History and Future
First, the history-related project. I’m moving along on the F4U-1D, having successfully integrated the engine with the fuselage and added the wingbox and inner gull wing segments. This all went together reasonably well, with two problems that need to be fixed. One relates to the engine and is relatively minor. After I added the cowling to the front of the engine, the two curved engine panels no longer fit. A millimeter gap existed when these pieces were dry fitted to the appropriate spots. After checking to see if I missed something in the instructions (I didn’t), I conducted some surgery to the cowling ring mounting pins (Part G5), trimming until everything fit well. The second issue related to the mating of Part B1 et al to the fuselage. The fit is very good, but a few thin gaps needed to be filled. After some spot-painting using gloss Sea Blue along the aft edge of the wing-flap mating area, I added the inboard split wing flaps. The kit is a real joy to build, as is usual with Tamiya products.
On the future-related project, the Enterprise (CVN-80) is coming along at glacial pace. I decided to add various drones to this model. In addition to the MQ-25 refueling drones already seen in the hangar deck, I added an operational version of the X-47B, depicting this as an autonomous refueler (apparently, a potential use for this system, if it ever becomes operational). I also added an MQ-9B SeaGuardian (a Navy version of the Predator). Up next will be three more F-18s, then a bunch of crewmembers, cargo, and other items. The intent is to bring the hangar deck to a close this month, moving on to the ceiling and lighting. I’m anxious to move on to actually building the ship.
