This all started so long ago I could've probably posted it in the Clear Your Workbench GB. A few years ago, I took a venerable 1/72 Revell Curtiss Hawk-75 and cut down the back to fit the rear glazing from a two-seat Johann Me-262. The front canopy/windscreen was from a P-40N. Here's the mock-up shots:
Then I put it all back in the box and forgot about it until a couple of days ago. When I started on it again, I realized that I'd also forgotten it was so poorly molded it should have its own Flashman book.
Undaunted, I got out my carving knife and belt sander and went to work. Once the parts were all cleaned up, it went together better than I expected.
Except for the canopy, the only other mod was using a two-bladed "rescue prop" cobbled together from what was left of an old 3-blader.
The Vatican City markings were all painted on, which certainly makes the decal phase easier. The model was brush-painted by hand in acrylics, a custom gray mix mostly. Poly Scale Reefer White was used on the cowling, prop spinner and markings which are bordered by Model Masters Insignia Yellow. The canopy was tinted on the inside with Model Masters Semi-Gloss Black.
The prop blades were done with Model Masters Aluminum and Jet Exhaust was used on the exhausts. The guns were given a custom mix.
Decals were mostly from a Penn Central railroad sheet and the codes were spares. The
Angelus Custos insignia are Esci Fokker D.VII fuselage markings, slightly altered.
Before I forget, here's the "money shot", U.S. penny for scale.
It only took me a couple of days to put this together and despite the kit escaping Revell's quality control, it went smoothly. One thing I love about this particular Curtiss P-36/Hawk-75 kit is that it's designed to be built either gear-up (preferred) or down and the tires are separate little rings making them very simple to paint.
I was also able to use that wonderful vintage Airfix stand, to my great delight.
This was one of the most relaxing builds I've had in a while and makes for a nice weekend. Many thanks to Bill for his kindness in sending me the Johann Me-262 that gave up its rear canopy. I couldn't have done it without him!
I hope you enjoyed the Vatican City Guardian Angels' Hawk and reading a little more forgotten aircraft history even if the so-called "experts" think the whole thing is just some
Papal bull without a prayer of being believed.
Brian da Basher