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!  :)

I have one partially built and sidelined. Mostly due to own wanting to deal with that razorback issue. Otherwise it really is a beauty. I'm planning on completing mine as one of the doomed fighters in the Philippines in 1941 flying from Del Carmen field. 

Now that's a sweet idea. I love all of the oddball aircraft in the Pacific theatre. I hope you can find some more inspiration for that build! :)

i was thinking of making Chenault's a/c when he was in China making his evaluation of the Chinese Air Force before the AVG was formed. There's just one picture that I found. Not much to go on, but it was a pretty beat up plane that had obviously seen better days.

It would make an interesting subject.

I don't even remember if it was a P-35 or a P-36, but it caught my attention.

As always, I love your scratch building.  Your subject is also something I don't see a lot of on the forum.  I'm looking forward to your paint scheme!

Toshi

Very interesting W.I.P and I'm vicariously enjoying this  one. The pre war aircraft are my favorite subjects and I know that this one will not dissapoint in your capable hands.

Thank you, my friends.

I'm enjoying this build very much.  :)

my biggest hurdle in the place I'm now living in, is finding a warm, dry place outside to spray some primer. 

But I'll get it figured out And I'll get some paint flowing soon.  :)

M. Brindos

Now that's a sweet idea. I love all of the oddball aircraft in the Pacific theatre. I hope you can find some more inspiration for that build! :)

i was thinking of making Chenault's a/c when he was in China making his evaluation of the Chinese Air Force before the AVG was formed. There's just one picture that I found. Not much to go on, but it was a pretty beat up plane that had obviously seen better days.

It would make an interesting subject.

I don't even remember if it was a P-35 or a P-36, but it caught my attention.

 

 

I believe I heard it was a P-35 that Chenault was flying.

Mikeym_us

 

 

M. Brindos

Now that's a sweet idea. I love all of the oddball aircraft in the Pacific theatre. I hope you can find some more inspiration for that build! :)

i was thinking of making Chenault's a/c when he was in China making his evaluation of the Chinese Air Force before the AVG was formed. There's just one picture that I found. Not much to go on, but it was a pretty beat up plane that had obviously seen better days.

It would make an interesting subject.

I don't even remember if it was a P-35 or a P-36, but it caught my attention.

 

 

 

 

 

I believe I heard it was a P-35 that Chenault was flying.

 

Mikeym_us

 

 

M. Brindos

Now that's a sweet idea. I love all of the oddball aircraft in the Pacific theatre. I hope you can find some more inspiration for that build! :)

i was thinking of making Chenault's a/c when he was in China making his evaluation of the Chinese Air Force before the AVG was formed. There's just one picture that I found. Not much to go on, but it was a pretty beat up plane that had obviously seen better days.

It would make an interesting subject.

I don't even remember if it was a P-35 or a P-36, but it caught my attention.

 

 

 

 

 

I believe I heard it was a P-35 that Chenault was flying.

 

Actually that would be Curtiss-Wright's H-75H, a fixed gear export demonstrator model of what would become the P-36.  The Chinese also bought 3 CW-21's which was a different aircraft from the Hawk H-75.

H-75H got it.

I'll be keeping an eye out for that. 

Stik mentioned that Hobbycraft makes a kit of that. 

I think I now know what I'm looking for.   :D

thanks guys!

M. Brindos

H-75H got it.

I'll be keeping an eye out for that. 

Stik mentioned that Hobbycraft makes a kit of that. 

I think I now know what I'm looking for.   :D

thanks guys!

 

They do indeed... it comes with markings for China and Siam on the kit decal sheet. Possibly a Latin American country as well, IIRC. I have not looked at the one in my stash in years. I am planning to build mine in Chinese markings.

No kidding?! That's exactly the one I want to build too.  :)

another piece of Chenault's legacy for my collection. 

I will be looking for this kit when I have the cash to spare.

Thanks again!

Hobby Craft's "Blitz Hawk" just arrived at my door last night.  I didn't see the fixed landing gear parts, but it comes with the parts to model just about every Hawk 75 or P-36.  Even the teardrop antenna the Norwegians had on the aircraft they trained with in Canada after the fall of Norway.

