P-40B/C 1/24 (FINISHED AT LAST!!!!)

[Mark Joyce]

You're really moving along on this project, Alex!  I look forward to each update.

Mark

[Alex Kontiveis]

You're really moving along on this project, Alex!  I look forward to each update.

Mark

Thanks Mark. I'm so glad you like it. Lets move...


LANDING GEARS (basic built)

These pictures show the main landing gears. Hand made everything from stainless steel, copper and aluminum

Hard work but the result is quite good for me. I spent 4 days of making them.









compared to VFS's one:



Next part concerns the landing gears PAINTED, weighted wheels.

[Alex Kontiveis]

WING'S CONSTRUCTION



Here we are my friends. Lets begin with the weighted wheels

Vintage, gives the wheels in rubber. This is my procedure for making them weighted



Next step were the Flaps.

I used the PE set of Cammett Ltd...Excellent and accurate!



Next comes the Left Gun-bay structure. I didn't payed attention on this part, because the open panels are to small for any detail observation inside. 



After 4 weeks of wrapping, i completed the wing's dress. I will never try it again....





I added all the caps and panels are shown. and the missing Landing light of course...








This is the most difficult part of the wing's wrapping. The exterior wheel's wells.



Here we finished the second Section.

Next coming the 3rd section concerning my Favorite part of my modeling... The engine!!!!

Hope you like it so far.

[Alex Kontiveis]

SECTION C' (ALLISON THEORY)

part-01/C

the first approach


Hi Guys,
This is my newest update concerning the Allison 1710.
I bought the Scale Caliber's one from Cammett Ltd, which highly represents the real engine 99% accurate shape and details. Although VFS's Allison consists of many parts and looks very impressive when is built, Is not correct. So i used the only choice were available and really worths the money i spent.

Looking at the pictures bellow (the first one comes from Cammett's site) you may see a detailed resin main body and its compartments. Some parts, such us propellers, engine holds, etc are cast metal.



I began by adding some elements according to the real one, such us the spinner's back frame holds etc



Surfaced and i paint it with N. Grey, and Light grey.

My next step concerns the Overhead camshaft (OHC) valve train configurations place the camshaft within the cylinder heads, above the combustion chambers



Ι cut off the valve train's cover and i lowered it 1 mm. I made all the valve train with alluminum(0,9mm fat), steel, clock bevels

WORKING AREA:  3cm Χ 0,8cm








TNX, hope for a new update soon

Cheers,
Alex.
 

[Alex Kontiveis]

part-02/C

MAIN BODY)



Due to previous steps we saw the basic modifications at Front casing και Rear casing.

Before I go on, I would say that the Scale Caliber's Allison, is very good. Accurate dimensions and shape, and MUCH better than VFS one!!! RECOMMENDED!!!!

BUT................................................

There are many shortage and Failures. (in case you DO want a detailed Engine)

WHAT we did.

MODIFICATIONS & REPLACEMENTS



1. New HT lead Ducting
2. Carburettor air intake cover Removed - Air filter New built
3. Carburettor's throttles
4. Oil tubes, and valves
5. Oil Valve at Valve-train's head
6. Aerification duct
7. Rear Casing correction
8. Front casing correction and additions for Spinners plate's holders
9. New spinner's axle
10. New Rear oil filter
11. Magnetos Connection's tube
12. Carter's plug
13. Hard modification at Kit's Exhausts
14. Valve-train (handmade)

These are all we need to achieve the following result.











Previewing last picture you may see the Scale Caliber's HT lead ducting.....(replaced already)


NEXT coming step: PORT & STARBOARD new Bearers and Oil Coolers.



Cheers,
Alex.

[P-40 Admin]

This is some really great detail you are putting into this model!

[Mark Joyce]

Alex,

I see what you meant at the beginning of this build that engines are your expertise, for what you've done to the Allison engine is unbelievable!  I wasn't aware that an aftermarket Allison was available for the kit, but it might be something I need to look into when I get around to building my VFS Tomahawk...which won't have nearly the detail as yours!

Mark

[Alex Kontiveis]

This is some really great detail you are putting into this model!

TNX Brad!!!

Alex,

I see what you meant at the beginning of this build that engines are your expertise, for what you've done to the Allison engine is unbelievable!  I wasn't aware that an aftermarket Allison was available for the kit, but it might be something I need to look into when I get around to building my VFS Tomahawk...which won't have nearly the detail as yours!

Mark

Yes. I recommend it!!! Its a very accurate 1710-33 copy compared to VFS one...But a P40 expert will discover many faults on Scale Caliber's Allison. There is no any other choice...Thank you Mark.

Part-03-

PORT & STARBOARD new Bearers



Here, you may see the Bearers. I wasn't so pleased with Scale Caliber's quality on this part. So I decided to make new ones, more accurate.



I used Aluminum and steel tubes, evergreen. 3 days were need for them. Epoxy glue is used.



OIL COOLERS



Once again, any after-market improvement becomes feckless compared to human handmade abilities.



A pen tube was used for the 3 barrels bodies. (the lowest oil cooler has smaller channel). Copper, used for dressing them. Evergreen for their holdings. Tamiya mask tape for their seal curtains.

COWL FLAPS



The system is composed of 53 pieces. Aluminum sheet, steel, evergreen were used for the building. 



The VFS one....



Next coming the new scratched fuselage Βrownings...

Cheers
Alex.

 

[P-40 Admin]

Great detail on the engine!  This whole model is coming along great.  A massive improvement over the kit!

Both Brian and Rodney had given me the link to your site, but I lost the link, could you post it here please?

[Alex Kontiveis]

TNX Guys...all of U.

Brad, HELMO website is mentioned into my profile.

www.helmo.gr

[Alex Kontiveis]

Part-04-

THE TWINS
Fuselage Brownings



These are the Handmade 30s.
Copper tube, Evergreen, Aluminum sheet, Copper sheet worked together for the result






The crash test..................Handmade Vs VFS




This is the END guys...of the KIT's main construction.

The assembly will follow, Hundreds of small details will be added during this procedure. Of course I will take al lot of shots of some finished sections. Painting will be the last step.

I would like to Thank you for your spending time, all this period.
Best regards,
ALEX!

[Mark Joyce]

Beautiful job on the Brownings, Alex! 

Thank you, for spending the time on this build and for posting the photographs of your fabulous work!

Mark

[Alex Kontiveis]

Hi guys,

These are the first shots, exclusively posted HERE.

More will follow into my final article on February 16

Thank you, for sharing this with me. Dedicated to all of you, who love this bird.

Cheers
Alex.






--------------------------------END--------------------------------

[Mark Joyce]

I'm speechless, Alex.  That is the most realistic build I've ever seen! 

Thank you so much for sharing the pictures with us first, and I look forward to your final article.

Regards,

Mark