David G.

Hello Everybody! I am unable to post any photos at this time, I keep getting the "Page Not Found" error. I'll keep trying until something works At least once a year I try to step outside of my comfort zone and build something different from the model cars or trucks that I typically build. The Northrop P-61 Black Widow by Revell is this year's challenging diversion. I built one of these kits as a teenager back in the mid Seventies. So, yeah, it's a nostalgia build. This is also my final build for 2024. It seems that many of the P-61 model kits I found during my on-line research were finished in the typical black livery. However, not all of the actual aircraft were finished in this manner, there were some in various shades of army green. Based on the photos I've seen of actual aircraft, I decided to paint mine in Tamiya AS-29 Gray Green. This is the shot I selected for the album cover. Given that the kit comes with openable access panels, I felt the need to use some weathering to create a reason to have them open. Hence the fire damage to the left engine. While not tremendously detailed, the engine behind the panels does offer some visual interest. This side fared a little better with a minor fuel leak. The ground crew is standing by to top 'er up. The nose art is a leftover. I think it works well enough For those who may be interested in seeing just how much work this build entailed, here is a link to the WIP thread: As always, thanks for taking the time to look and please feel free to post any comments or questions you may have. I'll have more photos to post soon. Thanks, David G.

Thank you very much Juergen. I'm rather pleased with the way it all turned out. For supporting the tail I tried using a ladder in the aft hatch but that proved too fragile. Just in handling the plane I broke it twice and mended it once. Instead I made a strut from clear sprue anchored inside the plane and extending through the hole intended to accommodate a similar kit-supplied strut. Thank you again for your kind comment. I'm working on posting some photos in the "Under Glass" section but the website is being difficult right now and will not accept my post. I'll try again later. =D-

I'm really glad to know that you enjoyed following along. Thank you for letting me know that Chris. I'm just getting ready to post some photos of the finished build. I'll throw a link here once I get that set up. Thanks Again. David G.

Wow! That is beautiful! Very impressive! David G.

Those are beautiful builds Scott! I don't think I've seen that many Show Rods in one place since my last car show! Nicely done! David G.

Nice work Mike! A great collection of Gassers and Hotrods. David G.

Excellent work Steve! I particularly like the Riviera, the custom T-Bird and the Red Baron. I'd really like to get one of those Red Barons in my collection. David G.

You've had a very productive year. I really like the Z-28 and the Merc. David G.

Nicely done! David G.

Nice paint and detail on all of them. The Nova and the Vette are especially eye catching. David G.

Hello Everybody! Here's my final build for 2024! The canopy can be built in an opened or closed configuration. The methods provided for doing this are less than optimal, so I came up with my own. I cut some pieces from clear acetate to attach the hatches to the canopy. I've already done this with the smaller hatch. Once glued in place with some PVA canopy adhesive the acetate effectively holds the hatches in place. A little weathering will help disguise the faintly visible adhesive. Here's the first pass on the paint for the crew. Here's what they look like with a shadow wash and some highlights. I gave the shirtless man a sunburn. Now all they need are some shoes and a little dust and they'll be good to go. The final pass on the crew with a shadow wash, some highlighting and oh yeah, shoes! It's finally complete! The last one for 2024. Here's a quick shot with the plans and crew. All I need to do now is set up my little studio and get some proper photos. Thanks to all of you who followed along and offered your tips, comments and support. Once I get some photos done I'll be posting this in the "Under Glass" section. Thanks again, David G.

That makes two of us, thank you Keith. Technically, it's done but I still have a couple more photos to post before I move it to the "Under Glass" section. Thank you Alan, I found the suggestions and information you provided very helpful. David G.

That's one thing I've learned; engineering principles work, no matter the scale. The only trouble one runs up against is suitability of materials. Great work on the truss frame! David G.

Okay... what's the phrase? ...gob smacked? Yeah, gob smacked. That's what I am! That's just amazing Daniel! Patience and skill sir, patience and skill. David G.

Most of those I remember the WIPs for. All of then fantastic looking builds! David G.

So it looks like your plan is to cut tail off where it kicks back up near the end? That could give it a smoother look, closer to the original Porsche body profile. David G.

It would seem Joe, that you're going to show Revell the true meaning of "ultra detailed". David G.

Painting the tubes orange was the right move Bruce, striking effect! For me there's a Zen state to doing that kind of masking. It's second only to detail painting. David G.

A great looking El Camino! Especially with the lighting. I'm going to have to look into one of those bases. David G.

The interior bits are looking great! Love the warning label too. David G.

That's a mighty fine bit of engineering! David G.

Wow! Turning pinheads on a lathe?! 😮 Just Wow! I love the colors on the intakes, they'll look great on the car. David G.

Hello Everybody! This one will be done for 2024, the last one of the year. That'll make eight I've completed in 2024, my most productive year yet! I did some weathering! Maybe a little too much but I'm trying to simulate the results of in-flight engine damage or a fire. It looks like there's a fuel leak on this side. I still have to do some weathering on the ailerons and flaps. It's time to get the crew working on this! As always, thanks for taking the time to look and please feel free to post any comments. David G.

Thank you most kindly Carl. Thank you Harry. That's the first time anyone thought the cars in my display case reminded them of a traffic jam. That's funny! Marry Christmas to you too. David G.

A great looking build so far, despite the setbacks. It's a fun kit, I enjoyed building one a few years back. Best of luck with the new decals. David G.