I'm very excited.

I hope you'll do a WiP Colin. I'd like to see how it goes together.

I've got some of the paint in the pit now. Just basic blocking with a green wash, but it's staring to look like it should. The details on the side walls didn't take too long once I got into it. I just tossed in some basic structures to fill it in.

The pilot looks like a manequin right now so I have to go back over him some to make him look more life-like. He's got some good details, but his face isn't one of them lol.

I've definitely got more work to do here.

looking awesome! What color do you use for the flightsuit?

Not to nitpick, but should that cockpit be green? I was under the impression that on NMF pre war AAC/AAF aircraft, the cockpit was often bare metal or aluminum lacquer with Black IP and control boxes. At least that is what period photos tend to show. As war neared various manufacturers used several different greens in cockpits as a reflected glare reduction measure. 

Uh. I didn't know that. The instructions call for "Green". Pretty vague.

In the French scheme the camo call outs are Green, Yellow, and  Brown. Nothing specific. 

I'm relying on past experience here. :/

iampiper13

looking awesome! What color do you use for the flightsuit?

 

I used Vallejo Desert Yellow with a Dark Brown wash in preparation for highlighting. Just part of the method I use for figure painting. :)

Mike, the USAF Museum has the very first P-36A produced.  It has a NMF cockpit as shown in these photos:

http://aircraftwalkaround.hobbyvista.com/p36/p36.htm

M. Brindos

Uh. I didn't know that. The instructions call for "Green". Pretty vague.

In the French scheme the camo call outs are Green, Yellow, and  Brown. Nothing specific. 

I'm relying on past experience here. :/

 

No worries there my friend. I suspect they are reprints of the 70s era instructions when research was far less prevelant and not at our fingertips...

As far as I know, French Hawks would be in the Dark Blue Gray, Green, and Brown over Light Blue Gray in Europe and Indochina, or Sand, Green, and Brown over Light Blue Gray in North Africa and the Middle East. After the armistice with Germany, they would have worn the Red & Yellow Vichy stripes.

I did a respray in Vallejo Silver.

Pictures to come later.  :)

Very nice so far Mike. Sorry it's been a while. =] Stik is right...pretty much all the pre-war stuff was NMF. Antiglare measures were an after thought. Should be an easy fix at this stage though. Toshi's right about having some less sought after aircraft in the mix. Always nice to see something different.

Looking forward to seeing you whip this Hawk into shape! =]

M. Brindos

I did a respray in Vallejo Silver.

Pictures to come later.  :)

 

The aluminium alloy used back then for fighter airplanes is called duraluminium. Its an alloy of 95% or so aluminium with copper and some other additives. Its much stronger than plain aluminium but it rust like crazy. Our old friend zinc chromate comes to the rescue. Its usually painted on in its pure form which is a greenish yellow. The color drives some people up the wall. The green zinc chromate is the yellow stuff with some black pigment mixed it. Usually just some black paint. 

I can't imagine the aircraft having bare aluminium in that part of China and not rusting away in 6 months. 

I did a little work today to figure out how I'm going to adapt the Airfix glass. Not much to show for it so far except that there are massive gaps I will have to fill up with some styrene scraps and sand flush. No biggie.

Because the Airfix parts are so much thinner you can really see the details on the inside much better so I'll have to make sure I paint that pit up real purdy. ...and that pilot will really need some mpore TLC before he's ready for display.

Jr. and I made much better progress yesterday on his Tiger. I'll update that thread soon.

This is going to be very interesting.

Toshi

Thank you, my friend. Another build that I hope really comes out well.

I certainly hope I can nail a NMF as well as you've been doing lately.

Lookin' good so far Mike! Man that is an aircraft I just don't see a whole lot of or hear about much. Cool subject.

I still remember my childhood being filled with characatures of these planes in a lot of cartoons from the early 40's.

I've always admired these pre-war aircraft because of it.

mustang1989

.... Man that is an aircraft I just don't see a whole lot of or hear about much. Cool subject.

 

which is really a shame as it saw action on many fronts from 1939 to 1943 or so under the flags of many nations, Axis and Allies. 

