I have officially started a P-47 Thunderbolt from the WWII ID plans from the gallery. I have also already cut myself, so I guess that makes it official! I will get photos uploaded here in the next little while. Thanks to Lou for his help with his tutorials and answering my questions.
I forgot to mention that I am doing this in 1/72 scale, just like the drawings. When I did plastic models, I did 1/48 almost exclusively, so this feels a little small, but things seem to be going well so far.
Here are some photos of my progress:
(https://i.imgur.com/4T88U2d.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/iCJtqHE.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/T3xlUQt.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/v4Eh3l5.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/vKSKpVK.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/h6Y7EZK.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/VfWsFBk.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/lQgBMpv.jpeg)
Excellent results so far.
Louis
Thank you! I think I may have to redo the wing shape. I realized it's supposed to come to almost a point in front. If I leave it as is, the leading edge is too thick.
Try some sandpaper over a wooden block to shape the leading edge.
Lou
Quote from: lastvautour on October 18, 2024, 10:36:08 AMTry some sandpaper over a wooden block to shape the leading edge.
Lou
I'll start with that before starting completely over. Thanks!
I've gotten a little more of the fuselage shaped and am working out how to go about the canopy and upper fuselage with that scallop shape on the spine. Next up will be to get the tail pieces cut and shaped.
(https://imgur.com/a/BfJXByF)
(https://imgur.com/a/XEN8j6P)
I suggest you shape it until you feel you are finished and complete the model. I have my first scratch build, warts and all. Don't get hung up on perfection. Complete models and learn from them, building a timeline of the progression of your skill and techniques.
As you work for scale thicknesses you will find weakness developing in your models. Either you will have a lot of broken wings and tails or you will find ways to make them appear scale when they are actually a little too think.
Thanks, Ken. I appreciate your reply. I do have a hard time letting things go in terms of perfection on models. I've done plastic models for years, and if you haven't seen, had a lot of fun doing the pinewood derby cars in a different way. I also recognize this is my first go at one of these, so I will certainly be learning new things along the way.
I noticed you've built a Thunderbolt. Do you happen to have any "in progress" photos? The finished product was excellent!
Here is where I'm at with the fuselage:
(https://i.imgur.com/Ln9MCok.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/MqsHyuY.jpeg)
I was able to get the horizontal stabilizer cut and shaped last night. Any advice on which way to run the grain for the vertical stabilizer? I haven't cut that one out yet as I'm deciding...
(https://i.imgur.com/sHRwlYS.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/CldGVxo.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/5NptRrq.jpeg)
Looking good Jordan.
Gordon
You are doing fantastic.
Unfortunately I do not have any build photos.
Lou
I got started with shaping the fuselage and canopy last night. If someone could explain in greater detail about where and how to draw guidelines, I would appreciate it. I've read all of the tutorials involving the WWII planes, but still don't quite understand that part. I drew a few that I thought would help, and then just kind of went at it. I've got the contour gauges handy and still have a ways to go, but I think I'm off to a pretty good start. Thanks for the help and encouragement. This is really my first time "carving" anything. My other models mostly involved a scroll saw and a belt sander :)
(https://i.imgur.com/QIoc4ss.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Z5BCrBC.jpeg)
You are getting there. You seem to have the nack, just keep taking away small slivers.
Lou
Quote from: lastvautour on October 24, 2024, 07:11:15 PMYou are getting there. You seem to have the nack, just keep taking away small slivers.
Lou
Thanks! I've seen where you mark lines on the cross section gauges and then transfer measurements to the model. Would you mind doing a "walk through" on that for me? Or perhaps post a thread where that's done that I maybe haven't found yet? Thank you!
Check out the Ventura Tutorial. If that does not meet your needs I will do a short tutorial on transfering line to the models. However all my stuff is packed in boxes and I don't know how long it will take to get to them. I am currently unpacking the kitchen.
Louis
Thanks! I will look at that one again and let you know.
In the meantime, I was able to get more shaping done last night, just checking the contour gauges as I went. I'm close on the one side, but not quite there yet. I also got a vertical stabilizer cut out, though I think I'll need to redo it. After checking with the templates, both the vertical and the horizontal stabilizers came out a bit too large. That shouldn't be hard to remedy, though. Here's a look at what I've got so far:
(https://i.imgur.com/kCIdDT5.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/CRcOCLG.jpeg)
You have it. Well done so far.
Louis
Here's what I got done over the weekend. The two sides are shaped and sanded and mostly symmetrical. I also had to remake the vertical stabilizer because the first one didn't fit right. I'm very pleased for my first time building a model in this way. Next will be fitting the wing along with some of the "fiddly bits" like the exhaust vents below the cowling and things.
