P-40 57th FG, 64th FS

[mtpopejoy]

Starting my project of over 15 9th AAF models with a P-40. Going with the 57th Fighter Group 64th Fighter squadron.

Anybody have any requests for any individuals aircraft? If so post pics and I will do my best.

Pics to follow.
Regards,
Mark

[mtpopejoy]

Getting there. It looks pretty aweful right now. Hopefully will look a little better with decals, touchups and weathering.



Please provide criticism and tips. This is the first attempt at modeling after 15 years.

Thanks,
Mark

[lestweforget]

I wish you all the best with your project. Looking good so far. All the best.

[Steve Nelson]

Not too bad. Is that the AMT kit?

Just a couple of things..the canopy is on backwards (but you may have just put it there temporarily for the pic.) Also, I believe the gear struts may be reversed as well..the v-shaped "scissor strut" should face to the rear. Probably too late to correct it without causing damge..I wouldn't worry about it.

One thing I notice is that you correctly painted the area under the rear windows the exterior color. I've seen countless otherwise beautiful P-40s with that area incorrectly painted interior green.

Good luck on your project. I've always loved desert schemes. What other aircraft are you planning to do?

Cheers!

Steve

[mtpopejoy]

Steve,
You are probably right on the landing gear...whoops. The canopy thing I actually made sure of because I got it right here, paint under the canopy in sand not OD.

This is the first one Ive done in 15 years so I just want to get through it without "making it really fly" if you know what I mean. I am weathering it right now and should be able to decal it tonight or tomorrow.

I am doing a complete 9th Air Force project from 1942-1945. About 15 models in total. Trying to do anything my Grandfather might have seen or touched in the 36 months he was with them. I just hope I can get it done in time. He is 94 years young.

I'll keep posting pics as long as you all can keep posting tips/critique.

Thanks,
Mark

[mtpopejoy]

Yeah, it is an AMT kit (pre-resin nose). Here are a couple more after a botched attempt at weathering. I have never done weathering before so it didnt turn out the way I wanted.

[Second Air Force]

I like that your weathering isn't extreme, even if you think you "botched" it. It looks pretty good for a first time out after a long layoff, especially considering that you stated you've never weathered before. Keep up the good work, and don't be too hard on yourself. Practice makes perfect!

I just realized while typing this that my dad would have been looking up at the airplanes you're building. He went through North Africa and ended the war in Italy. Thanks for building models of his air cover!

Scott

[mtpopejoy]

Scott,
Thanks for the copliments.
I was hoping to be able to do a B-24D and B-25 next to stay with the desert time period but my wife wants me to get the others I have done first before I start aquiring more.
Next up is a B-26 (Terre Haute Tornado, 344th Bomb Group, if I can get decals made, my grandfather was from Jasonville, IN. very close to Terre Haute)
As for the weathering. I tried using water based paint really watered down then a sponge to remove the excess. Problem was if I let it stay on too long and dry the excess would not come off well and if I was too quick I would wipe it all off.
Like you said, practice makes perfect. I have a lot of "practicing" to do in the near future.
Thanks again,
Mark

[Second Air Force]

Mark,

I've never tried to use water based paints for a wash. I've always used a dab of flat black enamel mixed with lots of thinner to do highlighting with. It has to be darned thin to not overdo it, and it will just wick into the recesses quite easily once you get the hang of it.

Scott

[mtpopejoy]

Cool, thanks for the tip Scott.

[Django]

Looks good. Don't forget about the canopy.

[mtpopejoy]

Whoops, I will fix that tonight. Thanks.