Thanks Bob!...

Joe, I know what you mean that's why I built his A/C also. I'm going to borrow a couple of your methods. I like the way they look, and they could enhance my model building. The way you mount your wings is one. If you do enter your model in Nov. GOOD LUCK, The model definitely deserves a ribbon, or twelve.- Bob

Thanks guys.  I'm fairly happy how this one turned out.  I might see how it does in the Model Show come November, but these are usually a frustrating experience for me.  All of the guys in the local IPMS chapter get most of the awards...hummmm.  Bob, I almost went with McBath's ride, but I just had to have a pilot with a 262 kill.

Joe

Early morning Joe,

 Everyone has said what I would have said and then some!! Inside and out, this has to be one of thee finest builds of a Jug that I have seen lately!!

 Outstanding job over all and you'd make all the Jug drivers proud!

Flaps up,

 Mike

Curtis propellers all had the longer spinner, wether it was the "pencil" witch came with the original Razorbacks or the asymmetrical, also called the paddle blade or the symmetrical. I read it was because the oiling system for the auto pitch was different. I really like the detail on the R-2800, Joe did a great job on this motor. Not many people notice that the ignition ring is square tubing and not round like the earlier R-2800s'. - Bob

Did the "M" have an elongated prop spinner/cover/cone? That one seems large to me. But, I haven't done any research so... That's one fine 'bolt. Very well done. Bob

Sorry about this late post, but I missed your completion.

She's an absolute beauty, Joe. Thanks for sharing this one with us.

I'm sorry, but the pics look gray/green especially against the silver squadron letters. With reading all the previous Q's on the colors, I assumed you went with gray /green.  Still, again I must say she is a beauty and congrats. I am finishing up "DOTTIE DEE" myself. Capt. Charles McBaths' "M", then "BERNYCE" Maj. Paul Congers' "M" both 2 tone blue.  I've got enough "Razorbacks" for all 5 of Bob Johnson's mounts. Including the Loon models conversion kit for the "C" version, I'm  sticking with the "bulged keel" and I'm not going to flatten the belly. Again, My Apologies for the mistake, good luck on all future builds. - Bob

'      

I would like to say this right off the bat, this is an excellent build. Absolutely beautiful, from prop to tail. But the colors are incorrect. Being a 56th F.G. fan and Maj. Robert S. Johnson {28 Kills} a hero of mine. The colors you choose grey/ green are for the 62 fighter squadron of the 56th F.G. and the rudder should be yellow, buzz letters yellow also for their M's. The two tone blue with light blue tail belongs to the63rd fighter squadron of the 56th F.G., buzz letters silver for their M's. The 61st fighter squadron of the 56th F.G. had red rudders and their - 47 M's were flat black, buzz letters red. I have built 28 of Tamiyas -47 2 being M's. Right now I'm building P-47M-1 "Dottie Dee II" Cpt. Charles McBath's mount. Two tone blue, light blue rudder. 63rd F.S./ 56th F.G. I must state again you built a real beauty. By building such a beauty, you keep the legacy of the -47 alive, great job, good luck on all your future builds. - Bob  

Thanks Gary.  Agreed, its an odd scheme, but Tamiya recommended it (see how I deflect the blame?....).  

Joe

Joe,

Another beautiful build of a classic.  I must admit that some of the colors in your photos look a little odd to my tired, old eyes, but I can't fault your techniques.  Smooth and even.

Gary

That would be fantastic! and greatly appreciated!

Thanks guys.  Derek, I'll do it on an upcoming build.  I'll even take pictures of the products and tools that I use.

Joe

all the previous, yet another sweet built Joe.

Dude, that is one sweet build!

YES!! I mean if you have an F-14 or F-8 in the stash..... might as well build it  The tutorial you have already done on your cockpits is great, the only reason I would push for a step-by-step tutorial with pictures at every step is because with some of your techniques, it's hard to tell exactly what has been done just by looking at the completed effect. For example, when spraying the primary color over the black base, it would be extremely helpful if you explained what areas you hit the most or what angle you spray at...etc. Nonetheless your tutorial has already been extremely helpful to me personally, and I know how cumbersome it can be to stop to take pictures every single step. I'm just always interested to learn more

Fantastic work!  Love the wiring on the engine!  Thanks for sharing your technique.

