Jeff's P38J Lightning***Finished***

[jssel]

Two more optional parts given can be found in the clear sprue with two different over the head canopy pieces. One hinged on the side and one rear hinged piece for the later versions of the aircraft. The other option is for the super-charger intake fairings on the top of the booms. That can be blanked off for the P332 version or pieces added for the later versions.

Anyway........today's work was on the nose gear strut. I desired to show the nose wheel off center to port for a more candid appearance.


Start out by cutting the strut in half. It swivels at the top of the oleo scissors.



Next drill in holes on both upper and lower pieces.




Stretch sprue for an extra support piece for attaching the legs back together.



Trim sprue to fit and re-attach the lower leg. Off set as desired.



Dry fit to make sure you get what you are looking for.



This afternoon, I have a gathering of my model club for a little socializing. When I get back, the rest of the seams will be cleaned up and it will be off to the paint barn.

[Martin R]

Jeff,

Great "how to . . . " information there; thanks.

regards,

Martin

[jssel]

Good Day, Gents.

Well I am slowly getting back on the air again. Just wanted to let you all know that I am getting this old tub back together after yesterday afternoons crash. After Dell Tech Support in wherever had me gut this thing out, my internet provider, after giving me the all clear this morning now tells me the the real problem was with my wi-fi router.

So.......thanks to an external harddrive, I should have everything restored in full soon.

Oh, and I AM shopping around to replace this ten year old relic. Unlike CBK's, 'puters don't get better with age.

[Martin R]

Good Day, Gents.

Well I am slowly getting back on the air again. Just wanted to let you all know that I am getting this old tub back together after yesterday afternoons crash. After Dell Tech Support in wherever had me gut this thing out, my internet provider, after giving me the all clear this morning now tells me the the real problem was with my wi-fi router.

So.......thanks to an external harddrive, I should have everything restored in full soon.

Oh, and I AM shopping around to replace this ten year old relic. Unlike CBK's, 'puters don't get better with age.

Nice to know you're back with us!

regards,

Martin

[jssel]

After much delay, I have finally got the Neutral Gray on the undersurface. As stated before, pre-shading can go with or without to me. In this case with solid colors for top and bottom, flat black was used on the panel lines. I think it helps.





Looking over OD options for the uppers now.

[Martin R]

Jeff,

I like the look of the pre-shading. Nice and subtle, but still managing to add some interest to the overall grey coat. Keep going!

regards,

Martin

[jssel]

OD on the uppers today. Rather tough work on the inside of the booms. Now, after the paint drys a little, mask off the nacelles for the 364th tactical markings of white with white spinners.

[Stamford]

Shaping up nicely -I like the wavey nose demarcation. Nice tyre colour too, is that from a pot or your own mix?

[jssel]

@Stamford. The color is Tamiya XF-63 German Grey right out of the pot.

@Brews. Yeah, I was really worried as it sprayed but it darken up while curing. Poly Scale Neutral Grey. Poly Scale ANA613 Olive Drab uppers.

Thanks for looking, guys

[jssel]

Finally have the paint work locked down. I attached the gear doors today and that seems to be the hardest part of the assembly. I finally had to trim down the attachment points to make it all align correctly.

Now it is off to gloss coat and prep for decaling.

[Old_Tonto]

SMART.

[jssel]

The decaling is going OK. Hasegawa decals are thicker than the usual aftermarket sheets but I have found that they snuggle down well to Future and a touch of Solv-a-set where needed. The Hasegawa decals take a lot of soaking time to work free of the backing sheet. Once applied, they need a lot more "setting up" time to fully cure.

Another issue that will bring out the 10/0 hairy stick to clean up.



Here we are at the present time.

[Molly-new]

Very smart looking bird Jeff. Shame about the decal issue, but I am sure you have the means to sort it out.

[JamesPerrin]

Yeah a very looking model so far.

[ShaunW]

The decal issue is a bit of a bind and I hope you can sort it to your satisfaction. Very smart looking Lightning!