Airfix Model World – September 2019

INTERMEDIATE BUILD

P-38J LIGHTNING

84 Airfi x Model World

selected panel

lines and along

control surfaces. A

misted coat of XF-57

Buff was then applied

to mute the brightness

of the white portions of the

markings. Lastly, paint chipping

was replicated with a combination

of a silver Prismacolor and an HB

graphite pencil.

Gear issues

Despite numerous efforts, the

main landing gear doors wouldn’t

fit initially, although it wasn’t

apparent as to whether this was a

kit or self-inflicted issue. The door

mounting tabs were removed

and the parts attached directly to

the booms as a solution. Master

Model’s late-style gun barrels

(48023) replaced the styrene

items, and these were coated

with metal primer, followed by

sprayed XF-69 NATO Black.

Powdered graphite was applied

liberally to the barrels and

rubbed with a cotton bud, to

create a metallic tone.

While the styrene wheels

were adequate, they

were replaced with

Ultracast’s resin

‘diamond’ tread

items (48218); the

hubs were then

painted 4677 Flat Aluminum

and the tyres XF-69 NATO

Black. Protected by a coat of

gloss varnish, the detail was

accentuated via A.MIG-1008

Dark Wash. As photo references

indicated European Theatre

P-38s weren’t fitted with tail-

mounted trailing antennas these

parts were omitted.

selected panel

lines and along

control surfaces. A

misted coat of XF-57

Buff was then applied

to mute the brightness

of the white portions of the

markings. Lastly, paint chipping

was replicated with a combination

kit or self-inflicted issue. The door

mounting tabs were removed

and the parts attached directly to

the booms as a solution. Master

Model’s late-style gun barrels

(48023) replaced the styrene

items, and these were coated

with metal primer, followed by

sprayed XF-69 NATO Black.

Powdered graphite was applied

liberally to the barrels and

rubbed with a cotton bud, to

create a metallic tone.

While the styrene wheels

were adequate, they

were replaced with

Ultracast’s resin

‘diamond’ tread

items (48218); the

hubs were then

painted 4677 Flat Aluminum

and the tyres XF-69 NATO

Light scratching of the propeller tip

paint while the yellow colour was still

soft added realistic chipping effects.

 Before applying gloss varnish, the

entire model received a light buffing

with coffee filter paper, followed by

being wiped with tack cloth.

 AMMO-MIG’s Panel Line
Wash Deep Grey was applied
to all panel lines, which
highlighted the engraved detail.