CANicoll

Mark, GREAT idea! I have not fit them yet so still time to do that. Thanks for the suggestion - much appreciated.

Wow, how did you get the wings off, or they were not attached? Nice re-do, for sure.

I'm glad there is a research thread here now since so many people here have so much good information which is freely shared, but sometimes a bit hard to go back and find. Here is my contribution: Well known researcher Dana Bell, who is a member of the local IPMS chapter, gave me copies of his scans from the Library of Congress regarding the coloring of Lou IV. He has published a number of books on the colors of various aircraft types. These scans are his, which he has allowed me to share freely. The notations on the pictures are his. Even after seeing these pictures, I know there are folks who say that they believe Lou IV was all green. I'm not trying to change any minds. The scans here are simply for use by anybody in building one of these aircraft. The largest file I posted is the first picture which should allow you to enlarge the picture significantly. Dana's original scan was enormous. I also have several other pictures from this sequence if anyone is particularly interested - showing these aircraft in different positions relative to each other. Clearly the formation was intended to provide the best photographic perspective (see the position of the sun) and Dana's thinking is the color pictures were staged. One thing I find interesting is the underwing invasion stripes so not seem to be completely painted over or removed - only the center section.

Thanks Peter. My trepidation was actually unwarranted. The instructions were pretty clear and despite some tight fits and all, the surgery was not that difficult. I'll be working on it today and ideally will get the intakes attached. This fuselage is a handful, however. I am not exactly sure where the final assembly is going to take place - my workbench isn't that wide.

Carl, THANK YOU for the advice! Always welcomed. Definitely will focus on the top fit and actually did not recognize that the bottom would be covered by the wing. Whew!! I'll look up those vari-ramps, too. Cheers!

That is a strategy I can embrace!!

Carl, Looking good!! Umm, how do you find anything on that work desk?!?

It Begins!! Finally getting started on my build. I assumed that it would begin like most aircraft builds: with the cockpit. Noooooo... Had to start right from the get-go with the major surgery required for the GT Resin intakes. Anyone who followed along with my Catalina build knows how much I just LOVE grafting resin onto styrene. This is what needs to be cut from the fuselage to fit the GT Resin intakes. A MicroMark razor saw was a big help. The fit is pretty good, but not sure if there will be a step at the bottom of the intake. Otherwise, the fit seems tight - even with my butcher block cutting and rough sanding. Hoping to do further clean up tomorrow and try and keep progress going from there. Stay tuned!!

Dana does terrific research. Hope some folks here find it interesting, if not useful.

Beautiful work John! And so fassssst. You are killing me....

Just for grins, here is some work done by Dana Bell who was kind enough to share with me his high-resolution scans from the Library of Congress photograph originals. Some people think the colors are green, some think the pictures document blue on some aircraft. I have copies of his original scans but the files are huge. Here are some lower resolution captures and the notes are his. One modeler's version of the blue/green scheme:

Peter, 154 decals??? WOW. The loadout looks AMAZING and will be a huge addition to your build. You have really mastered the art of the PLW. Chris

John, another beautiful build and nice work with the Ares gun bay. Post fit was amazing! Just beautiful. Chris

Pete: Post it all, I'm interested in seeing what you are doing because its different. Welcome to the fun bunch!! Chris

Phil, Your paint work is really top notch! Beautiful. I'm a big fan of Vallejo's metal paints including the Model Air you used. But the panel fitment on your bird is perfect - so smooth! I hear you on polishing out the mould line on a canopy. My first one I cracked the canopy literally a minute after I started. The other as I was nearly finished. Lots of bad words were uttered. You do realize, of course, that the topside of the fuselage and tail were blue? (Throws grenade, ducks down into a trench). Just kidding!! So much controversy of the colors. I've built two, one all green like yours, and the other blue and green. Don't even bother on what SHADE of blue.....

Peter, as usual your build threads are full of useful information. Thanks so much for the paint call-outs! Super helpful. The cockpit looks stellar.

Brilliant. Simply Brilliant.

That is one great upgrade! Nice work and wish I had known you could do that when I did my plane. I'd have hit you up for a set!!

You can do it!! I have every confidence!

Definitely coming along nicely! Nice work on the Camo and underside. Super job on the masks, too. Chris

And always a pleasure to follow along with your builds. And Flexy 5K CA Black CA is something I will have to look up. Nice work!

Peter, impressive detailing and washing display! BEAUTIFUL!!

Ha ha ha!!! Thanks Scott. I was fortunate to be able to use the pen lathe that one of the guy's bought. I just picked up my own gouge and then all the pen bits and pieces and the wood blanks. But, yes, it is both a time and money sink. HUGE! Like - I could work on this cockpit, or I could do a pen. One or the other...

It is very satisfying to see a piece of wood (or plastic or whatever) get turned into something like a pen. The wood is actually fairly dull, until the final finish (CA if you can believe it!) is applied, then its 'wow!'. Give it a whirl! Takes me about 2-3 hours start to finish. Chris

Received a few things to help me get this project kicked off, and yet another example of the brain fading... Quick shipment from Ali at Aerocraft of his terrific clear resin canopies - top for the Revell 1/32 P-51D, and bottom for the F-4 for the GB. The polish up beautifully. And, this makes me sad. Ordered a full set of Quinta cockpit sets a while ago - took a while to arrive which was expected, but completely slipped my mind that I had ALSO purchased the set for the Tamiya F-4E. Now I have TWO sets I need to dispose of, or I imagine someone is going to suggest just buying a F-4E kit.... Chris