Alright, as I promised, I'd get working on the front end. Half Pint was a C model, so I needed to do some minor surgery to the cowl. The C had the two lower flaps on each side deleted (or I should say not added yet?). Fortunately this is an easy fix. Tamiya offers an open or closed flap option. I took the closed piece and sliced off the lower two flaps thusly.
![](http://i1065.photobucket.com/albums/u384/lawdog114/P-47%20C%20Half%20Pint/DSCN6798_zpsjqtnaolm.jpg)
These were then glued onto the cowl and the the flaps filled and sanded smooth.
![](http://i1065.photobucket.com/albums/u384/lawdog114/P-47%20C%20Half%20Pint/DSCN6799_zpsujunkmig.jpg)
I then cut out the remaining flaps from the "open" piece, attached it and now you have an instant C cowl.
![](http://i1065.photobucket.com/albums/u384/lawdog114/P-47%20C%20Half%20Pint/DSCN6801_zpshwy9t4lb.jpg)
A test fit....success!.....and alot cheaper than an aftermarket replacement.
![](http://i1065.photobucket.com/albums/u384/lawdog114/P-47%20C%20Half%20Pint/DSCN6816_zpswo5ogzld.jpg)
I turned my attention to the Pratt Whitney R-2800. In all honesty, I think its one of the weaker areas of the kit as the cylinder cooling fins arent very detailed. I should say I've seen much better. I think I'll try a Quickboost mill next time. Regardless, I dressed it up in the usual fashion.
First styrene, stereo wire, and then paint...check out the link to see how I do this:
http://cs.finescale.com/fsm/modeling_subjects/f/2/t/149327.aspx
![](http://i1065.photobucket.com/albums/u384/lawdog114/P-47%20C%20Half%20Pint/DSCN6806_zps395zwoid.jpg)
![](http://i1065.photobucket.com/albums/u384/lawdog114/P-47%20C%20Half%20Pint/DSCN6807_zpsf7glfvjl.jpg)
Detailer Wash and X-19 Smoke...
![](http://i1065.photobucket.com/albums/u384/lawdog114/P-47%20C%20Half%20Pint/DSCN6808_zpsaz7ic1tp.jpg)
Here we see the difference the ignition wires make inside the cowl. It's very worth it to me.
![](http://i1065.photobucket.com/albums/u384/lawdog114/P-47%20C%20Half%20Pint/DSCN6814_zpsdxwu5u2t.jpg)
Not unlike their Wildcat, assembly is barely worth mentioning. It practically builds itself. That said, it's a good idea to attach the upper wings to the wing root then add the lowers to avoid a slight gap. Also, I filled in the groves for the fuselage drop tank as, according to my research, the C did not have a provision for one.
![](http://i1065.photobucket.com/albums/u384/lawdog114/P-47%20C%20Half%20Pint/DSCN6804_zpsbnwdyp7z.jpg)
![](http://i1065.photobucket.com/albums/u384/lawdog114/P-47%20C%20Half%20Pint/DSCN6805_zpsfw5tieys.jpg)
Time to paint. Half Pint was the standard Olive Drab over Neutral Grey with a white cowl band and white tail ETO striping. After an XF-1 Flat Black panel line pre-shade, I added the white with XF-2 and taped them off. I started with the lower side and used XF-53 Neutral Grey cut with Tamiya Lacquer Thinner. Sprays like silk. I added Flat White and made condensation streaks.
I lightened the control surfaces then weathered everything with a brown/black postshade. I've been getting brave with the grunge factor, especially on the underside.
![](http://i1065.photobucket.com/albums/u384/lawdog114/P-47%20C%20Half%20Pint/DSCN6818_zpsl1ygxlsa.jpg)
![](http://i1065.photobucket.com/albums/u384/lawdog114/P-47%20C%20Half%20Pint/DSCN6820_zpsupa5plbr.jpg)
I hope to throw down the Drab soon....