LB's FlightLine B-25J to B-25C "Desert Warrior" Build

[Elbee]

Hey Y'all,

Quick update.

I noticed that the Desert Warrior had the 'scalloped' line between the upper and lower colors.

I thought it was straight.

In any event, I counted the ups in a reference pic and cut a template using a circle template (the lid of the Yellow Frog Tape container) to height of 3/4 inch up to down, if that makes sense.

Looked pretty good, so I used it and I like the outcome.

Next, cutting the engine panel and cowl flaps from the wing section and adding the 3D Printed parts.

More when there is more...

Best, LB

[Elbee]

Rex, Thank you, we do what we can. LOL.

[Elbee]

f4u ausie

Those are 2 parts, the cowl ring and engine cover panels.

It could be printed in one part, the whole assembly could be printed as one part.

I like to break designs into parts, I get better results and it is faster to reprint a change to the design.

This project will be 3 parts, Cowl Flaps, Engine Cover Panels, and Cowl Ring.

The images are screen shots of the Isometric View in TinkerCAD and a photo of the printed assembly.

I have a couple ideas for mounting with simpler foam surgery versus the Corsair.:rolling_eyes:

This is fun for me, Tamms thinks I should just assemble these models, mow the yard, and then go flying.

She may be right.

We did buy 4 Kayaks, don't ask, and all the Kayaking stuff :moneybag:"OUCH", so I'll have some other distractions this Fall.

Best, LB

[jetfool]

Elbee,
You are the 3-D WIZARD out there in Kansas.

[f4u ausie]

Is that 1 print. Or more then put together?? If 1. That's amazing. Those 3 d printers sure are the bees knees

[Elbee]

Thanks, Dave.

[davegee]

Looking great, Elbee!!

Davegee

[Elbee]

Hey Y'all,

Finished the first print of both the Cowl Ring and Engine Panels.

Printed at 0.15 mm layer height and angled areas show the expected layer lines.

Hope to remedy that with a either a softer transition of the exhaust fairing or when all else fails, post-processing.

The Cowl RIng matches my references, though next to the OEM part, it looks more angular.

I like the OEM shape, so I'll find a compromise.

Also, the Cowl RIng opening is larger in my design, so I will round over the LE more to reduce that circumference to match the OEM.

I want to use the OEM faux engine, I think it looks good.

Partially open Cowl Flaps are next, but will not be functional.

More when there is more...:pop

Best, LB

[Elbee]

Bomber Bunch,

Wanted to add the additional exhaust blisters, then one thing led to another.

Proportions are close, looking okay, still have a way to go.

There doesn't appear to be much, if any, offset of the motors.

More when I get a test print or two.

Best, LB

[davegee]

Hey Dave,

My research shows as of March 2016 that B-25 BU #41-12860 was listed as "for reclamation" on June 6th of 1946.

http://cgibin.rcn.com/jeremy.k/cgi-bin/gzUsafSearch.pl?content=B-25

She had a great life.

Best, LB

Yep, that was probably the end of her. But as you say, she had a good life!

Thanks for that info. One of my reference books on B-17s has a small paragraph detailing the "life" of each of the12,731 B-17s that were built by several companies during WWII. Great source and I have been able to use it to "solve" some of the details as to what happened with a few of them that their families had wondered about for decades.

Press on with your B-25 as we enjoy watching the steps you are taking to make it another masterpiece!

Cheers

Davegee

[Elbee]

f4u ausie

Thanks much, Craig.

Not perfect, but representative of the subject.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Best, LB

[f4u ausie]

Dont no as much as u guys.... about the scale stuff... but the turret work looks just impeccable steve ... awsome as always small steps r good steps

[Elbee]

Excellent progress, Elbee. Curious, do you happen to know what happened to this aircraft after it went on tour in the USA afterwards? Was it eventually scrapped, crashed, placed in a museum, etc.?

Thanks,

Davegee

Hey Dave,

My research shows as of March 2016 that B-25 BU #41-12860 was listed as "for reclamation" on June 6th of 1946.

http://cgibin.rcn.com/jeremy.k/cgi-bin/gzUsafSearch.pl?content=B-25

She had a great life.

Best, LB

[Elbee]

Nope, I do not. I need to run the BU Number, but that is a toss up.
Calif was it's last stop on the tour, unknown after that.

[davegee]

Excellent progress, Elbee. Curious, do you happen to know what happened to this aircraft after it went on tour in the USA afterwards? Was it eventually scrapped, crashed, placed in a museum, etc.?

Thanks,

Davegee

[Elbee]

Thanks Rex. Baby steps sometimes or is it 2 steps forward, 1 step back. I know you know what I mean....LOL Best, LB

[jetfool]

Following your progress Elbee. You make it look easy, but I know you have worked hard to get there.

Best Regards, Rex

[Elbee]

Mitchell Maniacs,

I painted the new 3DP parts and the the Top Turret is ready for install short of masking/painting the clear dome.

I also got the (ahem) graphics rework done on the verticals after I had used the wrong data line, my mistake.

Callie came through in a couple weeks and now those are correct to picture reference.

More with there is more.

Best, LB

[Elbee]

Bomber Brood,

I tinkered with it and finally said enuff and built my own, mostly.:confounded:

I am using the sight cage or whatever they called it from the OEM turret, but the rest is new stuff.

Color order was not as accurate as I had referenced, so full repaint of parts.:face_with_raised_ey

Printing last test parts now, but this is the general idea.

More when there is more...:pop

Best, LB

[davegee]

Dave,

Thanks and those panels will be glued to the fuselage top like the one on the bottom.

The aft panel is an "emergency escape hatch" as per the stencils.:fire: Shown in Yellow.

I have presumed the other is fuselage reinforcement centered on the bulkheads for the lower turret's weight. Shown in Red.

There is another panel on the bottom of the fuselage centered beneath the upper turret. Also Shown in Red.

My logic tells me structure and weight reinforcement opposite the turret holes top and bottom in the fuselage.

I have yet to find an iso that confirms exactly but the locations suggest added strength for the fuselage at bulkheads.:confused:

That is my story going forward and I'm sticking to it.

Best, LB

Sounds like a good plan, Elbee!

Cheers

Davegee