Hobby Craft 1/48 Bell P-59 Airacomet
Since this was my first attempt at building a jet, why not build America's first attempt as well. Did purchase a True Detail cockpit set and it fit extremely well, the kits office is a joke. Saw a photo of a P-59 with drop tanks so I added those as well, there from a Revell F-80 kit. The decals are stock and I used Tamiya bright aluminum rattle can for paint. Did some outlining with a Pitt pen then covered it with Future. Though not successful as evisioned by the military brass the P-59 did pave the way for America's entry into the jet age.
I built that model when it first came out. Definitely a case of "Hobbycrap," even with the TD cockpit, which really really really is needed. You've done a good job in saving it.
BTW - the near-20 year long restoration of YP-59A #12 (the first one to be modified to the configuration of the P-59B) is now expected to fly (with original I-16 engines restored by GE) by June, out at Planes of Fame. Ii will be aboard "Photo Fanny" with my camera the day that happens.
I've been following that restoration and would love to be there when it flies again. Hope you post some pics. Got a chance to see the P-38 Glacier Girl when she was based in KY. What a sight to see her flying again especially after a ten year restoration and years under the ice in Greenland.
Yeah, I love that Glacier Girl spends her winters in California out at Chino.
Now that's a fine job on a real POS kit.