Thanks for all of the compliments.  Perhaps I'll consider a jet in the near future.  I wouldn't mind adding an F-8 Crusader or even another F-86 to my collection.  I have the Hasegawa F-14 A with an Aries pit in the stash which was supposed to be a commission build, but the customer bail out (no pun intended).  Perhaps I'll build up the courage to try it, maybe in VF-84 markings.  

Derek, nicest you've ever seen?.....surely you jest....ha ha, but thanks for the kindness.  Maybe I'll do a step-by-step turorial on my cockpit painting.  It was just a matter of finding a method that works for me.  I only hand paint the small boxes and such, the main large colors are airbrushed.  I use Tamiya paint and dip the paintbrush into 91% Isoprophyl Alcohol.  I have no trouble with this method, but I don't hand paint large areas.  The alcohol helps thin it and it dried real quick which leaves a smooth surface.  Give it a try...

Joe

Excellent, I really enjoyed seeing it built, thanks for all the post's and pointers.

Patrick

Joe- yet another gorgeous model! The paint is perfect, just love everything!

One more thing- I think a while back I read on your cockpit tutorial that you sometimes brush paint Tamiya acrylics. I have tried brush painting with them before and I had a hard time trying to get them to cover well, they just wanted to pool up and not spread over the surface. Do you have a solution to this?

I'm with Texgunner... you probably build some of the nicest models I've ever seen, and since I'm a jet person, I've been waiting for you to do one. Particularly for the cockpit, as your's are always perfectly painted, and I'd be eager to see how you would go about the cold colors of a modern jet compared to the warmer prop's. Basically I'd like to see you paint a cockpit up step by step with plenty of pictures in between so I can figure out all your secrets 

Thanks guys...your way too kind.  Tex, I have been known to build jets, but I prefer the gun fighters.  Surprisingly, one of my first builds when I got back into this hobby was the Monogram A-10 which my mother-in-law bought for me for Christmas.  It was a pig but taught me alot.  It also happens to be my favorite "modern" jet so I may have another run at that kit.  I built O'Connell's F-86 Sabre out of the Academy kit about 5 years ago and I built Monograms A-6 about 8 years ago on commission.  I think my next jet will be the 262 should I get my hands on one.  I still have the F-86 so I may post some pictures.  It got a Legends cockpit and I painted on the stripes.  

Bvallot, about the only super detailing I do is radial engines.  I prefer my models closed up, as if they just returned from or are ready for combat.  I do like the canopy open though.  Even the Eduard 190s I built, which cried for super detailing, got closed up.  

Joe    

That's just real nice!

sanderson_91

Another beauty Joe!  

Took the words right outta my mouth.  =]  It's in the little things you do well that really allow something to come to life.

You ever consider trying the super-detailing route? =D

Hot dayum!  You've done it again Joe, another masterful build, and as mentioned, in no time at all really.  How do you do it my friend?  Oh, I know; you just get down to business and actually work on the damned things!  I've been putzing around on one A6-E since last summer because I never work on the thing!  You are a very disciplined builder. 

Hey, I just thought of something.  You ever do any jets?  I'd sure love to see you give one the ol' Lawdog treatment.  How about it?   Maybe an early MiG, or a Hawker Hunter?  Why doncha crank one out for us mere mortals?

Gary

Thanks Sanderson and Max.  I think my next project will be the new tooled Tamiya A6M5 Type 52.  I've been anxious to tear into this one for quite some time.  I'll probably get the detail set that includes metal cannons and such.  I've also been itching to build another P-51 too, possibly one of Preddy's Cripes A Mighty mounts.  We shall see..

Joe

Joe,

Absolutely fantastic. And speedy to boot! I've been working on the same kit for months, you crank this baby out in a couple weeks.

The thing I like best about your builds is that your paint always looks so professional. There's not a single blemish in your paint. I'm lucky if I can get one panel to look perfect.

So, what's next?