As a side note, more P-36s got airborne and engaged the Japanese air to air than P-40s at Pearl Harbor on December 7th.

Just googling Curtiss H-75 images, I found this Thai fixed gear H-75 if anyone is interested:

http://109lair.hobbyvista.com/DETAILSITE/dsindex800.htm

Looking good! The cowl design on this kit is superior to the Hobbycraft, which is two halves and therefore a seam to eliminate between the guns. Even though they are separate parts, mine had a misaligned mold and they are somewhat flatter than they should be. Oh well.

As to the interior colors - there seems to be a lot of discussion, especially around the French ones.I read enough to convince me that painting my French one in a light shade of green was good enough. But I didn't want to go crazy over the cockpit on one I was planning to do closed canopy anyway. 

French colors, since they were brought up, should be Gris Bleu Foncé (dark grey-blue), Khaki (A deep green color that's something like a mix of Tamiya Green and Deep Green) and Brun (Brown. I used Tamiya flat brown straight for mine). Underside is Gris Bleu Clair (light grey blue). Model Master makes these, and Tamiya has callouts in the instructions for the Dewoitine D.520 to match them, though the green is way off, in my opinion. Also, Tamiya has a different mix for the underside color listed on the box and on the instructions. They should be available online in Tamiya's website.

-BD-

I noticed on the P-36 Wiki entry that the 39 Hawaiian P-36A's were delivered to the islands by being flown off the deck of the USS Enterprise in February 1941.  This was the first time that USAAC planes were flown off a carrier by Army pilots.  This would make an interesting diorama for somebody.

Which persuit group was that? The markings I have for this build are for the 1st persuit group based at Mitchel Field in NY.

Which brings up the research I found about the Monovell P-40. The markings for the 8th persuit group are not from Hawaii, but also from Mitchel Field in NY. (I found that interesting)

Seems I'm starting to collect planes from the east coast lol.

"The Mitchel Field Collection" LOL

The 15th Pursuit Group was sent to Hawaii to reinforce the 18th Pursuit Group shortly before the outbreak of war in 1941. 

Thanks, Stick. I'll look that up later. A Pearl Harbor P-36 will have to be included in my future plans.  :)

stikpusher

The 15th Pursuit Group was sent to Hawaii to reinforce the 18th Pursuit Group shortly before the outbreak of war in 1941. 

 

Stik, the 15th PG was not sent to Hawaii.  It was activated at Wheeler on 1 December 1940 with cadre from the 18th PG. The 18th was activated at Wheeler in 1927.  I believe that they received their P-36's in February 1941, but I am doing more research on that.

M. Brindos

Which persuit group was that? The markings I have for this build are for the 1st persuit group based at Mitchel Field in NY.

Which brings up the research I found about the Monovell P-40. The markings for the 8th persuit group are not from Hawaii, but also from Mitchel Field in NY. (I found that interesting)

Seems I'm starting to collect planes from the east coast lol.

"The Mitchel Field Collection" LOL

 

Mike, you can use the 1st PG markings (27th and 94th PS) as one of the P-36's shipped off to Wheeler Field in February 1941 on the USS Enterprise.  Information I received from David Aiken, noted Pearl Harbor scholar, states that the 1st PG was one of the donors for the USS Enterprise delivery:

   on 23 Oct 1939 20 P-36s from Selfridge and Langley Fields arrived...

0n 21 Feb 1941 31 P-36s from Moffett, Hamilton, and Selfridge Fields arrived

Most P-36s were assigned to the 18PG, however as the 15PG became active, most of the 18PG P-36s were assigned to the 15PG...and 18PG got the bulk of the new P-40s

So you can go ahead and plant that P-36 on the deck of the USS Enterprise to be flown off to Wheeler Field.

Now that is some handy information to have at hand.

I have a lot of info on the 8th PG, but I haven't dug too deeply into the 1st PG yet.

You just springboarded my research a lot!

That being said, I'm building this one as a ceiling hanger. There isn't nearly enough detail in this kit to bring its status up to premier display piece.

richs26

 

 

stikpusher

The 15th Pursuit Group was sent to Hawaii to reinforce the 18th Pursuit Group shortly before the outbreak of war in 1941. 

