Real World P-38G "Miss Virginia", New Tamiya 1/48-Completed

[AeroplaneDriver]

This kit was a Chrimbus prezzie from SWMBO so my next Quarantine Build is going to be a real world P-38F.  I'm doing it straight OOB with the kit decals for Miss Virginia, the aircraft that shot down Yamamoto's plane. 

After a quick look through the instructions and the sprues, I have to say this looks like the absolute best kit I've ever laid eyes on.  I reallyy can't wait to see how the build goes. 

For tonight I got the cockpit done.  The kit is engineered so the seat goes in last with part of the canopy gubbins, so for now it is missing.  Overall great detail in the kit parts, ands far it looks like this thing would just about go together without glue. 

[Old Wombat]

Getting to that stage would take me a week & it still wouldn't look as good. Great start, mate!

[NARSES2]

I've read some very good reviews of this kit, even been tempted myself 

Looking forward to your views on it.

[AeroplaneDriver]

I've got to say this kit is an absolute wonder.  The level of engineering and fit on this thing is just on another level.  It's not a cheap kit, but honestly I think it's still a bargain from my experience so far. 

Anyhoo...shameless Tamiya plug over...I got a good bit of work done today.  The central 'pod' is together.  The way the nosegay bay assembles and meshes with the cockpit module is just a thing of beauty.  I think the nosegear bay had about 9 parts to it and is went together perfectly. 

I spent some time this evening playing around with the turbos to get a good 'rusty old hot metal' look to them and I'm really pretty happy with the result. The instructions call for the turbos to be installed now, but I'm obviously leaving them off until painting is done.  Given the fit of the parts I think I'm going to do the painting with the fuselage and nacelles still separate to ease the demarcation line on the inner surfaces of the nacelles.  Once it's all assembled after painting I can't imagine there will be much touchup needed. 

Today's progress:



Nicely detailed nosegear bay.



The fuselage comes together so that the join at the nose is covered by a panel that matched the actual aircraft panel lines so the only seams are at actual panel lines.  Also note one of three steel weights included to keep it from tail sitting. (Other two go in the nacelles.) I love how Tamiya do this. 





Turbos.

[zenrat]

That's all very well, but it's the wrong scale.


Seriously, it looks fantastic.  I've also read the reviews and supplying weights is an excellent move.  Bet I could forget to install them though...

Wonder if Tamiya will follow this with a 1/72 version like they did with their Shturmovik?

[AeroplaneDriver]

And just like that, she looks like a P-38! 

Right now it is just dry fitted, but th fit is so good you almost have to pry the parts apart.  Next up is finishing the cockpit and canopy to start painting while the three main parts area still separate.   

[Old Wombat]

You've got me wanting to buy one now ... AND a Mosquito!



(Anyone able to tell me what Tamiya's 1/48 FB Mk.6 is like? )

[PR19_Kit]

(Anyone able to tell me what Tamiya's 1/48 FB Mk.6 is like? )

If it's anything like their 1/72 BIV/PRIV it'll be PERFECT! 

[Old Wombat]

(Anyone able to tell me what Tamiya's 1/48 FB Mk.6 is like? )

If it's anything like their 1/72 BIV/PRIV it'll be PERFECT! 

Great! I'll order one, then!

[AeroplaneDriver]

Well she's done and all I can say is this is simply the pinnacle of kit engineering.  I cannot say enough good about this kit.  From the overall fit to the impressive engineering that allows normally flimsy parts like gear doors fit solidly without even gluing, to the foil decals for oleo struts and mirrors, this kit is simply a marvel. 

Any flaws with this build are purely self inflicted. Enuf said. 









Probably more pics tomorrow but that's it for now.  Back go Whiffery tomorrow probably. 

[NARSES2]

Nice job sir 

I'm very tempted with getting one of these myself given the reviews I've read and now your build.

[chrisonord]

Very nice build you  have there sir
Chris

[Old Wombat]

Woh! Awesome result!

If that's just Tamiya doing their thing I'm definitely ordering one in! 

[Captain Canada]

Beautiful ! Easy to tell she's a RW build, as it looks like the real thing ! Great job buddy you make it look so easy. Also, you're getting quite prolific in your old age/ renaissance/ reunion tour lol.

Cheers Nick

[DogfighterZen]

Very nice work indeed!