1/32 Trumpeter P-40B.. Going Dark

Post by **fightnjoe** » Mon Dec 14, 2015 2:47 am

Well folks I just had to jump again.

This subject is another attempt at my first cut away. The 1/32 Trumpeter P-40B.

I will be trying to improve.

More to come.

Joe

Post by **shortCummins** » Mon Dec 14, 2015 8:29 am

Post by **fightnjoe** » Mon Dec 14, 2015 4:18 pm

Thank you for looking in.

Joe

Post by **fightnjoe** » Mon Dec 28, 2015 6:43 pm

After a couple of weeks of nothing here I am again.

Where to begin?

First up is to mock up the firewall, cockpit floor, and bulkhead #6 which is the aft bulkhead of the cockpit.

A touch of modification as the cockpit floor is actually the top of the wing. Trumpeter actually has this much too high in the pit. A piece of strip on the back of the firewall will help in position. Two strips of styrene glued as a cross section of the pit floor will help as well. An extension is needed on the aft bulkhead to get it to match up to the floor.

Work is begun on the bulkheads aft the pit. This begins with getting the shape with a contour guage, tracing the shape to paper, rough fitting to the interior of the fuselage side, tracing to a piece of sheet styrene, cutting it out, sanding to shape. Easy enough. These are just a rough cut of the bulkheads, there is much detailing to do yet to these.

They are roughed and ready. I have now the bulkheads #7 to #14 which puts them to the tail wheel.

Next up will be to work on the wing. This will be the first of the cutting and reconstruction. Have not even scratched the surface yet.

All comments, critiques, and criticism are welcome.

Joe

Post by **fightnjoe** » Fri Jan 01, 2016 11:41 pm

To keep in line with how I want to present this I bring to you a small update.

Prior to cutting any holes in the wing or fuselage I made some rough bulkheads. One of the latest sessions saw the use of Dremmel and knives to cut away sections of the fuselage.

First uncut.

Then after a bit of time, the cuts.

Some little stuff was accomplished prior to the cutting as well. I have some frames roughed for the wing.

Now after the cutting and grinding was done I test fit the roughed bulkheads and found that several were much too small. So much for measure twice and cut once. My next step is to redo the bulkheads. I also need to work a bit on the pit floor to extend it to the back of the wing root.

All comments, critiques, and criticism are encouraged.

Joe

Post by **fightnjoe** » Sun Jan 24, 2016 2:43 am

Well it has been going on a month since I last updated this thread. As for quantity there is not a lot. However there is some progress.

There are frames in the wing.

Now they are not fixed permanently, they are spot glued in to make sure they fit right.

There is also some progress on my renditions of the wing guns.

Like I said it does not look like much but it is progress. I am much happier with the wing guns now.

Next up will be a box for the guncarriage and the guns. Need to find a bit more on the interior of the wing as there does appear to be a whole lot of empty there.

Till the next time,

All comments, critiques, and criticism are encouraged.

Joe

Post by **fightnjoe** » Sat Jan 30, 2016 4:26 am

Just a quick update.

Work continued on the wing. Frames are now installed and the gun bay as well as the ammo box. Tonight the stringers were installed.

Next up will be the interior of the flaps.

All comments, critiques, and criticism are encouraged.

Joe

Post by **demarcation** » Tue Feb 02, 2016 10:51 pm

Fantastic work so far buddy!! Looking forward to follow your build.

Post by **Smiffy** » Wed Feb 03, 2016 7:48 am

Awesome work so far

Post by **arilo76** » Wed Feb 03, 2016 8:10 am

WOW that is outstanding

really well done mate

Post by **fightnjoe** » Thu Feb 04, 2016 9:10 pm

Many many thanks for the kind words.

Joe

Post by **herbies** » Fri Feb 05, 2016 1:42 pm

Loved your past two builds and even this one! They keep astounding me. I don't know where you get the patience for this! Though secretly would like to do something like this, but at the moment cbf.

Though keep up the work!

Post by **fightnjoe** » Sat Feb 06, 2016 4:57 am

Many many thanks. You are very kind.

Well it happened yet again.

Wing work volume 2.

The ammo chute is redone, two frames are redone, and the stringers are now redone. Seems every step forward is followed by two or ten steps back.

First was to strip out the offending parts.

Than with everything replaced.

I also had worked some on the flap interiors.

Now to move forward.

All comments, critiques, and criticism are encouraged.

