Cool Ken, she looks great!

Alll thats left to do is a few more decals, Touch up a couple of places and a clear coat

Thanks Joe, Yea I think it might just turn out okay.

Hey Ken, She's looking really good.

here are the latest pics

Yea, Your cockpit is looking good Gary. I'm half afraid to try the vents, so, I haven't touched them. Maybe I'll try it on the bubbletop?? LOL  I'm trying to finish up the razorback before I start anything new. We're supposed to have something new done for our next (local) model club meeting. I told them I'd finish the Camaro, but I just can't get into it right now. It couldn't have anything to do with the "Big Beautiful Jugs, could it? (heavy sarcasm) LOL  I also have to do the Carlisle semi triaxle van trailer for the Automobile GB

Gary: Cockpit looks good! And nice work reaming out those vents. Hmmmm, thought the kit said Promodeler on it, maybe it didn't - darned if I know!

Another minor update on the "Double Ds".

The weekend was rainy, so I didn't get any painting outside done.  This evening I finished re-priming the Bubbletop cowl, so I can shade that and then do the NMF.  Wondering how that will turn out.  I need to hurry as the weather is beginning to warm up and that means high humidity and no painting outside.

So I got the cockpit finished up and installed, along with some detailing done.

I've opened up the shell ejection slots on the wings and started on the gun barrel replacements.  The fuselage is together (barely).  It took a bit of Tenax to get it that way.

If you look closely, you can see the gun-sight just above the IP, and the top of the pilot's head, who is undergoing painting.  He's a little over-dressed for the Pacific. 

Also, I've got the side vents opened.  Things are beginning to come together, however slowly.

Gamera:  Well, the box on the P-47N does NOT say "Promodeller" on it, so I assume it's merely the normal kit.  Like I said, not much of a selection.

Thanks for looking!

Gary

JOE RIX

Hey Ken, If nothing else I hope the brats were delicious. Oh, and by the way the charcoals are easier to scrape when they're not still hot.

LOL Darn I thought it would be easier that way

Yep they were quite tasty LOL

Hey Ken, If nothing else I hope the brats were delicious. Oh, and by the way the charcoals are easier to scrape when they're not still hot.

Joe: Thanks! And yeah I've been having bunches of trouble keeping drop tanks straight, the last P-47 I build it was even worse. I think the next one I build I'll leave the bleeping thing off!!!

Going back to readjust it again!!!

Ken: It doesn't look too bad but I suspect you'll have better luck with the artist charcoal, I figure it will give you a little more control and go on thicker.

Gary: Congrads on getting your taxes out of the way, I did mine about a month ago, I hate the whole mess. I assume you picked up the Revell Promoldeler P-47N? My last P-47 was this kit, it's floating around here somewhere. Decent kit though next time I do an 'N' I think I'll go with the Academy kit!

GAF

Well, I've got my taxes done and will be getting some money back, which is a relief.  I thought for sure I would be paying even more this year.  I can buy more models now! 

Ken:  I'm not sure about using charcoal for "weathering" overall.  I've never tried it on an aircraft model.  It was a technique we used on wargaming miniatures for grime and dirt, and blast effects, but it's been a while back (20 years), and I believe we used a damp brush and 'artist' charcoal, not the stuff you use in your cooker.  And you have to spray coat it after finishing (the normal finish coat on the model is fine) or it will certainly just come right off.  The dry stuff will get everywhere.  Keep a damp cloth handy, and you can remove it by washing.  I was thinking more of engines and gun smudges when I suggested it.  Sorry if I've mislead you, but it's an interesting experiment. Artist pastels can be bought at the local craft store in various colors.

On a brighter note, the package is in the mail. 

 

Gary

GAF - Good deal on your taxes.

I understand about artist charcoal now, but I don't feel you mislead me. So, no worries there Gary. Actually, I kind of like the effect "cooker" charcoal has on my razorback. As for it coming off, It seems to have stained the paint, espcially the neutral gray. I could be wrong, so we'll see what happens to it over time. The worse part was scraping the charcoal. I never realized how hard that stuff is!

Many Thanks on the "package". I'll be watching for it.  Like i said, If I can help you somtime, just say the word.

Ken

Ken

Well, I've got my taxes done and will be getting some money back, which is a relief.  I thought for sure I would be paying even more this year.  I can buy more models now! 

Ken:  I'm not sure about using charcoal for "weathering" overall.  I've never tried it on an aircraft model.  It was a technique we used on wargaming miniatures for grime and dirt, and blast effects, but it's been a while back (20 years), and I believe we used a damp brush and 'artist' charcoal, not the stuff you use in your cooker.  And you have to spray coat it after finishing (the normal finish coat on the model is fine) or it will certainly just come right off.  The dry stuff will get everywhere.  Keep a damp cloth handy, and you can remove it by washing.  I was thinking more of engines and gun smudges when I suggested it.  Sorry if I've mislead you, but it's an interesting experiment. Artist pastels can be bought at the local craft store in various colors.

