Vichy French Hawk - 1/48th Hobbycraft Hawk 75 (P-36)

This kit was originally released in 1992 as a P-36 as a "Pearl Harbour Defender" and then later in Hawk variants representing several world nation markings. The kit is a good starting point for a Hawk 75 (or P-36) and with a bit of work can be a real gem for a bargain kit.

Notable Kit Features:

• Basic cockpit

• Finely engraved panel lines and surface details

• Basic engine with two cylinder rows

• Multi-part glass can be displayed open or closed

• Optional propeller hubs, exhausts and pitots provided

Build Inspiration:

The Hawk aircraft was one of the few types available in the early fight as it developed in WWII. The aircraft served in many theaters in various country's markings which is what makes it such a great aircraft to model. In this case, I went with Vichy French Markings to cover this odd chapter in my model aircraft builds.

Heads-Up Report:

• The fit of the kit is generally good with the exception of the tail wheel

• The engine sits too deep in the cowling, causing the prop to hit either the cowl or the machine guns. It needs to be moved 2mm forward

• Little flash or ejector pin marks in visible areas

Kit Additions / Modifications:

• Moved engine 2 mm forward in cowl to avoid propeller contact with cowl issue

• Cut out flaps and dropped them to add detail

• Used 3rd party cockpit replacement

End Result:

I selected the markings of French Ace Camille Plubeau (14 Victories) in later Vichy French markings (Red / Yellow cowl and tail) Paint finish was in the standard French camouflage using FS 35164 French Blue / FS 34127 French Green / FS 30045 French Brown over FS 36230 Gray. The paint was weathered using a salt method, however the paint went on a bit too wet causing salt stains in some areas (which ended up looking alright).

The After-Build Report:

This Hobbycraft kit is typically a budget model and builds up into a nice aircraft. I was pleased with the end result and would recommend the kit to model makers of any skill. It is a simple build if you want to leave it at that and with extra detailing can be a great display model. I plan to build more of these Hawks if I find them again as I would like a Finnish and a P-36 variant. (This kit plastic has been more recently been rereleased under the Academy brand.)

Completed build #164 in August 2013 using the 1/48th scale Hobbycraft #1546 kit

Feel free to comment or ask any questions - Keep on building, gain experience, challenge yourself if you like, but try not to stress yourself out over the build - it is suppose to be an enjoyable hobby after all - Cheers