This refers to the half A model and not the Atomic B.

I have the build instructions which are nice but of course it does not show every little thing in detail.

What I mostly want to know about is the cowl. At first it looks like most of the sheet metal cowls but on closer examination it appears larger for one and also not exactly sheet. Was this a formed metal cowl?
Any suggestions on making a newer version? Balsa block, shape and hollow?   

Robert

You are correct. The only formed aluminum stamped cowls are those for radial engined models, such as the Bel Air. The others either are aluminum that you bend like yours, or vacuum formed plastic (like the Combat Master).

Some people make their own fiberglass cowls. It is a lot of work, but the results are worth it. Scott Richlen, Pres of NVCL, did exactly this for his Atomic.

Currell

If I remember correctly, my Little Mustang had that type cowl...shape it by hand around the engine mount, then hold it on by a couple of brads from the kit. I figured, since it would be doing a lot of one point landings, why bother.

I spend a LOT more time on these planes now than when we were kids. I didn't further hollow the fuselages back then, and sanding consisted of smoothing the mill marks, slap on a couple coats of clear, some color (Silver for the Little Mustang). Go fly when you could touch the paint without leaving finger prints. Sound familiar?   

George

I actually have three or four of the original metal cowls. They are thin aluminum sheet. just about the thickness of an ordinary aluminum beer or soda can.
The Atomic is a little different in its outline (just from looking at the drawings) and would also need to be from a wider than usual sheet as the ply firewall is almost half an inch taller than most of the Scientific firewalls. Also there would be no cut out in the top of the cowl as the engine is shown cylinder down with only the head exposed. The cowls supplied by Black Hawk Models is made from 1/64" ply and is a great substitute in my opinion. Certainly more durable than the original aluminum! Takes paint better too I bet.

Robert