 

 

 

 

Stik, the 15th PG was not sent to Hawaii.  It was activated at Wheeler on 1 December 1940 with cadre from the 18th PG. The 18th was activated at Wheeler in 1927.  I believe that they received their P-36's in February 1941, but I am doing more research on that.

 

I suppose that I used the wrong word in "sent". The 15th was created and assigned as reinforcements to Hawaii and the 18th. And while they used a cadre from the 18th, the rest (aircraft and personnel) had to be "sent" from the mainland. Thanks for the clarification.

I'm finally getting back to this build again after finishing the T-90. I've refined the pilots skin tones a little more and reworked his eyes. He doesn't look so fake anymore lol.

I'll find the time to post pictures tomorrow.  :)

Mike, you inspired me to get a P-36.  I picked up an Academy 1/48 "Rasmussen 86" edition for $16 on Ebay so hopefully I can get started on it sometime after it gets here.  I want to get another so I can do a 1st PG one flying off the USS Enterprise, and an 18th PS in OD and tail stripes in May 1942.

Awesome! Don't forget to post your WiP when it shows up at your door!!  :D

It's got to be a better kit than the one I'm working on. I want details!  :)

M. Brindos

 

It's got to be a better kit than the one I'm working on. I want details!  :)

 

Lol! It is. I've built both. The old kit is a fair example of mid 70s mold technology, not top of the line for the time, but not the bottom either. The Hobbycraft/Academy kit is an example of how far mold technology changed in two decades. Not quite top of the line, cutting edge for its time, but a very nice effort.

richs26

Mike, you inspired me to get a P-36.  I picked up an Academy 1/48 "Rasmussen 86" edition for $16 on Ebay so hopefully I can get started on it sometime after it gets here.  I want to get another so I can do a 1st PG one flying off the USS Enterprise, and an 18th PS in OD and tail stripes in May 1942.

 

Rich - if that is the old Hobbycraft plastic (I am pretty sure it is) then just be aware that the engine sits too far back in the cowling. I had to do some brute, hammer mechanic surgery on my French Hawk 75 (pretty recent in this forum) to make the engine fit after Ihad painted the thing. Also, to fix the seams for the insert around the tail wheel, I sawed off themolded-on gear doors and added them at the end. Made all the difference.

-BD-

Yes the Academy kit is a rebox of one of the Hobbycraft moldings. Probably the one with the Twin Wasp engine and not the Wright 1820. The cowling on mine fit just fine, but you may have to fiddle a bit with moving the engine forward a tad or the prop seats against the cowl lip.

Looks pretty damn good now 

You really think so? I'm not to the point where I'm convinced yet. Way more work here than intended, but you know me.

This just another dry fit test. The fuselage halves are glued together and most of this thing will fit together without too much issue. Although, I haven't dry fitted any of the tail parts yet lol. 

Maybe you guys can help me decide; wheels up? Or down?

Keep in mind it will be a ceiling hanger.  

If its flying, then the wheels need to be up, unless you want it in a landing or takeoff mode, at which point you need flaps.  Probably easier to do wheels up.

Looking great so far.  Like what you did with the IP.

John

wolfhammer1

If its flying, then the wheels need to be up, unless you want it in a landing or takeoff mode, at which point you need flaps.  Probably easier to do wheels up.

Looking great so far.  Like what you did with the IP.

John

 

Alrighty. Wheels up. :)

thanks.

Surprisingly I've not seen any Mongram kits in 1/72 that I can remember.

I just remember the 1/48 aircraft.

M. Brindos

Surprisingly I've not seen any Mongram kits in 1/72 that I can remember.

I just remember the 1/48 aircraft.

 

Oh they had a VERY nice 1/72 line up.... Between the wars, WWII, post WWII, Vietnam, late Cold War... from the tiny P-6 and F4B to the massive B-52 and B-36.... 

Thats weird. I didn't even know they made those. (scratches head)

M. Brindos

 

I think I've got the cockpit ready so I can close up the fuse halves. The pilot still needs some work, but I've got the blocking done so that should go pretty easily.

