LetLetLet ~ Warplanes

Let Let Let - Warplanes => Aircraft Modeling => Topic started by: Second Air Force on April 17, 2013, 10:50:58 PM

Title: 1/48 AMtech Kittyhawk
Post by: Second Air Force on April 17, 2013, 10:50:58 PM
I recently picked up a three-kit package deal of the AMtech P-40E kit, three complete kits and three decal sheets for a very good price. I've always wanted to try one of these so this opportunity was too good to pass up. Here are a couple of photos of one set of trees and the nice decal sheet with two RAF Kittyhawks and two U.S. P-40Es:
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_1638_zps953a1a6a.jpg) (http://s174.photobucket.com/user/2AF/media/IMG_1638_zps953a1a6a.jpg.html)
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_1637_zps4a46c637.jpg) (http://s174.photobucket.com/user/2AF/media/IMG_1637_zps4a46c637.jpg.html)

The build-up goes pretty quickly as the kit is fairly simple. The cockpit is detailed enough for a "shelf model" with only the addition of seatbelts and a couple of small bits added. I'm building this one pretty much from the box as a sort of practice kit.
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_1649_zpse938b733.jpg) (http://s174.photobucket.com/user/2AF/media/IMG_1649_zpse938b733.jpg.html)
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_1651_zpsd96ff74e.jpg) (http://s174.photobucket.com/user/2AF/media/IMG_1651_zpsd96ff74e.jpg.html)

Fit of the main elements is not too bad with the exception of the wing root area and the center section/fuselage joint on the bottom. It isn't anything that a bit of filler can't fix, though.
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_1652_zps121d3e25.jpg) (http://s174.photobucket.com/user/2AF/media/IMG_1652_zps121d3e25.jpg.html)

The last main components to install were the side cowling panels. The manufacturer was nice enough to include two complete sets of cowlings and both round exhausts and the fishtail type. The exhaust stacks determine which cowl panels you will use.
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_1653_zpsfc49c777.jpg) (http://s174.photobucket.com/user/2AF/media/IMG_1653_zpsfc49c777.jpg.html)

Finally the lower surfaces received their Azure paint:
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_1654_zpsc4e55d95.jpg) (http://s174.photobucket.com/user/2AF/media/IMG_1654_zpsc4e55d95.jpg.html)

More camouflage and an update later....... ;)
Title: Re: 1/48 AMtech Kittyhawk
Post by: Nico Braas on April 17, 2013, 11:10:05 PM
Is this the same as the old OTAKI kit? Looks very familiar to me!
Title: Re: 1/48 AMtech Kittyhawk
Post by: No.1 on April 17, 2013, 11:23:53 PM
Cockpit look so good :-ok
Title: Re: 1/48 AMtech Kittyhawk
Post by: Second Air Force on April 17, 2013, 11:47:21 PM
Is this the same as the old OTAKI kit? Looks very familiar to me!

Nico,

I'm told this was originally an AMT/ERTL product from here in the U.S. AMtech then was able to use the AMT molds and modified them to come up with the E model. They also did the F and (I think) an L. As for the Otaki kit, I will one day build one of those, too. I've always liked most of their kits, especially the Corsair and Spitfire.

No.1, the cockpit is completely out-of-box except for some masking tape seatbelts. There is really a nice amount of detail on the cockpit parts but not super-detailed. The main drawback on the cockpit assembly is that the floor should really be curved to match the wing contour. For a shelf model this isn't really that noticeable, though.
Title: Re: 1/48 AMtech Kittyhawk
Post by: No.1 on April 18, 2013, 12:01:01 AM
Thank you for additional info :)
Title: Re: 1/48 AMtech Kittyhawk
Post by: draken35 on April 19, 2013, 04:39:43 PM
:-ok
Title: Re: 1/48 AMtech Kittyhawk
Post by: Second Air Force on April 29, 2013, 12:24:59 AM
Time for more desert colors:
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_1691_zps4541bb78.jpg) (http://s174.photobucket.com/user/2AF/media/IMG_1691_zps4541bb78.jpg.html)

