Pacific Warhawk

Recently released, built, painted and completed is this new Curtiss Warhawk. This is the new P-40K in 1/32 scale from Hasegawa.

Although not a direct scale-up from their 1/48 scale kit, there are of course inevitable similarities. However, the 1/32 offers more detail in the cockpit and it overcomes the sticky problem of the rear windows with some imaginative moulding of certain clear parts.

The kit builds really well with that very satisfying 'large model' feel about it. Two decal options are offered in the kit: 'Hydes Harlot' in olive drab and tan complete with a snake's head on the nose, and the obvious choice, the Flying Tigers P-40 flown by Edward M. Nollmeyer. It features personal emblems, red-edged national markings, yellow stripes and the very striking tiger's face. What's not to like?

I built this model for a client, who had one or two special requests. First was battle damage, but can you spot the second feature? You'll need to know your Warhawks...

That Condor Moment

Every now and then, the opportunity arises to build something different. Last year such an opportunity came up when I was asked to put together a diorama with Trumpeter's Focke Wulf as its main feature. I was given considerable freedom to do whatever I felt was appropriate to the scene, for which I was very grateful. Dioramas are often about spontaneity. Ideas hit as you are working and are usually the better for that. One of my better ideas was the addition of a scratch-built flak tower featuring the new Tamiya 2cm flakvierling.

As with any complex build there were many difficulties. The condor itself was not straightforward; getting the wings on, for instance, would try the patience of a saint. Adding electrics involved three-way emailings and two continents. But construction was not without its rewards, as the photos will show. The diorama now resides with its new owner, who quite possibly exhibited even more patience than I did and who is finally happy to have his diorama, and that's what it's all about.

More on the Elco 80 PT Boat

As you can see, the lion's share of the painting is now complete. Several afternoons were spent getting the model to this stage. Each section of the deck, superstructure and hull have been carefully and minutely weathered to achieve an in-scale well-used appearance. This is very important as it will affect the overall appearance of the boat as well as being able to stand close inspection. This will become apparent later when the weapons and deck fittings are added.

So far, this has proved to be a very interesting and rewarding project. With round 70 hours logged already on this model, I think it gives an idea of the level of dedication required to complete a project on this scale.

I haven't mentioned the huge enjoyment factor, which so far is around 11/10!

No, it's a Hurricane

The last ten years or so have seen a huge expansion in the hobby industry. The model kit has really come into its own. Today, the model builder is so spoilt for choice - you can have almost anything, in any scale, and the quality is largely excellent. So, what does this have to do with a 1/48 Hurricane from Hasegawa? Well, WWII kits are one of the areas that has expanded so broadly in the last decade. Aircraft kits from this period proliferate. The Battle of Britain is apparently more popular than ever, seventy years later, and the Hurricane and Spitfire are the two main fighter types. And yet the younger generation seem not to even have heard of these seminal 'planes, never mind be able to recognise them. It's disappointing that a most pivotal point in British history is becoming a hazy memory.
So, who is buying all these WWII kits?

Anyway, here are some photos of a recently completed model along these lines. An honest, enjoyable build.