Beyond The Sprues

Current and Finished Projects => Physical Models => Aero-space => Topic started by: LemonJello on December 01, 2014, 12:46:24 AM

Title: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: LemonJello on December 01, 2014, 12:46:24 AM
Alongside my HMX-1 VV-22, I've started another little project.  This is Sword's 1/48 N-9MA but I'm making it an operational aircraft - I'm planning to add a pair of 20mm cannon and 4 to 6 .50cal machine guns.  Most importantly (to me), this is going to be my first attempt with Alcad paints to give it a NMF finish (I have Dark Aluminum, White Aluminum and Duraluminum in the paint rack, waiting).  Unusual for me, this one will have a pilot in the office since I am also using a set of Alliance Modelworks Dynamic Propellers to simulate running engines/turning props.

Not a lot to show right now, but I've gotten the 20mm cannon barrels made from brass tube and I'm adding shell ejectors and gun gas vents to the underside of the fuselage.  The .50's will go further outboard in the wings.  I've been debating adding drop tanks as well, but don't have any suitable ones in the spares box (I was thinking P-51 tanks would be about right). 

Anyway, here's a starter pic.  Updates as the project progresses.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v705/jjmj94/Nortrop%20N-9MA/IMG_0270_zps18899cbd.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/jjmj94/media/Nortrop%20N-9MA/IMG_0270_zps18899cbd.jpg.html)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v705/jjmj94/Nortrop%20N-9MA/IMG_0271_zps37d6a40b.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/jjmj94/media/Nortrop%20N-9MA/IMG_0271_zps37d6a40b.jpg.html)

Updated 11/30/14
Today's progress report:

Shell ports and gun vents close up-
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v705/jjmj94/Nortrop%20N-9MA/IMG_0275_zps15b8f8b0.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/jjmj94/media/Nortrop%20N-9MA/IMG_0275_zps15b8f8b0.jpg.html)

Boxing in main wheel wells-
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v705/jjmj94/Nortrop%20N-9MA/IMG_0273_zps62ade8cd.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/jjmj94/media/Nortrop%20N-9MA/IMG_0273_zps62ade8cd.jpg.html)

Our intrepid aviator in his office-
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v705/jjmj94/Nortrop%20N-9MA/IMG_0272_zps3c937241.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/jjmj94/media/Nortrop%20N-9MA/IMG_0272_zps3c937241.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: raafif on December 01, 2014, 11:08:21 AM
looking nice - I was going to finish mine in an operational scheme too.

Make sure you test fit the cockpit assembly to fuselage, wing halves & wing-to-fuselage joins often :)
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: Brian da Basher on December 02, 2014, 04:05:02 AM
Oh yes, Mr Jello this will be quite a stunner! I'll be watching with great interest! Given your super-human talent with AFVs, I think we're all in for a treat!

Brian da Basher
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: Kerick on December 02, 2014, 10:07:02 AM
I trying to think of how to add a couple of Merlins or radials.
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: jcf on December 03, 2014, 01:13:14 AM
I trying to think of how to add a couple of Merlins or radials.
You'd need to scaleorama, there simply isn't the room, the N9M isn't very big.

Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: Kerick on December 03, 2014, 03:23:02 AM
I was thinking about using 1/72 engines and cockpit on the 1/48 kit. Then add rockets and 20 mm
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: GTX_Admin on December 03, 2014, 03:56:38 AM
I trying to think of how to add a couple of Merlins or radials.

Not sure about a couple of engines, but for something different you could give it one engine (say in a beefed up central area) and have the props driven remotely.

Even a single Merlin (or perhaps Griffon) would be a boost.  After all the real world N-9 only had 2 × Menasco C6S-4 "Buccaneer" 6-cyl. inverted air-cooled in-line piston engines of 275 hp (205 kW) each or, in the case of the N-9MB, 2x Franklin XO-540-7, of 300 hp (224 kW) each.  Therefore, say a Packard Merlin 61, of between 1,290 hp (962 kW) and 1,580 hp (1,178 kW) depending upon situation will still far out-power the combined 450hp - 600hp of the real world aircraft.  Even factoring in for some transmission losses.
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: Kerick on December 03, 2014, 05:40:38 AM
Maybe a little more of a fuselage, P-39 style with a pusher prop or props. Enough thread jacking. Here's to seeing more of the N-9M!
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: LemonJello on December 03, 2014, 05:47:43 AM
I'm enjoying the discussion immensely, so no worries about thread jacking here.

