continuing on...lets put together the front engine parts.
If you haven't already glued the engine/cowling on to the front of the fuselage
you can install the front engine/propellor parts.
To be honest, its just as easy to do it later on, but I hadn't securely attached the
engine/cowling assembly, so it was easy to remove and add the prop parts.
For the "new" P-47, I decided to throw out the old Prop/Hub/Drive parts
and redesign from scratch.
Using my recently acquired reference photos...
we start with a new Drive/Base...whatever this part is called...
a base disc, a conical thingy and three layered front discs.
(and its got a little boxy, bendy down thingy thats points downwards*)
*warning - lots of very technical terms will be used from now on.
...
Then, a new four way Hub thingy to attach the prop Blades.
This test build is a little small...I have since beefed up the thickness and diameter of these little parts.
But the overall look is what I was hoping for.
...
New Prop Blades...the Hub parts are sized to fit a small dowel, like a sanded toothpick.
Just decide on what you are going to use (in advance) and then roll the Hub parts around that.
Like I said, I planned and prepared four toothpicks, sanded smooth.
So, one for each Prop Blade.
...
After the four way Hub has set up, I drill out the rear hole for a spinner dowel.
This is optional, you can just glue the Hub to the Drive thingy, and then to the Engine plate.
But if you want a spinny Prop, then you'll need a spindle type thing.
Once again, I'll be using a sanded toothpick, cut to length.
I need to make the hole fit the toothpick (tightly)...and I also need to make same size holes
in the Drive assembly and in the Engine plate.
...
Ready to receive the Prop Blades
and ready to attach onto the Engine plate.
The Drive thingy will glue flat onto the Engine, while the spindle is allowed to spin.
I've also started forming the spinner cap which completes the whole Prop Hub/Drive thingy.
Its a petal type form, and very small.
So patience is a virtue here.
Start by cutting everything carefully and precisely.
Roll the part into a tube and prepare the overlapping glue tab.
Now unroll the part and roll the petals into a 90 degree arc.
When your reroll the tube, the petals will be almost closed and ready to receive glue.
Use a small amount of glue on all the edges and then form with your fingers.
Try not to rush it...the more time you give it, the better it will stay in a domed shape.
Like a lot of assemblies, its all about pre-forming, pre-rolling, pre-folding, and dry fitting things
so you understand the method of assembly and parts want to stay in the correct shape and position during the assembly.
...
Lastly...fit the four Prop Blades and glue into place within the four way Hub.
Don't forget to angle the Blades...all four...in the same direction.
(Decal on the Prop Blades shows forward)
and attach the spinner dome cap thingy to complete the mess!