(https://i.imgur.com/Nru8su3.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/FPyNC88.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/BFjYUnc.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/hMfQdrM.jpeg)
I did a "contour check" drawing vertical lines on the fuselage and the sides are a little flat (you can see it with the darker bands of wood), but I'm going to leave it, as I don't really have any more room to sand anymore off. I'm already a little under-sized when I check with the contour gauges, but I'd say it looks pretty close for my first try.
Excellent results. You do not appear to be a novice at all. I await further photos.
Louis
Quote from: lastvautour on October 30, 2024, 09:29:40 AMExcellent results. You do not appear to be a novice at all. I await further photos.
Louis
Thank you! I suppose I'm a novice in that I've never built a model like this from scratch (using chisels, knives, etc), but I've done many plastic models over the years, and the pinewood derby cars I've enjoyed creating.
I'm slowly starting to work on the wing joint next. When using the notch technique like you demonstrate in the Ventura tutorial, does the notch need to be the full width of the fuselage (at its widest point) or just the width of the fuselage where the wing will sit?
Yes, thge notch is the full width of the fuselage where the wing sets. Check out the Ventura tutorial.
Louis
I got the notch started last night. I still need to trim and adjust to get it to sit up where it goes on the fuselage, but I'm happy with the results so far.
(https://i.imgur.com/8bJRZQy.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/4hqm4ta.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/IFLta0z.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/pAUD6cQ.jpeg)
Now come a bit off here, a bit of there until you are satisfied with the placement. I have no shortcut on doing this.
Louis
Jordan,
Definitely looking like a Thunderbolt.
Coming along nicely.
Cheers
Gordon
Thanks, Gordon. I'm very pleased with the results so far. I appreciate the kind words.
I was able to get the wing fitted last night. Here are a few photos:
(https://i.imgur.com/X0ixPlt.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/CXqdQAT.jpeg)
I forgot to mark the gun locations while the wing was still flat. I did my best with the wing already shaped. You can see on the left that one of them is a bit off:
(https://i.imgur.com/SEeee9M.jpeg)
I'll certainly need to use some putty to fill in on the bottom. I also haven't shaved down the shim I made to fill the gap behind the "plug." Everything is just dry fitted for the photos.
(https://i.imgur.com/qi67CjT.jpeg)
I also got some work done today on the engine cowling and cowl flaps. I am trying to highlight the flaps by cutting directly into the wood, then after painting, I will run some thin, dark paint into the lines to make them stand out.
(https://i.imgur.com/x2maRkA.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/6Sf3Qeu.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/viCmzEQ.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/1TCZxvG.jpeg)
Fantastic results. Have you considered what paint scheme you will be using?
Louis
Quote from: lastvautour on November 03, 2024, 10:30:29 AMFantastic results. Have you considered what paint scheme you will be using?
Louis
Thank you!
It will be olive drab over neutral gray, but I haven't decided much beyond that yet. Maybe D-Day stripes. I've always liked how they look on the razorback Jugs. Same with the C-47. They just look "naked" to me without D-Day stripes.
I've been chipping away at some of the smaller bits on my Thunderbolt (pun completely intended). I was able to get the cowl flaps detailed out as well as the exhaust gates below. I also got intercooler doors done. I still need to get the cover for the supercharger attached as well as the control surfaces engraved before I start assembling it. It's getting there!
(https://i.imgur.com/Oe8m8w4.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/mHLonfu.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ctAc6vw.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/yAVweLV.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/UbAzsfs.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/iDHf4jX.jpeg)
I'm getting closer to gluing it together. I hope to be able to do that this weekend. I've been working on finishing up the detail bits. I decided to try hollowing out some around the engine as well. I still need to make a propeller hub. I haven't decided if I want to try and build a prop for it, or maybe have my brother-in-law 3D print one for me....is that cheating? ;D
Enjoy some progress photos:
(https://i.imgur.com/aGgzxvD.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/OzE2fBA.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/VDrorh6.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/bljPjCD.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/rfH2qrO.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/9FwHC6v.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/dPPMOgS.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/dxlxPBJ.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/jGVqVFS.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/sY4F6Go.jpeg)
This thundebolt is on par with the best SMM has seen. Congratulation on your first scale model aircraft.
Louis
Quote from: lastvautour on November 09, 2024, 12:44:01 PMThis thundebolt is on par with the best SMM has seen. Congratulation on your first scale model aircraft.
Louis
That's very kind of you to say. I'm certainly enjoying this new endeavor. I just need to add the fillets, putty, prime, then paint and decal! Boy it sounds like a lot when I say it like that... :)
All great fun. Not quite your out of the box plastic kit.
