drube

Tomorrow i'll finish preppingfor paint and re-install the control surfaces. If everything goes right i'll be painting in the eve. Question though... What color do Ispray firstthe gray or sky?

Thanks

Alan

drube

Got to paint today whoo hoo! I think I should have went with a little darker gray,but it looks good so i'll leave it. The bottom of the wing still needs a second coat but i'll wait til I install the belly pan for that. I will install the control surfaces tonight and tomorrow i'llpaint the Camo, Kinda worried about that step... Still unsure how i'm going to do it.

Seem to be having a prob posting pics today....

drube

Paint was still wet when I took these.

drube

Have a couple questions for you guys. How wide should the black and white stripes be? Where can I get the "round" and flagdecals?

Thanks, Alan

drube

Had some fun today, I really enjoy painting but learned that prep work is really important.. Not happy seeing unlevel spots andbumpshere and there after paint. Next time i'll take more time! But it looks pretty good from 5 feet away..lol Hoping to have it completed by the time cooler weather gets here. Should have the stripes finished this eve.

drube

How would you guys go about painting the blue canopy grey?

Thanks

Asanders

I use masking tape on canopies. I tape the open spaces and gently use a razor blade to clean up the tape off the parts I will paint. Then I spray it the color and wait for it to dry. The main work is the set up with the tape.

drube

Do I need to prep the plastic before using the latex and do I also clear coat to fuel proof??

Thanks

drube

Is there anybody out there? lol

drube

I've been looking all over for decals and think i'll order a decal sheet from Top Flite for a spitfire. Here's some pics with the stripes.

drube

Anyone?

Asanders

I dont do any prep on the canopy, nor do I fuel proof it, thus when the inevitable spray hits it it erodes it somewhat over time and it looks like good ol wear and tear. I use Major decals for most of my warbird needs. The Top Flite decals should do it for this project too.

drube

Ok thanks! I'll check out Major Decals then go from there.

keithman

looking good on the re-build, will be starting one from scratch shortly. I i intend to do a total overhaul so anything i can read or see as ideas are useful.

Warbird Man

My Feedback: (95)

Thats lookin' really good!

I'm gonna redo mine as a -5 now that I had alittle rough landing mishap (retract ripped out of wing)

drube

Thanks guys, I learned alot from this adventure..lol Can't wait to start the next project!

Edwin

My Feedback: (2)

Major Decals might have what you need. They cover a lot in that scale. By the way, nice job. Just stumbled across this one. I got lucky on mine and was able to fix the cowl, then sanded it down to the glass work, primed and painted with warbird colors. The cowl looks better than the rest of the plane. I suppose I really should fix the stab too. Havent had any issues yet, I think because I'm only running a saito .91. Built stock and light, the stock gear are holding up ok. They'll get replaced too when I go over the rest of it.
Edwin

drube

Thanks Edwin, I stripped the paint off my cowl and have been working on making it look ok. It's really bad! lol I have a new one on it's way from Chad but was hoping to use that one for when I go gas. I don't know though I may use it now. I also contacted Charles about doing the graphics.
Got any pics of yours?

drube

Keith, I'd like to see your scratch build, are you making a build thread?
Warbird Man, On landing due to two big fire ant hills, I ripped the retrcts out of my H9 P-51 (Marie) so It may be getting redone also. lol Other than that I have not had any issues with the stock LG.

drube

Edwin, I would fix the stab if I were you. When you peel the covering off and see how week it is at the leading edgeyou'll be glad you did.

John Baligrodzki

Drube,

Nice work on this project! You will be the only one at your field with a Hellcat in these colors. Haven't been on RCU in the last couple days and scanned through the thread to catch up. I did not see what kind of paint you are using. Also are you planning to clear coat it?

Please keep up with the nice pictures showing your progress.

Regards,

John B.

Edwin

My Feedback: (2)

No pics, Looks like the box cover. I just did a stock build. I think you're right about the stab. I'll ground it till I get to it. Then it'll get a new covering job like yours, paint, and sierra retracts. I know someone with a set that might be willing to sell them.
Edwin

drube

Hi John, I used Valspar Interior semi gloss. 60% paint and 40% windshield washer fluid with alcohol. I'll be using a Polyurethane clear coat.

I have tons of respect for all you scale guys out there! It takes alot of work and can only imagine the hours you guys put in...

Thanks!

drube

Edwin, Are you planning on doing the stock color scheme? I'd like to have a set of retracts but will have to wait til after the new year.

Edwin

My Feedback: (2)

Oh no! Never do a stock scheme when refinishing. I did have the mouth painted on my cowl. But some strong winds flipped it upside down right after the wheels touched down. It ground down the canopy and scratched up the cowl real bad. Fixed the cowl, bought a canapy. I'm still thinking about a scheme but it will be the three tone carrier version. Kinda partial to those. I have found the stock retracts work ok up to about 8 1/2 lbs. Over that, and they tend to need a lot of maintenance. I also have the H9 P-40, I got the weight down to 7lbs 10oz on that one. The stock gear have held up ok for about 6 years. I dont recall what the Hellcat weighs but I kept it all to the bare minimum. I fly both on .91 sized 4-strokes. Not barn burners but they do ok. I'm pretty sure you'd need some stout gear with a glass job and a 20cc gasser (like lots have been doing). I've heard of several putting the sierra's on. They look good and hold up. But I sure would like to get some electric retracts.
Edwin