I had started to wonder how to make some mods to suggest larger engines before I started this one, and I'm still pondering options.  At first, I was looking for cheap P-51 kits (1/48) to chop the Merlin noses off and graft them onto the N-9.  Now, I'm looking more at just beefing up the areas around the prop shafts to represent larger engines installed.  We'll see how it all pans out, I don't want this to devolve into a "stash queen" that never gets finished.

Also, I have a second kit that I'm going to modify/convert to a kerosene burner, because I can. (Well, at least I can give it a shot.)
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: Kerick on December 03, 2014, 06:04:21 AM
Oh boy! That's sounds good to me!!!
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: finsrin on December 03, 2014, 06:52:31 AM
You'd need to scaleorama, there simply isn't the room, the N9M isn't very big.
Yup, zactly what to do.  1/48 N-9MA is good kit for us 1/72 builders.
Can be flying wing of more substance.
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: Acree on December 03, 2014, 08:18:58 AM
You might try the HobbyBoss Easy Assembly P-51s - they're pretty inexpensive and pretty well detailed.  I've chopped up a couple myself.

Chuck
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: elmayerle on December 03, 2014, 10:40:03 AM
For the kerosene-burner, I believe Sharkit does a conversion, but I don't remember if it's 1/72 or 1/48.
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: jcf on December 03, 2014, 02:59:03 PM
The N-9M-B was powered by two 300hp supercharged Franklin XO-540 horizontally opposed 8-cylinder engines.

So if you want to increase the power think along the lines of continuing with a pancake engine, that
way the bulk of the engine stays within the wing envelope, perhaps with two-stage supercharging or
turbo-charging to increase power also bearing in mind that if you go water-cooled you'll have to figure
out radiators etc.






Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: LemonJello on December 03, 2014, 09:01:57 PM
For the kerosene-burner, I believe Sharkit does a conversion, but I don't remember if it's 1/72 or 1/48.

Evan, I just checked their site.  It's a 1/72 conversion, but it does give me some ideas as a starting point! 

Jon, thanks for the suggestions, looks like I'll be doing some additional work on the upper wing along the existing engine/drive shaft.
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: Weaver on December 03, 2014, 09:18:22 PM
You'd need to scaleorama, there simply isn't the room, the N9M isn't very big.
Yup, zactly what to do.  1/48 N-9MA is good kit for us 1/72 builders.
Can be flying wing of more substance.

That was what I was going to say: the best way to give this plane bigger engines is to give it a smaller pilot. I'd be inclined to fit a 1/72nd scale cockpit in the available space.

Whatever you decide to do, another thing to think about is that an operational version would need an armoured windscreen.
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: Frank3k on December 04, 2014, 01:20:55 AM
If you have a P-51 fuselage, put it on the wing backwards to get an idea as to the size of a Merlin engine.
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: LemonJello on December 07, 2014, 09:05:00 AM
Unfortunately, there are no P-51s in LemonJello Heavy Industries' warehouses, so, I'll just have to use my semi-calibrated Mk I Mod 0 eye and see what I come up with for this.  Looking at the sizes of Allison and Rolls Royce engines I definitely think I can find something that looks right. 
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: elmayerle on December 07, 2014, 11:03:44 AM
Unfortunately, there are no P-51s in LemonJello Heavy Industries' warehouses, so, I'll just have to use my semi-calibrated Mk I Mod 0 eye and see what I come up with for this.  Looking at the sizes of Allison and Rolls Royce engines I definitely think I can find something that looks right.
make it a wilder whif and install a pair of Wright Tornadoes instead.
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: Jeffry Fontaine on December 07, 2014, 11:58:14 AM
One thing LHI will not have a shortage of in the very near future is fuel tanks of a suitable size and shape with which to experiment with :)
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: elmayerle on December 07, 2014, 12:46:14 PM
One thing LHI will not have a shortage of in the very near future is fuel tanks of a suitable size and shape with which to experiment with :)
Should he need something a tad larger, I believe that, in amidst a variety of items acquired in a bulk sale, I have some 1/32 Corsair drop tanks I'd be willing to offer up.
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: Jeffry Fontaine on December 07, 2014, 01:05:12 PM
One thing LHI will not have a shortage of in the very near future is fuel tanks of a suitable size and shape with which to experiment with :)
Should he need something a tad larger, I believe that, in amidst a variety of items acquired in a bulk sale, I have some 1/32 Corsair drop tanks I'd be willing to offer up.
If John does not need them I am quite sure that Brian Da Basher could turn those Corsair drop tanks into a nice pair of matching airships :)
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: LemonJello on December 07, 2014, 09:36:06 PM
make it a wilder whif and install a pair of Wright Tornadoes instead.

