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P-38 Lightning group build - Are we there yet???

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  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Rothesay, NB Canada
Posted by VanceCrozier on Monday, April 4, 2011 8:49 AM

Sparrowhyperion

You don't want to use a storage unit.  A friend of mine did and during the winter it got so cold it made all of his kits brittle.  Even when they warmed up again, the plastic was kind of brittle.

 

 

 VanceCrozier:

 

I've got only the Revell kit Rich. I think (POSSIBLY!) I've got the house to myself most of this evening, meaning I can have the table, meaning.... I should be able to get some modeling done!! Yes

I'm thinking of renting one of those storage units & setting up my worktable there!

 

 

So I'd have to rent one that I could run a heater in & add some  carpet, maybe a little bar-fridge... Man, sounds like I need a long-term hotel room rental! Any luck on the new place Rich?

On the bench: Airfix 1/72 Wildcat; Airfix 1/72 Vampire T11; Airfix 1/72 Fouga Magister

  • Member since
    March 2009
  • From: Wirral. UK
Posted by Spike190 on Monday, April 4, 2011 9:28 AM

B17 Nice work on Glacier Girl, you've done a great job Yes

Rich I think if you built the 'E' as an 'F' you would have a far better chance of finding some new decals, Superscale does a few sets that include an F.

Some E-F info for you,

Sorry for my recent absence, I have made some progress though,

Pictures...

Still a few bits to finish up including mooooore decals on the props and a flat coat to calm it all down.

Cheers everyone....

 

Mike  Toast

 

  • Member since
    August 2009
  • From: Toledo Area OH
Posted by Sparrowhyperion on Monday, April 4, 2011 9:59 AM

Thanks for the info Spike!  That was really really helpful.  I'll try it as an F then.  Well..  Off to eBay.  I'll upload some images this afternoon.  I hae the nacelles complete, the wings and fuselage buttoned up and the nacelles installed as well as the center tail plane.  I am debating whether to try Alclad metalizer or stick with standard enamels for a natural finish.  I have never used the metalizers before so I am not sure on the best way to apply them.

Rich

 

Spike190

B17 Nice work on Glacier Girl, you've done a great job Yes

Rich I think if you built the 'E' as an 'F' you would have a far better chance of finding some new decals, Superscale does a few sets that include an F.

Some E-F info for you,

http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu164/Spike190/P38%20Lightning/P-38E-F.jpg

Sorry for my recent absence, I have made some progress though,

Pictures...

http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu164/Spike190/P38%20Lightning/AlmostDone3.jpg

http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu164/Spike190/P38%20Lightning/AlmostDone4.jpg

http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu164/Spike190/P38%20Lightning/AlmostDone1.jpg

http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu164/Spike190/P38%20Lightning/AlmostDone2.jpg

Still a few bits to finish up including mooooore decals on the props and a flat coat to calm it all down.

Cheers everyone....

 

In the Hangar: 1/48 Hobby Boss F/A-18D RAAF Hornet,

On the Tarmac:  F4U-1D RNZAF Corsair 1/48 Scale.

  • Member since
    January 2003
  • From: Hancock, Me USA
Posted by p38jl on Monday, April 4, 2011 3:14 PM

Sparrow, if your doing a search, just use P-38 1/48 decals, and with out decals as a search item..

And look at any decals that come up.. sometimes they put E, F,H J etc models markings on the same sheet.. I've gotten a few that have 4 differant markings., for 3 differant models.. I even scorred some msytery markings that MIGHT show up here.. and there on a E model... CoolToast

[Photobucket]

  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Rothesay, NB Canada
Posted by VanceCrozier on Monday, April 4, 2011 3:17 PM

p38jl

I even scorred some msytery markings that MIGHT show up here.. and there on a E model... CoolToast

Just so long as the mystery markings don't include the words "Winning!", "Tigerblood" or "Violent Torpedo of Truth"...

On the bench: Airfix 1/72 Wildcat; Airfix 1/72 Vampire T11; Airfix 1/72 Fouga Magister

  • Member since
    August 2009
  • From: Toledo Area OH
Posted by Sparrowhyperion on Monday, April 4, 2011 4:18 PM

Thanks.  I found a bunch which will work.   I cleaned out my decal spares drawer and found a bunch of decal sets and sheets I put up for sale to pay for the new ones for the P38 LOL..  I also spotted a couple of kits I like today so I'm saving pennies. lol.  I have a minor setback on my Academy J model.  One of the prop shafts broke off somehow and somewhere.  It's not in the box so I guess its someplace around my desk.  If I can't find it, I will try and fashion a new one from sprues.

 

p38jl

Sparrow, if your doing a search, just use P-38 1/48 decals, and with out decals as a search item..

