<-- **** DONE: 1/48 P-38J Lightning - Twin Engined Aircraft of WWII

[Airframes]

Good pics Paul.
Interesting to see the way the Curtis Electric logo is positioned on the prop blade - period pics of Curtis Electric blades always show a prop blade in the logo pointing towards the tip of the prop it's mounted on, so that the logo is 'right reading' when the blade is vertical to the ground. Maybe someone mounted these ones incorrectly during the restoration ?

 

[Robert Porter]

Progress! The first picture was my attempt at making "Bare Metal Foil" from aluminum foil and spray adhesive. It worked but the canopy has so little in the way of raised detail that I am not sure its going to be of much use.

The next few pictures are of the cockpit components after their first shot of Zinc Chromate Green.

Cockpit Side Panels

This step included a number of firsts for me since I returned to modeling. My first clogged airbrush. Entailed a full tear down and cleaning which thankfully worked! The needle was filthy! Second was the debut run of my airbrush booth! Which I am happy to say worked fine! Nary a smell in the air and my eyes did not itch at all!

The last first was my attempt at creating Bare Metal Foil which worked, but was mostly useless because of the lack of raised detail on the canopy. The entire clear tree in this kit is pretty bad and I have requested a replacement from Revell. But I will proceed with these until that arrives.

 

[Micdrow]

Good pics Paul.
Interesting to see the way the Curtis Electric logo is positioned on the prop blade - period pics of Curtis Electric blades always show a prop blade in the logo pointing towards the tip of the prop it's mounted on, so that the logo is 'right reading' when the blade is vertical to the ground. Maybe someone mounted these ones incorrectly during the restoration ?

Not sure Terry but since its a rebuild its quite possible they put them on wrong. Then again EAA has never been known for being correct. There B-25 is not being restored to look like any WWII plane. Its going to be done back up on how it looked in the movie Catch 22

 

[Micdrow]

Looken good Robert, not sure if you saw them yet but I posted the pictures I promised you on page 4 from the museum.

 

[Airframes]

Yes, I also noticed that the logos are a different color - the originals were blue, with a white prop, and I think yellow lettering.

 

[fubar57]

The start................................! Robert, you might have better luck with an after market canopy. These are usually sized for specific kit brands, usually Tamiya, Hasegawa etc. but occasionally they will fit others.

Squadron 1:48 Lockheed P-38 J Lightning Crystal Clear Canopy Vacuform #9525* | eBay

Not sure which kit this is for

 

[Micdrow]

Yes, I also noticed that the logos are a different color - the originals were blue, with a white prop, and I think yellow lettering.

Interesting, to be honest never new that. then again I haven't built a model since I was probably 16

 

[Robert Porter]

Looken good Robert, not sure if you saw them yet but I posted the pictures I promised you on page 4 from the museum.

I sure did! And thank you thank you thank you! They are excellent and will be very helpful!

 

[Airframes]

It's one of those small details which are often wrong on models Paul.
Robert, for 'Bare Metal Foil', you can use rolls of adhesive aluminium tape, found at hardware stores. This is the stuff used in heating and ventilating applications, and comes in a number of gauges, all very thin, It's the same stuff used in small sheets sold as Bare Metal Foil.

 

[fubar57]

Found this at Squadron, for Monogram, in stock...

1:48 Squadron Canopies P-38J Lightning - SQ9525

 

[Robert Porter]

The start................................! Robert, you might have better luck with an after market canopy. These are usually sized for specific kit brands, usually Tamiya, Hasegawa etc. but occasionally they will fit others.

Squadron 1:48 Lockheed P-38 J Lightning Crystal Clear Canopy Vacuform #9525* | eBay

Not sure which kit this is for

It was cheap! So I ordered it! Thanks!

 

[Micdrow]

Your welcome, Robert, A roll at Menards costs about 20 bucks but will last you forever for model building. I bought a roll this summer for around the house

 

[Robert Porter]

Found this at Squadron, for Monogram, in stock...

1:48 Squadron Canopies P-38J Lightning - SQ9525

Dang tried to order that one as well and as soon as I clicked add to cart it said sold out! That was fast!

 

[Robert Porter]

It's one of those small details which are often wrong on models Paul.
Robert, for 'Bare Metal Foil', you can use rolls of adhesive aluminium tape, found at hardware stores. This is the stuff used in heating and ventilating applications, and comes in a number of gauges, all very thin, It's the same stuff used in small sheets sold as Bare Metal Foil.

Thanks! Was not aware of that!

 

[Wurger]

Doing well Rob.

 

[le_steph40]

Welcome aboard Robert... A great project for a great Pilot
"Marge" SN42-103993 was flown by D. I. Bong during February and early in March 1944 to achieve 3 victories (a Ki-61 and 2 Ki-21) a Ki-43 probable and another damaged.

 

[le_steph40]

Not sure but I might have read somewhere that his crew chief actually applied a photo of his wife, Marge, to the side of his aircraft. Judging by the pic below it is true.

View attachment 358102

This aircraft is SN42-104380 flown a few time in April 1944

 

[Robert Porter]

Thanks folks! On to the final assembly and detailing of the cockpit and then the center section halves!

 

[chuter]

Not sure Terry but since its a rebuild its quite possible they put them on wrong. Then again EAA has never been known for being correct. There B-25 is not being restored to look like any WWII plane. Its going to be done back up on how it looked in the movie Catch 22

Photos of Bong's "993" usually show no blade decals anyway so one would likely be ahead not putting them on.

 

[fubar57]

Dang tried to order that one as well and as soon as I clicked add to cart it said sold out! That was fast!

The one you bought on eBay has the same part number as the one at Squadron and is for the Monogram kit so you're good