The IP was painted black, dials done with a drop of white watered down to flow into them, then the IP was over sprayed with silver which gave them some raised details. To finish it off I went over the panel with thinned down black around all of the gauges again and then picked out some details other colors.

Kind of a long process, but the kit supplied IP decal doesn't line up with anything on the IP. So you gotta do, what ya gotta do.

Finally, some forward progress!  :)

 

 

 

It's beyond me how you guys do such detailed work on such small parts lol. I'm very impressed and I think it all looks great!

Practice. Practice and experementation. It's no more complicated than that.

I didn't know if that method would work. I've not done it before and no one showed me how.

I took a chance.  ;)

Fear not of old kits. - Modeling Yoda

Nice. I read that in his voice lol!

Thanks, Bob. It's burried under the coaming now lol. It's still viewable from the right angle though, so the effort isnt wasted.  :)

stikpusher

 

M. Brindos

Surprisingly I've not seen any Mongram kits in 1/72 that I can remember.

I just remember the 1/48 aircraft.

 

 

 

 

Oh they had a VERY nice 1/72 line up.... Between the wars, WWII, post WWII, Vietnam, late Cold War... from the tiny P-6 and F4B to the massive B-52 and B-36.... 

 

That pit looks great Mike! I'm with all the guys on that IP as well.

M. Brindos

Thats weird. I didn't even know they made those. (scratches head)

 

then you missed some fine models my friend. Have a look see if 1/72 is your stomping ground. There were more than easily listed...

You well know I love to dabble with 1/72 lol. I will be looking for them now.  :)

My wife has set us up with an Amazon Prime account. I wonder what I may find :D

On another note, I did some panel scribing around the engine and glued the wings on. I had to work the wing roots over to get the dihedral set correctly, so it's sitting all taped up for the night. 

Pictures will be coming later.  :)

M. Brindos

You well know I love to dabble with 1/72 lol. I will be looking for them now.  :)

My wife has set us up with an Amazon Prime account. I wonder what I may find :D

 

Well considering that Monogram merged with Revell nearly 30 years ago, you're more likely to find their stuff on eBay than Amazon. At least from the line up of the stuff we are reminiscing over here. 

Looking forward to the progress photos...  

Noted. I'll check Scalemates to see if Revell has still got any of them in production.

stikpusher

 

 

M. Brindos

You well know I love to dabble with 1/72 lol. I will be looking for them now.  :)

My wife has set us up with an Amazon Prime account. I wonder what I may find :D

 

 

 

 

Well considering that Monogram merged with Revell nearly 30 years ago, you're more likely to find their stuff on eBay than Amazon. At least from the line up of the stuff we are reminiscing over here. 

Looking forward to the progress photos...  

 

RM is repopping a lot of it under the original Monogram label such as the F-82 so you can buy both old and new on Ebay.  But a lot of molds are showing their age such as the 1/48 AVG P-40B.

Well today is a new day and I've got a lot of alignment issues to deal with. The landing gear covers are way too small and I'm attempting to compensate for that problem. The tail feathers fit okay, but will need some filler to plug some small gaps.

The canopy from the Airfix P-40 is a bit wide so that will require some interesting re-engineering as well.

Basically, I'm waiting for a lot of glue to cure before I can proceed.

I've got more pictures to upload, but the net out here is sluggish at best.

Tiny landing gear covers. I suppose Esci/ERTL never actually test built this model. I have no idea how models were engineered in the 70's, but this is a VERY POOR example of it.

This mess is going to take a lot of work to correct.

I've made a patch for the from cowling under the windscreen and I will have to doo some very careful trimming and sanding to get this to look right again.

I randomly picked this up a couple of days ago and started sanding just to keep my hands busy while I've been dealing with some stress. After a while I noticed that I had run out of things to sand. Well, I put a first coat of primer on it yesterday and I think its looking pretty good. Another shot of primer and I should be ready for some chrome silver. 

Wow how can I have missed this beautiful 

It has been out of the spotlight for a while. Its not a great kit and it's been a challenge to get this far. It will probably look like crap after I paint it silver lol.