I especially enjoy these desert schemes since my father was in North Africa around the same time!
Title: Re: 1/48 AMtech Kittyhawk
Post by: Sall on April 29, 2013, 01:59:46 AM
Cockpit is great! :-clap And camouflage also! :-clap
Very good job so far!! :-clap Go forward! :-flo
Title: Re: 1/48 AMtech Kittyhawk
Post by: No.1 on April 29, 2013, 05:56:36 AM
This look great!
Title: Re: 1/48 AMtech Kittyhawk
Post by: draken35 on April 29, 2013, 12:08:13 PM
:-ok
Title: Re: 1/48 AMtech Kittyhawk
Post by: Second Air Force on May 07, 2013, 02:24:16 AM
This practice Kittyhawk is finished. I've used one of the kit decal options to depict an Australian machine of 450 Squadron that was stationed in the Western Desert in 1942, not long after the airplane arrived in the theatre.
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_1736_zpsb589ffe9.jpg) (http://s174.photobucket.com/user/2AF/media/IMG_1736_zpsb589ffe9.jpg.html)
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_1741_zps4ef1d5de.jpg) (http://s174.photobucket.com/user/2AF/media/IMG_1741_zps4ef1d5de.jpg.html)
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_1744_zps383013c4.jpg) (http://s174.photobucket.com/user/2AF/media/IMG_1744_zps383013c4.jpg.html)
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_1746_zps20e93036.jpg) (http://s174.photobucket.com/user/2AF/media/IMG_1746_zps20e93036.jpg.html)

I was actually amazed at the similarity of the Azure blue undersides of the Kittyhawk and the blue of the Oklahoma sky today! I see now why this color was effective in the clear sky of North Africa:
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_1739_zpsea68f670.jpg) (http://s174.photobucket.com/user/2AF/media/IMG_1739_zpsea68f670.jpg.html)

Also, this was an enjoyable model to construct with just a few small problems so I decided to purchase another "three-pack" of kits from the same seller. This time I got three long fuselage, Merlin-powered, P-40F/P-40L kits. Again they are from Amtech but lack the updated resin nose that was included in some of their kits. I'll be modifying the kit parts to make them more accurate. First I started by trimming out the cowl flaps and doing some other work in that area. Then an old drop tank was used to make the internal fairing of the radiator duct. I'll post some photos later of the original kit parts alongside the modified pieces.
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_1729_zps6a862a10.jpg) (http://s174.photobucket.com/user/2AF/media/IMG_1729_zps6a862a10.jpg.html)
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_1733_zps9e982ebb.jpg) (http://s174.photobucket.com/user/2AF/media/IMG_1733_zps9e982ebb.jpg.html)
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_1734_zps5f970397.jpg) (http://s174.photobucket.com/user/2AF/media/IMG_1734_zps5f970397.jpg.html)
Title: Re: 1/48 AMtech Kittyhawk
Post by: No.1 on May 07, 2013, 05:52:40 AM
I like it much!!!
Title: Re: 1/48 AMtech Kittyhawk
Post by: draken35 on May 07, 2013, 05:08:16 PM
:-ok
Title: Re: 1/48 AMtech Kittyhawk
Post by: Sall on May 07, 2013, 11:26:32 PM
One more great kit in your showcase!! :-clap :-clap
Title: Re: 1/48 AMtech Kittyhawk
Post by: Second Air Force on June 07, 2013, 03:16:47 AM
I imagine y'all think I forgot about this project........but I simply haven't had time to work on it! Tonight the painting was started.
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/574eaa6e-f38c-48ac-911d-8f488b20f057_zps8ceb9844.jpg) (http://s174.photobucket.com/user/2AF/media/574eaa6e-f38c-48ac-911d-8f488b20f057_zps8ceb9844.jpg.html)
Title: Re: 1/48 AMtech Kittyhawk
Post by: No.1 on June 07, 2013, 06:32:11 AM
We all have priority ;) Welcome back :))
Title: Re: 1/48 AMtech Kittyhawk
Post by: draken35 on June 07, 2013, 09:19:22 PM
:-ok
Title: Re: 1/48 AMtech Kittyhawk
Post by: Sall on June 07, 2013, 10:05:03 PM
 :-ok :-clap
Title: Re: 1/48 AMtech Kittyhawk
Post by: Tweety on June 08, 2013, 09:52:18 PM
 :-love :-love :-love :-love :-love :-obey :-obey :-obey :-obey :-obey :-jump :-jump :-jump
Title: Re: 1/48 AMtech Kittyhawk
Post by: zetman on June 10, 2013, 10:01:46 PM
I do like the branches in your stash mate. ;)
Very interesting pieces,and very well done execution.
Just only...more wethering and dirt please...they cry for it!  ;)
 :-salut
Title: Re: 1/48 AMtech Kittyhawk
Post by: Second Air Force on June 13, 2013, 03:29:00 AM
This P-40 will have more weathering, zetman!  ;)

Dark earth applied last evening:
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_1908_zps07176156.jpg) (http://s174.photobucket.com/user/2AF/media/IMG_1908_zps07176156.jpg.html)
Title: Re: 1/48 AMtech Kittyhawk
Post by: No.1 on June 13, 2013, 07:37:45 AM
:-ok
Title: Re: 1/48 AMtech Kittyhawk
Post by: Sall on June 13, 2013, 03:53:27 PM
Nice camouflage! :-clap
Title: Re: 1/48 AMtech Kittyhawk
Post by: Second Air Force on June 23, 2013, 03:37:46 PM
Last night I was able to spray the Azure undersides on this P-40:
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_1921_zps6718839a.jpg) (http://s174.photobucket.com/user/2AF/media/IMG_1921_zps6718839a.jpg.html)
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_1923_zps27e74d0e.jpg) (http://s174.photobucket.com/user/2AF/media/IMG_1923_zps27e74d0e.jpg.html)

