Introduction
Revell has produced an outstanding kit of Lockheed's PV-1 Ventura. The kit consists of 138 finely molded light gray and clear parts. It includes markings for three Ventura's:
- US Navy PV-1, Bu 48895, Patrol Bombing SQN VP-133 based on Iwo Jima in 1945. The paint scheme is Flat Sea Blue, Intermediate Blue and White.
- US Navy PV-1, Bu 48891, Patrol Bombing SQN VP-135 based at Attu, Alaska in 1945. Scheme Sea Blue, Intermediate Blue and White.
- RCAF Ventura no 2195, 149BR SQN based at Prince Rupert, British Columbia in 1943. The scheme is Intermediate Blue upper and Light Grey underneath.
On examining the kit it is evident that there will be a future release with the bomb nose as there are several parts that are not listed in the instruction sheet.
As with almost any kit there are some discrepancies and the Revell release it is the shape and size of the props. It looks like Revell modeled the kit props after the Model 18 Lodestar design. The PV-1 was powered by two more powerful 2,000 hp R-2800-31 P&W Double Wasp engine as compared to the original Model 18 designs P&W R1830 1,200 hp engines and this introduced a design problem, the solution of which caused one of the Ventura's most distinguishing characteristics. The more powerful engines for the new plane required a larger prop, but the requirement to utilize the existing Model 18 tooling precluded any change in nacelle location. Installing new paddle-bladed props solved this design problem. These props provided the additional area with no increase in prop diameter. These props, and their proximity to the fuselage, produced a very distinctive sound unlike that of any other Allied operational aircraft at that time. Replacement resin props are available from Vector or Lone Star Models.
Construction
I started construction with the cockpit and after it is painted interior green I applied a pin wash of dark brown oils. Some light dry brushing with shades of green and white helps bring out details. I painted the instrument panel and picked out details with a fine brush. To complete the panel I used 5-minute epoxy to fill in the instrument faces. The end result looks great through the multi paned canopy.
I sprayed the inside of the left and right fuselage interior green. Once dry I added the astrodome and side windows. Make sure you securely fasten them in place. I did not and almost popped the astrodome back inside the interior when I was masking the clear parts for painting. The fit of the fuselage widows is outstanding and I easily secured them in place with a carefully applied drop of Weld-on III.
I did not worry about painting the nose guns in the upper fuselage because the model I was building had a painted nose and the guns would not be visible. After gluing the finished cockpit, formation lights, bomb bay and tail wheel housing in place I joined the two fuselage halves together.
I painted the turret assembly interior green and fixed it in place with part 16, the Martin turret fairing. I feel the gun barrels were too thin so I cut them off and replaced them with two replacement barrels from the spares box. I left off the clear glazing of the turret until final assembly. The finished turret assembly was glued in place.
The fuselage required very little filling with some applied on the lower fuselage behind the bomb bay and where the horizontal stabilizer attaches to the upper fuselage
From this point on the kit's assembly is very straightforward. I assembled both wings engine nacelles and set aside for painting. At this point I did not attach the antennas, landing gear, the completed wing assemblies or the vertical stabilizers to the model. This makes applying the three-tone camouflage scheme to the fuselage and wing assemblies a much simpler task. The wings slip into a recessed area on the fuselage and align on the wing spar. Final attachment required only a drop or two of super glue to firmly set the wings in place.
Finishing
Once all the sub-assemblies were completed and finished areas masked I was ready to paint the PV-1. I started by applying a coat of Mr. Surfacer 1000 thinned with lacquer thinner as a primer. Choosing to model a PV-1 from VPB-148 stationed on Johnson Island in 1945 employing the three-tone camouflage scheme I used a combination of Model Master Dark Sea Blue, Intermediate Blue and Mr. Color White. Having the wings and fuselage separate made applying this scheme a snap.
Once the final colors were airbrushed I applied a combination of kit and spare decals out of my spares box to complete the scheme. Then using a combination of airbrushing, washes and pastels I weathered the Ventura to match the weathered look of a Pacific veteran.
Once the weathering was complete I added the clear turret canopy, new props and the bomb bay doors. Attaching the bomb bay doors was the only difficult part of the build. Make sure you study the instructions and attach the mounts and doors correctly.
Conclusion
The Revell PV-1 is a welcome addition to my 1/48th scale collection of twin-engine aircraft from WW-II. With the exception of the bomb bay doors construction was simple and made for an enjoyable build. I would recommend the kit to intermediate skilled modelers. Thank you to Revell for supplying the review kit.