Just looked up the Wright Tornado engine. I think I may have found my powerplant.  Have to do some measuring on the actual airframe, but I like the smaller diameter compared to the Allison V-3420 and RR Merlin.  I found some 1/72 A-10 engine nacelle parts that could be useful for representing the larger engines I want for this build.
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: jcf on December 08, 2014, 08:51:17 AM
Don't forget the Continental IV-1430, plus it was, at one time, intended for the P-76 (production P-39E).  ;)

(http://www.enginehistory.org/Collections/IV-1430/DSC02111.jpg)

http://www.enginehistory.org/iv-1430.shtml (http://www.enginehistory.org/iv-1430.shtml)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Continental_XI-1430 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Continental_XI-1430)
(The specs section of the Wiki page is hosed as to dimensions  :-X, but it's smaller than the 8' long Tornado.)


Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: Old Wombat on December 08, 2014, 09:30:36 AM
Obviously a TARDIS cube - bigger on the inside than out. ;)

Don't know about it being less than 8' long, though. I'd guesstimate that the two oil(?)/coolant(?) tanks (look like oil tanks to me) on top of the trailer frame are about 2' from one side to the other (using a 3" square-tube frame as a basis) & a quick measure-up indicates that the engine is about 4 times as long as their combined width (including the gap). So, if it is shorter than 8', it's not by much.

At an absolute minimum I'd say you're looking at 7'.
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: jcf on December 08, 2014, 10:12:44 AM
Graham White's trailer setup has exactly zero to do with an actual airframe installation.
It's all his own design.
Center to center on the axles is 36".

Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: Old Wombat on December 08, 2014, 10:45:03 AM
Didn't know that.

So that brings it down to about 6' 6".

What I did know was that the frames we used to support the R-1820's when they were removed from our Trackers, back in the day when I was working on them, used a minimum 3" square-tube steel frame. I made a reasonable assumption that the frame used to support this engine was approximately the same. Looks like I was wrong.

We had one that used 4" square-tube framing but, knowing the RAN, that was probably a left-over from when we operated Sea Furies.
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: jcf on December 08, 2014, 11:05:11 AM
Drawings from the photo gallery:
http://www.enginehistory.org/iv-1430_pics.shtml (http://www.enginehistory.org/iv-1430_pics.shtml)

(http://www.enginehistory.org/Collections/IV-1430/Trailerlayout_3.gif)

(http://www.enginehistory.org/Collections/IV-1430/TrailerSV_2.gif)
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: LemonJello on April 04, 2015, 11:01:41 PM
Thread Necromancy! But I wanted to get back to this project.

Where we are now:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v705/jjmj94/Nortrop%20N-9MA/IMG_0328_zps2funofgp.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/jjmj94/media/Nortrop%20N-9MA/IMG_0328_zps2funofgp.jpg.html)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v705/jjmj94/Nortrop%20N-9MA/IMG_0329_zpsckopjqwp.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/jjmj94/media/Nortrop%20N-9MA/IMG_0329_zpsckopjqwp.jpg.html)

Now to start enlarging the engine areas to represent more horsepower.
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: taiidantomcat on April 05, 2015, 01:33:01 AM
This is looking good  :)
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: arkon on April 05, 2015, 11:40:53 AM
Sweet!!
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: LemonJello on April 06, 2015, 05:17:32 AM
Update. I found a matched set of drop tank halves to use as the basis for my enlarged engine compartments.

