Tired-Iron's P-38 Build

[Aros]

Oh man those oleos on the P-51 struts look SWEET on this bird. Fantastic.

[TiredIronGRB]

The 3.35" are way too large, hopefully the 3" FMS will clear well...I'll work on the weight balance one I get the front wheel working.

[Alpha]

That's quite a size difference, Tired Iron. Looks nice. The one note I would add is to be mindful of the weight you're adding. The stock wheel is significantly lighter than the Freewing strut/wheel, and it's all shifting aft during retraction.

[rtwatkins]

how's the fit for the wheels and gear doors when retracted? any issues?

[TiredIronGRB]

I couldn't wait until the parts to come in so yes, that is "Iron Ass" tits up in the background...this worked out really good on the mains, I may even try to get the 3.35" tires to work.



This is the pin to adapt the P38 retract to the FW strut.



Will probably have to go with the FMS P51 3" wheels...probably...maybe not.





The Robart 2.75" compared to the FW P51 3.35".

[Aros]

I used the aluminum screen material. Looks great!

Yeah I am going to paint my screen mesh aluminum. I like the look of how it stands out more.

[TiredIronGRB]

Thanks Wayne!

[StormyDog1962]

I for one am very impressed, looks great!!

[Lon]

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.

I used the aluminum screen material. Looks great!

[Aros]

..........

[TiredIronGRB]

I'm thinking about adding suspension to the struts, I think I can modify the FMS 1400MM P51 struts to work, I'm going to get two sets so I can use one on the nose gear so if it works out I will have a spare.

Stay tuned...

[Aros]

Wow that's impressive! Looked smooth enough to trick me into thinking it was sprayed on.

[TiredIronGRB]

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.

Brushed, I had it color matched but you can still tell in person even though I feathered it out. I used several types of brushes including squirrel tail hair and exploded tip polyester which will give you a very smooth finish.

[MikeT]

Looks great. Mine arrived yesterday. Looking forward to the assembly.

Mike

[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.

[TiredIronGRB]

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

Acrylic enamel from Lowes.

[Aros]

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

[crxmanpat]

They're stock. ;)

[Grossman56]

Those are great lights, what are they?

Grossman56

[TiredIronGRB]

I love these lights...