Revell P-61 Black Widow - the struggle is real!

[Jack None Reacher]

Where to begin... truly awful model, nothing fits right, cockpit canopy was a nightmare, forgot to properly weigh down the front end and plane just sits in a nose up front wheel off the ground state . Abysmal quality, but for ~$20 I cannot complain. This was my second build, and it didn't go any better than the first time.
Any suggestions for how to work with canopy glue, clear plastic pieces that simply WILL NOT fit in the cockpit, and how to properly weigh down the nose of a heavy bomber like this?
-Thanks!

 

[BarleyBop]

For all your troubles, definitely presentable!
The red really pops!
I'm sure the aerocrew has experience to share...

 

[Tommergun]

Very tough build for sure, but I think you did a great job. Might be too late to add a nose weight but you could glue a rod of clear sprue (if you have any left over from the canopies), to the rear of the fuselage to hold it up.

 

[Rob]

Yes. A piece of clear sprue at the back or turn the plane over and drill a hole on the bottom of the nose the size of a BB. Pour in some BBs, stand the plane on its nose, squirt in some CA

 

[Jakko]

You still managed to get it to look pretty good, though.

I just looked it up, and it was originally released in 1974 by Monogram. I suppose the moulds are getting worn out or something, because AFAIK those Monogram 1:48 scale aircraft kits have a fairly good reputation. Much better than pretty much any of Revell USA's own efforts through the ages, anyway

 

[the Baron]

...it was originally released in 1974 by Monogram. I suppose the moulds are getting worn out or something, because AFAIK those Monogram 1:48 scale aircraft kits have a fairly good reputation. Much better than pretty much any of Revell USA's own efforts through the ages, anyway

You are correct. The molds are worn by this time, as is true of the other Monogram kits re-released under the Revell label. This isn't a bad kit, and when it was released, it was part of a generation of Monogram kits, along with the large multi-engine bomber kits, and the TBD, that represented good quality for a good price, that the average modeler could afford and could build into a decent representation of the subject. Younger modelers often aren't aware of that background.

 

[Jim62]

Yeah that kit is a pain. I don't go near old monogram kits anymore.

 

[Sailor]

Where to begin... truly awful model, nothing fits right, cockpit canopy was a nightmare, forgot to properly weigh down the front end and plane just sits in a nose up front wheel off the ground state . Abysmal quality, but for ~$20 I cannot complain. This was my second build, and it didn't go any better than the first time.
Any suggestions for how to work with canopy glue, clear plastic pieces that simply WILL NOT fit in the cockpit, and how to properly weigh down the nose of a heavy bomber like this?
-Thanks!

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[Sailor]

By your description. it sounds like you are learning to model. The kit can be made into a Nice P-51, and you did a pretty good job of it. I would suggest that you go with the advice that has been given: drill a hole in the nose and add weight; patching it up will add to your modeling skills! I assume your canopy does not fit; well, get out your files and make it fit. The idea is to enjoy the hobby. Good luck; and I hope to see more builds from you in the future.

 

[BOATMAN]

HI WELL did you glue this kit to geather with ca? as if you did a little debonder on the nose an it should come off an then stick a bit of lead in it an make sure its heavy enough an the reglue the nose back on ?
chrisb

 

[Pantherman]

Where to begin... truly awful model, nothing fits right, cockpit canopy was a nightmare, forgot to properly weigh down the front end and plane just sits in a nose up front wheel off the ground state . Abysmal quality, but for ~$20 I cannot complain. This was my second build, and it didn't go any better than the first time.
Any suggestions for how to work with canopy glue, clear plastic pieces that simply WILL NOT fit in the cockpit, and how to properly weigh down the nose of a heavy bomber like this?
-Thanks!

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Can I suggest you search a thread.

Revell P61, waiting for the hammer to fall

It has all your answers. Pantherman

 

[Jim62]

The idea is to enjoy the hobby.

That's the reason I avoid old Monogram kits. As a kid yeah they were fun but now....not so much. I get more joy out of spending my money on kits that don't give me headaches. But that's me, some folks I guess enjoy it.

 

[Pantherman]

That's the reason I avoid old Monogram kits. As a kid yeah they were fun but now....not so much. I get more joy out of spending my money on kits that don't give me headaches. But that's me, some folks I guess enjoy it.

I like the challenge. Pantherman