I feel the urge for a twin engine aircraft for my next ID + model. Any takers. if not, I will move this post to my projects section and no harm done. The model will be 1/72 scale P-38E using "Detail & Scale Inc" drawings found on line. However, the breakdown and assembly will follow the ID plans found in SMM. I prefer the engine cowling shape of the P-38E better than the later versions. This will not be a tutorial unless specifically requested.
Lou
P.S. Construction to begin before Feb 28.
Hi Lou, I would sign up for this but I'm still to far behind on the P40. Your tutorials are invaluable to new comers to the hobby. So in my opinion if you enjoy doing the tutorials do them even if you don't have someone following along at the time. They definitely make a great resource for the site. Especially I'd they end up in Pdfs!
Peter
Looks like a suitable challenge Lou,so if it is ok I will tag along as I did with the P-40 project,still working on those as my technique is to have models ongoing all the time in differing stages of build,then culminating in the paintwork when time permits after lots of primer,these past three months I have got through 15 rattle cans of grey alone !
Barry.
In the beginning there was nothing, now we have dreams of that perfect model.
It's pretty neat to see all the parts laid out on one block that way.
Garet
You joining us Garet?
Lou
Lou,
What type of wood are you using for the P-38? It sort of looks like pine?
Peter
This is the last of a 4" clear pine board I purchased 2009.
Lou
Templates are being cut today,waiting on delivery of my new Bandsaw,its first task will be cutting the parts for the P-38,looking forward to it.
Barry.
In between doing other projects I managed to cut out the templates for the P-38,so next task is to select the wood to make a start soon alongside Lou.
Barry.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/10005/P38_TEMPLATES_2.JPG)
The P-38 is coming along with the booms, main wing and center pod ready for some finer sanding. I have yet to start the radiators or do work on the rear plane.
Here is my own progress with this absorbing subject,the P-38 sets some new challenges for those wishing to progress to a twin engined fighter,it is interesting to compare Lous model with my own and how certain areas have been dealt with,a few more pictures later of a bit more progress today recorded by the camera lens.
Barry.
The wing was cut from two pieces of pine,a kind donation from someone outside the door of my workshop ! as you can see the two panels were tapered and formed to the aerofoil then bevelled and butt jointed with Araldite epoxy adhesive set onto a piece of polythene sheet to avoid sticking to the bench,this morning I released the panel and cleaned up the joint,absolutely like rock.
Today I cut the tailplane from two laminations of sheet pine to get the right thickness and made the fins from some birch ply,only use good quality ply if you do this technique otherwise the ordinary stuff just falls apart,the beauty of this material is that as you sand the laminations show the progress nicely and you can match them up equally either side.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/10005/P38_WINGS_1.JPG)
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/10005/P38_WINGS_3.JPG)
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/10005/P38_WINGS_5.JPG)
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/10005/P38_WINGS_6.JPG)
Todays update on the P-38 progress,a decision had to be made on the wing to fuselage joint,would it be better to slot the wing from below and cutting a portion out of the wing to slide either side of the fuselage pod ? then fill in the void utilising the removed portion,I opted for a brave move and cut the entire rib section out of the pod allowing for the dihedral angle within the fuselage,any small blemishes can be easily filled but I strived for accuracy as much as I could.
The pod is a piece of Jelutong,a luxury from the days when you could walk into one of many pattern shops now all gone,I would donate to the tea kitty and fill my cloth bag with remnants from the shop floor,my favourite source of timber is old furniture and shelving,just keep searching it out and stashing it for use later.
Pictures show the block with the aerofoil cut first before tackling the upper plan view,then it was a case of whittle,then a cup of tea,whittle and a further cup of tea etc until that lovely unique shape evolves,how rewarding at the end to slide the wing through and view your handiwork.
Tomorrow the booms sorting out some suitable wood and get to the stage where Lou is.
For anyone who has not tackled the Lightning,try it,there is a certain satisfaction from the layout of this one as the challenges present themselves with a work around of the best way to slot it together.
Barry.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/10005/P38_FUSE_BLANK_5.JPG)
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/10005/P38_FUSE_BLANK_4.JPG)
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/10005/P38_FUSE_BLANK_3.JPG)
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/10005/P38_FUSE_BLANK_2.JPG)
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/10005/P38_FUSE_BLANK_1.JPG)
That's big! What scale is she, Barry?
1=27 th scale,I love big solids !
Barry.
It was boom time today for the P-38,so a suitable piece of scrap timber was found,an offcut from a DIY job some months ago,not the most ideal wood but it was all I could find and even then needed an additional piece glueing to make up the depth required on the side view.
