TimT Posted April 14, 2019 Share Posted April 14, 2019 I’ve been following BritModeller for a while, but having seen a couple of Hudson WIP builds, I felt I had to contribute something of my own. This is my version of the Revell 1/72 Lockheed Hudson, which started life as a limited run by MPM, then was picked up by Italieri, before finding its final resting place in Revell’s back catalogue. I was lucky enough to find one in my local model shop in Saint Paul, MN. I chose to make P5120 of No. 206 Squadron, a Mk. I variant from 1940, based at Bircham Newton. The Hudson played an important role in coastal defenses during WWII. An American aircraft, it was adopted by the RAF after a series of hasty redesigns to meet their exacting specifications. Built in the US, one of the first shipments was dragged by mules over the Canadian border and put on a boat to Britain to be outfitted there as a patrol bomber. As reported by others, this kit is not an easy build. Its vintage engineering was a real challenge to my limited skills, requiring shimming, filling and sanding over numerous sessions. Despite this, seeing the iconic shape of the Hudson emerge over time was worth the effort. I wanted to depict it in flight, and as this was not a supplied option, I had to chop the wheels down to fit in the too shallow wheel wells. I added some detail to the cockpit and navigator's area - all completely invisible through those tiny windows! I also added a very nice pilot and navigator from PJ Productions, and used Montex Masks for roundels, windows and gun turret. To finish it off, I replaced the kit guns with Master .303 Browning barrels - tiny brass miracles. Not conventionally attractive, the Hudson’s bulbous silhouette nevertheless makes for a striking appearance. I remember my dad’s Airfix version, built in the 70’s and gathering dust for a couple of decades after. This build is a homage to that memory and all the pilots who mastered this bulldog of a plane. 57 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mmarchal Posted April 14, 2019 Share Posted April 14, 2019 Great result, very convincing weathering. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigbadbadge Posted April 14, 2019 Share Posted April 14, 2019 What a gorgeous model of this cracking machine. Great weathering too. Fantastic work. All the best Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farmerboy Posted April 15, 2019 Share Posted April 15, 2019 That’s a smasher, good job! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ForestFan Posted April 15, 2019 Share Posted April 15, 2019 Nicely done 👍 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max Headroom Posted April 15, 2019 Share Posted April 15, 2019 I have one of these stalled (I will finish it!!) so I appreciate the amount of work that has gone into this. Your weathering is particularly good too. Excellent job 👍🏻 Trevor Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheBaron Posted April 15, 2019 Share Posted April 15, 2019 Superb work and some great dramatic angles in those photos Tim. Welcome to the forum. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FatFlyHalf Posted April 15, 2019 Share Posted April 15, 2019 Nice model. One question. You spent a lot of time weathering the airframe yet the markings all look pristine. Was that an oversight or the result of adding the decals after the weathering? I know, I'm being picky. Apologies. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevej60 Posted April 15, 2019 Share Posted April 15, 2019 Superb build Tim,not the easiest of kit's I know I for one lost patience with it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John_W Posted April 15, 2019 Share Posted April 15, 2019 I know firsthand what a pig this kit is to build, and you have made a stunning job of it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meatbox8 Posted April 15, 2019 Share Posted April 15, 2019 That looks absolutely terrific. A great paint finish and weathering. I really like how you've posed it 'in flight'. Whatever difficulties there were in the build they haven't taken anything away from a superb end result. This is such an important aircraft that I really think it deserves a new, state-of-the-art treatment from one of the major producers. How about it, Airfix? P.S. Really like the story about the first airframes being mulled across the Canadian border. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank083 Posted April 15, 2019 Share Posted April 15, 2019 Very nice looking bird! Frank Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TimT Posted April 15, 2019 Author Share Posted April 15, 2019 Thanks for the support, everyone! I've gained a lot of inspiration from the work shared here by all of you, so it's gratifying to get your comments. 1 hour ago, FatFlyHalf said: Nice model. One question. You spent a lot of time weathering the airframe yet the markings all look pristine. Was that an oversight or the result of adding the decals after the weathering? I know, I'm being picky. Apologies. Yes, I probably should've pushed the roundels back a bit to integrate them into the rest of the airframe. They're actually painted on - not decals - so I can't blame the process. During my research, it was hard to tell from period photos how and how much the roundels got worn down or faded, so I erred on the side of caution. Thanks for the tip. 20 minutes ago, Meatbox8 said: That looks absolutely terrific. A great paint finish and weathering. I really like how you've posed it 'in flight'. Whatever difficulties there were in the build they haven't taken anything away from a superb end result. This is such an important aircraft that I really think it deserves a new, state-of-the-art treatment from one of the major producers. How about it, Airfix? P.S. Really like the story about the first airframes being mulled across the Canadian border. And I totally agree about Airfix offering a new tool of this icon. Another 1/48 beauty like their Blenheim would sell like out in short order. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tonyot Posted April 15, 2019 Share Posted April 15, 2019 Well done for taming this kit,...... not the easiest but it does look excellent when it is finished,..... your paintwork is excellent, Cheers Tony Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spaddad Posted April 15, 2019 Share Posted April 15, 2019 (edited) 2 hours ago, stevej60 said: Superb build Tim,not the easiest of kit's I know I for one lost patience with it! That doesn't sound like you. Edited April 15, 2019 by spaddad Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spaddad Posted April 15, 2019 Share Posted April 15, 2019 Orsum Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Putty Animal Posted April 15, 2019 Share Posted April 15, 2019 Beautiful job. Congratulations! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neil.C Posted April 15, 2019 Share Posted April 15, 2019 What a lovely job. The weathering particularly looks beautiful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMCS Posted April 15, 2019 Share Posted April 15, 2019 Awsome Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glatisant Posted April 15, 2019 Share Posted April 15, 2019 Super Hudson. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buzby061 Posted April 15, 2019 Share Posted April 15, 2019 Great work all round. A nice depiction of a weary machine. Pete Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sky Keg Posted April 16, 2019 Share Posted April 16, 2019 Excellent on all accounts Tim!!!!!!! Well done 👍 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarcNewitt Posted April 16, 2019 Share Posted April 16, 2019 Awesome weathering on that bird, want to have a go on one of these myself but I think I will wait until I have some more confidence! Great work. Marc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ad-4N Posted April 16, 2019 Share Posted April 16, 2019 That weathering is fantastic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
russ c Posted April 17, 2019 Share Posted April 17, 2019 Excellent Hudson, love the pic`s too Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now