1:48 Academy P-38J Lightning (Completed)

Thanks Steve, Gary, and MS.  I'll definitely do another one sooner or later.  Perhaps an earlier model.

Joe: I had a joke about her being a devil and a bad girl...but it wasn't translating well into just plain text. =/  So maybe not.  But Thanks.  I just realized I didn't put any pictures of her from underneath.  Nothing much you're missing, the weathering just reflects dirty landings and takeoffs...a few oil leaks.  Maybe if I get around to it tomorrow I'll put one up.  I am still looking forward to doing one of Robin Olds' Lightnings.

Gamera:  Of course! Use it...it's for all to share.  Just be sure to keep it snug and even.  If not you'll get an elliptical shape.  You should be able to see the panel line on the cone to know you're where you need to be.  =]

what did you use to glue the canopy together?

 

I know I’ve already responded on the messenger but I figured I’d take the opportunity to discuss it here as well. I use a white glue that is very strong but very forgiving if you need more than one attempt at getting it right. The label reads “Crafters Pick. The Ultimate.” I imagine some of these stronger white glues are a dime a dozen to some extent. This is what I had recommended by my LHS. I doubt I’ll ever use anything else.

Fabulous build there Mate. just to update my last post , I did get this kit and started on it. I must have gotten a "Monday " kit because so far i have about a pound of putty and many hours of sanding on it even though I tried to emulate your building process. But I endeavor to perservere.

The obstacle is the way.  Keep working it and I’m sure you’ll whip her into shape Jay. =]

I’ll have to catch up on your build to see where your at with things. 

I'll just have to keep you informed BV because I posted no W.I.P. for this. Also I build VERY slowly especially since summer is upon us. I simply glean the info on here and try little bites at a time to see if it works for me in incremental steps.

Makes since why I never came across one. =] happy to help in whatever way that I can. I hear you on slow. I’m currently in the “golden age” of toddlers and infants...which is sarcasm for we don’t sleep anymore and virtually all extracurricular activities cease to exist unless it centers around them. But my kids are virtually angels compared to some so I shouldn’t complain too much. I have managed to piece together a cockpit for a Hellcat I’m working on. Hopefully it goes together faster than the Wildcat I did last. That was a lot more involved with converting it to a -3...and with the undercarriage so visible. So maybe by September. Lol. 

DM me if there’s anything I can help with. 

Man oh man did you do a beautiful job on this P-38.

I love what you did with the Alclad, it looks so very convincing.

Sorry I missed this whole thread until now, what what a pleasure to read. That fit issue due to the cockpit resin tub might have been a deal-stopper for me, my hat is off to you.

Thanks Greg. This build is from a few years ago so it’s a little out of current topics I’m sure. That AM cockpit fit did set me back for a while. I nearly did concede. But after some time and fresher eyes I did manage to convince her. If I recall, the answer came to me through someone here on the forum. So I’m always happy to pay it forward myself. 

Fine job on the kit.

I use EZ Line all the time and find it's a much simpler solution to rigging aircraft and some ships other than sailing ships.

I have Alclad paints but unless I beef up the exhaust system I built for my paint booth I'm not sure I'll ever get around to using them. I do have a good respirator/mask so I might experiment with the stuff some day.

I'll reference this thread when I get around to building my Eduard Pacific Lightnings kit. I believe it has the Academy plasitc.

Thanks Mike. I couldn’t agree more about the EZ line. For a better reference on painting with Alclad paints I‘d suggest also taking a look at a more recent build I did. I’ve since refined some of these steps a little and come away with a more convincing NMF. Without rambling too much about it I am maintaining the tonal shifts between panels without the use of the Gloss Black base. Most of the Alclad line up suggests a grey primer except in the case of high shine metals. Both primers will work fine ...it really just depends on your goals. 

 

Here’s s link. 

http://cs.finescale.com/fsm/modeling_subjects/f/2/t/176684.aspx

Thanks Britt with the info about the white glue. I’m going to give that stuff a try.....and again, beautiful Lighting.