Joe

Post by **fightnjoe** » Sat Feb 06, 2016 9:37 pm

Bonus material time....

As I started out today I thought why not show what I was doing. Just a small assembly but it is worth the time.

Today I began by cleaning up the bulkheads. Remember those....

Well I began with punching out a hole, the largest my punch set has, and then using the dremel I worked the bulkheads out to where they looked more like they do in my drawings. I then went in with 320 sandpaper and cleaned them up.

Once that was done I was able to start on the fuel cell. Using bulkhead #7 as a reference I sketched out the form, that was cut out, cleaned up, and then used as a master to form 3 pieces of sheet styrene. I then cut two pieces of tube styrene, size isnt important as long as it fits. I glued the tube to the sheet and then put them all together.

I then used .010 sheet styrene and skinned the framework. Also using the same bulkhead I fashioned a stand to keep the fuel cell in place.

Just that simple.

Ok next will be to continue to work the interior, most likely starting with the tail and moving forward. I do need to add detail to most of the bulkheads as well as the fuel cell.

I hope you enjoyed the bonus.

All comments, critiques, and criticism are encouraged.

Joe

Post by **fightnjoe** » Wed Feb 10, 2016 5:38 am

Wow. It really is amazing what can happen when we move past a stumbling block.

Just a bit of an update:

Work has commenced on the interior begining with the tail wheel assembly. This does not represent 100% accuracy as I needed to make sure there was stability and strength as well.

Before I go too far I really need to open up the access door on the fuselage. For that first a template is made out of aluminium foil which is taped to an aluminium can, cut out, and cleaned up a bit.

Next is to drill out the door. Let the drilling begin.

And drilled out.

Next will be to clean up the cut and then I can put in stringers and back plates.

All comments, critiques, and criticism are encouraged.

Joe

Post by **fightnjoe** » Tue Feb 16, 2016 4:56 am

Moving right along with the interior work.

First up was to clean up the access door and then attach a backing plate.

Once that was completed I moved on to putting the stringers in place. These are .020 hex rod.

With that done the part of the builds that I truly enjoy could begin. The interior work.

First up was to prep bulkheads 8 and 9 for radio equipment. I took some time and set up the racks to mimic what I have seen in pictures.

The next step of course was to actually build up the radio equipment. Now indulge me on this.

From left to right. Radio boxes both recieving and transmitting, dynamotor and antenna switch box, junction box, and the reciever and transmitter.

Now with that ready, before I can add the wiring, I am going to need to do some painting I think. I may just move on and continue the construction of interior assemblies. Thinking on this.

All comments, critiques, and criticism are encouraged.

Joe

Post by **fightnjoe** » Fri Feb 19, 2016 4:32 am

Just a quick update.

Spent some time getting some of the internal details constructed. Again they are not 100% but they will work for what I need.

The hydraulic pump.

And the landing gear/flap unit

I have also begun to frame in the cockpit.

I will be doing some crossmembers for the stringers. These will only be there to make sure the detail has a place to anchor.

All comments, critiques, and criticism are encouraged.

Joe

Post by **fightnjoe** » Mon Feb 22, 2016 12:05 am

The next major construction stage is to work on the cockpit.

This begins with framing in the pit. Bulheads and frames. After putting in the bulkheads each stringer was cut to fit. I used .020 by .040 strip for the bulkhead. I used .020 square strip for the stringers.

And how it looks all together. Taped of course.

Now there are a couple of major flaws in the pictures. One I have fixed the other I will live with.

Moving right along and actually kind of quick with this part so far.

All comments, critiques, and criticism are encouraged.

Joe

Post by **fightnjoe** » Sun Mar 27, 2016 4:16 am

I need to revive this.

Joe

Post by **Icemannique** » Sun Mar 27, 2016 10:20 am

Very nice job !

I am forward to see how this project builds up !

Post by **demarcation** » Sun Mar 27, 2016 11:26 pm

Very very impressive mate!! Keep up the good work.

Post by **fightnjoe** » Wed Mar 30, 2016 3:48 am

Glad you like it.

Joe

Post by **fightnjoe** » Wed Mar 30, 2016 3:49 am

How about a long overdue, a month since the last one, update????

When last we saw our hero the framing for the cockpit had been readied and installed. We had prepared to begin to start detailing.

This update is all about the seat frame and the port side.

Working off of several pictures work began with the electrical panels and the throttle control. Using strip, rod, tube, and scrap plastic the panels were fashioned. After they were ready some little odds and ends on the port side were fashioned to match the pictures.