On a brighter note, the package is in the mail. 

Gamera:  Yes, thanks for the tip on using future to seal the masking tape.  I'll try that next time.  At the moment, the cowl is being stripped clean and is going to be re-primed.  After that, I think I will put the NMF on and try spraying on top of that (or decaling, I'm not sure yet).

On another note, after leaving the tax preparer's office, I dropped by Hobby Lobby with a 40% off coupon to see what I could find.  I actually picked up a few odds and ends.  They have a nice selection of models, as long as its Revell/Monogram you're looking for.  I wanted to get something, but I have most of them.  It was a toss-up between the P-47N, and the F-4C.  The P-47N won out, though I realize I'm just buying myself another headache.  I'll just stick it in the closet with the other headaches.  At my build rate, it might get done by the time I retire.

I'll probably save my real model buying until I go to ModelMania in Houston next month.  Maybe I'll find something there.

Gary

Hey There Guys, Thought I had better check in on you all.

Cliff - My Gawd! Awesome job you have done there. I really like the panel effect you achieved as well as the magnificent masking for the cowling job. Just an obs though and that is that your belly tank looks a might off kilter.

Greentracker - That is definitely an interesting effect you got there. I was just wondering though that if by charcoal it was meant to be Artist Charcoal, which you can get at an art store.

Overall great stuff going on here. When I get through the Spring yard cleaning/ Family visiting cycle here I hope that I might finally get an oppurtunity to start stripping "Nifty" and join in with you all.

Joe

I not that great as a Photographer. Hope these are better. I know its hard to see, But I think it will be too much if I add more "dirt" to it

Hey Ken, hate to say this but it's kinda hard for me to see. I can see it in the middle photos somewhat, you maybe could build it up just a little maybe?

Here are pics with the charcoal What do you all think?

There is a little bit of Flat black paint in the exhaust stain.This looks alot darker in person than it shows here

Gamera - What are the pastels you mentioned? is it chalk?

Thanks guys! Nice to finally get one done!

Gary: Not sure if I said it here or elsewhere but on the yellow stripe off the cowling I masked it off with Tamiya tape and then sprayed a little Future right at the mask. It seals the mask and keeps the paint from getting under it. Since the Future is clear the overspray from it is invisible.

Ken: I've never tried charcoal but I suppose you could grind it up and apply it like pastels. Please let us know how it goes.

I think I figured the charcoal bit out. I still have a few charcoal briquets left over from last summer My Jug is pretty dirty now, especially underneath LOL Sorry about no pics tonight. I'll take  a few tomorrow.

GAF

Gamera,

She does look good in an office setting.   Congrats on a great build.  You even have the guns numbered.

I haven't done much.  I'm trying to get a project done at work, gather up forms and bills for my taxes, and take care of things such as laundry and groceries.  I did decide to strip the paint from the cowl on the Bubbletop, and I have most of it off.  Then I will re-spray the cowl with primer.  After that, I'm not sure.

I may go ahead and paint her NMF, then work on the cowl.  I may try making a decal for her instead of painting.  After that mess-up, I'm leery of attempting another oddly shaped paint job.  We'll see.  Work continues on the Razorback at least.  I've about got the IP finished, and have the gunsight glued on to its back.  I'm waiting for it to dry, and then I need to fit it into the cockpit and fuselage, as I will have to cut out a portion of the front decking to fit the sight through.

Greentracker:  Can't help you on the smoke question as I don't have an airbrush.  I would probably do any shading like that using charcoal and a brush.

Should get the package out in the mail tomorrow.

Gary

Thanks Gary.

What's this about charcoal? I haven't tried anymore on the xhaust soot etc I was working on other things on the jug.

Gamera - I agree thats one fine job you did on your jug.

Gamera,

She does look good in an office setting.   Congrats on a great build.  You even have the guns numbered.

I haven't done much.  I'm trying to get a project done at work, gather up forms and bills for my taxes, and take care of things such as laundry and groceries.  I did decide to strip the paint from the cowl on the Bubbletop, and I have most of it off.  Then I will re-spray the cowl with primer.  After that, I'm not sure.

I may go ahead and paint her NMF, then work on the cowl.  I may try making a decal for her instead of painting.  After that mess-up, I'm leery of attempting another oddly shaped paint job.  We'll see.  Work continues on the Razorback at least.  I've about got the IP finished, and have the gunsight glued on to its back.  I'm waiting for it to dry, and then I need to fit it into the cockpit and fuselage, as I will have to cut out a portion of the front decking to fit the sight through.

Greentracker:  Can't help you on the smoke question as I don't have an airbrush.  I would probably do any shading like that using charcoal and a brush.

Should get the package out in the mail tomorrow.

Gary

Well, I'm enjoying this balmy spring weather but it's been way too windy to take any photos outside for the past two weeks. So since the lighting is good in the office I took these photos there- please excuse the file cabinets! 