The outboard gun locations have been set - the guns will be recessed back into the wing, unlike the pair inboard of the engines/intakes.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v705/jjmj94/Nortrop%20N-9MA/IMG_0330_zpsaqscrwdb.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/jjmj94/media/Nortrop%20N-9MA/IMG_0330_zpsaqscrwdb.jpg.html)

Working on the engines.  Outboard:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v705/jjmj94/Nortrop%20N-9MA/IMG_0334_zpsrbonxojm.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/jjmj94/media/Nortrop%20N-9MA/IMG_0334_zpsrbonxojm.jpg.html)

Inboard:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v705/jjmj94/Nortrop%20N-9MA/IMG_0335_zpstgsocdmc.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/jjmj94/media/Nortrop%20N-9MA/IMG_0335_zpstgsocdmc.jpg.html)

Head-on:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v705/jjmj94/Nortrop%20N-9MA/IMG_0336_zpsvsc6blgx.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/jjmj94/media/Nortrop%20N-9MA/IMG_0336_zpsvsc6blgx.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: finsrin on April 06, 2015, 06:41:34 AM
Exactly right kinda build to do with this kit :)
Hope to do similar some time.
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: KiwiZac on April 07, 2015, 06:59:48 AM
I like it! Great idea, I'll follow with interest.
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: LemonJello on April 08, 2015, 09:25:11 AM
Getting the drop tanks (courtesy of Fontaine Consulting Ltd) positioned:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v705/jjmj94/Nortrop%20N-9MA/IMG_0337_zpsnvjnd6dm.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/jjmj94/media/Nortrop%20N-9MA/IMG_0337_zpsnvjnd6dm.jpg.html)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v705/jjmj94/Nortrop%20N-9MA/IMG_0338_zps5yhnuibn.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/jjmj94/media/Nortrop%20N-9MA/IMG_0338_zps5yhnuibn.jpg.html)

The tank pylons will have to be reduced in height a little more.  I could lengthen the landing gear, but it's going to need enough work as it is just to get a solid connection that I don't want to deal with giving this one longer legs to stand on.  Unless one (or more) fails, then I'll have to try and scratch some from brass rod/tube.
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: Kerick on April 08, 2015, 09:31:56 AM
Very nice. I'll be watching this one. 8)
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: Jeffry Fontaine on April 08, 2015, 11:19:25 AM
The drop tanks look like they were made for the N-9 :)

Did you shorten up the pylons or leave them as is?  The oblique view suggests a shorter in height but that may well be an optical illusion.
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: finsrin on April 08, 2015, 11:51:43 AM
The drop tanks look like they were made for the N-9 :)

Did you shorten up the pylons or leave them as is?  The oblique view suggests a shorter in height but that may well be an optical illusion.

Drop tanks sure do.  Great late 40's early 50's look :)
Question:  spose area-ruled drop tanks would present a 60's look ?
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: LemonJello on April 08, 2015, 07:57:20 PM
Jeff, I had cut about half the pylon off in those photos, then I started working with the landing gear legs and realized the tanks would probably be close to, if not actually, dragging on the ground, so I trimmed the pylons down to almost nothing to get a higher clearance.

It may all be moot, I don't have the greatest confidence in the strength of the kit legs - I may just go ahead and make new sets that are a little taller and a lot stronger.

finsrin, I have a wide selection of drop tanks on hand thanks to the good Mr. Fontaine, and I tried some others, but these just seemed to be the right ones.  Now, when I make a kerosene converter out of the other N-9M I have, I'll go with some more modern tanks...
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: GTX_Admin on April 09, 2015, 02:39:00 AM
Looking good
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: elmayerle on April 09, 2015, 10:16:44 AM
Just a thought, you could move the drop tanks all the way up and make them faired-in slipper tanks like the Buccaneer uses.

It's looking beautiful as is, though.
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: LemonJello on April 09, 2015, 07:52:37 PM
No photos today, but last night I added roughly 5mm to each leg to give the tanks a little more ground clearance and I think it'll work just fine with that adjustment made.  Also started rescribing the panel lines, just to clean up some spots that were looking a little soft.  Still need to add some wire details to the landing gear and finish closing up the engine nacelles and then its off to paint.

