Northrop's P-61 Black Widow by Revell: WIP

[mustang1989]

On 11/13/2024 at 5:13 AM, David G. said:

I think sometimes we get in the way of what we're trying to do Joe, I know I do! 

It's like I say: "Model builders, we're problem solvers who create our own problems to solve!"

But oh that feeling when it does finally click into place!

=D-

 I believe that 100% on the getting in our own way bit Dave. I seem to constantly over complicate my builds with the details and in the end, I always say to myself, "Why can't you just build something OOB??"

The satisfaction one gets when things finally do "click into place" is more than can be put into words. lol 

[David G.]

Hello Everybody!

Ah, so much going on here. In reattaching the rear stabilizer and tail with each other, I snapped off the tiny little ladder that I attached to the rear  hatch to support the weight of the tail section and allow the plane to sit level. I just set the plane down and *tick* it snapped off. No surprise there, I had concerns about it bearing the weight over the long term.

So I went on with the planned procedure of aligning and joining the tail and stabilizer. Hence the rubber band and wire holding them together while the adhesive cures.

Once the tail was set up and curing I looked to the solution for my plane's weight problem. The kit provides a clear strut that attaches to a hole in the rear fuselage to support the weight. It's rubbish. The end that is supposed to go into the hole in the fuselage has a 2 or 3mm stud that is wholly inadequate for holding it in place. So using a section of clear sprue, I fashioned a replacement that is long enough to contact the underside of the cockpit floor when inserted providing much more stability and support. I reattached the ladder with as much CA as I could reasonably use. It's not really necessary now but I've grown used to seeing there and it does help balance the weight.

 

 

I flat-spotted a couple of the tires to get the plane sitting more level. I've reattached a couple of the landing gear doors that weren't well secured and got the stabilizer and wings fitted more properly. 

This build's been a lot of hard work, when does the fun part start?

 

That's all for this update. As always, thanks for stopping by for a look. If you liked what you saw (or didn't) please feel free to share your thoughts with me.

David G.

[mustang1989]

44 minutes ago, David G. said:

This build's been a lot of hard work, when does the fun part start? 

Yeah but you love it doncha Dave. LOL. 

A lot of work it has been......but it wouldn't have turned out this good so far without all of the work involved. Such a good result so far and great problem-solving skills at work here.  I'm definitely looking forward to the next update.

[David G.]

22 hours ago, mustang1989 said:

Yeah but you love it doncha Dave. LOL. 

A lot of work it has been......but it wouldn't have turned out this good so far without all of the work involved. Such a good result so far and great problem-solving skills at work here.  I'm definitely looking forward to the next update.

Actually you're right Joe, I do enjoy the challenge. 

I too am looking forward to the next update, it means that progress is being made.   More than that though, I appreciate your following along and offering your insight and encouragement.

Thank you.

=D-

[David G.]

Hello Everybody!

After taking a few days off to spend the holiday with family and friends, I'm back to "work".

I made this little crate for Jack to stand on. It looks like the fun has begun!

 

 

This is the last of the structural bits being added, mainly the wing flaps and one errant landing gear door and the left prop.

 

 

Here's a quick shot of the flaps installed.

 

 

This angle the prop and all the removeable hatches and covers in place. Also a test fit of the canopies.

 

I'm hoping to have this one wrapped up by year's end and it looks like I might just make it.

As always, Thanks for taking the time to look and please feel free to post any comments you may have.

David G.  

[shoopdog]

Looking really good David!

[David G.]

18 hours ago, shoopdog said:

Looking really good David!

Thank you Keith.

David G.

[Straightliner59]

It looks a beauty! Nice, smooth, invisible seams. I like Jack's crate, too!

[David G.]

20 hours ago, Straightliner59 said:

It looks a beauty! Nice, smooth, invisible seams. I like Jack's crate, too!

Thank you Daniel!

I think the lack of seams has more to do with my photography skills than my model building skills.  I always try to choose the most flattering angle.   

I'm glad you lie the crate too. I'm pretty pleased with that as well.

David G.

[ksnow]

I am really enjoying watching the process of this build. Makes me want to to crack open a plane kit after I finish up a few cars.

[mustang1989]

With all of these last little tid bits going on it makes it really tricky to handle (as well as scary to handle too I'll bet). She's shaping up VERY well here Dave and one can tell that a lot of tender love and care is going into this beast.  Also......this is a whole new color for me to see one of these Widows in but it looks great in it. Just beautiful work man. 

Edited December 3, 2024 by mustang1989

[David G.]

