Hobby Boss P-47D MAJ Glenn Eagleston

That's not just the oil cooler shutters there, it is also the turbocharger dump gate so exhaust gases come out there except when those valves are fully closed.  That's only at very high altitude or low power settings.  That's why there is stainless steel on the belly aft of the dump gates.

Great looking model!

Hey fox and jeaton01, thanks so much for the kind compliments and interesting information.  I feel better about the exhaust stains, and now I can even explain it to people who look at the model.  Speaking of which, someone said since it is wheels down I should try a diorama.  So I got the Tamiya 1/48 Airfield Fuel Truck.  It is very small compared to the P-47, but it is very detailed with great fit and quality of the parts.  It is a fun little build, I am taking my time with it.

It comes with two figures, one holding the fuel hose and nozzle and one with his arm resting on the fuel hose door.  I am the world's worst hand painter, even worse than airbrushing, but I will give a try to painting the figures.  For the diorama itself, I am just thinking a simulated concrete slab.  I am far too lazy for making buildings, grass, bushes, or dirt.

20240501_193246

That truck is a great build.  I've done one so far and have at least one more in the stash.  I do believe if the scene is interesting enough people can enjoy it without focussing on my goofs!

Hi jeaton01, beautiful work and a very interesting scene! No goofs here. I love the detailing on the shovel, and also the partially rolled up window on the driver's side. The figures look fantastic as well. If mine come out half as good I will be very happy. I'm still working on this truck, been really busy with other stuff.

Nice build, BK, and a great finish!  Pretty good for a new guy 

About the craft store paints-did you find the finish a little granular, and if you did, did you address it in anyway, such as buffing the surface to smooth it?  I ask because I use craft store paints (eg American, Apple Barrel, Folk Art), among others, and I airbrushed them as an experiment.  I found the pigments to be a little coarser than paints made for scale modeling, especially for use on aircraft.  For armor, the texture wasn't bad.  I used a piece of coffee filter paper to rub the surface down a little and make it smoother.  I've thought that I could mix a batch and let it sit for a while, for the larger particles to sink out of the liquid.

Your Jug turned out great BK!  Really like the markings - I was considering doing his bird myself.  I think your weathing on the natural metal finish looks great.  Looking forward to your diorama