SPA Modeler

speedgraflex wrote: Carlos,

Absolutely. I am using the Olive Drab layer as the factory paint. A lot of early P-40s were ferried over in OD then repainted (Dana Bell being quoted, on Britmodeler, I think) and I believe this is one based on the following: (1) the OD showing through behind the yellow lettering on the fin - too hard to mask that in the field, perhaps? and (2) the OD showing through as wear on the upper surface of the wing. Please correct me if I am mistaken.



Also at the moment I do not have the cash for more paint and do not have a sand equivalent at hand. What should I use anyway? Would you recommend an enamel preferably Gunze but Model Master as a color choice...? Thanks in advance!

Desert pink?

13 is a K, and a replacement aircraft in the 57th. Looking at the serial number, it appears that the area was masked off and the rest of the OD surfaces received a coat of Sand. Whether that was in theater, or prior to shipment overseas is anybody’s guess. The worn areas exposing OD on the wing are another clue that the aircraft was likely originally in OD.

62 is a F, and probably one of the original shipment for the 57th FG. The OD rudder is likely a replacement item.

As far as what shade of Sand to use, my favorite is the old discontinued Polly S color. Especially for a more weathered shade when the paint took on a more pinkish hue as described by many veterans of the campaign. But a good match for the color when new is the old Testors square bottle enamel Flat Tan. If you want the more pinkish shade, you can add a drop or three of their square bottle Flat Light Tan.

Thanks so much, bud!

Airbrushing looks great!! Can’t wait to see more!

pzl66 wrote:Airbrushing looks great!! Can’t wait to see more!

Up next, but I don’t know quite when—



This was one of those good deals I did not want to pass up on eBay. Special Hobby must have released the K-1 version this year as this is a 2019 Eduard PE set. I was lucky to find both the kit and the PE on eBay. I would definitely check for more Special Hobby kits in the future. This is a very well designed kit.

I hear yah on the “when” part. In time and it will look great when it is done!

Thank you for your comments, Kevin. I revisited this just to test the fit, but I sadly have to wait for an opportunity to do any more work. With small PE, I need to be so patient and I have been really stressed and unfocused lately. Not a good combo. I keep my hand in the modeling game by building a 1/24 Porsche Carrera from a 1977 kit by Yodel of Japan. Since the kit is extremely basic I can spend time really flossing each stage of construction without fear. I keep thinking I will add a build log here, but I am not sure how much use it will be to other members since this is basically an exercise in multi-stage painting with limits on construction. Maybe I will, though. Feedback here is always extremely helpful! I just believe in giving the audience a good show.

Bro, I would love to see your multi-stage painting work on that car, personally. I think that would be awesome, but at the end of the day it’s like you tell me- “No pressure.” sometimes doing a build log can add an element of pressure and anxiety to something that’s meant to be a relaxing, private getaway. And if that car is your getaway, I wouldn’t want you to jinx it by making it public with all the added pressure that can come along with it.

You wrote your reply so darn well I do not have too much of a follow up. I am never sure who reads what here but I sure am glad you do. There is a core group on Scale Plastic Aircraft Modeler which never disappoints when it comes to replies; but having the viewpoints and opinions of someone like you is pretty much beyond measuring. All the best, Ken. Sincerely.

Have you guys ever seen The Band of Brothers episode, "The Last Patrol"? The one where Private Webster returns to Easy Company after a stay in the hospital? That's what I feel I like... a bit unsure of how to comment amidst all of the new modeling work going on here. Bruce on a P-40 in 72 scale? Would never have guessed it? Looks like some airbrushing work is happening, which is great to see! Now that fishing season is over for me, I'll try to pop my head in more and hopefully re-ignite my own stagnant builds. Keep it going Bruce!

Thank you for visiting, John. You have been missed... but no pressure to return. I am grateful for your words.