1/48 Italeri-p40m
Re-scribing panel lines, the very term can make even experienced modelers cringe. Now the molds used for the Italeri kit are the old AMT/ERTL ones and show some deterioration from age. The fuselage is not to well formed and requires some remedial work sanding filling and re-scribing of panel lines.
Now this is very easily said but not so easily done. First you need to find some reference material, in my case line drawings downloaded off the web. I took these drawings and from them was able to figure out what lines needed to be scribed where and although the pundits recommend using Dymo labeling tape to use as a guide for your scriber I saw an article where a modeler used electrical tape and decided to try this method instead, because dymo tape is expensive and I don’t have any!
Then the sanding and filling can begin using Tamyia grey putty and C.A. glue because it will not crack or break off and scribes easily. While working on the fuselage I took the opportunity to glue it together so I can also rescribe those panel lines that go across the joins. I also have realized at some point I am going to have to purchase some scribing templates. To scribe regular shapes like rectangles, circles, squares, triangles and a host of other shapes. Now I’ve seen a few templates available from Eduard ( A Czech firm) , Hasegawa Tri Tool, Lion Roar, and Verlinden. It’s an easy thing to accomplish with masking regular shapes that don’t have rounded corners. But for rounded corners a template becomes a must.
With the fuselage joined together I re-scribed those line that needed it and touched up a few others. I also gave the cockpit and interior their coat of interior green in preparation for a couple of very thin oil washes and painting of the details in the cock pit, fuses boxes switches instrument panel rudder pedals etc. With careful dry brushing the dials should pop nicely. Work carefully and the time spent here will make the model. Now I’ve since discovered that the canopy will sit to high if you model it in the open position and A vac form one is required, now the best on the market is a local company here in New Zealand considered by many to be the best in the market, Falcon Models have a justifiably excellent reputation for their canopies. Now vacuformed canopies and I do not play well together so I’ll use the kits canopy and model it closed. I will however still invest time in the cockpit. Why? I hear you ask, simple I KNOW it’s there! And with the application of Johnson’s Clear shine (Future for my American friends) it will improve no end.
So here I am now with the fuselage re-scribed, the cockpit together and painted ready for detailing, the other interior surfaces painted interior green and ready for assembly. This kit is just falling together for me it’s been a pleasure so far, aside from re-scribing and touching up the fuselage. I however enjoy the challenges that it provides and working outside my modeling comfort zone. It is after all how we learn and refine our techniques and improve how our finished product looks.
Happy modeling
NzFlyBoy
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