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Tom Bebout
143 articles

Revell 1/48 P-40B

August 28, 2016 · in Aviation · · 8 · 2.8K

While others at another modelling site are having hyper fits over the release of the new Airfix P-40B, I proceeded in trying to improve the old Monogram/ kit from my stash. At a show I purchased the Medallion Models upgrade kit along with the Starfighter, Pearl Harbor Defenders decal sheet. I added True Detail wheels, a seat with belt, then drilled out the .50 cals, then added some brake lines and I called this one done. I would have tried to drill out the .30 cals, but I didn't want to go blind or crazy in the process.

The upgrade kit from Medallion is a little tricky but really provides you with a nice cockpit, a new spinner, oil and glycol coolers and wheel well interior. Also included are some gun sights which I used. I can't say enough about the decals, they are thin and went down extremely well requiring no setting solution at all. I simply applied them over a coat of Future. Paints are a combo of Model Master and Tamiya, enamels and acrylic. So pull that old kit off the shelf and have some fun, I certainly did.

Reader reactions:
5  Awesome

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8 responses

  1. Very nice example, Tom...turned out great in my opinion.

  2. A true inspiration for older kits.

  3. I'm with you,dude. While I will purchase a new release kit from time to time, I like to stick to the older ones when I can. The old Monogram kits are probably the most accurate in length, shape, and overall outline (what those other sites are always bitchin' about). Put a little work into them (isn't that what scale modeling is about?) and you end up with something real nice. Really like hoe yours turned out.

  4. Nice work. Amazing how 51 years later this is still the most accurate early P-40 out there (hopefully to change next month). The only suggestion I would make is that the Falcon/Squadron vacuform canopy really beats the daylights out of the ill-fitting canopy the kit provides. An easy upgrade if you choose to do so.

  5. I really like this.

  6. Looks like you've hit the nail on the head with this one, Tom.

  7. Another nice P-40 - seems to be a fav among iModelers! And I agree with you (and several of those who commented) about building older kits. My stash if full of them...

  8. A good P-40 is always hard to beat Tom - nice work!

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