Before you build a P-40, read this.

[Blucenturion]

Unfortunately the board attachment quota has been reached; anyway, after 90% completion of my 1/16 P-40, the cowl wouldn't fit, the B-1 former is much too large. I had to break down the B-1, all the stringers, and re-build after shaving down the former. New tissue too, natch. Be aware of this when you start your P-40!

[backyardbalsapilot]

The B-1 former is also the wrong shape for the cowl in the 500 series Hurricane. That made for some fun improvisation.

[Blucenturion]

First thing I'm gonna check going forward. I've a Hellcat next.

http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/DUpDA ... 7.jpg.html

[Bill Gaylord]

The P40 cowl being a bit small has been discussed at length. Building any models, these are fits you have to plan and check ahead of time. Tape the firewall formers together and check the fit, then adjust from there, possibly notching in the stringer cuts a bit deeper. For some time I've been adding a second firewall with almost all of the center cut away so as to not add weight, that is undersized by the thickness of the cowling plastic. The precision flush fit looks much better than an overlap. There are numerous ways to key and secure the cowl, as well as gluing stop blocks to the inside of the cowl, so that the rubber motor doesn't stress the thin cowling edge. Another method is gluing a firewall inside the cowling, shaped to match the fuselage firewall, using dowel pins to key the cowling to the fuselage.

[Blucenturion]

Very nice, Bill. What kind of paint do you use? ...Primer?

[Bill Gaylord]

Thanks, I used auto primer only since I had it, and it worked well for the color needed. The other colors were Model Masters enamels applied with an airbrush.