First model since 2010/ Arma Hobby 1/48 P-39

[DesmoDude]

I love the Bell Airacobra. Especially it's unique and clever engineering with its mid-mounted Allison V1710. Yeah, it was weak above 15,000 feet, but ithe Allison engine didn't have the 2-stage supercharger like the Merlin and P&W radials had. It DID have a nose mounted 37mm cannon though, so that made it super cool to me. Plus it's a good looking little fighter plane overall.

Anyway, I bought the Arma Hobby 1/48 P-39 upon recommendation from AI. I don't hate the kit at all, but it's sure got some problems with fit. Also, since I was adding the Aries aftermarket cast resin engine, I upped the bad fit ante. It took a ton of trial fitting and filing. The Dremel motor got a workout.
Lots of thinning of plastic and locater pin removal got me this far as I'm getting closer to painting.
The flap detail is the long discontinued Verlinden P-39 detail photo etch from decades ago that I've been holding onto for years.
The cockpit details are Quinta Studio waterslide 3D decals. I absolutely love the look. Their stuff is top notch and easy to work with.
I'm sure I left some details out, so just ask if you have questions.
Thanks for looking.

P.S. the "cradle for the engine was scratch built with Evergreen and Plastruct styrene. Glycol expansion tank was a Verlnden resin part.

 

[BarleyBop]

Really jazzed to see that level of scratch on a plane!

 

[VegasAWACER13]

That's some fine work.

 

[DesmoDude]

Black base method in progress.
This is something new I've learned & I'm happy with the results so far.

 

[wjbrandel]

Nice base coat. I haven't tried the mottled base coat like that but I do like the results it gives.

 

[DesmoDude]

Nice base coat. I haven't tried the mottled base coat like that but I do like the results it gives.

First time I've done it. I watched a few videos and played with my airbrush until I felt comfortable to try it on the model. Watery paint consistency and low pressure seem to be the key. Patience helps.

 

[DesmoDude]

This thing has been fighting me since the beginning.
admittedly, some of the problems are because I'm rusty.

 

[Edbert]

Nice work, particularly on your fust return.

I do like the black-base pre-shade technique, but one thing to remember is to use a lighter colored topcoat than you intend since you have to paint thin coats to let the pre-shade through. More than once my end result was too dark because I failed to remember that.

To be honest I am slowly converting to post-shading for that very reason. Same effect in the end, but more control.

 

[DesmoDude]

Nice work, particularly on your fust return.

I do like the black-base pre-shade technique, but one thing to remember is to use a lighter colored topcoat than you intend since you have to paint thin coats to let the pre-shade through. More than once my end result was too dark because I failed to remember that.

To be honest I am slowly converting to post-shading for that very reason. Same effect in the end, but more control.

Amen to that!

 

[DesmoDude]

Stick a fork in it. It's done!

 

[BarleyBop]

Very nice!
With the cutout it's like a museum piece!
I have plane in the stash with similar 'reveal' and you've shown me it can look really good.

 

[Tommergun]

Nice work and a very cool subject.

 

[DesmoDude]

Very nice!
With the cutout it's like a museum piece!
I have plane in the stash with similar 'reveal' and you've shown me it can look really good.

I used the Aires cast resin Allison engine for most of what's in there. It's beautifully cast and with some extra work and good photo references (internet is priceless for that) the sky's the limit depending on your patience and eyesight.
One thing I learned is that when you add weight behind the landing gear "fulcrum" you'd better have places in mind for the nose ballast. we learn as we go I guess…. Took me a couple hours before I finally figured out where I could snake some leaded solder to go along with the massive ball bearings provided in the kit.
Thanks for the kind words.

 

[DesmoDude]

Couple more pictures

 

[kevin]

I like your paint work....

 

[Holz44]

That is a beautiful Airacobra!! I have one that moved from stash to bench shelf so maybe later this year. Hard to match what you did - Congrats!