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:

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.

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:

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...

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 

You are getting there. You seem to have the nack, just keep taking away small slivers.

Lou