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Lockheed Hudson, Mk. I


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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. 

 

hud20

 

hud19

 

hud21

 

hud25

 

hud26

 

hud23

 

hud22

 

hud27

 

 

 

 

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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 

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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Well done for taming this kit,...... not the easiest but it does look excellent when it is finished,..... your paintwork is excellent,

 

Cheers

          Tony

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