M. Brindos

It has been out of the spotlight for a while. Its not a great kit and it's been a challenge to get this far. It will probably look like crap after I paint it silver lol.

 

somehow I doubt that... we've all seen your work...

Thanks, Stik. I'm still having problems with silver and we all know how it exposes even the smallest flaws. This kit has been a total dog so far and it has lots of flaws. That's why I've assigned it as a ceiling hanger so it can be viewed from a distance.

I'm still holding my perverbial breath for Airfix to make a new tool P-36A/C. With three different markings options (U.S. pre-war, Pearl Harbor - O.D./Grey, and French Vichy) they would be the top seller of P-36 kits. Since really, there isn't much to chose from at this time.

True... in 1/48 there is this kit and the Hobbycraft P-36/Hawk family. Which has been reboxed by Academy.

I knew about the Hobby Craft/ Academy, but is this ertl/esci kit still in production? Remember, I found this one in a retro/used toy store.

This is the original 1977 AMT P-36 before AMT was bought by ERTL, and then repopped by ESCI after they were bought by ERTL.  Wiki for all three for info.

Yup, your kit is the original 1/48 P-36 kit. Before that one came out, one had to backdate conversion the Monogram P-40.

That's funny, I was thinking about how much work that conversion would take. 

So yeah, a new  tool of the P-36 would be well received. I hope someone is listening lol. I imagine Tamiya would make a mint on this one lol.

Or Hasegawa... they already have some P-40 molds. It's an evolutionary design. So the backdate... Aside from British  Mohawks, and at Pearl Harbor, (and Chinese Hawks) they did not fight the Japanese. Which I have come to surmise can be an issue with Tamiya for subject choices. 

It's great to see you back at this kit.  I'd like to se you work your Brindos Magic on it.

toshi

Thanks Toshi. :)

I'm going to give this one a TON of curing time. Last time I started touching this paint waaaaay too soon.

MM gloss black and Rustoleum chrome. Looks shiny enough. Right???

It will be a while before I can slap the decals on this one lol!

Wow! Let me put on my shades...

LOL!

Good thing that wasn't in full sunlight lol.

Now it's rust proof.  LOL!  Seriously, that's a beautiful finish!  Thinking out of the box.

Toshi

Thanks, Toshi lol! We will see if it holds up to the rest of the processes I will be putting it through, and if I can get that shine back in the end.

Well it sure is shiny! Lol

Since this is experimental I still don't know if this paint is going to turn out alright or not, so I'm not sure how "great" this stuff is yet. It takes so long to cure and that is a draw back.

Bit of a necro post, having started this two years ago, but I picked it back up out of a box, sanded down the glaring trouble spots, and re-primered.

The previous Rustoleum Chrome paint took up every fingerprint and molecule of dust over the last two years. Not recommended after all.

This time around I'm going to try Vallejo Chrome, silver, and aluminum paints.

[https://flic.kr/p/2g7M4fZ/]

[https://flic.kr/p/2g7LMou/]

Back in black!

It's really good to see you hangin' back around here Mike. Looking forward to more on this one.

mustang1989

It's really good to see you hangin' back around here Mike. Looking forward to more on this one.

 

Absolutely. Good for you for getting this one out of the box and having at it. I'm rooting you on.

mustang1989

It's really good to see you hangin' back around here Mike. Looking forward to more on this one.

 

Mustang! 

It's been too long, but I've been lurking on occasion and I'm getting my moj0 back. I've got a Tamiya Panther G about to hit primer. Nothing fancy, just right out of the box with a modified figure.

Since the P-36/40 airframe is one of my absolute favorites I picked this baby out of the box, duster her off, tried to save the finish (that wasn't happening) and decided to fix a few small errors, and re-prime it.

I'm looking forward to testing out the Vallejo Air Chrome paint I picked up forever ago. I'm really hoping I can get a good shine out of it.

Greg

Absolutely. Good for you for getting this one out of the box and having at it. I'm rooting you on.

 

Thanks Greg! This will be a bit of a test. I've got a 1/32 P-38 And P-35 THAT will require similar finishes.