On 12/3/2024 at 6:11 AM, ksnow said:

I am really enjoying watching the process of this build. Makes me want to to crack open a plane kit after I finish up a few cars.

Thank you Kyle. I like to step outside my comfort zone from time to time and build something other than cars. I think of myself as a model builder who builds model cars ...mostly.

 

15 hours ago, mustang1989 said:

With all of these last little tid bits going on it makes it really tricky to handle (as well as scary to handle too I'll bet). She's shaping up VERY well here Dave and one can tell that a lot of tender love and care is going into this beast.  Also......this is a whole new color for me to see one of these Widows in but it looks great in it. Just beautiful work man. 

Yeah, manipulating this thing can get a little clinchy at times. Even paying close attention I still manage to bump it into something most times. Thank you so much for your kind words and encouragement Joe, I appreciate that. 

As for the color I was inspired by a photo I found during my research. The original OD on this plane is probably a little darker than what I used but once it's weathered....

 

Thanks again,

David G.

[mustang1989]

20 hours ago, David G. said:

Yeah, manipulating this thing can get a little clinchy at times. Even paying close attention I still manage to bump it into something most times. Thank you so much for your kind words and encouragement Joe, I appreciate that. 

As for the color I was inspired by a photo I found during my research. The original OD on this plane is probably a little darker than what I used but once it's weathered....

Thanks again,

David G.

Right??!! That picture does indeed give this bird a good look. Will be watching for the weathering process Dave. 

[stavanzer]

As a General Rule, the OD P-61's went to Europe,and the Black Ones went to the Pacific. But, especially in the USAAC, nothing was ever written in stone.

Good on you for building one in OD.

[David G.]

9 hours ago, stavanzer said:

As a General Rule, the OD P-61's went to Europe,and the Black Ones went to the Pacific. But, especially in the USAAC, nothing was ever written in stone.

Good on you for building one in OD.

Thank you Alan, I wasn't aware of that. I wondered why there was a color difference but nothing definitive came up in the little bit of research that I did. I must have picked up on that somehow though as I was disinclined to put the Japanese Imperial flag victory markings on it. For European deployment the other emblems would be more appropriate but none are provided in the kit. People are averse to reproducing images of the broken black cross... for any reason... in any scale.

Rightfully so.

Maybe I'll come up with something. Maybe I'll just leave them off all together.

Thanks again,

David G.

[David G.]

Hello Everybody!

Now that the London Cab is completed and awaiting its turn in the photo studio, I can turn my attention back to some of my other projects.

Here's a quick shot of the plane in the curio cabinet where I plan to display it as the focal point of a diorama.

 

 

Getting back to work, I've started throwing some decals at it.

 

 

I've also laid down a base coat on the figures to see how much work they need to be made presentable. They will need some attention. 

 

That's all for this post.

Maybe I can get this one done for the year too?

As always, thanks for taking the time to look and please feel free to  post any comments you may have.

David G.

[gotnitro?]

Excellent work dealing with this old kit! I've tried a couple times to build one, only get discouraged and shelve it

[David G.]

4 hours ago, gotnitro? said:

Excellent work dealing with this old kit! I've tried a couple times to build one, only get discouraged and shelve it

Thank you most kindly Jeff. This kit certainly is a challenge.

David G.

[David G.]

Hello Everybody!

I've decided on the nose art! 

It's probably not historically accurate in any way but it's certainly not unprecedented. Historical accuracy is not really what I'm going for with this build. This build is more of a nostalgia trip than anything else and this nose art is something I would have done "back in the day". Besides, who doesn't love a good shark-mouth?

 

 

Adding the canopy balances it out a little better visually.

 

 

I had considered drawing the missing details in the gap between the decals. But I decided to leave it as is rather than taking a chance of messing up what I already have.

 

That's all for this update.

As always, please feel free to post any comments you have and thanks for taking the time to look.

David G.

Edited December 20, 2024 by David G.
typo

[shoopdog]

I’m liking the shark teeth! Nice choice!

[David G.]

16 hours ago, shoopdog said:

I’m liking the shark teeth! Nice choice!

Thank you Keith. I wasn't sure at first but now it seems to be a good choice.

David G.

[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.

[shoopdog]

Turned out great, been waiting to see this completed.

[stavanzer]

It look very good, David. You really made a Silk Purse out a Sow's Ear!

 

Good Show.

[David G.]

20 hours ago, shoopdog said:

Turned out great, been waiting to see this completed.

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.

 

18 hours ago, stavanzer said:

It look very good, David. You really made a Silk Purse out a Sow's Ear!

 

Good Show.

Thank you Alan, I found the suggestions and information you provided very helpful.

David G.