Photos to come as we near the next stage.
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: KiwiZac on April 10, 2015, 10:12:16 AM
The drop-tanks really add to the look of this built. Fine work LJ!
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: finsrin on April 10, 2015, 12:10:27 PM
finsrin, I have a wide selection of drop tanks on hand thanks to the good Mr. Fontaine, and I tried some others, but these just seemed to be the right ones.  Now, when I make a kerosene converter out of the other N-9M I have, I'll go with some more modern tanks...

Yes, I agree.
Jet or prop version could be built-finished for SEA service.  Or in 50s-60s NATO flightline diorama.  Desert Storm?
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: LemonJello on April 18, 2015, 10:26:57 PM
Just a couple of photos today.  Hope to get primer on her this weekend.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v705/jjmj94/Nortrop%20N-9MA/IMG_0339_zpsly7doxf8.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/jjmj94/media/Nortrop%20N-9MA/IMG_0339_zpsly7doxf8.jpg.html)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v705/jjmj94/Nortrop%20N-9MA/IMG_0340_zps24xatghr.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/jjmj94/media/Nortrop%20N-9MA/IMG_0340_zps24xatghr.jpg.html)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v705/jjmj94/Nortrop%20N-9MA/IMG_0341_zpsbn2fpotc.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/jjmj94/media/Nortrop%20N-9MA/IMG_0341_zpsbn2fpotc.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: Modelling_Mushi on April 20, 2015, 07:23:45 PM
That is looking soooo sweet  :-*
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: KiwiZac on April 22, 2015, 06:00:24 AM
Wow, she's looking great. I must say that this photo

([url]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v705/jjmj94/Nortrop%20N-9MA/IMG_0337_zpsnvjnd6dm.jpg[/url]) ([url]http://smg.photobucket.com/user/jjmj94/media/Nortrop%20N-9MA/IMG_0337_zpsnvjnd6dm.jpg.html[/url])


reeeeeeeeeeeally makes me want one. It just looks the business!  :-* :-*
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: finsrin on April 22, 2015, 10:27:08 AM
Wow, she's looking great. I must say that this photo

([url]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v705/jjmj94/Nortrop%20N-9MA/IMG_0337_zpsnvjnd6dm.jpg[/url]) ([url]http://smg.photobucket.com/user/jjmj94/media/Nortrop%20N-9MA/IMG_0337_zpsnvjnd6dm.jpg.html[/url])


reeeeeeeeeeeally makes me want one. It just looks the business!  :-* :-*


Exactly the words for me too:
reeeeeeeeeeeally makes me want one. It just looks the business!  :-* :-*
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: LemonJello on April 22, 2015, 07:53:59 PM
Thanks everyone for the kind words. 

I've had to take a pause from getting this into the paint barn - had a sick pup to take to the vet for emergency surgery (blocked bowel from chewing up his blanket and eating some of it) He's home now and recovering.  Also, both girls are playing soccer now, so evenings are being taken up with that.  Hope to get back to it this weekend.
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: taiidantomcat on April 23, 2015, 02:59:33 AM
That front view is a winner!  :)  :-*
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: LemonJello on April 27, 2015, 12:39:15 AM
Primer is on.  Going to let it dry a couple of days and then start applying the Alclad.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v705/jjmj94/Nortrop%20N-9MA/IMG_0342_zpsjlzsforo.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/jjmj94/media/Nortrop%20N-9MA/IMG_0342_zpsjlzsforo.jpg.html)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v705/jjmj94/Nortrop%20N-9MA/IMG_0343_zpswpmtmmlx.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/jjmj94/media/Nortrop%20N-9MA/IMG_0343_zpswpmtmmlx.jpg.html)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v705/jjmj94/Nortrop%20N-9MA/IMG_0344_zpstojjjngn.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/jjmj94/media/Nortrop%20N-9MA/IMG_0344_zpstojjjngn.jpg.html)

I used the Alclad gloss black primer for the base coat, and I've got duraluminum, dark aluminum and white aluminum to try out.
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: Brian da Basher on May 02, 2015, 01:52:30 AM
Cool as the other side of my pillow, Mr Jello!

Looks especially menacing in that all black scheme!

