Airfix 1/72 P40B - COMPLETE

[Bear43]

This is my first kit build in over 25 years, so be gentle!

I am liking the Airfix kit, it is going together rather well. A couple spots that need some filler but nothing too major. The worst issue with the kit is that one of the tips on the prop was curled over. Not much I can do about that so I'm just rolling with it. I did some brush painting with some enamels and I didn't have the paint thin enough so I had to knock it back with some sanding. I'm just a bit rusty on this. I also have a local hobby shop that still has a bunch of Model Master acrylics and enamels. The green zinc chromate is acrylic and I've been pleased with how it is going on. Going slow but steady on this. It won't be perfect but it's a start on getting back into things.

 

[urumomo]

heat the prop in hot water and straighten it out ?
Just the blade tip to be straightened .

 

[Bear43]

I never thought of that. I will give that a try. Thanks for the idea!

 

[urumomo]

Get the plastic to be reshaped to 190 -200 F

 

[Bear43]

I am slowly making progress. Got the belly painted up with Model Masters Neutral Gray. On to the topside next.

 

[Bear43]

Between work and stuff at home time has been short lately but I am making progress. Did cuss the scale last night though. I was painting bits and went to touch up the tail wheel and it was nowhere to be found. 30 minutes later I found it on the hardwood floor. 30 minutes on my hands and knees with a flashlight. These tiny bits are something else

 

[Pantherman]

Between work and stuff at home time has been short lately but I am making progress. Did cuss the scale last night though. I was painting bits and went to touch up the tail wheel and it was nowhere to be found. 30 minutes later I found it on the hardwood floor. 30 minutes on my hands and knees with a flashlight. These tiny bits are something else

Been there brother . Pantherman

 

[Down Time]

Wait until you drop a 1/35 scale hand on the carpet.......

Build is looking great!!!

 

[Bear43]

I finally have another update. This kit has been going slowly mainly because I have had to wait for paint orders. Being in rural South Dakota there isn't a ton of stuff available locally. I finally completed the prop, those tiny decals made my eyes hurt. I do like the Cartograph decals, they were easy to work with even though they were tiny. I also brushed on the first coat of Vallejo Olive Drab. That first coat always looks rough...lol... I did also get some panel washes and such to do a bit of darkening and weathering later on. Now that I am stocked on supplies it should advance quicker.

 

[Bear43]

Almost done. Decals, panel wash, light weathering, sealing and clear bits and pitot tube is what is left. For my first attempt in over 2 decades I am pretty dang pleased with it.

 

[Pantherman]

Almost done. Decals, panel wash, light weathering, sealing and clear bits and pitot tube is what is left. For my first attempt in over 2 decades I am pretty dang pleased with it.

Looking good. Pantherman

 

[Bear43]

Thanks, P-man!

 

[Bear43]

Got a question for you all. As I prep to do decals should I bother with some of the tiny stencil data? The 1/72 scale means those decals are so incredibly tiny that I'm not even sure they would be noticeable. Just curious what you all think.

 

[urumomo]

That's all up to you .

 

[Pantherman]

Got a question for you all. As I prep to do decals should I bother with some of the tiny stencil data? The 1/72 scale means those decals are so incredibly tiny that I'm not even sure they would be noticeable. Just curious what you all think.

It's your build so do what you want with it. It's supposed to be fun so if you're stressing over it then leave them off.
Keep the decals so if you decide to add them later on, you won't have to get some new ones. Pantherman

 

[Bear43]

I am probably going to try putting a few of the tiny ones on and if it gives me fits I'll stop. If it was 1/48 scale I wouldn't be as hesitant.

 

[Bear43]

Had a couple hiccups over the weekend. For whatever reason one of the landing gear bits decided to splay out. Not sure why that happened but I had to break it loose and reglue it straight. Hopefully it stays put now. Then there was the pitot tube. I saved that for last because I knew if I put it on earlier I would break it off. Well, cut it off the sprue and that little bit was spring loaded and only God knows where it went as it disappeared into the great unknown. Made one with stretched sprue. Not quite right but it is better than having nothing on there. All that is left is decals and a bit of weathering.

 

[Bear43]

Decals are done on the belly and I have only a few more to do topside tonight. Another step closer. I am placing the stencil data as well. Tiny and tedious but they are going on fairly well.

 

[Pantherman]

Decals are done on the belly and I have only a few more to do topside tonight. Another step closer. I am placing the stencil data as well. Tiny and tedious but they are going on fairly well.

Looking good. Pantherman

 

[Laurie]

Decals are done on the belly and I have only a few more to do topside tonight. Another step closer. I am placing the stencil data as well. Tiny and tedious but they are going on fairly well.

No need to be "gentle" looking good Bear43.

Plus I hope you are enjoying the experience which is the most important.

Laurie

 

[Bear43]

I am very much enjoying it. It helps me relax and unwind in the evenings. I have mistakes on it but overall I am happy with how it is going.

 

[Laurie]

Got a question for you all. As I prep to do decals should I bother with some of the tiny stencil data? The 1/72 scale means those decals are so incredibly tiny that I'm not even sure they would be noticeable. Just curious what you all think.

A very interesting question. One that I grapple with especially with small bits of PE

Partly it is your own character. I have a part of me that says you have to do it to prove you can.

Then on a bad day hell no thank you.

Then you build to satisfy yourself no point otherwise. Plus a lot you do in the internal work is
not seen. So what it is the fun of doing it. Just for me looking at a finished model I know what I did.

Satisfaction. Do it if you want or chuck it. You make your own rules & decisions.

Laurie

 

[Laurie]

I am very much enjoying it. It helps me relax and unwind in the evenings. I have mistakes on it but overall I am happy with how it is going.

Yes I get lost in a little world of my own. Peace & tranquility.

 

[Bear43]

Well, it is finished. But Bear, where is the panel liner and weathering? I'm glad you asked...... I found that AK Interactive panel liner does not play nice with Testors clear coats. When trying to rub off the excess I rubbed off the gloss too. Glad I only did one wing to test. The weathering products I have on hand are also AK Interactive products. So, rather than risk it I sprayed the dull coat on and added the clear bits. I will use up what I have for Testors products and move on to other products and hopefully I will get better as I work on the next kit. Next up is an Airfix 1/72 Spitfire Mk Ia.

 

[the Baron]

For weathering washes, you might like to try mixing your own, from water-based acrylics and water. I use craft-store paints to make washes-brands like Americana, Folk Art, Apple Barrel. The Michael's chain of arts & crafts stores carry them, as do HobbyLobby, and I think Walmart as well. Such washes definitely will not attack clear coats like Testor's product.
I make my own weathering powder, too, with pastel chalks. I got a 12-stick set of earth tones years ago, for ten bucks. It'll last me a lifetime.

 

[Bear43]

I think that is what I will do. I was very surprised when I saw that gloss come off. I never expected anything like that to happen.

 

[stevethefish]

Good job. I have four Academy 1:48 scale P-40Cs, done as various Flying Tigers, which I have yet to complete...