P-61 kits?

At one time, AmTech was going to release multiple versions of the P-61, but I think the business folded before they able to do so. I could be wrong about AmTech going out of business. I sure haven't seen anything from them for a long time, though.

Oh funny you should ask. Look at the latest postings in the South Pacific GB, which I'm not a part of but butted into. I have a close family connexion to those a/c, lots and lots of data plus some info direct from Tom Northrop.

The 1/48 Mono kit is unique in its own way. I think it was a one-off design by a mad genius who wanted to make us all crazy. I've built two, and have a third in the stash.

It is an amazing no. of parts- all the panels open- radar, 20mms, one engine and seemingly a real deal for the price. Moveable turret.

But it is a real challenge to put together. The front two seats and rear RO build up with a bunch of parts, but its really hard to close up the central pod. And its a major tailsitter.

The biggest issue I had was that the clear parts don't fit for squat. And they have multiple minor opened panes.

In the words of my flight engineer father, regarding the model, not the a/c,"its a close formation of loose flying parts".

It seems to have been designed from the inside out- each stage in the booklet the fit gets worse.

But it can be a fabulous dio bird in various stages of undress, re the forum mentioned.

It has a really first rate, for a mainstream kit, R2800 just as a part.

You'll never get it to be a buttoned up, clean to take off, sleek bird, which is kind of too bad because its a pretty sexy airframe.

Dragon also did a 1/72 offering which I know nothing about and I think it is OOP as well.  I did find one review of it http://www.fortunecity.com/meltingpot/portland/971/Inbox/n-p/p-61a-i.htm

bondoman wrote:

Oh funny you should ask. Look at the latest postings in the South Pacific GB, which I'm not a part of but butted into. I have a close family connexion to those a/c, lots and lots of data plus some info direct from Tom Northrop. The 1/48 Mono kit is unique in its own way. I think it was a one-off design by a mad genius who wanted to make us all crazy. I've built two, and have a third in the stash. It is an amazing no. of parts- all the panels open- radar, 20mms, one engine and seemingly a real deal for the price. Moveable turret. But it is a real challenge to put together. The front two seats and rear RO build up with a bunch of parts, but its really hard to close up the central pod. And its a major tailsitter. The biggest issue I had was that the clear parts don't fit for squat. And they have multiple minor opened panes. In the words of my flight engineer father, regarding the model, not the a/c,"its a close formation of loose flying parts". It seems to have been designed from the inside out- each stage in the booklet the fit gets worse. But it can be a fabulous dio bird in various stages of undress, re the forum mentioned. It has a really first rate, for a mainstream kit, R2800 just as a part. You'll never get it to be a buttoned up, clean to take off, sleek bird, which is kind of too bad because its a pretty sexy airframe.

If you test fit, take your time and for gosh sakes have patience. The Monogram kit can be built into a very nice bird.

There are aftermarket sets out there that will allow you to build a "buttoned up, clean to take off, sleek bird" if you want to spend the money.

There are also sets out there to build the "Charlie" and "Echo" versions. As you may or may not know the "Echo" model was the forerunner to the F-15A Reporter, which had a different fuselage.

But, you are both exactly right. It is a beautiful piece of flying hardware. I have a few waiting for various versions and conversions.

I saw a thread on another board about night fighters and there were several, I mean SEVERAL, Blackwidows shown. If I can find it again I will post it for you to look at.

I have a Revell 1/48 Widow sitting in my stash.  Not only do I have a Widow, but I also have all the aftermarket trimmings, including upraded resin guns, cowlings, 2 Aires engine kits (the ones with the transmissions), tires and some other doodads. 

The only thing I haven't ordered yet is the new cockpit, and that's mostly because I can't remember for the life of me who made it.  All the other resin parts, I got from Hannants in the UK.

I'd love to see that other board's thread about the Widow as I can use all the inspiration I can get to do this right.

-Fred

 

Gigatron wrote:

I have a Revell 1/48 Widow sitting in my stash.  Not only do I have a Widow, but I also have all the aftermarket trimmings, including upraded resin guns, cowlings, 2 Aires engine kits (the ones with the transmissions), tires and some other doodads.  The only thing I haven't ordered yet is the new cockpit, and that's mostly because I can't remember for the life of me who made it.  All the other resin parts, I got from Hannants in the UK. I'd love to see that other board's thread about the Widow as I can use all the inspiration I can get to do this right. -Fred

Ask and you shall recieve! This is not entirely P-61s but, they are scattered throughout.

Here is one cockpit set. I'm not sure if there are others or not. This is there website, if you want to look at the rest of their line.

Here and here is something else that might be helpful to future Revellogram P-61 builders.

Have fun, you all.

LP,

Here are a couple of in progress pics from my P-61 build last year, for your perusal:

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This is an oob build - look at Pixilater's site

http://www.pix.prettyneatinc.com/widowbuild.htm 

for a look at his build using all the goodies!

Brian 

Hey, here's a link to a real P-61 build in progressWELCOME TO THE MID-ATLANTIC AIR MUSEUM

By the way If I remember correctly There was another thread a while back about a P-61 build and it's rumored to be linked to pregnancy.

                                                                                                    Chris

I could have sworn that thread was about P-51's

I totally agree with you. The fit is over all bad. The clear parts would not come together. Like there are gaps between the canopy and the portion that opens. I had to close them with elmer's glue and it was a real messy plane if I ever see one. But after many countless days of frustration I finished it. I painted it in gloss black to avoid overcoating it with clear. After decalling I sprayed it with flat and considering what I've gone thru, it looks a bit alright. Besides, it's the only 1/48 in town!