P-43 Lancer - 1/48 Classic Airframes

[helios]

Decided to take this on as a quick weekend project to build in parallel w/ a fellow club member (he's building a 1/72 P-51).



Fiddly engine bits...that I had to redo later when the fuselage halves wouldn't quite close up due to interference w/ the engine cylinders.


Significant sanding required on the resin wheel wells to allow the wing half to fit. Ultimately got there w/o burning through...but it was really close in a couple spots.


Was hoping to be further along, but slowly getting there.

 

[Rhino]

Aww.... Mr. Thunderbolt's daddy. How cute!
Will it be Robert L. Scott's Lancer of Mt. McKinley exploration fame?
Will you simulate the fuel leaks too?

 

[helios]

Aww.... Mr. Thunderbolt's daddy. How cute!
Will it be Robert L. Scott's Lancer of Mt. McKinley exploration fame?
Will you simulate the fuel leaks too?

Going to run w/ the Chinese AF markings in the box. Probably be a bit of light weathering, but I usually like to keep my builds relatively clean.

 

[helios]

Fuselage & wing fit surprisingly good for a short run kit.

 

[jknaus]

Looking good. Looks like a lot of work, but coming along nicely.
James

 

[moon puppy]

Wow that's fast. Hey just do what Curtis did, shave the cylinder heads down to fit.

 

[helios]

Wow that's fast. Hey just do what Curtis did, shave the cylinder heads down to fit.

Shortened up the stroke. Should be good for a few more rpm.

 

[Barney]

I would love to compare this kit the new Dora Wings kit.

 

[helios]

I’m guessing if cost is anywhere close, you’re probably money/time ahead with the Dora kit. I got this for free when a club member was moving to CA. He is a historian and aircraft buff, and the Dora kit replaced this one in his stash.

While not a bad kit, a lot of cleanup of the parts are required. Molded details aren’t the sharpest, and a lot of the resin bits are fragile. Once a bit of fitting work is done, the parts do seem to fit up reasonably well. It is going to need some work around the lower fuselage/wing join.

 

[jeaton01]

Looks nice, Chris. I hope I can do as well.

 

[jeaton01]

I would love to compare this kit the new Dora Wings kit.

I have both. Night and day in the box Barney. The Dora Wings kit looks great, nice fine surface detail.

 

[helios]

Spending time bouncing back and both between the MiG-25, RB-66, and this. Still making headway.

Tamiya airframe jig.


One last spot of filler, then off to the paint booth.

 

[helios]

And I just realized I ran the wires to the wrong location on the tail...gonna have to fix that. Bah!

 

[moon puppy]

Are those antenna?

 

[helios]

Are those antenna?

Maybe? That would be my guess though.

 

[Rhino]

Maybe? That would be my guess though.

Yes. Yes those are radio aerials. Silly!
I f-ing LOVE the Tamiya aircraft assembly jig!!

 

[Barney]

I am certain you too can own one of those jigs for the low. low price of $37.95!

 

[helios]

In the paint booth.

 

[helios]

Glossed up ready for decals.

 

[jknaus]

Looking good. I've never been too much interested in the P-43, but I've seen kits listed and builds and its kind of caught my eye now. Maybe one day will try one. Enjoying your build in the mean time.
James