Planning is important on twin boomers,the overhanging tailplane on the P-38 took some thinking about,do I slot the fins halfway,or do I cut the tailplane off at the tips and add those later ? well neither as a simple solution was found as shown here,halway of the extending tailplane remove,then simply slide the fins over the boom ends and lock into place,then just add the half way pieces later,easy when you give things some thought.
I planned out the fit into the wings opting to cut out a piece from the booms and adjust the required dihedral slot as shown with the blocks held flat against the bench,I kept and marked up the small pieces that were removed from the top of the boom slot where it accepts the wing,these will come in handy later on.
The next task is shaping the two identical booms and then making up the side air scoops and superchargers that sit on the upper face,those will be a challenge.
Barry.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/10005/P38_BOOMS_10.JPG)
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/10005/P38_BOOMS_9.JPG)
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/10005/P38_BOOMS_8.JPG)
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/10005/P38_BOOMS_7.JPG)
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/10005/P38_BOOMS_6.JPG)
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/10005/P38_BOOMS_5.JPG)
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/10005/P38_BOOMS_4.JPG)
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/10005/P38_BOOMS_3.JPG)
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/10005/P38_BOOMS_2.JPG)
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/10005/P38_BOOMS_1.JPG)
Looking great Barry. Keep those pictures coming.
Lou
Lets give some shape to those booms,a vintage spokeshave purchased at a car boot sale for 50 pence comes into use again,shavings and dust get saved for use on the model railway layout to make grass stained with acrylic paint.
Barry.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/10005/P38_BOOMS_BEING_CARVED.JPG)
Radiators attached and wing being fitted to the booms.
Lou
You have the rads spot on Lou,mine are still to make up.
Barry.
I cut out the side view from a wide piece of wood and then cut out each rad.
Lou
Just blocked out the radiators and got the basic shape,will scoop them out next.
This model has been a lot of fun to do.
Barry.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/10005/P38_SCOOPS_1.JPG)
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/10005/P38_SCOOPS_2.JPG)
It is a lot more fun when you have someone to build with. I see you have a spare rad. That is cautious approach that has served me well on a number of occasions. Moving along, I primed the boom and forgot to remove the stab when painting a silver T-33 Plastic model. Hence the silver. The fuselage and wing are ready to prime as soon as the T-33 is ready dry enough to remove from the paint booth.
Lou
And once more Lou you learn a few things along the way as challenges appear and make themselves known,yes I often make additional small items to experiment with and nine times out of ten you get something wrong and can easily call upon the spare one.
Nothing done on the P-38 today as I just ran short of time,with several models on the go it is more interesting to flit around doing different jobs,a few are waiting for less humid weather to do the painting.
A great pity that we are thousands of miles apart otherwise I would be popping around to carve and chat with you ! but these cookups are ideal,solid models between nations !
Barry.
Excellent clear detail picture for the P-38,a larger one is on file.
Barry.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/10005/Kevin-_-Steve.jpg)
I have not decided on a paint scheme yet. Probably early USAAF with the red centered circled star. I wasin a hurry do do other things so I snapped a photo just after spraying.
Today I worked on the radiators,firstly I decided to semi hollow the front portions,to do this I took a half round chisel and boldly took a rubber mallet and holding the radiators upside down against a bench stop gave each a few wallops to scoop out the wood,it worked and all that was needed was a clean up with a round rasp.
I then glued them in place and added a tad of filler to blend them in,the spare radiator came in handy for experimenting with that hollowing operation and proved the concept of chiselling at 45 degrees without any splitting of the wood.
Barry.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/10005/normal_P38_RADIATORS_ADDED_2.JPG)
They look great Barry.
Lou
Time to line everything up and assemble the parts after a preliminary sanding with medium grit paper,rigging a twin boom aircraft needs great care especially the Lightning which has booms that lie parallel to the fuselage sides unlike some designs,the dihedral angle was already filed in a few days ago when I did several dry runs,remember the old adage 'check twice,glue once' well in this case check and check again until you are sure ! the tail must lie true as well and the stabiliser line up with the wings head on,minor adjustments are the key to assembly taking a slither off at a time,if you find that you have gone too far then the answer is to stop and make a tiny wedge to glue in place,allow to cure then start again,well worth the extra trouble taken,the bigger that your solid is then the bigger the error appears.
So it will be left for a few days to harden before some minor filling then the plugs made up for the top of the booms where the supercharger goes,thats it for a bit but it is looking more like a P-38 by the day.
