Subject: Tamiya 1/48 Razorback “Jug”
I am not sure of what the cowl flaps do but if a plane (P-47) was sitting on the tarmac, would they more likely be open or closed?
I am working with enamels and cannot find “semi gloss black”. Can I mix flat black with gloss black 50/50 and achieve the same thing?
Thanks,Kent
The cowl flaps were usually kept closed when the aircraft is parked. It prevents FO from getting into them. If needed, they could be pumped open by maintenance to do work in that area.
A 50/50 mixture will not give you the proper color. You need to start with flat black, add gloss black a few drops at a time to get the proper semi gloss black you are looking for.
Thanks Berny
I would say that studying photos on the P-47’s cowl flaps would be the way to go, Bernie. I like to pose them open, because that’s where they normally are for all ground operations, except long term storage, and in that case the front of the cowl would be tarped and other openings like the exhaust sealed up. As a normal practice during shutdown it is best to leave the airplane set up for the next takeoff, with killer items like trims and cowl flaps in the take-off position.
I much prefer them open as well. No one wants to try a full power takeoff with them closed, even if you could. Some a/c had an auto-open feature.
Unfortunately in 1/72 they are almost always closed, so I make them out of coke can.
There is ample photographic evidence showing cowl flaps both open & closed. Take your pick [:)].
Regards, Rick
Or you can overspray black with a clear semi gloss.
Hello Kent,
Use a ‘satin’ clear over your enamels, matching manufacturers to avoid probs.
Best wishes,
Mick.