Progress -- P-39

[john e. holliday]

Finally got in the mood to work on it as temps were not too bad and too windy to fly.  Only got the tail surfaces and half the wing sanded before time to leave for races.  I am still learning to operate these PC's.  that is why first picture is so small.  Maybe I will have it ready to fly by next spring.  The OS 40 FP ought to be broke in as slow as I am.  Have fun,  DOC Holliday

[Bill Little]

Lookin' good, Doc!  That should be a good one for you.   The FP 40 should be a fine match, also.  Is it stock or has it been worked on?

Bill <><

[john e. holliday]

In all the years I have been competing, be it be rat racing, combat, carrier or stunt I have hade maybe three engines that were built for me.  The latest is a RO Jett 40.  This OS 40 FP is box stock and is running great on the bench.  Got to go get a pilot for the plane so I can get the canopy on.  Just shaped the air scoop yesterday and will finish it up to color before gluing it on.  Have not decided how I am going to do the exhaust stacks yets.  have fun,  DOC Holliday

[Bill Little]

HI Doc,

Do you have the magazine construction article (or article copy) that was originally published?  I have that, but I haven't looked it over in quite a while.  I can make you a copy if you would like.

Bill <><

[john e. holliday]

I should have the original article somewhere down stairs,  I think Walter included it with the kit.  Got the blue on the bottom of everything today.  Still found some stuff I missed.  The canopy is on with a pilot inside.  No pictures as I am going to let the blue set for a couple of days, then mask for the olive drab.  My neighbor about had a fit when I told him red stars were going on for insignia.  Have fun,  DOC Holliday

[Louis Rankin]

Doc,

Been watching your progress.  I too have of one of those Umland P-39 kits.  I plan to build it next year as I am building the Colossus this winter.  Don't let them fret you.  I am also going to do mine in Russian colors.  There were about 9500 P-39s built during WWII.  Of those nearly 6000 were sent to Russia.  The Russian P-39s had a very good battle recored.  Many German tanks and planes met their demise from a P-39 at the hands of Russia fliers.  I have pics of many scale Russian schemes. 

[Steve Helmick]

I've got one of the P-39's from WU also. I think it will get a Tom Lay G21 .46, but maybe a B.40.  Mine will NOT have Russian stars, but Portugese markings, if I'm up to it....very distinctive and pretty, in an old world way. It's down the list a bit, and recent events have moved it a little farther down, unfortunately.  Steve

[Clancy Arnold]

Steve
Hope you did not shake hands with a running engine!!!
Clancy

[Steve Helmick]

NO! I wouldn't do that! Truth is, I was brushing my teeth, getting ready for bed, and noticed a glob of goop in the corner of my eye. I have been fighting a cold and sinus infection. Scraped the goop out, and flicked it into the washbowl, and tore the tendon locating gizmo. When I bend my fingers to grasp, the tendon slides off the knuckle, swerves the finger over under the ring finger...and oh, yeah, hurts like a girl dog. The lady hand surgeon says its 1) a fairly common injury, 2) always the middle finger, and 3) if you don't get it fixed, you'll have arthritis in that knuckle in two years. So, don't flick, and if you have this happen, get it fixed.  The cast is itching right now, sometimes feels real tight, etc., but it needed fixin'. It's done, but waiting for the healing isn't fun.

I finally ordered a wing kit for the Profile Cavalier repair job. Should be good PT. Meanwhile, I have to work (machinist). I'm typing with my right hand (touch) and left thumb (hunt/peck)!  Steve

[john e. holliday]

It is getting scary, as I think I am learning how to use this peice of electronic wizardry.  The P-39 on the stand after the olive drab was added.  Weather has not been favorable for rubbing it down for the graphics.  Have fun,  DOC Holliday

[Bill Little]

It's going to look real good, Doc!

[wwwarbird]

Looks really good Doc, can't wait to see the finished product!

[Bill Little]

OK, Doc, time for an update!

[john e. holliday]

Okay I have the color rubbed down a little to get rid of some of the ruff stuff.  Just need to shoot the stars and put numbers on and then the clear.  Maybe it is the size of the plane or me, but, it feels heavy.  Will try to get shots of the Sheeks Spitfire soon.  DOC Holliday

[john e. holliday]

Well, I flew the P-39 Thursday afternoon at VSC.  Way too nose heavy to really tell anything other than it flies.  Will have to find lighter spinner and nose wheel.  The OS 40 FP started like a stunt engine is supposed to, 2 flips.  More after I get back from Arizona in a week.  DOC Holliday

[Bill Little]

Well, I flew the P-39 Thursday afternoon at VSC.  Way too nose heavy to really tell anything other than it flies.  Will have to find lighter spinner and nose wheel.  The OS 40 FP started like a stunt engine is supposed to, 2 flips.  More after I get back from Arizona in a week.  DOC Holliday

Ok, Doc,  any further news on the P-39??

[john e. holliday]

Got home from Tucson last night(Thursday, 20th).  Did find some light wheels for the nose.  May go with a Plastic(ugh) spinner.  Nothing like going inverted and holding full down and hoping it would level off.  Then doing an outside that went to the top of the circle so I could bail out.  More later,  DOC Holliday