Welch's Warhawk.***Finished***

[jssel]

Better late than never. Just got the Airfix P-40 in 1/48 at my LMS. My intention is to do a "modified Blitz" construction so I can finish on time.

Boxart:





Innards:







Decals and Instruction sheet snippet:





AMW had a great write up in building the test shot and looks to be a great kit. Kit was obtained from Airfix USA via my LMS.

So here goes.

[jssel]

Pleasant morning working on the "office" portion of the P-40. I fond the construction to be straight forward with a good amount of detail for the scale. Decals supplied with the kit offers placard details. The raised relief of the parts however make dry brushing easy and brings out more detail. Harnesses came off an Eduard etched set laying around the bench.




There are three "cutaway" pieces that I put in early after skipping ahead on the instruction sheet. The nose cowlings stand a little proud on one side after test fitting a bit. Nothing that a sanding pad can't take care of.






The third piece is a hatch that probably covers the radio compartment. The fit here was perfect on the first go.







So I am liking this kit a lot so far.

[TobyC]

I'm liking what I see as well. Looks to be a very decent kit.

[jssel]

More done today.

Before sealing up the fuselage I wanted to show you just how much stuff is inside.




Busy enough for the scale.

The main thing is that with a little test fitting and parts clean up there is a nice joint all around.






I haven't run into this before. The wing fairings are separate pieces. But again with a little TLC, it all fits really well.






Following the kit instructions the lower wind is attached and again the fit is OK. Noticed a little glue oozed out but I wanted to sand down the rivets anyway. A word here. The kit featured recessed rivets except the fairings which has raised rivets.







Things are moving along very well now.

[Kitaholic]

That is a smart looking kit

[jssel]

Yes it is. And one inclusion that the nitpickers didn't mention is Airfix moulded on the "washed out" wingtips. Like Hasegawa did with the P38. It truly makes a difference in appearance.

[jssel]

Next installment here. The main airframe is together now. Encountered no issues here and there does not appear to have any issues that most single engine fighter kit don't have. One area that gave me a little heartburn was the leading edge fairings around the landing gear. Trim, file repeatedly to get a fit where it touches. Back filled with filler to end it. There is method here in having separate panels etc. To accommodate future re-issues no doubt. Failed to mention before that the optional radio compartment hatch was set up to show off the radio (separate piece included) if desired.




Anyone else think that the tires are a little flat on this one?

[Dazzled]

Looks like a cracker of a kit Jeff. I'm sorely tempted to get one myself

[DazDaMan]

I'm tempted to get one myself!

[jssel]

No pics on this update but she is in slow taxi to the paint hanger. A little pre-shading and the paint goes on.

[jssel]

Undersurfaces painted with Tamiya Neutral Grey. Fabric areas and replacement panels were lighten up to show wear and fadig.




Uppers next.

[gnomemeansgnome]

Shaping up very nicely.

[DazDaMan]

Yep, liking that!

[iggie]

I like the differences in tone you've achieved on the underside; nice work!

[jssel]

Decals applied now and time for dull things up and put on the fiddly bits.