How I Build a 1/100 Model

[wireandpaper]

Originally Posted by Don Boose

This is a most valuable tutorial. I am saving the entire document in my "Paper Modelers' Vade Mecum.

It inspires me to give the failed 1/100 Kyushu J1K6 another try this weekend (and perhaps to have another go at Nobi's 1/48 Ki-27s that I attempted a years or so ago).

Many thanks for this excellent instruction.

Don

I would love to see your Vade Mecum Volumes, as well as your "Musolini's Navy"!

[Falco]

unbelievable... Your wing fairing work is crazy (based on how much trimming you did) but also I can't argue with the results.

[Rata]

Thanks wireandpaper & Falco.

One of the things I like about 1/100 is the scale is small enough to 'cut corners' and get away with it. Probably not a good idea to try some of this stuff on larger scales!

[Rata]

One reason I leave the wing tips till last is that in case while adding the root fairings I inadvertently dent the wing, I can go in through the tip with a small paintbrush handle or similar and (at least hopefully) smooth out the problem from the inside.
The second reason is I can trim around the tip doing both upper and lower sides together so, again hopefully, they'll be better matched.
The third reason is it makes for accurate tip incidence alignment. Incidence for those who don't know is also known as 'angle of attack' and is the angle of the wing (when viewed end-on) in relation to the fore to aft fuselage datum line. Most propeller aircraft have a degree or two 'positive' incidence, i.e. leading edge higher.

While on tips, there was a line of aircraft design thought (mostly American) back around just before WWII where the wing tips had a slight upward appearance. The top tip surface extended out in line with the rest of the upper surface with the lower surface rising up from the last rib station to meet it. Types that spring to mind are Curtiss P-40, Bell P-39, Brewster F2A and Vought F4U. The attached photos and drawings give an idea what I'm referring to.
The feature is easy enough to replicate on a model by simply bending the lower tip up to the top one. I know it's not a big detail, but doing so adds to the sum total of small details that can make a real difference.

On to the landing gear (or undercarraige) next and thanks again for viewing.

[Vinalssergio155]

Wonderful, both the photo report and the step-by-step explanations Garry.

[Falco]

Rata the forward end of your P-40's landing gear pod is very round and smooth... how did you do that?

[scissorsandplanes]

Originally Posted by Falco

Rata the forward end of your P-40's landing gear pod is very round and smooth... how did you do that?

With lots of patience

[Rata]

Falco, the photo makes it seem much better than it actually is. They are how Bruno originally designed them on his P-40 models. They're basically three sides with the lower side bending up at the front . I did burnish the inside front before I attached them to the model which slightly rounded them.

[rifleman]

that's one good looking p40 sir well done

[Falco]

Thanks for clearing things up... I don't wanna be that guy but I could use another "show me" tutorial of a subject that has lots of struts... gear struts and wing struts. It's just a wish not a request...