I'm going from one Great Wall to another. I must applaud them as their FW 189 was a pleasure to build with only a few hiccups and my friend couldn't be happier with it. I've heard the FW189 was actually their first aircraft kit, so I was eager to see if GW had improved their design. I also happen to be a huge P-61 fan so I have been really looking forward to this one. Actually the Mongram version was the first model airplane I ever built and I've built two since.....sentimental I suppose. I simply could not wait any longer to see how this GW kit stacks up to the old Monogram one, so here we go. This one is the latest example which has all the "corrections". It will be out of the box with only Eduard canopy masks to assist me. Maybe new props and tires but we'll see....
I started on the pit. I think it looks great as is, but like the FW 189, there are sink marks all over in bad places. I decided not to mess with them as they would be hard to remove and truthfully I don't know how visible they will really be when done. I followed the instructions and assembled the seats and such then preshaded everything XF-1 Flat Black. It should be noted that GW now offers color call outs which is an improvement over the FW189, where you were guessing on your own. They recommend Zinc Chromate Green but I went with Gunze Interior Green which is my personal preference for USAAF cockpits.....green with just the right amount of brown.
I then hand painted the details, like boxes hoses etc. GW includes a PE fret for seat belts so I used them. The belts were painted XF-57 Buff and the buckles with a silver Sharpie. After the seats were attached to the floor and everything was painted, all got a coat of Testors Gloss for the upcoming wash. GW includes cockpit placard decals which I added. I think they look great and add to the overall effect. I may use these more from now on. It got a Detailer wash and then everything was sealed with Testors Dull.
.....and the individual dial decals was a nice touch too.
I'm impressed so far GW. I'm going to close this up soon then start on the double Pratt and Whitneys. The only question is do I rig my own ignition harnesses or use the supplied PE versions which actually don't look half bad. I guess it depends on how much will be seen in there.......
Joe