1/48 Monogram SNJ (AT-6)

Gallery Article by Joe Nassi on May 17 2010

 

This model is the Monogram 1/48 scale AT-6 finished as a USN SNJ.

It's a nice kit, built mostly out of the box with a few details changed to turn it into an earlier version of a USN SNJ trainer.

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The interior was built mostly according to instructions. Two pilot's seats were scratch built so both cockpits would match. Some harness and lap belts were added and made to look busy. The cockpit, engine and gear wells were painted, oil washed and drybrushed to suggest depth and age. Brush painting with various colors picked out additional details.

The finish and markings were inspired by a set of wonderful color photos found online in a US Navy archive. The series was of Navy training aircraft based at NAS Miami in 1942-43.

The exterior was shot with Model Master colors and Testors aluminum. The markings were liberated from other decal sets or hand painted. Everything was sealed with a light glaze made from Future and a touch of Payne's Grey to give subtle variations to the finish.

Stretched sprue antenna and tinted Future for the lights finished off the project.

Joe Nassi

Photos and text © by Joe Nassi