LetLetLet ~ Warplanes
Let Let Let - Warplanes => Aircraft Modeling => Topic started by: ta152c on November 09, 2011, 02:12:18 PM
-
http://yfrog.com/gy5sdeimj
Hello everyone!
As we know, my house is undergoing major building work, so whilst moving stuff about, this old kit turned up in a bag. I'm going to convert it into P-47B, used as a trainer in the USAAF. It looks pretty nice, just need to remove a section as the B was 1' shorter than the 'C' model. I've opened up the intercoolers, blanked off the ejector chutes, thinned out the cowling, dropped the flaps.
Next job after that is a cockpit interior -I'll use the Academy P-47D as a guide. Might replace the prop as well. I also need to make wheel wells. Rescribing should be relatively simple. There is also work to do after the cowling, need to make an exhaust both sides. Colour scheme is Olive Drab/Neutral Grey. Should make an interesting model.
-
I did not see much of this model so this will be great once you complete this :-ok
-
Yes, interesting. ;)
-
This will be a great modification! Don't forget the profile of the fuselage belly skins directly below the center section. The B was a bit less portly in this area due to the lack of plumbing and structure for the belly tank that came later.
-
Nice plans there! I'm looking forvard to see some more.
Primož
-
Continuing with the conversion, fuselage shortened and reassembled in halves, taped together to dry. Had to reinforce the join as there will be a bit of filler needed. Wings have been partially rescribed, pylons removed (not fitted on the P-47B), wingtip light cut out.
-
Pics? :-think
-
http://yfrog.com/hs64mmej
-
http://yfrog.com/gzecuwiyj
-
Which probably explains the work done. I only have limited tools to use, so it's just basic stuff until I can get into the proper work, especially the cockpit and rescribing. Sorry :(
Vacforms are at the same stage too!
-
The actual difference in the fuselage is 8", not 1'. Sorry. Luckily the cuts are on panel lines :). I also must add that only the main kit parts were in the bag, all the other parts are in a box somewhere! By the time the house is finished I'll be able to find them. Scott, thanks for the advice re: underside. Luckily the plastic is quite thick, so sanding it down should be quite easy. I don't have many P-47 references, but the book 'Thunderbolt' by R.Freeman has a pretty decent set of plans and some good photographs. Also the old Aerodata book on the P-47 as well.
I need to realign the wing guns, I'll plug the holes with rod and redrill. Also need to build the wheel wells. I do like this old (1965) kit, and as I may have said before, the shape is pretty good. Canopy will need polished out as it's a bit thick.
-
That seems to be a real challenge... Good luck!!!
-
http://yfrog.com/od99260647j
Further progress, sawed off about 4mm as there is only one exhaust outlet per side on the P-47B. Goes together well, need to add a bit of plastic card as the wing/nose joint is slightly narrower after cutting.
-
Probably need to add a spreader bar on the forward fuselage too. Starting to look good, even if I say so myself :)
http://yfrog.com/ock60pbj
-
Sum total of today's work. Any advice or comments most welcome :)
http://yfrog.com/h2pikguuj
-
Parts preparation look fine to me :)
-
Me to! ;)
-
http://yfrog.com/kjfpzamj
Showing the difference in fuselage length between the P-47D (upper) and converted P-47B (lower).
-
:-ok