1/48 Monogram/Revell (Monovell) P-40B - Completed pg. 6

As of last night, and after more digging, I found that some of the 33rd PS did indeed have red noses.

You can never have enough research!

Shipwreck, you may have been seeing green zinc. All of the early P-40's, for instance, used green zinc , but from the -E onward they definitely used yellow zinc. So keep digging if you want to be possitive. It could also be aluminum on a P-47D.

Talking about b&w, I am researching color call outs for a P-47D Razorback. The IPMS document calls for Zinc Chromate Yellow for the inside of the wheel well doors, all museum planes that I have seen are Zinc Chromate Yellow; but what color is it in b&w? Well, looking at period photos it looks like light grey to a dark color similar to the olive drab upper surface. You just cannot tell! So, I will go with a dirty dull Zinc Chromate Yellow!

I am now about ready to lay down the first coat of camouflage on my B-26. the period photos show me little about the olive drab color; but they do show me something about weathering and paint chipping!

If anyone does not have the IPMS Camouflage articles, there are three of them and they are located at:

http://www.ipmsstockholm.org/magazine/2004/01/stuff_eng_interior_colours_us.htm

Have fun!

At the same time, you can't always trust colored b&w photos either. Earlier I found a colored b&w of an a/c from the 8th PG 33rd PS with a red nose when all other references to east coast PG's and the 33rd PS show yellow noses.

So you really have to dig for good material to work from. You can't trust just one source, which admittedly, I do have a problem with doing.

Shipwreck

That is a good point Byron. I never go to a museum piece for color references. For example, I am working on a B-26 Marauder. If you look at the interior of most of the B-26s setting in the museums you will find some sort of interior green everyplace. However all indications are that G. L. Martin did not use it on their bombers!

 

Exactly that, Shipwreck.  You have to look at museum pieces with a very critical eye.  Have they been "restored", or just cleaned up and preserved, ala Flakbait.  Here is an example of a B-26 having NMF interior.  It is the picture of the flak hit in the nose.  You can read the Alcoa ink stamping on the aluminum plate:

https://www.nps.gov/aleu/learn/photosmultimedia/73rd-bomber-squadron.htm

Thanks a bunch, BK! I need to clear it and start working on the details next. Where I'm at now (in-laws) I didn't bring all of my stuff with me so I'm kinda stuck for now lol.

I' m quite pleased with my progress so far. :)

That is looking SO good.

BK

Wing walks painted with Daler Rowny and exhaust and gun stains applied with Tamiya Smoke.

Top row are all -E's and the bottom is a -B... from a flight training school? Neat! That's a cool subject!

Thanks, BK!  :)

I found this photo of Pearl  with a row of P-40s. All are painted  EXCEPT the first one, which looks to me to be NMF. Kinda cool looking.

BK

Research is what has determined my choice in painting my P-40. It didn't take much to dig up pictures of the 8th PG. The 33rd squadron was the only one with yellow noses. The markings are a little different than the kit supplied, but they will work for my build.

That is a good point Byron. I never go to a museum piece for color references. For example, I am working on a B-26 Marauder. If you look at the interior of most of the B-26s setting in the museums you will find some sort of interior green everyplace. However all indications are that G. L. Martin did not use it on their bombers!

Regarding the P-40B and a natural metal finish, I think there's confusion today, because Planes of Fame has a restored P-40C, finished in natural metal, with pre-war Army Air Corps markings.  There are a lot of images of it, and one can get the impression that it's an authentic reconstruction.  It's like the FM-1 or FM-2 Wildcats that are finished in yellow wings colors.  It looks cool, and the owners can do what they want.  But if you're looking for references, you need to be careful and aware.

And unmasked. I kinda like it. 

Thoughts? Opinions? Advice? All welcome.  :)

Modulation completed.  :)

Not horrible.  :)

M. Brindos

O.D. is on and the modulation has begun.  :)

Its coming together now.  :) 

 

 

 

Toshi

O.D. is on and the modulation has begun.  :)

Its coming together now.  :) 

Toshi

Sorry about that NMF comment, I just was not myself.  Your recovery is just awesome!  I'm looking forward on how this comes out.

Toshi

 

There is no need for an appology, my friend. I can imagine a couple of reasons for the confusion. So don't worry about it.

I think it will turn out pretty good.  :)

If not, I'll fix it. Lol

the Baron

Nice recovery from that little accident!  I think it worked out for the better, because the rails and other work on the canopy make it look better than the original one.  The colors are coming out nicely, too.

 

I do seem to have a talent for recovery, lol. But then, I do mess up a lot. I don't mention it much, but it happens more than I'd like. 

The color is Vallejo for the bottom, but I'm going with Tamiya for the upper. The Vallejo O.D. is much darker than the Tamiya O.D. which has influenced my choice for this subject. 

tempestjohnny

Bottom looks great with the color

 

Thanks Johnny. I agree! :)  I had to pass on the opportunity to go crazy on weathering and fading because the pre war A/C were well maintained and clean. But for me, just laying down a solid color wouldn't be as much fun lol.

Sorry about that NMF comment, I just was not myself.  Your recovery is just awesome!  I'm looking forward on how this comes out.

Toshi

Nice recovery from that little accident!  I think it worked out for the better, because the rails and other work on the canopy make it look better than the original one.  The colors are coming out nicely, too.

Neutral grey has now been applied to the undersides. I only did a very light touch of modulation just to break up the monotony. I'll use the same effect with the O.D. On the topside later when this paint cures up for a few more hours.

:)

NMF?? She's going to be O.D. my friend. Most pre-war P-40's were O.D.

The XP-40 was NMF,  but it has a different profile.

Primer looks great, can't wait to see that NMF on it!

Toshi

So this evening I set about to get the nose and tail masked and reprimed. I also masked and started to blend in the windscreen with Squadron and Bondo putties.

Once I sorted all that out I started in on the landing struts and tail wheel (adding a metal pin to it for better strength, now that its been broken).

After more sanding on the windscreen tomorrow and another blast of primer, I should be ready for some paint. I guess we'll see, eh? Lol

Thanks, Mississippi. I'm so glad the damage wasnt far greater. :)

Thanks. I hope to make it look better lol.

Nice save. It is looking quite good.

BK