"Special" Tamiya P-51

[1to1scale]

that would be a really hard one to cast in a one piece mold, you might need to lay it flat in a clamshell mold, see below.

[TJTX]

1 minute ago, 1to1scale said:

that would be a really hard one to cast in a one piece mold, you might need to lay it flat in a clamshell mold, see below.

Yea, I noticed the resin trapped air and wouldn't flow down.  Guess I need to learn how to make a 2 part mold.

[1to1scale]

another way to try is to split the mold in half along the blade edges like the picture above then cut a small channel from the tip to the end, get a large syringe, then inject the resin. from the bottom up.

[1to1scale]

Don't be discouraged, long thin parts are the hardest to cast, pros either inject, or use pressure pots.  

[Clunkmeister]

Tony, you’re whipping this one into shape.  It looks amazing with your normal attention to detail. 

[TJTX]

3rd attempt was better, but FAR from where it needs to be.  I'm battling how to set up my mold, this is my 2nd mold I've built.  I'm struggling how to get the resin in, and I'm struggling with the blade being flexible instead of solid.  It is most definitely very frustrating. 

[Martinnfb]

Definitely a progress. I am admiring your persistence and phenomenal ability to evolve as a modeller. Constant improvement of your skills is stunning. Hats off to you Tony.

[harv]

Tony, keep at it man. You will get it done....harv

[TJTX]

Thanks guys.  I guess I'll need to make a 2 part mold like Mark suggested.   

[Clunkmeister]

Tony, you’re already light years ahead of my ability with molding. I’ll be coming to you for advice soon enough

[sieben]

Following with interest ..

[TJTX]

Thanks guys.  I may take a break from the props for now and continue on the fuselage to get closer to closing it up.  I'm busy getting a new type rating in May so the building rate will really slow down but this is my one and only project till it's all wrapped up.  I also need to figure out what type of hard points were on the wing for the drop tanks.  They're certainly not original Mustang ones.

[TJTX]

Worked on the belly air system today.  An all white plane makes color decisions relatively easy, but I'm realizing that anything missed will stand out BIG time.  My goal is to have the fuselage closed by the end of June.  I'd love to have this thing wrapped up for a show in September but I highly doubt it right now.  As long as shes ready for San Marcos I'll be happy. 

[Martinnfb]

This is very ambitious project Tony and naturally it takes adequate amount of time to reach your goals. No need to rush or explain anything. Once done, she's gonna be beaut 

Cheers

M.

[HubertB]

It looks like you did your mold vertical, from tip of the blade to root of the blade.

For a long and thin part like this one, I believe it is probably more efficient to do the mold « horizontal », with a big casting block along the leading or trailing edge. Thus any trapped bubbles have less way to do to escape from the viscous resin.

I have also read that having your mix cup high above the mold, to thin down the fillet of resin flowing down into the mold, has the effect of removing some of the bubbles trapped in the mixing process.

Hubert

[TJTX]

I have a joined fuselage. Always a nice milestone. 

[Martinnfb]

awesome juice. she's shaping up nicely

[JohnB]

Looks like it's coming right along . I'm considering building that a/c too as it really appeals to me. I have the decals ordered so I'll have to do some research on it. I don't know if you know it but there is a book named "Wet Wings and Drop Tanks" concerning this bird. I just ordered a copy on Amazon. Whenever you get the prop blades sorted out I might want to get a set from you if you don't mind doing that. Keep up the good work!!!

[Wumm]

On 5/13/2019 at 5:26 PM, HubertB said:

It looks like you did your mold vertical, from tip of the blade to root of the blade.

For a long and thin part like this one, I believe it is probably more efficient to do the mold « horizontal », with a big casting block along the leading or trailing edge. Thus any trapped bubbles have less way to do to escape from the viscous resin.

I have also read that having your mix cup high above the mold, to thin down the fillet of resin flowing down into the mold, has the effect of removing some of the bubbles trapped in the mixing process.

Hubert

Yes I agree,

Try casting lengthwise, with the thin edge down, and a long tapered mould stub attached to the thick side to better allow the sanding process after casting.

[TJTX]

1 hour ago, Wumm said:

Yes I agree,

Try casting lengthwise, with the thin edge down, and a long tapered mould stub attached to the thick side to better allow the sanding process after casting.

This is priceless! I couldn't quite picture how to accomplish this but the drawing helps immensely.   I've shaped all 4 blades now so I can experiment a little and not be terrified if something goes wrong.

[Wumm]

You're welcome Tony,

Once the mould is made, you can use a wedge to spread the slit apart while you pour the resin; and then remove wedge before is starts to set up, which will return the silicon to the correct shape for your part.

[TJTX]

Had to piece it together a bit.  This may become my favorite build if I don't screw it up.  The drop tanks and prop just adds a neat look to the airframe. 

[GazzaS]

Looking good, Tony!

[Jeff]

The drop tanks look really cool, makes the plane 'Look" fast...... I'm really liking this a LOT

[TJTX]

What do I make the casting block out of? Plastic, putty, etc...?