Would appreciate some input on my WIP.

Modeling Subjects Aircraft
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OK guys, I’m finally continuing my build . I got the small parts that I had been waiting for and now I can go forward. (Thanks to Jim N. for the pylons!) First, I need your help. I need some feedback. Please read on and drop your two cents into the bucket. Your comments and criticism is valued.

Now, on with the show…

Yes, my build was stalled by delivery of the pylons. Why? Well, I didn’t want to use the kit’s provided tanks, since they’re molded as one piece with the pylons.

Jim was kind enough to send three sets (one practice, two “real”) so I can use either some resin tanks I bought, or the tanks from the Monogram kits I originally started.

I waited until I got the pylons so that I could attach them before assembling the wings. The wings on my practice kit have already been installed, so I had to glue on the pylons with the wings attached to the fuse.

Basically, I glued them into position over the hole that the kit’s wings have to accept the kit’s tanks. (Giant hole forward of the shell ejection ports.)

Here’s what they look like before being cleaned up.

Here’s another angle. (Also, please notice the brass tube blast tubes in the leading edge. This is where I’ll need your input.)

I’m happy with the way the pylons look, but I’m not sure about the guns. If you look at the second picture, you’ll notice the plastic nubs that are the kit’s attempt at the gun barrels. Here’s a look at the kit’s representation with the wings taped together.

My question is, do you think the brass tube is an improvement, or should I just drill out the kit’s barrels? These installed tubes are just a test run. The leading edge split on me, but the finished product will look much better.

What do you guys think? I’m ready to go forward with the “real” builds, but I’m on the fence about the brass tube. I’d appreciate your two cents.

Thanks for lookin’ and helpin’!

-Omar

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…go with the brass…

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Omar,

I would go with the tubing. If possible, some telescoping tubing for two of the barrels would really look the part. The outer two gun barrels protrude past the blast tubes, while the inner gun barrel is set inside of it. Here’s a photo of the arrangement on a P-51D walkaround over at Prime Portal:

Hope that helps! [tup]

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I agree, the brass looks great! [tup]

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Yep…use the tubes. Drilling out the plastic would probably not look as good.

Jerry

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Same here, the brass is the better option.

Regards, Rick

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I would go with brass tubes.

Where do you get those tubes ???

Greg

(my temporary account since FSM did not fix a login problem)

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Another vote for the brass tubes.

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The brass looks more realalistic!

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Thanks for the pix Daywalker. Thing is, this project is a “study” for a photo project that I’m working on. The shot will be taken then redrawn (roughly) in ink. The detail of the telescoping tubing would be lost in the photo and final drawing. I’m trying to avoid getting too caught up in the details since most will be invisible. When I do a Mustang for my shelf, I’ll definitely consider the telescoping tubing.

Greg (gzt1), that tubing’s been sitting in my parts box for, literally, years. I can’t remember exactly where I got it, but I’m going to say Brookhurst Hobbies. It’s a local shop here in SoCal. Since I get about 99% of my model stuff from there, it’s a safe guess to say that’s where I bought the tubing.

Thanks to everyone for the feedback. I’ll keep posting pix if you guys will keep the comments/criticism coming.

Cheers!

-O

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Brass looks good!

Greg, there’s a website called smallpart that has stainless steel tubing. Triarius made a chart awhile back so you know what size tube to get

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O-

Glad to help! Keep the pics coming, and we’ll keep posting replies! [:D]

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I’d go with the brass tubes and do something to show the difference with the inside gun on each wing.

Darwin, O.F. [alien]

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Another for the brass here!

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Hey Roger,

I’m just wondering. Where in OC are you? I’m in Orange, walking distance from the ol’ traffic circle.

Good to see a fellow OCer on the boards.

Cheers!

-O