Hi all,
I got a copy of the now OOP 1/48 XP-55 kit from Czech Models, and now I have to find a replacement for the resin True Details seat, as there is a chunk missinf from the top of mine, and it's not in the factory sealed baggy. Also, the vac canoppies are distinctly yellw and very crappy looking... are they supposed to be this way? Anywho, does anyone have this kit, to where spares coudl be made? Would a seat for any other type of aircraft work, like a late P-47? The chunk missinf from the seat is at the top, where the seat guide rails extend above the seat back. I figure if I can get a replacement for the seat and canopies, i'll be good to go. Who knows, I might try platicard framing and make film window panels (yeah, if I get REALLY bored, gifted, and housebound for a few months!)

I have a copy of the kit also. I have to run right now, but tonight I'll give it a lookover and see if there's anything I can do for you. I've been experimenting with making vacuformed canopies in a female form made of Durhams Water Putty, so this might make a good test.

Missed you at the meeting last night. I brought some goodies from your wishlist.

Yeah, I got held up dealing with the pharmacy, and they blew my timeline... took them 3 hours to tell me that they couldn't fill my scrip because my insurance is allegedly cancelled, despite the fact that I had just renewed it. I didn't get out of there til nearly 7:30, and it would have been another hour at least before I could have gotten to the meeting.

So who got elected? Did the new additions to the raffle box get snatched up fast?

I appreciate the hand. What items did you have with you?

Hmm........ Wonder if I can trim off the rest of the seat supports and use this thing for a Mustang seat......

Tim-

It's a pretty standard World War II bucket seat; much like another Curtiss product; the P-40. I'd steal one from one of those kits if you had it. I can email you some pictures of the seat on the XP-55 both before and after it was finished.

Stewart

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Holy cats! Thanks, Stew! Would you happen to have full cockpit photos? I was working up the nerve to maybe request a special dispensation to get up there with my camera, but if you have the photos that you could email me, that would be great (not to mention save the wear and tear on both my joints and that rare bird ! *LOL*) Email the pics to me at lord_drachenherz@yahoo.com, if you could, and thanks!

also try:

http://seiran01.tripod.com/web6.html

http://www.cybermodeler.com/aircraft/p-55/p-55_walk.shtml

http://rides.webshots.com/album/553930085wapZRR?start=12

http://videos.howstuffworks.com/disco ... -xp-55-ascender-video.htm

WOW! Thanks Larry... and I can see some trouble spots on this kit then. Anybody know where I can get a landing light for the nose? The kit has a plain smooth nose, with not even a hint of a light. Maybe I'll have to take a stab at scratch building it, if I can get the dimensions right... ( <<< points to self and holds up the sign "Anal-Retentive Perfectionist!" ) *Note: my wife just snickered and said "Yup!"*

Another thing about this kit: the decal sheet promises "markings for 2 versions" but what you get are 2 sets of identical numbers. And, also, the "Ascender" logo painted on the port side is not among the decals. Word to the wise before starting this beast would be to see if anyone has aftermarket decals or could custom make something. In fact, I know of someone whom I have bought decals from before... Maybe I should contact him. He does mainly sci-fi decals for BattleTech and other such games, but I think he still takes on custom orders too. http://www.fightingpirannhagraphics.com/

Found another issue with the decal sheet: All of the stencils are in white, while the originals were black... gotta do more changes.....

Tim-

Did you get enough with what Larry sent you, or do you need more? I have a large number of pictures because I used to be with the Air Zoo before moving on to become the curator at Evergreen out here in Oregon. Before I left, I worked a deal to do the book for Ginter Publishing on the XP-55. My work on the book has been slowed due to re-location and the heavy level of work at my current museum, but I am working my way back towards finishing it up this year.

Stewart