And look at any decals that come up.. sometimes they put E, F,H J etc models markings on the same sheet.. I've gotten a few that have 4 differant markings., for 3 differant models.. I even scorred some msytery markings that MIGHT show up here.. and there on a E model... CoolToast

In the Hangar: 1/48 Hobby Boss F/A-18D RAAF Hornet,

On the Tarmac:  F4U-1D RNZAF Corsair 1/48 Scale.

  • Member since
    August 2009
  • From: Toledo Area OH
Posted by Sparrowhyperion on Monday, April 4, 2011 4:30 PM

Okay here are some WIP images of my Academy 1/48 P38-E/F.  I got a lot done on it last night.  These Academy kits are great because they hardly cause any problems at all in assembly.

 

In the beginning...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

That's it for now.  I'll post more when I get a bit more done on it.

Rich

In the Hangar: 1/48 Hobby Boss F/A-18D RAAF Hornet,

On the Tarmac:  F4U-1D RNZAF Corsair 1/48 Scale.

  • Member since
    March 2009
  • From: Wirral. UK
Posted by Spike190 on Monday, April 4, 2011 4:47 PM

Nice progress Rich, look forward to seeing more Yes

Cheers...

Mike  Toast

 

  • Member since
    September 2009
  • From: Frisco, TX
Posted by B17Pilot on Monday, April 4, 2011 10:35 PM

Spike190

B17 Nice work on Glacier Girl, you've done a great job Yes

Thanks!

  

  • Member since
    March 2009
  • From: Wirral. UK
Posted by Spike190 on Tuesday, April 5, 2011 2:15 PM

Okay chaps this one is done, I'm gonna quit whilst I'm ahead.

This is the Academy P-38F (Glacier Girl) kit, I added true details wheels, master barrels and SuperScale decals (from Frank- Daywalker) I also built my own seat. Paints are a mix of Gunze, Tamiya and brush painted bits are Vallejo and Citadel.

The light was fading tonight so I've just tweaked the brightness a touch on these pictures.

Thanks for looking,

Cheers....

Mike  Toast

 

  • Member since
    January 2003
  • From: Hancock, Me USA
Posted by p38jl on Tuesday, April 5, 2011 3:11 PM

Spike ! sweet job.. very nice..Toast

[Photobucket]

  • Member since
    September 2009
  • From: Frisco, TX
Posted by B17Pilot on Tuesday, April 5, 2011 6:26 PM

p38jl

Spike ! sweet job.. very nice..Toast

Ditto Very well done indeed!

  

  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Rothesay, NB Canada
Posted by VanceCrozier on Tuesday, April 5, 2011 7:54 PM

That's a great finish on your Lightning Mike - Yes

On the bench: Airfix 1/72 Wildcat; Airfix 1/72 Vampire T11; Airfix 1/72 Fouga Magister

  • Member since
    March 2009
  • From: Wirral. UK
Posted by Spike190 on Wednesday, April 6, 2011 1:22 PM

Thanks Fellas for the kind words, forgot to mention I used some Eduard PE in the cockpit.

Vance thanks for letting me join in on the GB I've really enjoyed it although the kit drove me nuts a few times, I've learnt a heap of stuff too, I'm going to stick around and watch the other builds. Be nice to have a new release from Tamiya for the P-38 methinks.

Off to watch Man Utd V Chelsea now Devil

Cheers....

Mike  Toast

 

  • Member since
    November 2008
  • From: Crawfordsville, Indiana
Posted by Wabashwheels on Wednesday, April 6, 2011 9:02 PM

Great look Mike!  Colors and shading are outstanding.   Staining around the turbochargers is very convincing, which I know is very tough.  Great build.  Rick.

 

  • Member since
    November 2008
  • From: Zephyrhills,FL
Posted by daddy1 on Thursday, April 7, 2011 11:51 AM

I must also apologize for my absence lately, seems to be a bit of that going around lately. Have been making progress too. Here's pics to bring up to date.

Went with a darker wash along panel lines followed by a narrow strip of thinned paint along the lines . Used  Model Master  field drab (1 drop ) & faded olive(3or4 drops) thinned to flow evenly but not as thin as a wash. Applied along the panel lines with a 10 0 brush. The under side was done with neutral gray thinned and applied as the top surfaces.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next a coat of Future . 

 

Now for decals. Still finishing up with all the stencils. They are very delicate, barely noticable, which is good since many probably wore off in short order on the real deal.  

 

 

Found the air scoop I lost earlier . Figures, after I've already scratched replacements and moved on. Must have looked right at the darn part a hundred times looking for it. Whistling 

Now I've got a couple neat scoops for the parts box.

Howard

 

http://whlswngsthngs.shutterfly.com/

 

  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Rothesay, NB Canada
Posted by VanceCrozier on Thursday, April 7, 2011 12:22 PM

Howard's in the home stretch. Holy cow, every time I turn around there's something else pulling me away from the bench. Bang Head My next step is masking the cockpit & gear bays so I can get some paint down.  THEN It'll look like I've been doing something productive!

