Here's my second model, an Academy P-39N 1/72 hand-painted with Humbrol enamels and weathered with my artists' acrylics.

It's been a straight forward build on the whole, although did have some aggro with the undercarriage. The main problem encountered was the fit of the rear canopy. It didn't fit at all, and after some sanding there's a bit of a gap.

The decals went down perfectly, and I've been told Academy ones can be a nightmare. Overall, I'm happy and have learned a lot for my first P-38 build

Oh, forgot to mention...I loaded the nose with weight and tested it on cocktail sticks, but it's still a tail-sitter!

nicely done

Very nice propwash. I have built the same kit in American markings. How did the decals go on? Alright I hope? Academy can be a bit difficult at times.
One small critique is the yellow tips on the props are a bit to far down the prop blades. Try backing the yellow tips back up the blade, maybe half as much as you have them on the Airacobra. I think you will like the results. Otherwise, great build. Keep it up. Russell

Thanks for the comment, Ricardo.

Russell, glad you like it and I'll look at those props

As for the decals, they were fine. Nige had warned me they might be tricky but surprisinly no problems to report. The only thing that disappointed me was the way it sat on its tail despite packing it with weight.

That´s a very nice model you made Alex

Thanks for looking and your kind words, Daniel.

[quote]Here's my second model, an Academy P-39N 1/72 hand-painted with Humbrol enamels and weathered with my artists' acrylics.

It's been a straight forward build on the whole, although did have some aggro with the undercarriage. The main problem encountered was the fit of the rear canopy. It didn't fit at all, and after some sanding there's a bit of a gap.

The decals went down perfectly, and I've been told Academy ones can be a nightmare. Overall, I'm happy and have learned a lot for my first P-38 build

Oh, forgot to mention...I loaded the nose with weight and tested it on cocktail sticks, but it's still a tail-sitter!


quote]

Hey Alex
Nice weathering....I like the chipping on the plane....
Will do something similar to the Academy P-40 Flying tiger that I am working on now...

Which acrylics paint did you use? Is it vallejo?

Mike

Hi Mike,

I used Humbrol silver for the paint chips, dry-brushed with a '000' brush. The acrlyics are the same ones I create my paintings from: Daler & Rowney.

I've found you can use any acrylic paint, so just buy a tube of whatever make: the colours I use most right now for weathering are paynes grey and burnt umber.

Good luck with the P-40

Hi Alex,

..neat work !

a couple of things for that canopy - try 'filling' gaps around the edges with PVA glue (dries clear). You may already use it to attach them. I also use a little PVA in water to secure recalcitrant Academy decals. Also prior to putting the canopy on run some black paint around the edges to be stuck - cuts down on internal reflection & I find it helps the canopy to appear more part of the airframe..

Hi Neil,

I think you have some really good tips here that I can use as well
Just to check , is PVA glue know as white glue as well ? or is there a particular brand you can recommend?

Alex, thank for the arcylic paint advice;

..yes it is ...there is a proprietary model brand called 'Kristal Klear' from Microscale I believe - or there was. I just use ordinary white glue nowadays....

cheers

Neil

Excellent job, Alex. I mlike the very worn look of the aircraft combined with the colourful markings.

Thanks for sharing - excellent entry for the aces campaign

Nice one Alex!
Sorry for the late reply but Ive been up to my neck in things and must have missed this when you posted it.
Looks great!,,your really getting the hang of it
Soon be time for a NMF!
Nige

NMF is coming up next.

Very excited to be working on my Red Tail P-51.

The 332nd FG are a fav outfit of mine, and in fact I've created a tribute site for them which has a model section (see my website for link).

..me too..working on the Academy kit and reading Chris Bucholtz's great Osprey Elite title...

I'm using that book too...... Look forward to seeing your build. I'm depicting Topper III. You?