Louis
I got the fillets added last night along with some putty. Hopefully I should have that sanded and smoothed out tonight. I've seen a few builds where people use a wood sealer? Is that a necessary step before priming? I've only ever just primed the models (pinewood derby cars). I appreciate any input in that regard.
(https://i.imgur.com/muwqgkg.jpeg)
Hi Jordan
I've been eagerly following your progress and agree with Lou. It's an outstanding model!
I am one of those people who apply a sealer before priming. The reason is I work mostly with pine which often has sap streaks in it. I've also noticed on older pine which I have "aging", the colour tends to turn orange at times because of the sap bleeding in the wood. With that in mind, after putting in all the carving and painting efforts, I would be very upset to see sap bleed through the paint on the finished model as time progresses.
I've looked extensively on line pertaining to the requirements for sealing pine which is a recommended practice. Shellac is the best sealer for pine. Dewaxed shellac is recommended if applying an acrylic paint over the shellac. Zinser BIN shellac primer is great for sealing. A couple of spray coats does a great job and it sands out very smooth for additional top coats. You can also apply most oil based primers as sealers for pine.
For ease of clean up my preferred approach is 2 spray coats of Zinser BIN shellac primer followed by 3 or 4 brushed coats of acrylic primer. I normally use 2 coats of grey + 2 coats of white. Which colour primer I start with depends on final paint colour. The two color approach with wet sanding in between allows for easy identification of high and low areas before final painting / airbrushing.The high areas normally have colour break though.
-ken
Thanks for the compliments and the thorough response, Ken. This one is indeed pine (just scraps of 1x's I had laying around), so perhaps I should look into a sealer. I have had some of my pinewood derby cars around for 10+ years and luckily haven't seen anything bleeding through the paint yet. I'll look into those sealants just in case.
Thank you!
Here are some updated photos of the putty work. I'm still working on filling some areas and getting it smoothed out. I'm still deciding what to do about a propeller or clear disc. My brother-in-law might be 3D printing a prop for me.
(https://i.imgur.com/8ytTEmE.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/rShlZCB.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/tsq27jf.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/9qcmzWg.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/GUdFBjF.jpeg)
Your putty turned out very well. I use a plastic disc as in the following tutorial.
https://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/SMF/index.php?topic=2019.0
The choice is totally up to the modeller.There is no right or wrong, just what you like.
Louis
Next, we will discuss how to display the model. It can hang from a ceiling or be placed on a stand. Here are a couple of ideas on stands. Again and again, your choice.
https://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/SMF/index.php?topic=1154.0 and https://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/SMF/index.php?action=dlattach;attach=9107
Louis
Thanks for the links, Lou. That will save me some searching!
I wasn't completely satisfied with the shape I carved for the canopy, so I added some putty last night and shaped it today. This seems to look more like the razorback's windshield. We'll see how it holds up to painting and masking...
(https://i.imgur.com/VCfRusB.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/hTUENFa.jpeg)
For this one, I think I'll just use a sandable primer since I've already got some of that on hand and this one is being done pretty inexpensively.
Sandable primer works for me. The good thing about wood is that it lends itself to modification whereas a plactic, you are stuck with what you get unless you spend mega bucks for aftermarket parts.
Louis
I got the first coat of primer on tonight. I probably won't have much time to work on it over the weekend, but we'll see. Enjoy the updated photos!
(https://i.imgur.com/KE3lvZe.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/VLPdqU6.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/4xzDVJV.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/XSSkilo.jpeg)
The primer lest you see that you duplicated the Thunderbolt's shape perfectly.
Louis
Quote from: lastvautour on November 16, 2024, 11:54:49 AMThe primer lest you see that you duplicated the Thunderbolt's shape perfectly.
Louis
Thank you very much. I would probably try to get the spine to a closer point next time, but I'm very pleased with my first attempt!
Jordan,
Excellent result so far.
Looking forward to the finished result.
Cheers
Gordon
I've got it nearly painted. I'm doing it in olive drab over neutral gray with white ID bands on the nose and tail. Here are a few pictures of my process.
(https://i.imgur.com/TdwZRtL.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/cuCpHC9.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/sApXUQl.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/8HiF1fL.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/6gnYn2F.jpeg)
I'm hoping to get the canopy masked and painted tomorrow night.
Nicely done paint job. What are you using for mask.
Lou
I use Tamiya tape for the edges, painter's tape to fill in bigger sections, and sticky tack for when I want a feathered edge.
I was wondering what you were using for the featured edge. I have to get back to airbrushing.