On the bench: Airfix 1/72 Wildcat; Airfix 1/72 Vampire T11; Airfix 1/72 Fouga Magister

  • Member since
    March 2009
  • From: Wirral. UK
Posted by Spike190 on Thursday, April 7, 2011 2:28 PM

Thanks Rick, I was pleased with how the staining came out as it was a bit of a leap of faith, the kind of thing that can easily muck up days of good work. Thanks again.

Howard, nice work Yes I really think you've captured that look you were going for, top job Toast

Cheers...

Mike  Toast

 

  • Member since
    November 2008
  • From: Zephyrhills,FL
Posted by daddy1 on Thursday, April 7, 2011 9:47 PM

Thanks fella's. Was kind'a tedious striping all those panel lines , but worth the effort for sure. 

I've got all the little stencils on. Talk about tedious. Those of you building the Academy kit know what I'm talking about. I've dealt with a lot of stencil decals on a model before, but these are super thin and barely noticeable.  Although , that will come in handy when I give it a light scuff sanding to wear off the stencils a tiny bit. Won't need much as most you can't see unless actually looking for them. 

I'll give that a go tomorrow and then a sealer coat of Future so I can apply some filtering effects and final washes on Saturday.  That's if I don't get pulled away from the bench too much.

 My daughter has been wanting to build her snap-tight Space Shuttle and wants my help. No problem there . I want her to treat that kit as a glue and paint . I'll teach her how to mask off and paint the black under sides as well as some detail painting to bring a little snap together to life.

Howard

 

http://whlswngsthngs.shutterfly.com/

 

  • Member since
    August 2009
  • From: Toledo Area OH
Posted by Sparrowhyperion on Thursday, April 7, 2011 9:59 PM

I'm working on 2 Academy kits right now, so I know what you mean.  My Daughter is 14 and I have been letting her help, and I got her some of her own kits as well.  They learn quick.

 

daddy1

Thanks fella's. Was kind'a tedious striping all those panel lines , but worth the effort for sure. 

I've got all the little stencils on. Talk about tedious. Those of you building the Academy kit know what I'm talking about. I've dealt with a lot of stencil decals on a model before, but these are super thin and barely noticeable.  Although , that will come in handy when I give it a light scuff sanding to wear off the stencils a tiny bit. Won't need much as most you can't see unless actually looking for them. 

I'll give that a go tomorrow and then a sealer coat of Future so I can apply some filtering effects and final washes on Saturday.  That's if I don't get pulled away from the bench too much.

 My daughter has been wanting to build her snap-tight Space Shuttle and wants my help. No problem there . I want her to treat that kit as a glue and paint . I'll teach her how to mask off and paint the black under sides as well as some detail painting to bring a little snap together to life.

Howard

 

In the Hangar: 1/48 Hobby Boss F/A-18D RAAF Hornet,

On the Tarmac:  F4U-1D RNZAF Corsair 1/48 Scale.

UTS
  • Member since
    January 2011
Posted by UTS on Sunday, April 10, 2011 5:48 PM

Hello everyone... I've finally unboxed my computer, now to set up a little corner to work on the hobby. I have not had any time to work on the p-38 some unexpected events have kept me from it. I hope to have my workbench back in order soon.

 

P38_GB_2010-11_blue

  • Member since
    March 2009
  • From: Wirral. UK
Posted by Spike190 on Monday, April 11, 2011 3:58 AM

UTS I hope you get up and running soon.

Cheers...

Mike  Toast

 

  • Member since
    September 2009
  • From: Frisco, TX
Posted by B17Pilot on Monday, April 11, 2011 8:44 AM

I know what you mean about those stencils on the Academy kit.  I was dreading doing all of those, then a look at pictures of Glacier Girl and 3/4 of those stencils weren't even there.  What a relief!!

  

  • Member since
    November 2008
  • From: Zephyrhills,FL
Posted by daddy1 on Monday, April 11, 2011 9:27 PM

B17Pilot

I know what you mean about those stencils on the Academy kit.  I was dreading doing all of those, then a look at pictures of Glacier Girl and 3/4 of those stencils weren't even there.  What a relief!!

To be honest, against the OD/Gray finish, only about 3/4 of those stencils even show up . Many look as if there's something there, but barely. Even the Oriole decal is very fine, I may go over with a sharp yellow prismacolor pencil to get it to look more like the reference pic I found of Capt. Shubin's bird. As his aircraft didn't sport the Aeroproducts logo on the props, just the stenciling. I'm concerned how well the yellow kit stencils for the props are going to show up against black. May need to go over those with a yellow pencil too.

  I do like how the stencil decals are grouped on the sheet , fuselage, top wing , lower wing , booms. Goes a long way toward keeping track of where your at in the process. Another trick I use is to cross off the decal number on the instruction sheet as they're applied. 

