Two P-47D Bubbletops in a row - and both in 1/72. This is also my second build of this kit. As with the Academy kit, this was done to try out yet another NMF technique. This one didn't work out all that well either.

The cockpit, which is very sparse, was painted Floquil Southern Green. The instrument panel was painted black. I didn't bother even attempting to paint any dials, as (1) I knew this build was just to try out a finish and (2) you can't see the panel anyway. As it happens, it didn't matter - when I put some foam rubber in the cockpit opening to mask it, the panel broke off.

Construction didn't really present any problems. I used Tamiya X-1 Black to prime, thinned with Tamiya Lacquer Thinner. I used Floquil Bright Silver for the NMF. Once again, I had adhesion problems - the NMF came off, even after letting it dry for several days. I don't have this issue with other colors. I'm now thinking that the Tamiya X-1 is not sticking well, so I may have to stick with flat primers.

I like to use a different NMF for the landing gear struts, just to give some contrast. My notes indicate that I used Humbrol 11 for the landing gear structs and wheels. When I was applying the decals, I learned that the wheels are supposed to be red. Oh, well. I apparently made the same mistake on the Academy kit, since the decals came from the same aftermarket sheet. The tires and prop blades were Model Master Acryl Flat Black, hand painted. The prop tips are insignia yellow. The red - all of which is painted - is Tamiya XF-3 Flat Red. I also used this to hand paint the hub of the spinner. The anti-glare panel is Model Master Enamel Olive Drab ANA-613.

I used the leftover decals from Superscale 72-886, which I had used on the Academy kit. The kit is not quite right - it should have a filet on the rear fuselage.

Page last updated June 15, 2023.