P-38 Lightning, Droop Snoot conversion, Airfix, 1/72, Part 1

  

I'd always wanted to build the Revell Lodela P-38 Droop Snoot, but my collection was always in 1/72 scale, so I never bought it. But the concern remained. I recently reviewed my models that I reserve for spare parts. I always keep a couple of models in my shop for warranty purposes. Since the regular models are sold out, I can use them. I reviewed them and realized I could make the Droop Snoot using one of the incomplete ones, just by making the parts. It's the Airfix version of the P-38F, a little different.

Basic assembly: the nose shape will be made with epoxy modeling clay, but it's necessary to use branches cut to the correct size to serve as a base for the new nose.

The front has a transparent bomber nose. I make it by sculpting it with epoxy modeling clay, letting it dry, and then thermoforming it with acetate over the base.

The nose is sculpted with epoxy modeling clay.

I make the nostril holes and cover them with thermoformed pieces.

The transparent pieces are glued with white glue.