Ernie

Before I start a new build, there is, in my minds eye, a perfect model. Not a good one, but a truly perfect one. BUT, as soon as I start the build, those wee imperfections begin to creep in. A pin splits a bit of wood, Too much cyano spoils a joint, and, inevitably that perfect model begins to be less perfect. So, that nasty thought begins to creep in...If I started a brand new one, then it would be the beautiful one that I really crave ernie

Hi David, Mick Reeves does very tiny screws ernie

For me, it's always the ritual of opening that big box. It's such a magic moment, and no matter how things progress, it only happens once. So it gets put off, sometimes for many years ernie

Hi Albert Ace, A few suggestions that might help you. You could paint the lower ribs and structure with a heat activated glue. Balsalock comes to mind, but I'm sure that there are others. Or, you could cover the bottom first, then use thin cyano from above, Or, you could stitch the whole thing as per full size. I know thats a bit of a scutter, but I'm doing that on a wing that warps, so it's a double problem ernie

Probably about 1/3 back from the leading edge for a simple parallel chord wing, but it's critical, so don't chance it. ernie

hi PapaC, If you ever build a short nosed WW1 model, you'll need to raid the roof of York Minster to find enough lead to get a sensible balance point. GET IT RIGHT. Too far forward and the result will be like chewing a toffee with the paper on. Too far back and you won't even taste the toffee ernie

Well Peter, with 8 stampes you can start an aerobatic team ernie

Thats OK ernie

great stuff ernie

Well Tony, what are you interested in? Tell us a bit about yourself, and we'll gladly bring you up to date re. all the fantastic developments that you've missed ernie

Hi Doug, Do you know what the covering material is? Most modern coverings use heat to melt the adhesive, so you can use a domestic iron. The problem is that you can easily leave some of the colour on the airframe, so you'll need to give it a rub with either sandpaper, or use cellulose (nail varnish remover) ernie

Great stuff Craig, There is an enormous amount of building experience here. Advice will be willingly given, but be careful, its very addictive. Have you got the tools that you need? ernie

Hi Toto, SWMBOs can be a wee problem. As you're sort of new to all this, a few tips You, as a surveyor must know that thing that tradesmen do when asked to give an estimate. They sort of shake their heads, and inhale through their teeth; 'Its going to be difficult' they say, and take ages. You must learn this. SWMBOs don't understand how long things take, so you can vanish into your cave for many hours to sort things out. Tell her that your cleaning brushes, sharpening tools, making bits that are essential to the work. This keeps mine happy for hours on end. Also make up an audio file with drilling, hammering, sanding and general DIY sounds. You can play this while you fettle your latest toy; and enjoy a wee dram. We all do this stuff, and mostly SWIMBO's can be kept well under control ernie

Well, If you have fantastic moto reactions, your first solo flight might last 20 secs instead of the 10 for us mere mortals ernie

59? a mere child as far as most of us are concerned. I can't answer your question, I'm too far away. But some advice. Your going to be just a wee bit rusty, and probably very slow, so get some help. It's not easy Get insured, remember our old friend Murphy And, as my mentor Hughie said about a zillion years ago. The first rule is 'enjoy it' ernie