Barry.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/10005/normal_P38_ASSY_2.JPG)
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/10005/normal_P38_ASSY_1.JPG)
It is looking great Barry.
Lou
Tackled the infill fairings between the booms today,usual method make a piece of cardboard fit between the slots,then shadow draw the shape of the upper wing aerofoil onto it,it does not matter at this stage how deep it is because after cutting out the rib shape that comes next,just sit the template inside the slot resting onto the wing,then with a pointed pencil mark the upper portion where the template goes,cut this out and make up your blocks,first side view then plan view then get whittling !
One was a bit short so I just made up a slither of wood and wedged it into place,this is where those offcuts of different shapes come in handy,is anyone else like me and hates throwing them away ? you could make a great collage with them all of those fancy external shapes.
So allow that little lot to cure out and then a big sand up operation will take place,the Lightning will be used to scrounge some wood offcuts tomorrow down the local joinery shop,I want the pleasant shop floor manager to see what his offcuts get used for,who knows what I will come back with for more solids ?
Did not do as much model building today as I made a custom headboard for my new bed,cheaper and better than buying one.
Barry.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/10005/normal_P38_FAIRINGS_1.JPG)
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/10005/normal_P38_FAIRINGS_4.JPG)
Studying the Supercharger for the Lightning it quicky became apparent that there are several variations,here is a sketch that I made that explains the shapes that have been found so far,they vary from long pipes to short pipes,to one long and one short ! now to decide which one to reproduce,the American Navy plan for the ID model shows a greatly simplified version that resembles neither,will just have to make a choice.
Barry.
You will find a larger sketch in the archives and currently showing on the new images section.
(http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x300/UDAZONE/LightningSuperchargersketchbook.jpg)
I noticed that also. At 1/72 mine will be generic to the P-38F.
Lou
Well the superchargers are built and fitted,this is how I interpreted them and they are built for simplicity,everything got a good sanding and a blast of grey primer to sink into the grain,next job is a good sand and detection of blemishes.
By the way that joinery shop is no more,called around today to scrounge offcuts and the place looks derelict,I could see huge planks of lovely wood poking out above the window skylights,another signs of the hard times that we live in,I know of another place that builds wooden window frames and will pay them a visit soon.
Latest update pictures.
Barry.
Message to Lou,whats next ? anything that you fancy as a cookup to build together,this one has been fun and the painting will take weeks to complete.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/10005/normal_P38_SC_1.JPG)
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/10005/normal_P38_SC_2.JPG)
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/10005/normal_P38_SC_4.JPG)
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/10005/normal_P38_SC_6.JPG)
As this group build has progressed I picked up a book on the P-38 at the library. It says there were three turbosuperchargers used on the P-38 through it's lifetime.
B-2 was used up through the F model and some of the similarly powered G models.
B-13 was used on the G and H models.
B-33 was used on the J model and up.
The best I can make out from the sketch, they follow, top to bottom, the above designations.
It was interesting to find comparisons of the P-38 engine with the Packard Merlin two stage supercharger engine. The P-38 turbosupercharger was about 30% more fuel efficient than the one used on the Merlin. This appears due to the turbo supplying so much of the power needed for the supercharger's operation. Use of the Merlin was discussed and Lockheed found that it would consume way too much fuel to allow long range operation of the fighter. The supercharger also had heat problems that did not really affect it's operation in Europe because of the colder climate, but were an issue in the Pacific.
These kinds of things can make modeling very interesting. One has to pick a paint scheme, find out what model fits the scheme, then find pics to support the model's construction. This was a big issue for me with the F-102 model.
Hope this helps.
Ken Pugh
That explains things Ken ! every time I looked at a different P-38 picture the supercharger changed,this goes to show that building models brings our attention to these quirky modifications made during the aircrafts career and especially in service.
If you study the pipes in detail they are a peculier shape best described as a smokers pipe in reverse,I am going to make another set eventually that are more detailed,mine at the moment are generic as Lous creation,carving that tiny requires that the part is left onto the stem and then finally cut off hoping that it does not vanish into the sawdust,yes we have all been there ?
Good observations and research on your part Ken.
Barry.
Your P-38 is continuing to amaze me. Nice work. I need to sand some putty and go back to the paint shop before new photos.
Lou
Now the real work starts,after the initial coat of primer was rubbed down it revealed a few blemishes and nicks,so I set to down and reworked a few places,amazing how things shrink after a few days.
