**** DONE: GB-56 1:48 P-47D Bubbletop – Thunderbolts and Lightnings

[Tanker Tom]

Made a start on this build today and the first thing to fix was the pilots seat adjustment, a lesson learned from the Razorback. the adjustment rails should have a support rod at the tip over which the harness straps are fixed.
View attachment 700408

While working on the cockpit parts sorting where PE bit should go and making little holes for the knobbly bits, I turned my attention to the gun sight and the reflector. As can be seen in the first pic, this is a bit of a thick lump as is common with most kits, so I had a go at thinning it down rather than chopping it off and cutting, shaping and attaching a bit of clear plastic (fiddly).

View attachment 700409

View attachment 700410

What did you use to thin that down?

 

[Vic Balshaw]

I filed the sight down with a double sided nail polishing file:
1. fine emery pad.
2. very fine abrasive pad.
3. very mild abrasive, more a polish pad.
4. polishing pad.

I've had it for a couple of decades now and find it excellent for filing down, shaping and polishing navigation lights on my models.

 

[Wurger]

 

[Gnomey]

Nicely done so far Vic!

 

[Vic Balshaw]

It's been a day spent fiddling with PE, so not a lot has been achieved.

My apologies for the quality of this first pic of the upper oleo strut cover.

The main oleo strut break line.

Main wheel bay.

 

[Wayne Little]

Very Nice Vic.

 

[Wurger]

 

[le_steph40]

 

[Airframes]

Nice work Vic.
These pics may help with the routing of the brake lines.

 

[Wurger]

 

[Vic Balshaw]

First cab of the rank this morning after house chores was to follow Terry's good guidance and adjust the break lines. A bit Heath Robinsonish but it will suffice. So my thanks Terry for your splendid pics and advice.

 

[Airframes]

You're welcome Vic, and good to know the pics were helpful.
Don't forget the telescope retracting arms, as seen in the 3rd pic.

 

[Wurger]

 

[Gnomey]

Good work so far!

 

[Vic Balshaw]

Thanks gents.

Did a bit of sugary today fitting the ammunition belt and gun housings on the port wing. Had to do a lot of filing back to get them to fit, the good old Dremel came to the rescue.

Having done the resin additions I could then complete the PE fittings to the wheel bays.

I have to say its been a satisfying afternoons work. Now I've got to go and cook the dinner with the help of a sip or two of nice cooling Riesling.

 

[le_steph40]

Excellent afternoons work Vic
What are we eating ?

 

[Wurger]

 

[Vic Balshaw]

Excellent afternoons work Vic
What are we eating ?

Thanks Step. Eating pork meatball in a tomato sauce and some warming vegetables to go with it. A nice tasty meal.

 

[Totalize]

Great attention to detail here Vic. Your jug is going to look awesome.

 

[Airframes]

Looking good Vic.