Hey All,

I just wanted to share this F-5E I completed this week. It's far from perfect, but I was pretty happy with the results. I like the color at least.

The base kit is the Academy 1/48 F-5 (from the P-38 kit that lets you build just about anything), the wheels are from True Details, the canopy is one of the Squadron vacuforms and the cockpit is from Legend. I think the decals were from AeroMaster, but there were a few conflicts they had with photos of the same bird, so I just made the balance.

Anyhow, I hope you like it. There are more photos of it at http://www.ipms-css.org/wp-gallery2.php?g2_itemId=3593 if you are interested.

Thanks for looking.
~ Garth

Excellent workmanship, what did you use to make up the Haze Blue.

I built the same kit and used the same decals sheet to make Modification, but mixed the Haze Blue for mine.

Hey Rob,

Thanks for the compliment. I'm glad you like it.

As far as paint goes, to make the Sky Base Blue, I just started out with a MM color called 'Blue' (I don't remember the number) and just mixed it with white and a couple of deeper blues until I got a paint chip I was happy with. Same with the Flight Blue... But I don't remember what the base color was. Some navy color I think. I used this and a bunch of reference photos as guides to match the chips against though to see if I was close.

Hi Garth!

That's a great looking P-38!
Some like heavy weathering, some don't... I think it's just perfect the way you did this one!
What did you use for the base (PSP) if I may ask?

Jean-Luc

Thanks Jean-Luc!

The base is from Meteor Productions. It is their 12x12 resin PSP base and is pretty reasonably priced at $24. I recommend it. The overall casting was good and I think it's a good representation. I have to say that, in general, I'm happy with most things I've gotten from them. The only thing I really hate is their Black Magic masks. They are way too sticky, so I just use Eduard ones if I end up buying any.

Thanks for the note about the weathering as well. I know some guys don't like weathered aircraft, but it adds context to the model I think. This one was weathered to look like the ones in the photos I had, so people can't really argue it at least. You have to figure, flying three missions a day off of, basically, dirt airfields is going to add a lot of muck.