1/48 Italeri (Ertl) A-20G-40

by Rafi Ben-Shahar

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  USA Independence Day 2005 

 

I chose this Ertl 1/48 A-20G-40 to demonstrate one of the fun things in the business of modeling. The model has been around for a while and recently, was re-issued by Italeri. I call this kind of model a Sinderella. For a little investment and a bit of effort you can get not only a bang for the buck, but also a model that shines in your display area.

Essentially, the model depicts a 389th Bomb Squadron aircraft that served in the Pacific. Squadron In Action book was a valuable reference and I built the model out of the box using the old decals. These were the only hassle in the building process. You should take care to move forward the main undercarriage from its intended position. I did this after the model was finished because it was easy to believe that the rear position is adequate since it bodes better with the CoG.

Click on images below to see larger images

The focal area of kit improvement was the cockpit. The life raft and sun screen typically represent the roomy environment of the cockpit once the hatch is opened. I made these from stick it gum wrapped with wet tissue paper and aluminum foil complemented with wires.

Rafi

Photos and text © by Rafi Ben-Shahar