Early P-38 wheelcovers

[oboe]

Were there 3 screws in a triangle shape, or 4 screws in a square pattern fastening the wheelcover to the wheel?

[Bodhi]

4 Zeus Fasteners is what was on the production version of the wheels that went from early to late.

[oboe]

Thanks, Bodhi.   That's the way I've been doing them, but I just noticed, if I look real hard at the nose wheel of this 38E, I can almost see 3 fasteners in a triangular shape:



And I thought at some point (P-38H?) they switched to non-covered; open wheels like this:

[Bodhi]

Thought you were talking about the mains.  Let me go grab a nose wheel.

Oh, and they did not switch the main wheels, they just left the covers off.  I'll have to check on the nose wheels.

[oboe]

The 38 skins only have one wheel - so if the mains are different, I have to go with whatever the mains are.

I assumed (or hoped) that nose and mains would match.

Thanks for checking, B.

[Bodhi]

There are two different styles of nose wheels, and they both have the same 4 dzeus fastener layout like the main. 

This shows one style on the axle end side.




For comparison of the other, here is it's spoke pattern.  It is shot from the strut side, and does not show the outer wheel cover.




If you need a photo of the main, I can go take one.

[oboe]

Yes, please - if you wouldn't mind I'd like a photo of a main wheel.   

If I understand correctly, the mains didn't change throughout the 38's different versions - only the appearance changed due to leaving the wheelcovers off.   First noticed that on the H.   Sometimes I've seen photos with the nose wheel uncovered and the mains covered.

From your nose wheel shots, seems clear that its 4 fasteners in a square pattern.

Thought I saw a early war skin - P-40B or E maybe, with a triangular pattern of 3, and then start second guessing myself after looking at the Aleutian 38E photo I posted.

Thanks help, Bodhi.

[Guppy35]

Gotta like that you get service around here.  Nice resource old Bodhi is.

[Bodhi]

Oboe,
Here is the main wheel...



Keep in mind that the dzeus fastener springs are not installed in the wheel castings, so you can not see them.  They go into the four receivers that are on the wheel.  These wheels are brand new old stock, and were shipped without them installed to prevent dissimilar metal corrosion.  IE. Aluminum castings / steel spring


Sorry for the delay, forgot about this on Friday.

[Guppy35]

You are a heckuva resource Bodhi.  Thanks for sharing this stuff

[oboe]

Many thanks, Bodhi.   I am spending a lot of time trying to bring greater detail and accuracy to my '38 skins.   I have 4 fasteners on the wheelcovers of my early 38s now; your photo is the backup I needed.

I was so busy having fun in the '39 I forgot about this temporarily.   

Thanks for the photos!

[Puck]

You are a heckuva resource Bodhi.  Thanks for sharing this stuff

Bodhi rocks.

Speaking of which...I should take a day off work and drive to the springs.  Got anything interesting on the floor?

[Bodhi]

Puck, yeah... there is a B-25 and P47 in the hangar now.
Plus a myriad of project stuff.


Next week would be better for me though.  If you make it down, I'll buy ya lunch.

[Puck]

Nothing with bent wings?  Darn.  Just give me a day...my boss owes me several.