Tired-Iron's P-38 Build

[TiredIronGRB]

I thought I would start a thread on my P-38 build, I hope others will as well.



Out of the box..



Installed the Robart wheels, I drilled out the smooth caps to use on the backside to cover the screws.



To get the wheel cover to clear the retainer I had to cut the outer sleeve down past the lip so it would be flush with the wheel center. I then cut the gear shafts at the flat cut. Cutting down an Allen wrench will help in tightening the retainer.



Using the solid cap on the backside made for a clean look.

[TiredIronGRB]

Been doing a little detailing waiting on my HotRod pinstriping guy to come do my nose art...



Painted the nose, haven't decided what to do with the spinners and cowl.



Cut some aluminum screen for the cowls, will probably do some for the rear air intakes as well.





Like most kits the guns come with solid ends so I drilled them out.



Went to Lowes and matched the paint colors, the sample paint comes in a low sheen which matches nicely.



Nice fit.

[TiredIronGRB]

Painted the clear plastic around the lights.



I did the gear rake mod using two washers under the rear of the mounting flange.



It's a good idea to glue the washers together to prevent a cussing fit.



These were a job to cut out.



But they turned out nice.



I primed the spinners and cowls with an alkyd olive drab to cover the yellow, once they dry for a day I'll paint them with the same acrylic paint I used on the nose.

[TSHobbies]

Lookin good man. I used the same wheels on mine for the mains..was thinking of ordering another set for the front leg too.

[TiredIronGRB]

Lookin good man. I used the same wheels on mine for the mains..was thinking of ordering another set for the front leg too.

I used the 2.5" on the nose and had to clearance the well a little for it to fit.

[ruffneckx1]

Lookin' good. :cool:
Really like the wire screens.
My nose wheel was a drop in fit. I did have to shave plastic off of the spoked hub to have room for the wheel collar. Right now I'm fighting with the masking for invasion strips.

Woody

[crxmanpat]

Nice wire screens and gear rake. I may have to do both to mine as well.

[TiredIronGRB]

A little more paint work...and some of the decals modified/applied



No more yellow, can't wait to get my nose-art done.



Had to cover up all that clear plastic.

[crxmanpat]

Looking good! I just painted all around my light lenses too, including the position lights.

[Grossman56]

Great thread Tired Iron, wow she looks great!!
Theses last few pictures look so real, they remind me of the video with 6 P 38s flying together. Great Job!

Grossman56

[XF-15DCC]

Now thats is a good looking aircraft! What did you use for the screens?

Kevin

[crxmanpat]

Now thats is a good looking aircraft! What did you use for the screens?

Kevin

He stated it was aluminum screen material. Mine are hard to see (I used black fabric screen material as I had a roll on hand). I think I'll paint mine silver so they stand out a little more.

[TiredIronGRB]

Yes, aluminum screen.

[TiredIronGRB]

I found a solution for getting the nose gear door to shut when adding washers under the rear mounting tabs to correct the rake, if you move the door pull rod to the other side of the mounting tab it will allow the door to shut.



Stock position.



New position.

[TiredIronGRB]

I love these lights...

[Grossman56]

Those are great lights, what are they?

Grossman56

[crxmanpat]

They're stock. ;)

[Aros]

Fantastic job! Love the mods. What paint did you use for the spinners?

[TiredIronGRB]

Fantastic job! Love the mods. What paint did you use for the spinners?

Acrylic enamel from Lowes.

[Aros]

Spray can? It doesn't look brushed on... From the photos I assume you paint matched as it looks like a perfect match to the OD.