I'll need all the rooting I can get lol

M. Brindos

 

mustang1989

It's really good to see you hangin' back around here Mike. Looking forward to more on this one.

 

 

 

 

Mustang! 

It's been too long, but I've been lurking on occasion and I'm getting my moj0 back. I've got a Tamiya Panther G about to hit primer. Nothing fancy, just right out of the box with a modified figure.

Since the P-36/40 airframe is one of my absolute favorites I picked this baby out of the box, duster her off, tried to save the finish (that wasn't happening) and decided to fix a few small errors, and re-prime it.

I'm looking forward to testing out the Vallejo Air Chrome paint I picked up forever ago. I'm really hoping I can get a good shine out of it.

 

My biggest concern is that the finish will be more resilient than the Rustoleum.

I really don't want to have to worry about ruining it by touching it.

Will the finish hold up to a gloss overcoat and not turn into a dull silver? How will it look if I spray a matte finish over it? Can it be brought back to its orriginal shine if i have? What's the best psi to spray it at? Will it rub off if I bump it? Does it easily scratch?

So many questions. 

With a P-35 and P-38 having similar finishes, these are questions I need to answer for myself.

So I'll be testing some of these questions hopefully tonight.

Pics later, but maybe someone can tell me how to link the full pictures from Flickr and not just the links. I haven't found an option for a BB code yet to do that with. I'm using the app on my android.

The camera seems to like this color. It's a bit less shiny to the naked eye in person. I sprayed over flat black and the paint is almost translucent. 

https://flic.kr/p/2g955rC

https://flic.kr/p/2g94FAo

Now to let it cure and see how resilient it's going to be.

Click on your link.  Click on the swoopy arrow in the lower right corner.  On the pop-up window, click on the far right item BBCode and copy the text and paste directly in your post.

BTW - looking cool!  

ERTL/Esci P-36A by Mike Brindos, on Flickr

ERTL/Esci P-36A by Mike Brindos, on Flickr

Try CubeUpload. Easy photo sharing. And it's free.

https://cubeupload.com/

Testing...

So now I'm wishing I wet sanded my primer. I can see that lovely orange peel texture.

I'm not sure if the finish is supposed to come out matte, but it does appear to be a solid finish. I can touch it and it doesn't seem to scratch any easier then the rest of Vallejo's line. 

Now I need to spray the bottom.

My favorite NM finish is Krylon Premium Sterling Silver. A rattle can, yes. But it's not overly bright, dries smooth, and is tough as nails after it cures (minimum 48 hours).

Ooooo! Nice finish, Tom. Thank You!

I will be looking for that!

M. Brindos

Ooooo! Nice finish, Tom. Thank You!

I will be looking for that!

 

By the way, nice progress on the Hawk! I like the old Esci kits. Accurate shapes with lots of room for scratchbuilt detailing (which I enjoy). I plan to pick up their old 1/48 Viggen or Jaktviggen sometime soon, and add it to my current projects (I've got three going at one time right now). The Viggen's splinter camo scheme will be a new challenge for me.

Also by the way, the Hawk's box art is exceptional, IMHO. Cut it out with a 1/4" border all the way around, and it can go in a frame without any loss of image.

If it's as easy to work with as the Ultra Flat Black I use as primer then I'm already sold.

Yes, the box art is beautiful. Mines a little crushed, but not beyond repair.

M.Brindos gloss coat well give it a RAF high speed silver. I built a sea fury that way and it’s very tough after it dries.

Tom that rocket very Clean it reminds me a of a cartoon called the big world of little Adam I used to watch way back when

crown r n7

Tom that rocket very Clean it reminds me a of a cartoon called the big world of little Adam I used to watch way back when

 

crown r n7

M.Brindos gloss coat well give it a RAF high speed silver. I built a sea fury that way and it’s very tough after it dries.

 

That is great news, Crown! Thank you.

I'll will have to experiment with what kind of shine will I get out of spraying over a gloss black finish next time.

I made a little time last night to spray the bottom and the red for the nose. The black will have to come next. Not looking too bad so far. 

This project is obviously not going to be up to my usual standards. I'm realizing what kind of work such a finish is going to take as far as preparations are concerned.

