P-38 J/L Dimensions

[raf]

Found this drawing the other day. It is not very detailed but has a lot of very useful numbers and few notes for someone who wants to model it. Perfect for correcting flawed blueprints. Since those data are said to be taken from official documentation, I believe it is true. I set lines in 3D space using those numbers and everything fits nicely.

Most dimensions are given in decimal inches (some feet and fractional inches). There is also mention of Fuselage Stations (FUS STA. #). That is lengthwise distance in inches from FUS STA. 0, which is at the tip of the nose here (doesn't have to be alway like that). Wing Stations are marked only as STA. Wing Station 0 is at centerline of the plane. Note that all dimensions on wing are given perpendicular to its surface.

Cheers, and Happy new year.

Raf

[raf]

Just a small addition. Root airfoil is NACA 23016 (117 inches), as is written in the drawing, and tip foil is NACA 4412 (36 inches).

[kevjon]

Thanks raf. This aircraft is on my to do list so this info will prove quite useful. You still planning to build one ?

[raf]

I'm fiddling around with this one. Can't decide whether to seriously start it or not :)

Glad this is of help to someone, I really find it useful. You can practically build entire wing and horizontal tail with this info, without using blueprints, and it is more accurate.

[Skyraider3D]

Ki-84? :p

;)

[raf]

Ki-84? :p

... and P-38 in the same picture, maybe? :p :lol:

I guess you won't let me get away with that. :rolleyes: ;)

[kevjon]

I guess you won't let me get away with that.

I would .... provided you don't build it panel by panel as it is too tedious and you'll run out of steam on it before you finish. The idea from a realism point of view is a good one though.

[Peter Ewbank]

There's a very good drawing on eBay, which looks to be taken from factory doumentation and then re-drawn for scale. Sample attached.

[raf]

That is plain scary how much info is on this sample. Getting full drawing wouldn't be good for my health.

Thanks for the tip. :D

@kevjon - building panel by panel can be useful on something like engine compatment or wheelbay, but I am reluctant to use it again on wings or anything like that. Keeping good airfoil is just too annoyin that way.

[Skyraider3D]

Peter, who's the draftsman of that drawings? It does look good indeed.

Rafael, if you want to go silly you could always contact the NASM (http://www.nasm.si.edu/research/arch/collections/techdraw/mfilm.cfm) and enquire about factory drawings! I am actually planning on doing this for the Skyraider, when I finally get around modelling that one in the not-too-near future ;)
But for a good looking 3D model that's a bit overkill. Peter's drawing would be a good midway solution I reckon, i.e. accurate but not overly detailed and split up over two dozen microfilms! The draftsman has done all the hard work... and hopefully properly!

[raf]

I have no intention of going silly (more than I already am). Was already very satisfied with the drawing in the first post. It gives you good coordinates to place all the parts in proper spot.

[Skyraider3D]

There's some half decent Russian drawings out there as well... That is, half-decent at first sight. Haven't actually measured them through yet.

Anyway the P-38 is a great subject... looking forward to see what you'll do with it!

[raf]

Sample drawing that Peter posted marks the aft most part of cockpit nacelle at 236 inches, which should coincide with position of root airfoil trailing edge. When I use numbers from first post and build wing that point is at 236.004 in. Don't you just love it when thing fall into place like that. :D

looking forward to see what you'll do with it!

Something like this ;)

[Skyraider3D]

Wickedywoop, that looks good mate! What model you're doing?

Yes you can't beat factory drawings for accuracy!

[raf]

Thanks

Just found this! More drawings! Military specifications and drawings of P-38 and P-51 with all details.

http://www.georgia-outfitters.com/p3851milspecs.htm :lol:

Edit: Curently I'm aiming somewhere at late J or L version. Pretty much only choice that makes sense being that they make for biggest part of type production. But there will be option to downgrade it to earlier ones. Some of the prototypes look really sleek and cool.

[kevjon]

Something like this


Its amazing what a bit of group pressure can do. That looks good.

[Peter Ewbank]

Ronnie, the draftsman was Le Roy Weber Jr. as shown on the title block.

[Skyraider3D]

LOL, can openers... alrighty then :lol:
The later marks make better sense when you intend to mix it up with the Ki-84.


Thanks Peter. I know where to go when I'll start a P-38 :)