 Speaking of stencils ,they're done and after a coat of Future to seal the decals up , gave Oriole a healthy dot filtering. I use MM enamels and a brush dampened with turpentine. I actually went a little heavy with the dots of paint. It's a method I'm still becoming more experienced with . You want just the barest of tint , not really even a hint of color, very subtle . Gives the finish a bit of age.  Go easy ,and use care not to wear through the paint . Had a couple small spots where the Future was a bit thinner and started to wear through . 

 Caught it in time ,so all it needed was a couple dabs of touch up before the final wash of black and brown from my kids watercolor paints. They work great . A drop or two of dish soap in the water , paint on , let dry . Then wipe down with a damp paper towel in the direction of gravity and airflow. 

 

 

 

A couple pics after the clear flat. 

I like Testors Dullcoat , but found Krylon Matte finish at Michaels , Can also be found at Walmart  and I imagine at Lowes and HOme Depot too. 

Cost is roughly the same as Dullcoat , just 3 times the size. 

It also warns about multiple coats giving a frosted appearance . Which can be taken advantage to enhance a sun bleached look to the top surfaces. 

 

I've started on the wheels and landing gear, but concerned how the vinyl tire will affect the styrene of the wheels. I did have a mark to fill on the nose where one of the tires layed against the part in the box. 

 My solution is to seal the wheels with a coat of Future before painting them as additional protection. Would be a real drag to have this beautiful model sitting on the shelf only to see the wheels melt over time.

 I've also test fitted the tire on the wheels and found it better to remove the ridge like flange on the wheels.Now the tire fit snug but slid onto the wheel with very little effort.

 Howard

 

http://whlswngsthngs.shutterfly.com/

 

  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Rothesay, NB Canada
Posted by VanceCrozier on Wednesday, April 13, 2011 11:32 AM

That's some crazy dot-filtering Howrd, but the finished product looks good in the photos you've posted. UTS - glad to hear you're settling in & unpacking. Looking forward to seeing your kit shape up.

On the bench: Airfix 1/72 Wildcat; Airfix 1/72 Vampire T11; Airfix 1/72 Fouga Magister

  • Member since
    March 2009
  • From: Wirral. UK
Posted by Spike190 on Friday, April 15, 2011 11:32 AM

Looking good Howard, dot filters are great, have you tried using artists oils for them? I did it over a glossy surface and you can work them for ages.

Cheers...

Mike  Toast

 

  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Rothesay, NB Canada
Posted by VanceCrozier on Monday, April 18, 2011 7:06 AM

Maybe it's a good thing I set this down for a couple weeks before getting back into it!! I was starting to mask for my primer coat & realized that some of the filler work on the nose actually had some decent bubbles left in it - round 2 for the Tamiya filler last night!!

Got the Radar operator's canopy & the windscreen "futured" & placed. As good as the fit on the Revell kit has been, there was a slight gap at the rear of the radar canopy, and a gap the thickness of a dime at the front of the windscreen. I've tried some thick superglue to bridge the gaps, will hit that with some primer to see how filling went.

Dot-filtering! I understand the method & am thinking about trying it here. Question - has anybody tried it on an all-black finish? I suppose as long as I under-coat it first I can remove it if I don't like the look.

On the bench: Airfix 1/72 Wildcat; Airfix 1/72 Vampire T11; Airfix 1/72 Fouga Magister

  • Member since
    January 2003
  • From: Hancock, Me USA
Posted by p38jl on Monday, April 18, 2011 8:49 AM

Vance.. I had the same issue with mine when I did my M... I cut some small pieces of clear plastic from an old winshield and glued them to my side roll up/down windows , filled in the edges with clear cement, futured it.. and you can hardly tell now..

[Photobucket]

  • Member since
    March 2009
  • From: Wirral. UK
Posted by Spike190 on Monday, April 18, 2011 9:01 AM

Vance when I did my first attempt at dot filters I used far to many dots, when I began moving the paint about it looked a bit of a mess.... but I'd done it over a gloss coat and simply wiped 80% off no problem. Not done it over black but can't see why it wouldn't work.

Cheers...

Mike  Toast

 

  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Rothesay, NB Canada
Posted by VanceCrozier on Monday, April 18, 2011 9:07 AM

Chris - I probably could have gone that route, but I already had the CA sitting in front of me - the fumes were calling. I ran it in over a few applications, wiping the excess away asap. Think I've spanned the gaps alright.and once it's masked & painted...

Mike - yep, it should work, just wondering if anyone had done it here. I suppose I'll be better off using the mid-range red.green/blues - yellows & whites will probably show too much.

On the bench: Airfix 1/72 Wildcat; Airfix 1/72 Vampire T11; Airfix 1/72 Fouga Magister

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