The new Hobby Boss P-61

Here are a couple pictures of one of my latest builds: Hobby Boss P-61 Black Widow

It was a fun build but the research done by HB could be more thorough...

The nose art was hand painted instead of using the kit decals.

Finishing the Zero

These last few days, there has been a lot of projects going on at the same time; the Zero, organizing the workspace (again) and trying to figure out where to put all the models that are starting to come back from the local hobby shop Model-Craft. After a couple of years in display cases and shop windows they are now retired with honour. Some are actually (with a heavy heart) broken up and going into the trash or the "good-to-have" boxes and some will be displayed here at home. Some can be found in the mix of older models elsewhere within these pages.

Meanwhile, the Zero is all but complete.

Decals were plenty but the instructions are very clear so other than using MicroSet and -Sol, no special techniques were required. I did not use clear laquer before putting the decals on; not needed when using the AS-29 spray can as it comes out nicely semi-glossy. 

The engine mounts, and the "power egg" itself with it's cowlings (detachable of course) fit perfectly into the guiding holes in the "firewall". The propeller and spinner is painted with AS-12 Bare metal Silver and the side of the propeller facing backwards is painted semi gloss black.I opted to use the folded wingtips here but of course you can build the "deployed" wingtips as well. 

Fitting the canopy is easy; the fit is superb. After the Glue'n'Glace has dried, I carefully remove the masks over the glazed areas. This is when the model really starts to come to life.

Well, here she is, all but finished and with another Zero to accompany her. In the weekend, I'll set up the portable studio and take some better shots! The Iphone camera is good, but it can't hold a candle to my EOS!

The Zero is nearing completion

These last few days a lot has been done. The landing gear is assembled and placed inside the main wing, which is then glued to the fuselage.

The mechanism for the main gear enables you to retract the legs. 

No putty is needed when joining the wing to the fuselage.

After a few layers of AS-29 from the can, subtle weathering can begin. To simulate wear, I use silver markers, lead pens, and some diluted grayish white. Some of the panel lines are enhanced with Tamiya's panel line paint. But this is done with restraint, as I feel that over-weathering, and too much emphasis on panel lines can ruin a model very quickly.

The ingine is quickly built, and I did a little bit of detailing with lead wire. Most of it is hidden anyway, as I don't want to ruin the beautiful lines of this classic fighter with open hatches.It took me about two hours to paint and build the engine; more can be done if one wants to!

The undercarriage legs (with suspension of course!) are attached with screws.

Detail painting.

Test fitting of engine nacelle. Also, I cannot stop myself from decalling up a bit; it gives a great feel of what the plane will look like. MicroSol and -Set is used to make the decals conform well.

A closer (blurry) look at the engine reveals join lines and fuzzy ignition leads.

The canopies are masked off using the template from the kit.

...and then sprayed black to make the insides of the frames dark.

After two layers of AS-29 on top of the black, Deluxe's fantastic "Glue'n'Glaze is used to attach the front screen.

More on the Zero...

Cockpit tub is assembled; its real tight but the fit is superb, not one curseword has been uttered. It is a shame that so much of all that work is virtually impossible to see once the tub is placed inside the fuselage, but I know it's there, and building and painting it is a pleasure.

A view from the rear. I decided against adding plumbing for the oxygen bottles; you have to draw the line somewhere!

The gun mounts are simple, as are the ammo runners, but as it's impossible to see without opening up the inspection hatch in front of the windscreen, I could live with it.

And then the tub goes into the fuselage. 

Fin and stabilizer in place. The little photo-etched hinges work just fine! 

Fuselage assembly

Fit is perfect

Soon, the cockpit parts go in and you won't see half of the work put into it. But you know its there!

The first build on the new blog: Tamiyas big Zero!

Its early days yet, the cockpit is slowly coming together...

The cockpit assembly is nicely detailed straight from the box

I really like the gray-green colour scheme found on most model 21's