Here are the final parts that were added today. So technically speaking, the build is over for Cripes-A-Nighty III. However, I still need to come back and add some slight exhaust staining, and add some oil that is commonly seen coming out of the breather hole on the Starboard side of the nose. I will also add a little bit of oil staining on the bottom side of the radiator / oil cooler dog house. Once this is done, then I can say I have completed this one.
Then I have to continue on with "LOU IV", so I can get it completed too.
Please follow along, as explain what happened at the work bench. Pictures are worth a thousand words.
The clear wingtip lights were installed. I painted the back of them first, using Red for the Left / Port side and a Clear Bluish Green for the Right / Starboard side.
The clear light was added to the trailing edge of the rudder.
The canopy was carefully removed, so I could glue in what I believe is a clear fuel level sight gauge. Here you can see the one I installed on "LOU IV" today. I didn't want to go through removing another canopy again, so I made sure to glue these parts in place today while I was on a roll.
The rear view mirror was also carefully glued in place on the inside of the sliding canopy while I had it off. Once this was done, the canopy was carefully reinstalled.
Around 3 years ago I took these pictures that show how the landing light is located in the Port side main gear well. I took these pictures just as I was originally starting this project. It's hard to believe this much time has passed by, but it has.
The kit part was painted carefully and then glued in place. There is a small wooden roller mounted on the bottom of the landing light. They have included this detail on the kit supplied part. This is a very nice feature, and great attention to details right out of the box.
I mixed up some Clear Green using Tamiya paint. I used this to paint the edges of the armored glass that is located on the wind screen. The entire flat center panel on a P-51D is armored glass, about 3 inches thick. I tried to replicate this feature, since armored glass has a green tint to it when viewed from the side.
I was VERY fortunate to get the opportunity to see this feature first hand. What a day this was... One I will never forget.
I glued the reflective lenses back in place on the gun sight. These were accidentally knocked off earlier.
The pitot tube was installed and painted. I painted the main body using Aluminum color, and the tip using Molotow chrome. This looks exactly like the real thing does. I think I have a picture showing this feature stashed somewhere. If I can find it I will come back and add it later.
I framed out the front windscreen frames using "Matt Aluminum" Bare Metal Foil.
Finally, tonight I moved the model to where it was in better lighting and took these pictures. All that is left to do now is to add the exhaust stains, and a few minor oil leaks, along the bottom of the radiator / oil cooler dog house, and the small circular opening on the Starboard side of the nose just ahead of the wing.
Then I can call this one done ! I am SO happy with how it is looking now.
Once the staining / dirt / oil is done I will take photos of the model so I can post this one in the headlines section on Christmas Day. This is the day that Major Preddy was shot down and killed in 1944...by American AAA. I will cover more of this in the tribute article I have planned.
I will continue on with finishing up "LOU IV" next, so please stay tuned.
Thanks for stopping by, and as always, comments are encouraged.
