1/48 Monogram AT-6 Harvard

by Michiel Besier

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The Monogram molding is old but decent none the less, with a very nicely detail cockpit, wheel-bay, engine compartment, and dropped flaps.  Although it does have raise panel lines, but the are very fine and well molded.  You are also supplied with two nose deckings, one with and one without the forward-firing machine gun.  I built the kit straight out of the box, with the exception of the masking tape seat belts.

The kit goes together well, with only a bit of work having to go into the cockpit and nose section to get a good fit, and allow sufficient area and gap for the canopy to give a good fit, although I never did get it quite right as after matching up the five canopy components there was a gap found, so all we do is open the canopy!  But with care you can obtain a good fit.

Click on images below to see larger images

  

  

  

The aircraft was painted to represent and example of the SAAF during the mid 50's.

The aircraft was Natural Metal, with Dark Sea Grey (Humbrol 164) wings and anti-glare panel and had Yellow bands on the wings wing tips and fuselage band.  Springbok roundels are found in all three positions with small serial numbers on the tail, larger serials in a yellow, outline in black rectangle under the cockpit, and also under the wings.

 

The debate is always how to get the perfect natural metal finish, well there is only one thing to do... Use METAL!

I covered the model in normal lightweight kitchen foil and used the Microscale, "Metal Foil Adhesive," as most other glues don't work to secure the foil, I tried!  The glue is applied to the foil, left to dry out and the foil then applied to the model, rubbing it down with cotton buds and removing the creases with a tooth pick. Each panel was done individually, and I am very happy with the outcome, specially seeing its only my first try at foiling!

Wing walk-ways were painted on, propeller and landing gear added and flaps deployed...ready for take-off!!!

Michiel 

Photos and text © by Michiel Besier