Applying the thisfilter got rid of most of the weird green neon effect on the yellow nose I had from the outside photos- so here's pilot Hans von Hornet ready to take 'er out! 

Well, some people use Tamiya 'Smoke' and some use pastels. If you want to use regular paint you might want to thin it down and then spray with low pressure as you said. It should work, just build it up slowly, I've done it too fast and ended up with more than I wanted and it's hard to remove once it's there.

GAF

Well, I had a disaster tonight with the Bubbletop.  I tried to spray the cowl and it ran under the masking tape.  So I have created a new headache for myself.  *sigh*  Back to the proverbial drawing board it seems.

Guess I need to stop and rethink how I'm proceeding on this one.  Maybe I'll put it aside and concentrate on the Razorback for awhile until they're both ready to paint.

I know that feeling GAF.

I sprayed my Razorback again today. I'm still learning the airbrush and was trying for exhaust soot and gun soot. I didn't get those, but I think I have feathery edge between the olive drab and the neutral gray. After spending what seemed like forever on that, I cleaned the airbrush and put it all up for the night. I'll have pics tomorrow.

Wht is the trick for getting the soot from the gun and the exhaust? Should I turn the air pressure down to almost nothing? I have an Aztek brush.

Ouch! Sorry to hear that. I've lately been spraying a thin coat of Future over any masked areas. It 'seals' any gaps in the mask and since it's clear the overspray won't show.

If it helps put the thing back in the box and step away for a little while.

Well, I had a disaster tonight with the Bubbletop.  I tried to spray the cowl and it ran under the masking tape.  So I have created a new headache for myself.  *sigh*  Back to the proverbial drawing board it seems.

Guess I need to stop and rethink how I'm proceeding on this one.  Maybe I'll put it aside and concentrate on the Razorback for awhile until they're both ready to paint.

Gary: She looks good to me. I hate painting those odd shaped patterns on the nose of aircraft. 'Gladys' at least came with a set of templates on the decal sheet I was able to transfer to Tamiya tape to mask off the yellow.

I've been painting the cowling interior yellow zinc chromate on top and grey on the bottom like the  Tamiya instructions say. Not sure if it's right. Funny I've been building a F6F and sources I've seen indicate it the cowling interior could be yellow zinc chromate, Grumman grey, or natural metal so it's possible the P-47 cowling could be different colours from different factories - darned if I know!

Cliff

Gary - Thanks again. I'm interested to see how your 47s turn out. Now I'm thinking invasion stripes and what color scheme.Hmm, NMF Maybe

Good Luck on your weekend

PS Check your messages

It was a slow weekend for me, what with the weather and getting other stuff done.
There's not much to report.  I'll just post some pictures of some of what I've been
doing, though they're out of date now.

First, the paint scheme for the Bubbletop. I've printed this out to the same size as
the Monogram model and am using it as a guide for curves and decals.  Those vents I
mentioned are the ones on the lower part of the aircraft, just before the wings, behind
the cowl flaps. The Bubbletop is masked and waiting for me to paint the cowl.

The cockpit is waiting on an Instrument Panel. (Thanks, Gamera! IP = Instrument Panel)  I've
got the resin one soaking in degreaser to remove that black paint.  Once that's done,
I can finish it up and glue the fuselage together.  Got some nice new wheels!  And the cowl flaps have been separated.  The engine is further along than this, and is ready to be installed.
The resin piece below the IP are gunsights which came with the True Details cockpit I installed
in the Bubbletop.  They supplied 3, and I will use one for the Razorback cockpit.

And the inside of the fuselage cockpit area is painted.

Meanwhile, while surfing the web for P-47 information, I came across this picture that seems
to show some of the interior of the cowl.  I cannot be certain, but it looks like natural metal
to me.  Some Opinions May Differ.

Greentracker98>  The guns look fine to me.  We strive to be as accurate as possible, but at a certain point you just have to go with what you've got.

I opened up the shell ejectors tubes under the wings.

I need to do that for the Razorback when I put the new gun tubes in.  I didn't on the Bubbletop.

What did you do for a gun sight?.

As you can see above I have a couple of resin replacements ready.

What is the IP?

Gamera answered that one.  IP is a common abbreviation for Instrument Panel around here. 

What vents on the front do you mean; and where are they?

They're as shown above.  They should be open like the shell ejector tubes, but it's a bear to get them opened up.

I found a few pics of the canopy and it looks like the top window all the way back in the canopy is painted? Did you find that. ?

PS I painted it already and now I'm wondering if it should not be painted.

No, that's correct.  I think the panel is painted the same color as the frame.  I've seen a picture of a blue one painted that way.

Thanks for reading!  I have a short week and will be off for Good Friday.  I hope I can make more progress with a long weekend.

Gary

PS>  Greentracker, check your messages.

Thanks Gamera. Oh okay on the instrument panel. At least it was only one fingerprint LOL I had a few other places to touch up that needs to be resprayed. I have them done now so It can go back into the spray booth later today. I'll try to leave it sit before i pick it up again this time LOL