I finished work on Trimaster’s 1/48 Fw 190D-9 wheel wells and landing gear today.
The hoses were made form some “rubbery” material that was included with a Verlinden detail set. I also added solder and wire cables and hoses.
I filled a depression between the wheel wells with sheet styrene. Trimaster used these wings with the radial-engined versions, which have an exhaust there.
The lower wing is just taped in position. The gaps at the leading edge will disappear when I apply the Tenax (LOVE that stuff !)
The landing gear’s hydraulic lines were made from solder and copper wire. The yellow cables run from the retraction mechanism to the leading edge of the wheel wells. These are three strands of fine wire, glued together and bent to shape. Since they’re yellow, I’m assuming that they are electrical.
The tail wheel is a single piece of white metal, so I hollowed out the yoke for a more realistic appearance.
Thanks for letting me share the progress of this GREAT kit with you !
It’s one of the best parts of my work day when I take a break and log onto the FSM forum and see your work Bill! If you are short on kits and/or funds, I would be happy to send a 1/48th WWII kit your way gratis (it’s not like I will ever build all my propeller type kits in my stash).
Thanks yardbird, grenadier, saltydog, ron b, crockett, Lee, and pingtang !
grenadier - you are an exceptional person to make such an offer. Thanks, I have kits that I can build. Being strapped financially is not such a bad thing. I get a chance to build some of the kits I bought years ago ! Thank you for your kind offer.
I especially like the work on the landing gear. Someday, I will attept adding hoses/tubing to a project, and when I do I’m sure I’ll be reviewing your pics again!
mucker - why wait? You can get some micro solder (0.015) at Radio Shack or an equivalent electronics store. It’s easy to bend and cut, and it holds paint well. Attach it with CA. Finer wire can be found in lots of places. Old speaker wire, electrical cord (unplug first ! [:O] ), and TV coax cable, and various thicknesses of solder. Try it, and you may be surprised how easy it can be.
Gumiflex - the tires are painted with Color of Eagles (also called Aircraft Colors) acrylic Tire black. After glosscoating with Future, I apply an enamel wash of RLM 66 plus black. Drybrushing is done with a mix of RLM 66 and Titanium White oil paint.
I don’t think I do anything that anyone else can’t. It just takes time, and a little experimentation. Kind of like “pushing the envalope” of your skills. The bonus is that it’s FUN !