If I can find some of that AK Extreme I'll get some. The Vallejo is impressively durable and I can't wait to see if I can sort of buff it out a bit. 

If I can get that polished Aluminum look from it then I'll be happy. I still need to lay down the anti-glare strip on the nose first.

I've had little time this week to spend on this build. Been getting up at 4:30am to leave for work and been getting home between 8-9pm. Doesn't look like tonight will be any better lol.

I painted the anti-glare panel and I've been adding layers of Testors High Gloss finish. 

I'll let it cure over the week and I'll see if I can find time to add the decals next weekend.

Looking good.

Tom Hering

My favorite NM finish is Krylon Premium Sterling Silver. A rattle can, yes. But it's not overly bright, dries smooth, and is tough as nails after it cures (minimum 48 hours).

 

mustang1989

 

Does this polish up to a decent shine? Looks good from this angle.

 

 

The tail stripes didn't even come close to covering the tail and I had to paint the rest of them to the tip of the tail. They're not perfect, but they can fool the eye if you're not looking really close lol.

The PA-91 on the wing started to break up as I placed it, but I managed to save it.

The stars and the numbers on the tail caused me no problems at all. Just a little Microset and they laid down without any issues.

That looks great.  Cowl mask is really crisp!  I don't see any issues on the tail

Thanks! 

The cowl masking was decent and I had to clean it up by brush like i usually do. Im not so good sometimes with masking curves lol.

I didn't get close enough to the tail stripes for you to see what I'm referring to. Trust me, I can see it. My wife saw it. I fixed it. She said "that's better." Done deal lol.

Nice recovery on everything Mike!!! Looking forward to more bro.

Getting close now, Mike.

Coming along great Mike.  

Thank you, thank you, and thank you. 

I think it will look cool hanging from the ceiling. This project is pretty much just a warm-up to get me back into the game. I'm a bit rusty but it all coming back to me.

I've got so many sidelined projects it's ridiculous. 

It will be nice to complete this one.

I think I will spend a little more effort on the nose machine gun positions before I'm happy with this one.

For now, it's almost complete.

Drilled, countersunk, and stretched sprue gun barrels. This formula has worked many, many times.

She looks spendid. It really feels great getting near the end of a long project. Huge weight off your back. 

BK

Wow!  Somehow I missed this build all along, but I just got caught up on it.  Excellent job improving the kit, Mike!  You show what can be done with an older kit like this.

Lol just one of too many.

But the feeling of completion is goooood.

Thanks BK!

the Baron

Wow!  Somehow I missed this build all along, but I just got caught up on it.  Excellent job improving the kit, Mike!  You show what can be done with an older kit like this.

 

Thank you! I wasn't thinking my efforts were going to pay off until I pulled the masking from the canopy. I forgot how much detail I added to the interior.

Gun barrels trimmed down and glue curing right now.

I'll give this a few hours or more and come back and finish them. Final shaping and drill out the tips before painting.

Well that's almost it. Needs one last spray of flat and I can hang it from my ceiling.

I left a couple things off, just because they won't be missed while it hangs from my ceiling. Rear windows and pitot tube not really required. Pitot tubes break off too easy and the rear glazing needs modifications. 

So I suppose this is completed.

• Wow that’s really a great build. The paint and markings are just right for this plane 

crown r n7

• Wow that’s really a great build. The paint and markings are just right for this plane 

 

Thank you, my friend. 

I'm not entirely happy with the finish, as I couldn't get the shine out of it I wanted, but that was my fault for not doing the prep right from the beginning.

Next time I won't try to do an overall finish with the chrome paint. I've got an aluminum paint for a reason lol. I'll have to work on that.

Thanks, Joe. I find myself still wishing Airfix will do a new tool of this aircraft.

It's really a fabulous airframe and worthy of a modern release.

This old kit didn't turn out too badly for a ceiling hanger and I've yet to hang it up. I've still got that Lindberg Me 262 I want to hand up as well, but I need to get back into building it.

So many open projects to finish!

Wow! This turned out really good Mike! I can't tell you how glad I am that you're hanging back around here.

Beautiful! I like 'em clean like this.