that Ertl at one point wound up with their tooling. I imagine that Round 2 Models has it now. They produced some interesting 1/48 aircraft subjects back in the late 1970's. Simple kits to build and with work, can be built up very nicely.

 

I remember building that kit as a new release way back when. It has a simplified cockpit and engine, but with some TLC and simple scratch techniques and work can be made to really look sharp. 

I do like the sound of the experimental camo schemes worn pre war by the P-36. Those schemes were very unique, colorful in their own way, and are seldom seen on models. I'm looking forward to your build.

Scalmates says this kit was first issued in 1977, and the box I have was re-released in 198x.

I can tell you this one was never opened and was kept in a nice warm, dry place. The decals are in perfect condition and there is, little to no flash on the sprues or parts. I scored pretty big with this kit, I think. The instructions have a date of print in 1996.

The detail is actually pretty good on the outside. A good mix of raised and sunken panel details all over. The cockpit is really basic with no control stick or side wall details at all. The engine is a one-piece affair with blocky details.

 

   

I think I'm happy about this. It will look wonderfull next to my Monovell "NY" P-40 (I've got some interesting details to share about that later) and my Lindberg Stuka.

I'm in love with the U.S. markings for this and have always wanted to build a P-36A from the late 30's. This one is absolutely PERFECT.

Not sure what I'll do about the cockpit or the engine, but stay tuned. I'm sure I'll think of something to spruce them up.  ;)

Mike, looks like you scored on this one.  If you want to improve the engine, there should be several aftermarket kits available, as it was used on the DC-3 and TBD, among others, and the cockpit is the same as the early model P-40s, with the inverted T shaped instrument panel and the back ends of the 2 cowl mounted .50 cals sticking out.  Hope that helps, and I'm looking forward to seeing your build.  According to In Detail and Scale, the molds are the old AMT molds, if that matters.  Good luck and happy building.

John

May be able to use early p-40 interior?

I think from the front of the cockpit back mostly the same plane.

Thank you for the suggestions, fellas. But I don't have money for AM parts. I've got to work around what comes in the kit. 

With some scratch building I will have something cool to show.

You're welcome. should be fun to watch 

It comrades together. 

Comrades?? lol

Been working on detailing the office. I've added a controls stick and the flap actuator. I've added some of the framework behind the seat and the headrest pad. I've also cleaned up the pilot and he's ready for a squirt of primer.

 

Currently I'm detailing the MG's on the IP and making sure everything fits together. I'll also be adding some details to the side walls later.

The fit of these parts is actually quite good. Good enough anyways, since this mold isn't in use anymore and this kit was last produced in 1998.

This is an enjoyable kit to build. I really like this one even though it's really old lol.

More updates to follow.  ;)

So here is the progress I'm starting with today. I think I will be starting the detailing of the side walls, adding a few bits to catch the eyes. The kit glass is all one piece and really thick with very pronounce framework. I'm going to see if the spare pieces from the Airfix kit can be converted to work with this model. I'll have to cut the rear glass panels from the rest of the kit glass if the Airfix glass will work for what I'm planning. Shouldn't be too disasterous. lol

The pilot in this kit also sits a little low because he also has no chute under him so I will boost him up a little so he sits up better in his seat.

The IP is a bit too wide and i'll be sanding that down so I don't have to force the fuse together in the front.

           

I also sat the Airfix fuse next to the Esci/ERTL fuse for dimensional comparison. They're pretty close as you can see from the pictures. The sunken panel lines on the Esci/ERTL are really deep so I won't have to worry about losing them to sanding or painting. I will probably even add a few more up near the engine to make sure I don't lose some of the raised panel lines due to sanding around the nose.

I think this kit is going to look pretty decent once I'm done with it. It'll look great hanging from the ceiling.  :)

Thanks for checking-in! Have a great day, mates!!

I'm still working on the side wall details, but before I got started on those I chose to start detailing the engine.

I started by cutting out and shaping an ignition ring which was missing and adding stretched sprue for wires. The only real effort was involved in shaping the ignition ring so it wasn't out of round. Otherwise, this was a fairly straight forward modification.

The pilot has also been boosted up and he sits better in the seat now.

I just need to get the paint stage started soon.

Excellent enhancements so far! If you bone up on cutting the side glazing panels from the kit canopy, you can easily scratch some new ones from clear sheet acetate. I do believe those panels were flat, so just cut and file to shape. You might even get a better fitting piece.

That is definitely under consideration, my friend. Fortunately, I have the spare pieces from the Airfix kit. I'm going to see if I can make those fit before I try making my own canopy pieces. The side glazing panels will be easy to separate from the main piece so I am not going to worry about those pieces for now.

I need to get the fuse buttoned up and sanded flush before I worry about the glazing, but the option you mention is going to happen if my plan doesn't work.

If the Aixfix glazing can't be modified to fit, then I will probably cut the windscreen from the stock kit part along with the side panels, and then find some clear sheet stock and make my own canopy. That SHOULD work out. If not... I'm sure you guys will help me find another alternative. We're a pretty resourceful and creative group around here.

:)

Well, both Falcon and Squadron make vacuform canopies for the Hobbycraft P-36/Hawk 75/Mohawk kits that will most likely work for you...

I understand not wanting or having money to spend on extras.  That being said, the engine in particular is used on several aircraft, and I thought you might have an old kit or one that could be scrapped out to supply a better engine.  Justy a thought.  Good luck regardless.

John

Thanks, John. Your suggestion is more than valid. Unfortunately I don't have any spare engines that I could use on this kit and I can't spare the cash for any AM at this time.

Fortunately I find the challenge of scratch building very enjoyable. Lol

I know most of us would've scrapped the engine and cockpit for fully detailed resin improvements, but at this time it's not something I can afford.

Honestly, I'm really hoping RoG or Airfix might make a new tool of this classic pre/early warbird.

As was mentioned earlier, there are a lot of really cool paint schemes that this classic airframe could sport. I'm a huge fan of the pre-war American markings. :) I think they are beautiful and I've never had one for my own collection.

Now I have the opportunity and I'm very happy so far.  :D

The Hobbycraft Hawk family of kits are not bad. From what I have read, most of the issues on their P-40s was due to not altering the parts that were common with both types. They are certainly better that this offering in both the cockpit and engines. They even offer the fixed landing gear version. If you can find one at a good price, you won't be disappointed.

I didn't know about those. What about a P-35?

They do a very nice P-35, and a P-26 as well. The only gig on the P-35 is that the rear canopy is too rounded on top. It should have a sharper razorback like the early Thinderbolt. Otherwise that kit is sweet. At least to me.

I took a look at that P-35A. That looks like a really nice kit. I will have to keep a thrifty eye on eBay for one of those.  

Thanks for cluing me in on that kit!  :)