I do not normally display my models on stands but the captivating shape of the P-38 seemed to say 'pose me in flight attitude' so who am I to argue with a lady ? and set about making a simple stand from scrap kitchen furniture,inserted in the fuselage base is a flanged brass ferrule,I have had these kicking around since my aircraft maintenance days and knew that they would come in handy one day ? the insert means that the model will swivel without wearing out the hole and making it larger,and most importantly vents the wood to avoid moisture build up,ever seen those cracked recognition models ? well there is the reason,no wood venting as the moisture has nowhere to escape,a small hoe out of the way is all that is needed,all museum models have the tiny hole as the controlled conditions make things worse for the wood.
So it is overnight to harden out and yet more sanding before successive layers of primer,and then the exciting paint scheme,watch this space for a very colourful hand painted model soon.
Barry.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/10005/normal_P38_STAND_1.JPG)
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/10005/normal_P38_STAND_4.JPG)
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/10005/normal_P38_STAND_5.JPG)
Primer has dried enough for photos. Next, some minor sanding and selecting a paint scheme.
Lou
I like the little man to give scale Lou,what a little beauty you have created,it will be interesting to see which scheme you come up with,I need to get the right paint together for mine.
Barry.
Thank you Barry.
I have since added armament and will post picture tomorrow.
Lou
The P-38 was completed this morning. I used Krylon and Tamiya paint and home made decals. A fun project when you have another working with you, so Barry my thanks for the pleasure of your company. I await your completed Lightning.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/10004/normal_P-38_Photo_003J.JPG)
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/10004/normal_P-38_Photo_001J.JPG)(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/10004/normal_P-38_Photo_002J.JPG)
http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/displayimage.php?pid=5508
Lou
Yes Lou I agree this has been a learning curve and fun at that,your Lightning really looks the part in that finish and another for your expanding collection.
My scheme will be a complete contrast to your own selection,the ID plus idea really works well as you can add as much detail or leave out whatever,I even thought of making a plug in undercarriage some time ? no hurry as plenty of things to work on and there are a few 'greys' awaiting paint,yesterdays distraction was putting up and renovating a shed to be used for wood storage,a good friend donated it as he is building a custom workshop modelling area in his garden,the shed will mean that my expanding lumber selection is stored out of the way cluttering up my workshop etc.
So whats next Lou ? did I hear you mention a P-39,now that would be a good subject once again with plenty of scope for markings.
Barry.
Lou,
Your continued production of the ID+ models at your rate of knots amazes me. Undoubtedly you have more time to work on them than myself but when I think of the work that goes into them, I am impressed. Any chance of a short demo on your decal making procedure? That's the next hurdle for me to clear as I want to mark my P-80A with replicas of the original Strombecker decals. Do you do your own artwork with some software?
Cheers,
Mark
Will do Mark. I need to get my mind around what I want to say. Next week for sure.
Lou
I have finally got around to finishing the Lockheed P-38 Lightning in 'Red Bull' scheme,this is the famous White Lightning that Red Bull commissioned to get totally rebuilt following a serious crash,it has been rebuilt for them at no expense spared from the ground up and turned into a shiny flying machine.
My model shows the correct 7 red bars on the rudder as opposed to the 6 that have been added to the Red Bull machine for some odd reason ? the registration is N25Y.
Lou you can now put this one to bed in the new 2011 models section that you created,please choose from any pictures in the album or those shown here as you think fit.
This model has been a real challenge in many ways,I may just live with these colours for a year or so and possibly change them for another Lightning scheme eventually,there are plenty out there.
All markings including the Red Bull logo on the nose are hand painted with my now shaking hands,it is time consuming but satisfying to see real painted markings,but that is only my opinion,decals are hard to find at 1=27th scale!
Barry.
PS-This model is heavy and impossible to hang up against the sky to take shots of it as I usually do.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/10005/normal_20110415_4.JPG)
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/10005/normal_20110415_8.JPG)
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/10005/normal_20110415_3.JPG)
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/10005/normal_20110415_11.JPG)
We have a couple of real nice looking P-38s there.
Hand painting is definitely a skill worth having. The freedom of hand painting complements the freedom of scratch building.
Ken Pugh
Excellent model Barry. A photo has been posted to the 2011 Model Construction thread. May I suggest a photo using the grey fuselage as a background?
Lou
Thank you Ken & Lou,the recent idea on SMM for making the spinning discs really looks effective as if the engines are running ! this is one idea that will certainly be used again in the future,it looks far more reliastic than plain discs.
Barry.
It definitely looks more angry and aggressive!
Ken Pugh