Brian da Basher
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: Kerick on May 02, 2015, 01:57:35 AM
Cool as the other side of my pillow, Mr Jello!

Looks especially menacing in that all black scheme!

Brian da Basher

Got any Cobra or Hydra decals?
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: LemonJello on May 02, 2015, 02:16:14 AM
I've found a couple spots that need a little attention - my re-scribing wasn't flawless so I'll need to do some SFP (sand, fill and prime) touch ups before the metallic coats can go on.

Cool as the other side of my pillow, Mr Jello!

Looks especially menacing in that all black scheme!

Brian da Basher

Yes, it does look cool, hopefully I don't wreck it when I put the Alclad on...

Got any Cobra or Hydra decals?

Sadly, no. That would be an interesting marking scheme, though, wouldn't it?
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: elmayerle on May 03, 2015, 08:25:54 AM
Looking real nice!!  Gonna put it out there as a F-79C or so?  Sharing some kinship with the earlier P-79 concepts but it's own design?
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: LemonJello on May 24, 2015, 02:17:28 AM
Phase Two in the paint barn.  (I thought I had taken some photos of Phase One, but apparently not)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v705/jjmj94/Nortrop%20N-9MA/IMG_0345_zpskteijnyy.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/jjmj94/media/Nortrop%20N-9MA/IMG_0345_zpskteijnyy.jpg.html)

Just the dark aluminum to go and then some decals...
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: GTX_Admin on May 24, 2015, 04:39:19 AM
Coming along nicely.
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: Brian da Basher on May 24, 2015, 09:38:53 PM
I really like the drop tanks. Certainly adds credibility!

Love that NMF too.

Brian da Basher
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: LemonJello on May 25, 2015, 04:00:24 AM
Phase Three of Alclad is done.  But now looking her over, I need to go back with the duraluminum and touch it up, plus I may do a couple more panels in white aluminum to add variation.  But here's a couple more photos:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v705/jjmj94/Nortrop%20N-9MA/IMG_0346_zpser3wro6f.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/jjmj94/media/Nortrop%20N-9MA/IMG_0346_zpser3wro6f.jpg.html)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v705/jjmj94/Nortrop%20N-9MA/IMG_0347_zpsorcdimzc.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/jjmj94/media/Nortrop%20N-9MA/IMG_0347_zpsorcdimzc.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: Kerick on May 25, 2015, 09:55:37 AM
Oh how I wish I could do NMF like that! That's awesome!
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: LemonJello on May 25, 2015, 09:06:15 PM
Oh how I wish I could do NMF like that! That's awesome!

With Alclad, it isn't all that hard.  I see where I needed a little more attention with the prep work prior to primer - a little better touch with the filler and sanding was needed in a couple of spots.  The paints themselves are easy to use - no thinning required for airbrushing.  Even the gloss black primer is ready out of the bottle. 

I've got a couple spots that didn't get a good coat and the primer is showing through, so those will get touched up and then we'll go on to final assembly and markings.

Thanks for looking.
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: KiwiZac on May 30, 2015, 03:35:47 PM
Oh wow. That's one sexy wing!! Gorgeous paint job my man!
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: LemonJello on June 25, 2015, 07:44:12 AM
Went back through the photos and realized I'm getting a little ahead of myself.  I still need to lay down an anti-glare area on the nose, then she'll be ready for final assembly and decals.  Anyway, here are the pics after the touch ups of Alclad.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v705/jjmj94/Nortrop%20N-9MA/IMG_0380_zps7bbhmzx2.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/jjmj94/media/Nortrop%20N-9MA/IMG_0380_zps7bbhmzx2.jpg.html)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v705/jjmj94/Nortrop%20N-9MA/IMG_0382_zps5ucdoddp.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/jjmj94/media/Nortrop%20N-9MA/IMG_0382_zps5ucdoddp.jpg.html)

Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: KiwiZac on June 26, 2015, 04:34:51 AM
So pretty, and so right. You sure this isn't OOB of some obscure garage resin kit?  ;D What a stunner.
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: Brian da Basher on June 26, 2015, 05:22:13 PM
So pretty, and so right. You sure this isn't OOB of some obscure garage resin kit?  ;D What a stunner.

I couldn't have put it better! You have absolutely mad NMF skills, Mr Jello!