Progress is quite slow on my projects now, but I promise to visit the workbench when time allows......
Title: Re: 1/48 AMtech Kittyhawk
Post by: No.1 on June 23, 2013, 03:43:58 PM
Great mate :)
Title: Re: 1/48 AMtech Kittyhawk
Post by: Sall on June 23, 2013, 07:20:23 PM
Looks very nice! :-clap
Title: Re: 1/48 AMtech Kittyhawk
Post by: Second Air Force on June 27, 2013, 06:25:37 PM
Clear sprayed and decal placement started:
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_1930_zpsf1b0f88a.jpg) (http://s174.photobucket.com/user/2AF/media/IMG_1930_zpsf1b0f88a.jpg.html)
Title: Re: 1/48 AMtech Kittyhawk
Post by: No.1 on June 27, 2013, 08:08:11 PM
Interesting position of decals :)
Title: Re: 1/48 AMtech Kittyhawk
Post by: Sall on June 27, 2013, 11:33:42 PM
 :-ok :-clap
Title: Re: 1/48 AMtech Kittyhawk
Post by: Second Air Force on June 28, 2013, 06:29:14 AM
Interesting position of decals :)

Yes, I thought that also! It seems the squadron codes stayed in the same place as they would be without the bars added to the star! These markings drew me to build this machine.
Title: Re: 1/48 AMtech Kittyhawk
Post by: Second Air Force on June 30, 2013, 07:00:21 PM
My desk is overflowing again........!
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_1936_zps29964e3b.jpg) (http://s174.photobucket.com/user/2AF/media/IMG_1936_zps29964e3b.jpg.html)
Title: Re: 1/48 AMtech Kittyhawk
Post by: No.1 on June 30, 2013, 07:14:14 PM
This is good desk!!
Title: Re: 1/48 AMtech Kittyhawk
Post by: Second Air Force on July 02, 2013, 05:53:22 PM
The desk is thinning out now that I've finished a couple of projects......

I've used an oil wash on this P-40 (after some experimenting with thinning), then some chipped paint and the white-glue wash I've been using. The markings are those of 1st. Lt. Herman Lawson of the 99th Squadron and was based in Italy at the time of this depiction.
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_1959_zps0956c98e.jpg) (http://s174.photobucket.com/user/2AF/media/IMG_1959_zps0956c98e.jpg.html)
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_1964_zpse1d09760.jpg) (http://s174.photobucket.com/user/2AF/media/IMG_1964_zpse1d09760.jpg.html)
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_1962_zpsd76d88d2.jpg) (http://s174.photobucket.com/user/2AF/media/IMG_1962_zpsd76d88d2.jpg.html)
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_1967_zps08939137.jpg) (http://s174.photobucket.com/user/2AF/media/IMG_1967_zps08939137.jpg.html)
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/2AF/IMG_1960_zps665fb5d0.jpg) (http://s174.photobucket.com/user/2AF/media/IMG_1960_zps665fb5d0.jpg.html)

I've still got four of these Amtech kits (two E and two F) so there will be more to come in the future!
Title: Re: 1/48 AMtech Kittyhawk
Post by: No.1 on July 02, 2013, 06:01:11 PM
Great work!!! I like it :-ok
Title: Re: 1/48 AMtech Kittyhawk
Post by: Sall on July 03, 2013, 12:49:39 PM
Real pearl in your hugeeee collection! :)) :-clap
Title: Re: 1/48 AMtech Kittyhawk
Post by: Second Air Force on July 03, 2013, 06:34:27 PM
Real pearl in your hugeeee collection! :)) :-clap

Nice tie-in with the nose art, Sall!!!!!! :-clap :-ok :-cool

A couple of nice things about building this particular airplane for me: 1. The 99th Fighter Squadron was active in most of the same general locations as where my father served,: 2. I've actually landed on one of Lt. Lawson's training fields at Tuskegee, Alabama. He was one of the Tuskegee airmen that did primary flight training at Moton Field in Tuskegee and then basic and advanced at the Tuskegee Army Air Field a few miles away: 3. One of the Tuskegee AAF hangars was dismantled after the war and re-erected in Montgomery, Alabama, and we have parked our airplane in that hangar several times while on research visits to Maxwell Air Force Base.
Title: Re: 1/48 AMtech Kittyhawk
Post by: Tweety on July 12, 2013, 08:17:11 PM
 :-obey :-obey :-obey :-salut :-clap :-clap