The model depicted
is a Red Air Force P-39N. The kit used was the Hasegawa 1/48th scale P-400 and
all the relevant parts were used to convert the model into a P-39N. Assembly was
trouble free and the model was truly fun to build. Seatbelts made from tape were
added to the seat in the cockpit area of the model.
Click on
images below to see larger images
The model was heavily
weathered to depict the wear and tear inflicted on it from service on the
Eastern Front. Fading was done with an airbrush equipped with an extra
fine tip. Panel lines were drawn with a Micron ink pen and then accented
with Tamiya Smoke applied with an airbrush. MIG Pigments were added to the
wheels to depict the build up of mud and dirt.
This aircraft changed hands
several times so markings had been painted out and reapplied repeatedly on the
real airframe. Aeromaster decals were used to depict a P-39N "Kobrushka"
from the 100th GIAP that had been flown by Grigorii Dol'nikov and Ivan Babak.
The plane was painted to honor another pilot, Pyotr Guchyok, who was killed in
action.
"HAPPY
MODELING,
Ian T.M. Holahan
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