Brian da Basher
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: LemonJello on July 06, 2015, 02:04:01 AM
Waiting on some bits to dry, here's where we are now:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v705/jjmj94/Nortrop%20N-9MA/IMG_0383_zpskvebtmut.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/jjmj94/media/Nortrop%20N-9MA/IMG_0383_zpskvebtmut.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: KiwiZac on July 08, 2015, 06:19:17 AM
Hooooooooooo boy, I'm getting funny feelings all over.  :-* :-*
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: Frank3k on July 08, 2015, 06:30:04 AM
That looks great! I've seen the real thing in person and close up and I think it looks better in NMF. That Alclad must have been pretty stinky, though.
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: jcf on July 08, 2015, 07:11:59 AM
That looks great! I've seen the real thing in person and close up and I think it looks better in NMF. That Alclad must have been pretty stinky, though.

Meaning you would have built it out of metal instead of wood?  :icon_fsm:
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: LemonJello on July 08, 2015, 07:23:04 AM
No progress to report, we've been doing the freshman orientation tour with my son the last couple of days - it's been a while since I've slept in a dorm residence hall.  Beats a muddy hole in the ground, though.

That looks great! I've seen the real thing in person and close up and I think it looks better in NMF. That Alclad must have been pretty stinky, though.

Frank, the Alclad is pretty potent, the airbrush cleaner even more so - I had plenty of ventilation (I thought) so it dissipated rapidly, though I do wonder why I decided to take a nap there on the garage floor...
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: Frank3k on July 08, 2015, 10:28:55 AM
Jon- they could have painted it in aluminum dope rather than yellow:

(http://frank.bol.ucla.edu/Images/N9MB/N9MB3.jpg)

speaking of dope: one Alclad = 6 beers or 2 whiskeys.
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: LemonJello on July 19, 2015, 04:54:54 AM
We are in the home stretch with this one! In honor of that, here are some pictures:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v705/jjmj94/Nortrop%20N-9MA/IMG_0396_zps6ayoksig.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/jjmj94/media/Nortrop%20N-9MA/IMG_0396_zps6ayoksig.jpg.html)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v705/jjmj94/Nortrop%20N-9MA/IMG_0397_zpsbrs90yi2.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/jjmj94/media/Nortrop%20N-9MA/IMG_0397_zpsbrs90yi2.jpg.html)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v705/jjmj94/Nortrop%20N-9MA/IMG_0399_zpsle7yvmwf.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/jjmj94/media/Nortrop%20N-9MA/IMG_0399_zpsle7yvmwf.jpg.html)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v705/jjmj94/Nortrop%20N-9MA/IMG_0395_zpsdgbaf2in.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/jjmj94/media/Nortrop%20N-9MA/IMG_0395_zpsdgbaf2in.jpg.html)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v705/jjmj94/Nortrop%20N-9MA/IMG_0401_zpspuhq0xs8.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/jjmj94/media/Nortrop%20N-9MA/IMG_0401_zpspuhq0xs8.jpg.html)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v705/jjmj94/Nortrop%20N-9MA/IMG_0402_zpspvyyyz9b.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/jjmj94/media/Nortrop%20N-9MA/IMG_0402_zpspvyyyz9b.jpg.html)

Just decals and the spinners/props to go...
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: GTX_Admin on July 19, 2015, 04:59:22 AM
Almost there...
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: Kerick on July 19, 2015, 05:33:18 AM
That looks so right! Clearly a "should have been"!
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: finsrin on July 21, 2015, 04:09:52 PM
That looks so right! Clearly a "should have been"!

Yep, sure does !
Is what N-9MA always wanted to be :)
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: Brian da Basher on July 22, 2015, 03:28:02 AM
This baby shows off some absolutely mad NMF skill, Mr Jello!

Among the best NMF I think I've ever seen, actually.

Nice to see you're in the home-stretch!