Louis
Last night I got the canopy glass masked and painted. I'm letting it dry all day before I remove the tape. Tonight will be the big reveal!
(https://i.imgur.com/bEqsyHO.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/bHN88bv.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/tK0QJJ4.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/HkXHe0w.jpeg)
Looks very well masked.
Louis
And the masks come off!
(https://i.imgur.com/vYtSiFP.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/OGx7ZCl.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/DSPPzxr.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/8MvnVWj.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/gbAk7PP.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/SqcSlQm.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/HkO3Hdf.jpeg)
I'm considering using colored pencil for the control surface lines, as well as the frame around the canopy. I'll have to experiment on some scraps to see how that will work, though. I still need to paint the black for the "engine" in the cowling as well as figure out what to do for guns. I'd love to hear any suggestions for what to use for 1/72 scale 0.50 caliber machine gun tubes.
Has anyone used Future floor polish as a gloss coat before decals? I seem to remember that being a thing when I used to do plastic models. Thanks for any help you can offer, folks!
That also depends on the surface. If it is gloss or semi-gloss I forgo the future, On flat surfaces, a definite yes.
Louis
Excellent work.
Gordon
How are those decals coming along. I want to add your T-Bolt to the 2024 yearbook.
Louis
Quote from: lastvautour on December 11, 2024, 11:19:28 AMHow are those decals coming along. I want to add your T-Bolt to the 2024 yearbook.
Louis
I should be able to get them on before the end of the year. I'm a band teacher, and December is a busy time with concerts and other events. I think I'm just going to brush on some Future where the decals will go, rather than the whole model. I still need to finish the propeller hub and make a plastic disc for it as well. I bought some piano wire for the guns, as well.
Good luck in completing it this year. The annual yearbook features all models built during the year and is sent to all SMM members.
Louis
I'll do my best! At least my PBY can go in there. Thanks!
I was able to make some progress on this over the last couple days. I got the "engine" painted black and the decals on. It represents a fictitious aircraft from the early days of the 56th Fighter Group. The 63rd squadron had the code "UN" on their planes. Adding the "L" as the individual aircraft code makes it a subtle nod to where my wife and I went to college: the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL). The tail numbers were a pain. They were done individually from a sheet of letters and numbers I had on hand. I wasn't feeling very creative, so I just did 12345 for the serial number. :) I also mangled a few. I was down to my last "3" in that size, but I managed to get it on there! I'll have to look into printing my own decals in the future.
Still to do:
- Finish propeller hub
- Make propeller disc
- Apply flat coat
- Install guns
If I don't get a stand made, I can just hang it from my ceiling in my work room. It should be done by the end of December, though.
Pictures:
(https://i.imgur.com/Fg2xQ4h.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/y7WwibJ.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ByUDr5W.jpeg)
I'm calling this complete as of today, December 14, 2024. I might still build a stand for it, or just hang it from my ceiling. I tried a prop disc, but wasn't completely satisfied with the results. I may or may not make another one. I kind of like it with just the spinner to show off the nose a bit more. Here it is with the prop disc:
(https://i.imgur.com/mI2PYq6.jpeg)
Here it is complete with eight 0.50's. I used 0.039 piano wire for the guns. I found it at our hobby store.
(https://i.imgur.com/Asnyy5b.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/0gmFbFw.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/IPyy7vC.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/kccSonY.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Zz9H12W.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/MSdeObG.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/UyBBVLH.jpeg)
That is a fantastic Thunderbolt. I will post one of these photos to our yearbook page for publication in the new year.
Louis
https://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/SMF/index.php?topic=2209.msg25510#msg25510
We have a basic stand design here:
https://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/SMF/index.php?topic=1154.0
Louis
Jordan,
I'll echo Lou's comment. An excellent result. Well Done!
Gordon
Thanks Lou and Gordon! I've enjoyed this new hobby very much.
I might try and get some pictures outdoors with better lighting. These pictures are just in my basement.
Gorgeous work!
Thanks, Jim! I'm really glad I found this site. It's been a very enjoyable hobby to try!
My favorite way to take pictures is outside on a cloudy day. Here are some shots done today. I personally prefer these to my indoor shots. I believe this wraps up this project unless I get around to making a stand and/or propeller for this one.
(https://i.imgur.com/kzqTUtv.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/CiUAhLn.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/qpTnyeq.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/kRDVkG8.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/qpAPkyb.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/99Qg5wF.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/5hMP5MS.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/kTCXpYr.jpeg)
Ok, maybe one more photo...I was having fun with my photo editor on my phone yesterday:
(https://i.imgur.com/JNIdU7X.jpeg)
Looks fantastic. I want to see more models.
Keep your blade sharp.
Louis
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