P-40M RNZAF Wreck by Jamie Haggo
Category: Workbench Highlights | Creator: Jamie Haggo | Edited by GModel Art
Every modeler who respects their stucco knows the name Jamie Haggo — a master of the weathering effects technique and a living example of what “detail with purpose” means. This time, Jamie tackles a unique challenge: the rendering of a derelict RNZAF P-40M, shortly before it was scrapped after the war. The result? A stunning 1/48 Hasegawa model that screams history, wear and tear, and realism.
Phase 1: Preparation – The Skeleton of Authenticity
Jamie starts with the classic process of building the fuselage of the Hasegawa P-40, a kit known for its little… quirks. As he says, building the two halves of the fuselage can be tedious, but when you work with purpose, the result justifies all the effort.
The parts are carefully removed, cleaned and primed with Alclad Grey Primer. The detail is taken off by adding rivets, a step that may seem tedious, but makes the difference between a “nice” and an “unbelievable” model.
Phase 2: Relief Work – Resins & Photoetching
To enhance authenticity, Jamie utilizes aftermarket materials:
CMK gun inserts,
Eduard photoetched flaps,
Quickboost resin engine,
and custom plastic details.
Each piece is meticulously modified. The upper wing is modified to accommodate the resin ammunition compartments, while the fuselage is surgically opened to accommodate the resin engine. The Haggo approach leaves nothing to chance – every scratch, every opening, has meaning.
Phase 3: Cockpit Weathering – Where the Pilot Lives
The cockpit is first sprayed with Alclad Aluminium, then AK Interactive Worn Effects is used for realistic chipping. This is followed by a final coat of Gunze Interior Green mixed with Tamiya Flat Base for a matte texture – because even worn-out has to look good.
The peeling is done with water and a brush, offering amazing signs of wear. The job is sealed with a matte varnish for protection, because as Jamie points out, “chipping fluid is great but it requires respect”.
Detail & Shading
The panel lines are given depth with AK Dark Streaking Grime pin wash. The shadows give the cockpit a 3D feel, while decal placards from Airscale add detail that doesn’t go unnoticed.
Dirt & Earth – Chaos has texture
The cockpit base is filled with realistic dirt:
Mig Russian Earth,
AK Dark Earth,
with a genius technique: pigment + white spirit + perseverance.
The final touch is given with Joefix Studios grass tufts and Plus Models leaves, creating a small ecosystem of abandonment. The instrument panel is carefully customized – a little Eduard, a little his own touch, a lot of soul.
What to take from Jamie:
Realism without exaggeration. Every weathering has meaning.
Aftermarket materials are not just “effects”, but storytelling tools.
Proper preparation makes the difference.
“Relax and improvise” has a place – when you have experience.
RAAF Royal Australian Air Force camouflage 1941-1945
Coming Next…
Jamie promises us more wear, more life, and – as always – a very special way of telling stories through scale plastic. The next part is eagerly awaited. Until then, get inspired and… give depth to your models.
Discover weathering tools, photoetch sets and pigment in the GModelArt eShop and start your own scale epic.https://eshop.gmodelart.com/