Brian da Basher
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: Volkodav on July 22, 2015, 10:16:13 AM
A US answer to the De Havilland Hornet with a bonded wood and alloy structure?
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: Frank3k on July 22, 2015, 10:19:34 AM
This is looking great! Some of the low angle pictures look like the hangar picture I took of the N-9M. (except for the giant skateboard)
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: TurboCoupeTurbo on July 26, 2015, 09:39:37 AM
Fantastic!  I really want to steal this idea.  Doubt I will be able to do it to your level of excellence though.
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: Kerick on July 26, 2015, 10:25:13 AM
Decals are really going to make this pop!
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: LemonJello on August 01, 2015, 11:36:40 PM
She's done!  Here are the last batch of photos before she goes into the display cabinet.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v705/jjmj94/Nortrop%20N-9MA/IMG_0412_zpsdkbcrxxj.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/jjmj94/media/Nortrop%20N-9MA/IMG_0412_zpsdkbcrxxj.jpg.html)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v705/jjmj94/Nortrop%20N-9MA/IMG_0413_zpsaeloq7w0.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/jjmj94/media/Nortrop%20N-9MA/IMG_0413_zpsaeloq7w0.jpg.html)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v705/jjmj94/Nortrop%20N-9MA/IMG_0414_zps8u7p7yzo.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/jjmj94/media/Nortrop%20N-9MA/IMG_0414_zps8u7p7yzo.jpg.html)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v705/jjmj94/Nortrop%20N-9MA/IMG_0415_zpsq9f3qcyl.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/jjmj94/media/Nortrop%20N-9MA/IMG_0415_zpsq9f3qcyl.jpg.html)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v705/jjmj94/Nortrop%20N-9MA/IMG_0416_zpsiwo2mbro.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/jjmj94/media/Nortrop%20N-9MA/IMG_0416_zpsiwo2mbro.jpg.html)

Thanks!
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: Jeffry Fontaine on August 01, 2015, 11:46:50 PM
Looking good John!  Like the spinning propeller disc effect.  Did you do it yourself or is that an aftermarket accessory?
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: LemonJello on August 01, 2015, 11:52:01 PM
Looking good John!  Like the spinning propeller disc effect.  Did you do it yourself or is that an aftermarket accessory?

AM from Alliance Modelworks - I used a pair of their 1/72 F4U Dynamic Props that I picked up at last year's Nationals.  I'd recommend them, though they are a bit pricy for what is basically a single piece of PE.

There's also a painting stencil for them, but I passed on it this time around.
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: Tophe on August 02, 2015, 12:28:27 AM
She's done!  Here are the last batch of photos before she goes into the display cabinet.
Nice!
And I hope there is a closed window of the display cabinet, because these (impressive!) rotating propellers may be dangerous for visitors...
Congratulations!
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: taiidantomcat on August 02, 2015, 12:57:32 AM

Those spinning props are some of the nicest I have seen! What an effect!

Great work!!  :-*
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: GTX_Admin on August 02, 2015, 05:03:29 AM
Folks,

As mentioned above, the spinning props are available here:  http://www.am-works.com/store/aircraft-detailing-accessories-c-3_22.html (http://www.am-works.com/store/aircraft-detailing-accessories-c-3_22.html)
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: finsrin on August 02, 2015, 12:52:31 PM
Put a cool meter up to monitor and needle pegged 8)
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: KiwiZac on August 05, 2015, 07:17:01 AM
Beautiful job, LJ. Just beautiful. Well done! :icon_alabanza:
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: The Big Gimper on August 05, 2015, 07:21:51 AM
Gorgeous build Mr. LJ.

Much like Mr. Fontaine, kits finished like this may have myself resort back to safer hobbies such as Spirograph.
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: Frank3k on August 05, 2015, 08:13:57 AM
Looks great! I never thought spinning PE props would look this realistic.
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: CiTrus90 on August 06, 2015, 12:04:04 AM
Oustanding work!!
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: Brian da Basher on August 08, 2015, 08:36:46 PM
Those blurred props are perfect for this wonder!

Take a bow, Mr Jello! This one is worthy of great applause and then some!

Brian da Basher
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: b29r on August 12, 2015, 12:11:45 AM
What everyone said ^^^^^^^^  :)  Just a beautiful concept, and execution.  Looking forward to your next project  ;)

Best regards,
Kem
Title: Re: Northrop N-9MA
Post by: apophenia on August 12, 2015, 05:46:25 AM
Beautiful work! Especially with the light coming from behind, those 'spinning' props are stunning  :)