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Playing in the Sandbox Group Build Sept 1, 2024 - Jn 1, 2025

P-40M 44th FS, 18FG - White 125 - Gypsy Rose Lee


repeater

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This will be my second build for the Pacific War GB. 

 

1/32 P-40M:

 

Unit: 44th FS, 18th FG, 13th AF, USAAF
Pilot - Joseph J. Lesicka 'Jumping Joe'. Munda Field, New Georgia, August 1943.
 
3_78_zps0af94495.jpg
 
Artist: unknown
Source: 'Aircraft of the Aces. Legend of the Skies' by Tony Holmes, © 2004 Osprey Publishing  ISBN 1-84176-825-1
 
This scheme will offer some good weathering opportunities. 
 
I discovered that Gypsy Rose Lee was named after a famous stripper - in reference to the various weight saving measures that were applied to P-40s! 
 
I'm using the Hasegawa kit and markings.
 
l_HAS08199_zpsb8aaccf1.jpg
 
 
 
The plan is to keep this build fairly simple.  The only addition will be Eduard interior PE (33090) and masks.
 
Stay tuned! 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Instrument panel done..  Eduard. 

 

P-40MIP2_zpsb9835022.jpg

 

Just realised I'm missing a toggle switch - must've dropped off while taking the pictures. 

 

 

Base coat of Tamiya XF-27 black green followed by Gunze H-58.

 

 

IMG_6082_zps9c542ee2.jpg

 

 

Work in progress.. adding Eduard PE, etc 

 

P-40Minterior-WIP1_zpsae2c5143.jpg

 

 

All feedback - comments, criticism -  is welcome!  

 

 

 

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Some bench time today and progress on the cockpit, wheel bays, etc. 

 

Cockpit almost done.. next step - adding the harness (from Eduard set) and a tad more PE

 

 

IMG_6137_zpsa3c7af65.jpg

 

 

 

Dryfitting.... starting to take shape..! 

 

IMG_6117_zpsf87332d9.jpg
 
 
IMG_6151_zpsc28c81c6.jpg
 

 

So far trouble free and enjoyable.. but.. it looks like front wingroot/fuselage join might need work.!?!..  :unsure:

 

All feedback - comments, criticism -  is welcome!  

 

 

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Thanks Mike,   Jamme! 

 

It's been another demanding week with little bench time,  but thank God(s) for the weekend  :)

 

Some more progress pics.  

 

After reaching the point of diminishing returns, the cockpit is just about done.  The Eduard set is (of course) great bang-for-buck - I was sorely tempted to add the excellent Hasegawa pilot figure but decided on the etched harness instead.  Pre-painted makes it easier - however next time I think I'll use a HGW harness or equivalent.   Weathering was completed with paint chipping, some pastels, etc.   Next step:  coaming & gunsight,etc 

 

 

IMG_6191_zps4f2735e1.jpg
 
Main construction is complete.. !  Next step:  cleanup: filling, sanding etc  :unsure:   
 
 
IMG_6184_zps8ab4dec7.jpg
 
 
It's gone together reasonably well.  
 
Just the left side (from front of aircraft - ha.. um.. is this port or starboard? )  wingroot will need some work. 
 
IMG_6204_zpsde7bf288.jpg
 
 
The P-40 is a good looking aircraft.. one of my favourites. 
 
IMG_6176_zps76e9cb36.jpg

 

 

 

All feedback - comments, criticism - is welcome! 

 

 

 

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  • 3 weeks later...

Looking Fantastic! I really should pull out my P-40 again... I started it after I took a ride in one!

 

Dave.. I'm very jealous - lucky man! Always been my dream to take a flight in a warbird.. (probably a P-51  :wub:  - one day!!!) 

 

In the meantime, I'm working slowly on the P-40...   mainly the drudgery of seam cleanup, etc. 

 

IMG_6283_zps0c8411d8.jpg

 

 

Primed with Mr. Surfacer 1200..  ALMOST ready for paint  :rolleyes:

 

IMG_6342_zpse3d28cc7.jpg

 

Still a few seams I'm not happy with..   but.. nearly there... 

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  • 4 weeks later...

Finally the P-40 has received some bench time.. ! 

 
Time for painting - for this build I'll use Tamiya and Gunze acrylics. 
 
Firstly the white tail and bands are painted with Tamiya XF-2 Flat White. 
 
 
IMG_7498_zps8dbc0011.jpg
 
IMG_7501_zpsc9775ccd.jpg
 
 
Next...  masking with a fairly simple job using Tamiya 6mm tape for the bands, and regular 18mm tape for the tail. 
 
IMG_7508_zps8bc890b6.jpg
 
 
Pre-shading was applied with H-77 Tire Black. 
 
Underside is painted with Gunze H-53 Neutral Gray.   Top was painted with Gunze H-52 Olive Drab. 
 
IMG_7512_zpscc21c5c8.jpg
 
IMG_7509_zps71bebe43.jpg

 
All feedback - comments, criticism is welcome.    :)
 
Tim
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The bulk of the painting is now complete..   

 

Lightened shades of the base colours were also applied.   Hmm.. jury still out for me - not sure if I like the lightened olive drab.. will have a think about this. 
 
IMG_7515_zpsaa526cb2.jpg
 
 
 
IMG_7518_zps4aef0874.jpg
 
IMG_7513_zps11e5e88c.jpg
 
IMG_7514_zpsf116d6ed.jpg
 
Not helped by some dodgy photography. Will take some more photos and assess. 
 
 
All feedback - comments, criticism - is more than welcome! 
 
Cheers, 
Tim
 
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Certainly in the photographs you've posted the lightened OD doesn't look over done or out of place...

 

I think the overall effect looks really good, not easy adding interest to large blocks of single colour but you've done that here.

 

Matt

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Thanks All..! 

 

Gloss coat and decals are on.. I'll post some pics soon. 

 

 

Certainly in the photographs you've posted the lightened OD doesn't look over done or out of place...

 

I think the overall effect looks really good, not easy adding interest to large blocks of single colour but you've done that here.

 

Matt

 

 

Thanks Matt.. :)  I'll try to improve it further in the weathering stages.. 

 

Tim

 

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