Cicchino

Guy, Thanks for the response. I do have the Daco book, to my eyes it looks like an array of rivets - I've been trying to match up to this drawing: http://www.anft.net/f-14/f14-detail-horizstab.gif What are your thoughts on the radar warning antenna on the stabilizers - I'm thinking they are too small on the kit and I'm going to fashion some larger ones. John Cicchino

On the horizontal stabilizers, I went with three strips of Tamiya tape, a very thin strip bordered by two thicker strips. The center one was removed and the space filled with Mr. Surfacer and sanded lightly when dry. The outer strips were then removed. Worked well in 1/48, and looks even better in 1/32. But I do like your approach, and will try that. Have you been able to see a rivet pattern around the stabilizer mount? John Cicchino

In the pictures I have, the 'panel lines' look like weld beads. Is there some type of rivet pattern around the stabilizer mounting point? I can't seem to pick it up in photos if there is, but it's at least implied in some line drawings I've found. - John Cicchino

Thanks all - I'm going in 1/48 and starting with the R/M F-15C kit. I was able to pick up a R/M F-15E very cheaply for the CFTs but while the pylons don't match the photos you've provided, I believe it's a short route to get there. A sparrow on that front CFT pylon is going to be hanging down at an angle that will definitely add some visual interest. Thanks again

Does anyone have a good reference picture or diagram of how the fuselage AIM-7s attach to the F-15C when it is equipped with CFTs? I am looking to model a 57th FIS plane and from what I understand they routinely flew with CFTs and just two fuselage AIM-7s. I have a fairly good diagram of the F-15E mounting, but I don't know if it is the same for the F-15C. All help appreciated.

Largesaleplanes forum has test shots of Trumpeter P-51B today. It sure looks like a D canopy rail and brace and the 6 machine guns in one of the frames - seems a D may be right behind it. Cicchino

I've been down this path. The Aires wheelwells are thick enough to be ground down and actually provide a solid ledge for the CE intakes to sit on. I have the Nautilus brace, but chose instead to laminate .080 slabs horizontally across the fuelage join at every point possible. My rear fuselage is rock solid. I'm making the A-5A and one of the CE wings is cast entirely too thick; it looks as if the mold buckled, so I'm going to modify and fit the kit wings. The plastic being much lighter than the solidly cast wings will help out minimze the stress on the landing gear as well. The CE intake t

Thanks for the responses. I knew about the cross, but all the photos I have aren't clear enough to confirm its existence or not.

Does anyone know if the Mustang IIIs delivered to the RAF, and no 315 Squadron in particular were delivered with the fuselage fuel tank? All help appreciated.

What are your techniques for making internal bulkheads? Following the internal contours of a fuselage or wing leaves me with gaps and inaccuracies. I've tried using a contor gauge, but results were dissapointing. Any help is appreciated

I see what you mean on the wings. Being the masochist I am, I already cut the flaps out to display them down - given their masive size, I think it will only add to the impression when it's up on its gear. The fuselages I have are different depths as well, but the front nose really concerns me; one side tapers to the front, the other curves. I'm afraid it's going to make for a very visible difference, and I'm not sure how to fix it as of yet.

Great stuff here. I'm working on my own Sanger Stirling - have you noticed different shapes of the right and left forward fuselage in the plan view? The nose contours on mine are distinctly different forward of the cockpit.

Does anybody have suggestions /tips on painting long intakes such as Seamless Suckers Su-15 intakes. These would be natural metal just to make it more challenging. All help is appreciated Cicchino