Fire the band, I have not actually finished a profile (not even nearly)

[Ugo Crisponi]

**Meicojoni!!**

[GiantFlyingRobots]

DAMN! It gets better every time I see it!!!!!!!

ha ha
Oh yeah, no update this time, just lookin for some some image help...

[Vacajun]

GFR,

The ultimate!! But you're driving me crazy with no prop tilt! What happened between your first post (with the correct nose-down tilt) and the last (no thrust line tilt)??

[Jarink]

I know I may have jumped the gun a little withe the title of this thread but...

I am trying to get the best result that I possibly can, before I can finally put it to bed, and I continue to do revisions on aspects of this profile that I am not entirely happy with. I am currently reworking the shackle, drop tank and the associated plumbing, but I don't have a really good/clear image of this area, esp where the plumbing meets the underside of the wing. I would appreciate it if anybody has said images and can post em here.

The fuel line attachments are actually sockets in the wing. I've heard/read that there were plugs that could be inserted if tanks were not carried. It's not the best picture, but this picture from the gallery shows them on the left edge. I think it was a nipple arrangement on the B/Cs, though.
Note nipple to the left of the shackle

As for the plumbing, I'm wondering if there ever was a standard way of running it. I've seen several different arrangements.

Considering how well the rest of the bird was restored, Happy Jack's Go Buggy might be a good source.



75 gallon and 108 gallon tanks had different arrangements, too?
Compare to the 108 gal on HJGB

[Vacajun]

GFR,

Here's a bit more on tanks:
Sketch is from IPMS oldie on P-51D showing right tank (A) and left tank (B) with asymmetric hookups since tanks were not "handed."

Also, here's a shot from Freeman's book with info.

[Vacajun]

And to add to the confusion, here are installations on restored aircraft- top is a B (or C?) and bottom is a D.

[Jarink]

And to add to the confusion, here are installations on restored aircraft- top is a B (or C?) and bottom is a D.

Actually, that top picture makes things much clearer. It looks like the B/C had a nipple (for the pressure line?) far to one side and a socket (for the fuel line?) like those seen on the D right on the front edge of the bomb shackle. In the "note nipple" link I posted, you can barely make out the socket, but it's as clear as day in this one.

By the way, the tanks on HJGB are working tanks, but they are made from different materials than the originals, so they don't disintegrate. That IPMS sketch looks more like the B/C arrangement than the D. I wonder if the hose attachment points were altered during early D production or from the beginning?

[GiantFlyingRobots]

Thanks guys, these images are going to be of great help getting this one finally finished with both 75 and 108 gallon tanks.

BTW, I understand that HJGB's tanks are made of fiberglass. I just love the detail that has gone into this restoration, which is best illustrated by this image.

[GiantFlyingRobots]

Done and Done...

[Vacajun]

Wow and amen!! My goodness what a masterpiece. Congratulations on a super job!!