This is the P-47D Thunderbolt bubbletop kit from Academy.
This is my first aircraft kit built since I was a kid.
Hope you like it.
As I usually build 1/35 armour models, I can’t say I’m used to building planes yet.
It’s got this strange workflow of:
10% building
50% masking 
20% painting
20% applying decals
Probably a piece of cake for you guys, but I’m tired…
Also, I learned that acrylic metallic paint (at least Mr. Hobby Aqueous) takes a lot longer to dry and cure than other acrylic colors. Yet it takes about 6 layers for the pigment to create an even shine. I should have resprayed some areas in a 2nd session, but I’m tired…
The kit decals are crap. They lack adhesion. Decal setting solution can’t make them conform to the panel lines. The only good thing about the decals is that they haven’t yellowed in 25 years.
Thanks for looking.
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For a first plane in a while it looks pretty sharp. Your masking is nice and clean; canopy is very clear and the frames are nicely done. You could try hitting the decals with something like Mr. Mark Softer of Microsol’s version if you want to try and get them down in those panel lines. Solvaset is strong but you have to be careful with it.
Yes, those metallics can behave quite differently. I have a set of the Vallejo metallics and they dry fairly quick. I haven’t built a bare-ass bird yet so my experience is limited to small panels and exhausts which obviously would dry quick. They are water-based so not smelly like Alclad.
The thing that slows me down on aircraft is the masking, especially since most of my stash are camo-heavy.
Do you have an aircraft in mind yet for your second build? There will be a second, yes? After your nap, of course.
Well, It takes awhile to get back into it, but it looks good.
Congratulations. Most folks don’t seem to change genres and when they do, it doesn’t turn out that well the first time and a metallic scheme to boot.
What is your next aircraft?
