WAK Curtiss P-6E Hawk 1/33

[Yu Gyokubun]

Having inspired by members’ threads I have decided to recommence paper model building after a decade-long hiatus with my rusty fingers.

I chose Curtiss P-6E from WAK out of my stock because this kit consists of only about 120 parts that seems adequate for my rehab purpose.

On the other day when I peeked into Glenn-san's (birder) thread I found informative post about how to build bird's head that has similar shape to aircraft's wheel pants. I mean, both have complicated curved shape that will be tough to deal with. So, I started from wheel pants assembly before I forget what I learned from his post.

First, cut out parts then shape them to my heart's content. Next step is to cut regular copy paper to pieces to make gluing tabs since they are not provided in this kit. Glue tabs to one side of each joint then after glue dries glue tabs to another side.

Secondly, again make gluing tabs and glue it to one of a pair.

Glue both halves together starting from both ends in order to ensure positioning then glue tabs in the middle one by one.

Final result is shown in the last photo. For this is my first build in nearly 10 years, that should do though noticeable joint lines on white section bugs me…..

[southwestforests]

That's a well formed start.
And ya didn't even get any rust stains on the white part.

[Michael Mash]

Hello Yu-san,
It’s a pleasure to be watching your work again.
Good choice for a “rehabilitation” project. I am confident it will be a success.
Mike

[Don Boose]

One of my favorite airplanes!

It is good to see that you are as deft and skilful as ever, Yu-sama.

Don

[smithdr]

Slick work on those wheel pants! Excellent work.


Dan

[CMDRTED]

Excellent work. Welcome back to the art of papercraft!

[ricleite]

Interesting aircraft with a very fine colour scheme! Hmm, a lot of compound curves, too

[Isaac]

Great to see that you are building again Yu-san.

It keeps the brain and fingers occupied.



Isaac

[Royaloakmin]

Deft fingers don’t lose their touch, Yu-sama!

[Yu Gyokubun]

Thanks, everyone for dropping a note

1st photo
It was nerve wracking work to cut out circular parts on the instrument panel. I cut it very slowly, carefully and patiently so as not to tear off paper around.

After cutting circular parts made color, which has similar hue to printed one by mixing watercolor then painted cutting edge then glued together sandwiching thin clear plastic sheet.

2nd photo
Cut cockpit panels to pieces then glued tabs made from regular copy paper to back side of them.
When glue the tabs to the cock pit panel leaving narrow gap in between adjacent panels by inserting paper as a spacer.

Purpose of making gap is to make inner corner sharp when fold it

3rd photo
For the first time in 10 years rolled up pipe shape parts.
White gap at the joints stand outs a bit

4th photo
I felt kind of emptiness in cockpit when I found parts installed in the cockpit included in this kit are only instrument panel, joy stick, pedals, pilot seat so, I borrowed some parts from other kit thinking it’s better than a smaller number of parts. It was an about face from my original plan to build the kit as is basis.

First, made control lever box beveling back side of cut edges and folding line in order to make outer corner of it sharp

5th photo
Then made bombe like parts.
When assembled it I forgot to bevel backside of cut edges that resulted in unsightly wide gaps.

So, I tried again. This time unsightly black cut line stands out.

Still unsatisfactory so, I tried 3rd time.
Cut along inside of black line and beveled cut edges.

After thinking about it I realized that these parts will be less visible after completion of the model. I look dumb but will put it behind me and forge ahead

6th photo
Entire cockpit