banndit wrote:
I'm not familiar with the construction of the P-38, is the difference in the finish on the aluminum normal? It almost looks like its been repaired.
A quick Google didn't turn up anyting on the "Earnie II" name, either.
If you look closely at all the BMF A/C there is differences in appearance of metals used depending on if they were spotwelded as that metal as to be treated with an acid solution to clean the metal, Wing and tail fairings as different alloys are used due to the degree of shaping and forming required and even the grain in a sheet of alum when run in different directions can look different.
What looks very shiny is the skin behind his head on the removable panel which is 24ST Alclad and it looks very new, the round white labels are factory insp stickers.
Up above the prop blade with the round edge is the wing fairing, made of a different alloy for easier forming.
The duller alum to the right of his head is the large door which opens to service the ammo and weapons. It has a large amount of spotwelds and was probably acid etched.