The port side.

I also worked on the seat framing. This is not 100% accurate but needed to have a bit more strength than what I could see for a plastic frame. I canibalized a seat from the parts box and have it in place temp.

And finally just a glimpse of what this looks like, minus the port detail, with the fuselage together.

That is about all the detail seen in my pictures for the Port side. Next up will be to work on the Starboard side.

All comments, critiques, and criticism are encouraged.

Joe

Post by **fightnjoe** » Sat Apr 02, 2016 4:46 am

On to the Starboard side of the cockpit. A little of detail but to be honest I missed a couple of things that I will have in the next update.

Radio boxes, a light, and the canopy handle dominate this side.

Now let me back up a bit, playing with different camera settings. Here are a couple of shots of the Port side using a different background and different settings.

Next up will be the top of the wing/floor of the cockpit.

All comments, critiques, and criticism are encouraged.

Joe

Post by **fightnjoe** » Sat Apr 02, 2016 11:12 pm

My friends most of the cockpit is now ready for paint.

There are a few things that I have not worked yet but they can be done at paint.

I added a box on the starboard side, reworked the frame a bit, reworked the instrument panel to add some detail that was lacking, and added just a couple of things to the floor/top of the wing.

This section is now far enough that I can move on.

Next up will be the firewall and the engine compartment moving into the engine.

Many thanks all for sticking around this long.

All comments, critiques, and criticism are encouraged.

Joe

Post by **fightnjoe** » Sat Apr 09, 2016 2:17 am

The final phase of construction is to work on the firewall and the engine area. The engine will be an entirely separate thing and will be covered while I install it permanently.

The firewall included a couple of tanks as well as a base for some plumbing and the throttle linkages.

And with it inplace in the fuselage.

Now I have also added just a few stringers for detail on the interior of the fuselage. Next for me will be to begin to paint.

All comments, critiques, and criticism are encouraged.

Joe

Post by **Vleugelmoer** » Sat Apr 09, 2016 2:31 pm

Dawm Fightnjoe,

Mighty impressive work so far, I have always been terrified of taking a razorsaw to any kit let alone one of this quality. You must have gonads the size a young bull would be envious of. Gonna subscribe to this one and get inspired.

Thanks for the share

Paul

Post by **fightnjoe** » Sun Apr 10, 2016 1:26 pm

Paul you are very kind. Thank you.

Joe

Post by **fightnjoe** » Sat Apr 16, 2016 5:46 pm

Ok folks I have reached a point where it would be advisable to start the paint work.

All the prep work is done, I think. Bulkheads are installed, with the exception of the forward most as they need to be removable yet. The little bits and pieces are prepped for paint. The tail wheel assembly is in place.

Paint was sprayed starting with a flat black base. I wanted to try something a bit different and changed midstream to putting a coat of Model Master Aluminium Plate on then I sprayed the interior colors. I did however forget to take pictures of that. I wanted to see if the Aluminium changed the Interior Green and the Yellow Zinc Chromate. It did but not so much as you would really see it.

I also began to paint and detail paint the interior pieces.

That is where it stands at the moment. Now the challenge will be to work on the firewall more and on to the engine work. I am choosing to not install the bits and pieces as of yet as they could break free during the process and I do not want to lose them.

All comments, critiques, and criticism are encouraged.

Joe

Post by **Nige201980** » Sun Apr 17, 2016 10:46 am

Super work as always Joe

Post by **fightnjoe** » Mon Apr 18, 2016 2:55 pm

You are very kind. Thank you.

Joe

Post by **fightnjoe** » Sun Apr 24, 2016 2:07 am

Update time:

Engine compartment and Engine work.

The engine is the kit parts, added are hoses and such.

The firewall.

With some additions.

And just how much will you actually see when done???

Well not much really. Again this is not 100% accurate. Some issues occurred during the process and some things did not get installed. Maybe the next time.

This took a while so my goal was not reached. I had hoped to get this weathered but that did not happen. Also I have not finished the exhausts yet. That will have to wait till the next update.

All comments, critiques, and criticism are encouraged.

Joe

Post by **fightnjoe** » Sat Apr 30, 2016 4:59 am

An update, a rather quick moving one.

First up is finishing up the engine. Exhausts are now added.

