1/48 Airfix P-40B (WiP)

Thank you, all! Thank you VERY much!! :D

I finished the prop and made some progress on the landing gear yesterday evening.

M. Brindos

Hey, no problem!

Undercutting, or relief cutting, is when you use a x-acto, scriber, or very fine razor saw to score along the edges of the different items on the figure, such as collars, belts, cuffs, etc.

It gives the different objects some much needed depth and separation. When done well it gives a more 3D look to the figure and adds realism.

The bigger the figure, especially 1/35, the more realism you can manage to squeek out of the figure. I don't really bother with 1/72 and in 1/48 there is little you can usually do. But that depends on the quality of the figure and the detail that was sculpted into it. 

These new Airfix figures are pretty well done and detailing them does make them shine a bit more so they are worth the extra efforts.

I hope that explains it well enough.  :)

 

Thanks, Mike!  I agree that the newer Airfix figures are pretty nice.  I recently completed the new tool dogfight doubles Spit Vb/ 109E4.  The pilot figures finished out decently, even with my minimal figure painting skills. Fortunately, those are canopy down, wheels up, and hanging from my son's ceiling!

Mike - 

Sir you have some serious painting skills. Great looking build and I can't wait too see her done. Wonderful work Mike. 

Hey Mike, the kit is looking good.  Scrolled up to look at your pilot, and am feeling more and more that I need to work on some figures.  Big gap in my skills, and they really help with showing the scale of the subject of the build.

Your figures are all top notch, regardless of scale.  Even when you don't put "the extra effort" into them, they just look fantastic.

Long winded way of saying you are doing a great job, and motivating me to try something new.

Have fun,

D

Your ability and expertise in 1/72 scale never ceases to amaze me.

Hey, no problem!

Undercutting, or relief cutting, is when you use a x-acto, scriber, or very fine razor saw to score along the edges of the different items on the figure, such as collars, belts, cuffs, etc.

It gives the different objects some much needed depth and separation. When done well it gives a more 3D look to the figure and adds realism.

The bigger the figure, especially 1/35, the more realism you can manage to squeek out of the figure. I don't really bother with 1/72 and in 1/48 there is little you can usually do. But that depends on the quality of the figure and the detail that was sculpted into it. 

These new Airfix figures are pretty well done and detailing them does make them shine a bit more so they are worth the extra efforts.

I hope that explains it well enough.  :)

M. Brindos

 I just did the standard relief cutting to separate the collar from his head and make the chute straps look separate from his jacket.

Tell me what "standard relief cutting" is, please.  I'm trying to improve my figures. Always love the way yours come out

A little more sanding to flush out the seams and a few dust particles and then a nice new misty coat of Tamiya primer. The picture doesn't show how grainy the new coat is, but I will give it a buff later and it should be good to go.

Back on track again. Let's see how far I get this round. lol.

Excellent work on the P40 Mike! Really like the work you did on t h e cockpit, she is coming along a treat.

Damian

Thats looking good there Mike.

Mike, Max, here is more AVG P-40E info to digest.  The AVG received their first E models in March, 1942.  Here is some photos of the original batch:

https://www.asisbiz.com/il2/Hawk-81A/USAAF-23FG.html

They did get Chinese markings as seen in these photos and more to come.  The AVG also received some late model E-1's which had the fin fillet that was used on the short fuselage K models as per Detail and Scale (from Boxartden.com/model references).  Also check out  the photos on CRAP (yes, CRAP/Central Repository for Aviation Photos).  Look at the AVG folder, the Curtiss P-40D/E folder, and the P-40 miscellaneous folder.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/133697406@N05/albums/

 Trump does or did make a 1/32 E model, but Squadron and Spruebrothers don't seem to have it.  Hasegawa does have one at Spruebrothers.

As I just found out from that article last night, six -E's were added in July(?) 1941.

the -E models had six .50's in the wings, no nose guns, larger radiator, and many other small differences that make it visually different from the -B/C.

I don't believe any of the -E models had Chinese markings, but this is new info and I haven't looked into it yet.

"if I'm not mistaken, Trumpeter makes a 1/32 -E."

TY for the reply Mike. I wanna build an AVG in 1/32 . Where any of these E models ? Is there much difference between models ?

Hodakamax

No doubt about it, the P-40 Warhawk is iconic for WWII and all aircraft history for that matter. One of those craft that was a good design. Now you have me interested in your latest project. The Revell was just OK and required lotsa work to make look good. Not only that but my heart wasn't in a so-so model. I do need a good model for the museum and this looks promising. Not only that, my modeling skills are improving, thanks to the Gang. My decal problem is solved and a masking issue is much, much better, again thanks to the Forum. I'm putting the P-40 on the to-do list thanks to your persistence, yes, you Mike! LOL! 

Max

 

I will be with you the whole way when you do, Max! :D

Wow! Thanks to both of you! That makes that idea really worth while!  :D

And here is a list of AVG aircraft:

http://www.warbirdforum.com/hawks.htm

Also note the Shilling info at the bottom of the list.

M. Brindos

if you really want to build it, then put in que. It's a fun build.  :)

when I get another one I'm going to try to build a photo recon AVG bird. I have one reference to go on as to what numbers it could be, but no pictures. That leaves me a lot of Room for creativity.  :)

 

Here you go, Mike as Erik Shilling's recon aircraft:

http://modelingmadness.com/review/allies/cleaver/us/usaaf/tctom.htm

No doubt about it, the P-40 Warhawk is iconic for WWII and all aircraft history for that matter. One of those craft that was a good design. Now you have me interested in your latest project. The Revell was just OK and required lotsa work to make look good. Not only that but my heart wasn't in a so-so model. I do need a good model for the museum and this looks promising. Not only that, my modeling skills are improving, thanks to the Gang. My decal problem is solved and a masking issue is much, much better, again thanks to the Forum. I'm putting the P-40 on the to-do list thanks to your persistence, yes, you Mike! LOL! 

Max

if you really want to build it, then put in que. It's a fun build.  :)

when I get another one I'm going to try to build a photo recon AVG bird. I have one reference to go on as to what numbers it could be, but no pictures. That leaves me a lot of Room for creativity.  :)

I guess I can't say it enough, but yes this is a good kit. Besides some minor flash issues the parts fit is 90% excellent and it's a solid (and kinda hefty) model once you get the main components together lol.

if you have ever built the Revell P-40 the difference is night and day!

if I'm not mistaken, Trumpeter makes a 1/32 -E. I'm not yet through my second cup of bean juice so I haven't looked it up yet. mental faculties are not up to speed! Lol

This Airfix kit looks like a good one, and you're doing another great build Mate. Next on my "wanna buy" kit.

I wonder if anyone makes a good 1/32 P-40 ?

Thank you , Fred and Piper. :D

Looking good my friend!

just found you post lol  looking great  so far , very nice :)

Your doing a fantastic job!  This is very exciting to see!

Toshi

I actually started this build before I started the Revell lol. Your LHS guy is more correct than you know. This kit builds up super easy with only a few problem areas.

When you feel the need to add another P-40 to your collection, I highly recommend this kit. :)

Another P40? LOL. Looking good so far....My LHS guy says this is a pretty nice kit...Maybe someday I'll do another Warhawk .

Thanks, D! Figures are one of my favorite parts to do. Here's the pilot for my Ki-61Id Hien (Tony).

They used to be my least favorite an hated parts to do.