MikeMaben

I can’t remember where, but I read that they used to say of the Thunderbolt cockpit that if you got bored on a long flight you could get up and walk around for a while.  
 
John
 
 

Hi Mike, I just looked through your build thread and your work is fantastic.  I think the cockpit, engine and chipping stand out as especially well done.  There should be plenty of room in a Thunderbolt cockpit!
 
Ernest

Thanks Michael, I wouldn't conclude that this pic is colorized. There are other pics from the same fighter group
that show some similarities. These a/c were re-acquisitioned from Brazil to Corsica and were painted in the
field in a rather hodge podge way (ie the rooster on the nose of the one I'm modeling is facing backwards).
I've thot since I first saw it that this photo was rather interesting in it's own odd way. Just having fun trying
to come close at least, as it's just another shelf sitter in the end.  Thanks for the comments tho.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

I'm afraid I haven't a clew what you're  doing Ernest ...
                         
 

Yep, that's me too, the list would depend on what day it is ...
what time it is ... what'd I have for breakfast ... ???

Thanks Michael, I wouldn't conclude that this pic is colorized. There are other pics from the same fighter group
that show some similarities. These a/c were re-acquisitioned from Brazil to Corsica and were painted in the
field in a rather hodge podge way (ie the rooster on the nose of the one I'm modeling is facing backwards).
I've thot since I first saw it that this photo was rather interesting in it's own odd way. Just having fun trying
to come close at least, as it's just another shelf sitter in the end.  Thanks for the comments tho.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Didn't like the numbers on the side (zero was too narrow) so I stripped them and replaced them with new numbers. Got some guns on board made from .060" aluminum tubing. The ID was much too small so I chucked them in my spinning device and opened them up and then stuck the opened ends in a buffing wheel to homogenize (smooth) the ends.
 

 

 

 

 
It's actually browner in person, so how'm I doin' ?
 

 
Critique welcome.
 
 
 
 
 

A little more progress. Mostly bits and bots left ...
 

 

 

 
Thanks guys...

A little further along ... wheels and propeller ... 
 

 

 
Got the  markings down so the rest should be EZ  ... 
Thanx for lookin'

Got some more markings on, Serial on tail is a stencil, others are Alps printed.
Some ugly silvering , waiting for something in the mail. These pix look more green
than IRL..
 

 

 
This one  has better color ...

 

 

 
Thanks for lookin' .
 
p.s. the squadron badge (rooster) and the numeral 5 are from an Eaglecals decal  (excellent decals)
 
 
 

I was asked how the engine was mounted so I went back and reviewed the process.
Discovered I'd made a mistake in showing the parts I left out. The ring around the  engine
that connects to the push rod tubes is NOT left out,  it fits unto a recess inside the cowling
which is the only attachment needed.
So that, the cockpit and the tail end turbine are the only things needed in the interior.
 

 

 
Stole this image from Tolga ...
 

hth
 
 

Got some markings on , feeling better about my progress.
Still some markings I'll need to make myself , stencils and/or decals.
 

 

 
Thanx for lookin'

Adding some color ...
 

 
Mainly just sub assemblies left, then finish work on some markings I need to make in Illustrator. Will be
using some masks and some decals. I'll try to remember next time to layout the parts I didn't use.
Thankee.

Thanks men, I'm making an effort (and it is an effort) to minimize all my future builds as simple
shelfies and get more finished .
So as I said, I thot the first OD was too green and needed to be more brown (like the picture).
The first OD was SMS OD. The second color is MRP OD #41 which is better but still not brown
enough so I added a light coat of MRP Dark Earth in a disruptive (not mottled) pattern. This I
like alot better.

 
@Biggles87 asked if the dreaded LE inserts fit like the roots. No. The port wing is better than the starboard but they
both need 'some' work. OK now I need to shoot the bottom side neutral gray.
Thanx

Moving along, here's some progress pix taken yesterday ...
 

 

 
Today we got some assembly and color ... gotta go alot more toward the brown side.
 

 

 
Bottom side tomorrow. The plastic is so close to neutral gray , I could almost just spray on a coat of matte.
Nope. Thanks again ...
 
 
 
 

So there's quite a bit I'm leaving out on this one. I built the ducting but I'm thinkin' I might not be using it.
The only other thing inside the fuselage is the cockpit and I got that mounted no problem without the ducting.
The engine is just the cylinder banks and the front row has the rocker caps so I could mount the forward ring
to help situate the engine and make sure the prop shaft is right where I want it. There won't be any gun bays
so the wings should go together quickly..
Haven't built the Corsair yet but I'm sure this one is simpler yet not as well engineered.
 
OK john, but this wouldn't be easy to copy ...
 

 
Like it cuz it's out of the ordinary.

New mess under way !  Painted the cockpit and engine so fuselage closing soon.
Slapped the inards together to locate the cockpit and wing spar, no paint just glue
and squeeze , kinda fun actually, no paint, no triming, sanding or fretting about
poorly fitting parts. I did get some of the markings I'll be using done in Illustrator so
I'm happy with that. Not going nutz in the cockpit, gear bays or gun bays. Git'er done
and on the shelf.  Fun so far 
 

 
...stay tuned, back soon.
 
 

... a new day in a new year and a new project ...
 

 
 

Not unusual Ivan, there's no accounting for taste ... and never will be.
 

Yep, that's me too, the list would depend on what day it is ...
what time it is ... what'd I have for breakfast ... ???

Howdy folks,
 
Just a tiny little What's New update this week.
 
Enjoy!
 
Kev

Yep, that's me too, the list would depend on what day it is ...
what time it is ... what'd I have for breakfast ... ???

I can do five as I am only 70 so I bet I have the time. 

Right on! I'd like to do some of 100group's electronic jamming birds along with some pathfinder machines in addition to the S.O.E. birds ,lots of examples to chose from. I've noticed an up tick in interest for the Halifax and rightly so ! I'd be better off all around to have it in 48th , but if the price is right............... I've always been more interested in the Halifax than the Lanc or even the American machines , don't ask me why 'cuz I don't know it's just a thing with me.