Next up is to actually begin the painting process. Some may ask why, why do that prior to gluing all of the bits and pieces? Well simple really. I am a bit scared when it comes to painting around that cut away bit. For that reason I choose to paint it now and then when I get it all together I can go back over the bits and touch up.

First up is my usual, a coat of Flat Black.

Next up is to break this up just a bit. I choose to use Model Master Aluminium Plate. This is sprayed on randomly. This is to break the monotone of the top colors.

I then sprayed Pollyscale colors, Dark Earth, and Dark Green. I used homemade paper masks. To be honest they worked ok but they could have been so much better. The paints on the other hand again do not impress me. They are some of the most difficult I have used.

Being up front about it, any tone modulation in the paint are strictly because I either sprayed too heavy, not heavy enough, or otherwise screwed up. It might just work for what I intend though.

Next up will be to begin the reconstruction of the interior and the permanent installation of the assorted pieces.

All comments, critiques, and criticism are encouraged.

Joe

Post by **fightnjoe** » Wed May 04, 2016 4:31 am

Finishing up the interior work. Everything I will show in this post is now installed.

The port side

And the little bit on the starboard side.

What is left on the interior is the seat, the lower section of the tail wheel assembly, and finishing off the plumbing of the starboard side of the cockpit. Oh so close to closing up the fuselage. Oh so close.

All comments, critiques, and criticism are encouraged.

Joe

Post by **Vleugelmoer** » Wed May 04, 2016 7:31 am

oké it's official I'm in love with this styrene. Absolutely stunning work done so far. Just one quick question, that thin black line running from the cockpit floor to the front firewall (cable wip). Looks real straight so I'm wondering what type of materials are you using for your electrical and controll cables? ?

As always happy modeling and keep sticking styrene.

Paul

Post by **fightnjoe** » Thu May 05, 2016 4:51 am

Many many thanks. The thin strip is .010 round rod. The electrical cables and control cables are varying sizes of round rod.

Joe

Post by **arilo76** » Sun May 08, 2016 8:41 am

Wow really outstanding, excellent work.

Post by **demarcation** » Sun May 08, 2016 6:47 pm

Superb work buddy!!

Post by **fightnjoe** » Wed May 18, 2016 4:28 am

Delayed but many many thanks.

Joe

Post by **fightnjoe** » Wed May 18, 2016 4:29 am

And yet another update. This one is just a bit of the small stuff and then a big step forward.

First the small stuff.

The IP.

The tail wheel assembly.

And the seat.

Well then came a big step. Closure of the fuselage.

Next up is to go back and work on the wing some. I have some fixes to make and some little things to install.

Moving along but oh so slowly.

All comments, critiques, and criticism are encouraged.

Joe

Post by **Vleugelmoer** » Wed May 18, 2016 9:49 am

She's a stunner !!! like already mentioned by yourself to bad the engine bracket didn't want to play ball..

still looks okey, if I didn't know it wouldn't be all that obvious from these pictures

Post by **shortCummins** » Wed May 18, 2016 1:15 pm

this is just sooo cool!

Post by **fightnjoe** » Thu May 19, 2016 4:36 pm

Many many thanks.

I am glad you like it so far.

Joe

Post by **Kevthemodeller** » Fri May 20, 2016 12:26 pm

It's coming along very nicely

Post by **fightnjoe** » Sun May 22, 2016 10:09 pm

Many many thanks.

Joe

Post by **fightnjoe** » Mon May 30, 2016 2:31 am

Well folks back again. Just a brief one this time.

The wings are on and the fuselage is now completely painted.

Decals are on and setting at the moment. There will be pictures soon.

All comments, critiques, and criticism are encouraged.

Joe

YouTube · Post by **NorthernModeller** » Mon May 30, 2016 4:18 pm

Stupendous. Really amazing work

Post by **fightnjoe** » Wed Jun 01, 2016 4:12 am

Very kind. Thank you.

Joe

Post by **fightnjoe** » Wed Jun 01, 2016 5:16 am

Well folks work continues on the P-40B.

The decals are in place. I have glossed them over to prepare for the weathering stage. They went down a dream this time. The subject is "White 68".

Next will be to start the weathering.

All comments, critiques, and criticism are encouraged.

Joe

Post by **Vleugelmoer** » Thu Jun 02, 2016 1:22 pm

The flying tiger markings looks sweet. All those bright colors really set to life the dark earth and dark green camouflage.

looking forward to the next installment in this thread.

As always happy modeling and keep sticking styrene.

Paul