First scratch build for many years
David Hayward. | 18/01/2016 19:20:16 |
![]() 180 forum posts 97 photos | Well I thought I would throw my hat into the ring and join the mass build having come back to the hobby last October after 25 years away. I have recently built a Pegasus Boomerang and a Middle Phase, both from kits and wanted to now build a model from scratch. Something I have only done twice in the past all those years ago when I built a Pronto trainer and a Spirit low wing aerobatic model which was too advanced for me really at the time. So I bought some wood etc. and started to plan the build, |
David Hayward. | 18/01/2016 19:21:26 |
![]() 180 forum posts 97 photos | This will be a standard build with no significant modifications (or should I say no planned modifications!) using a Saito FA40; just have to have a picture….. |
David Hayward. | 18/01/2016 19:27:12 |
![]() 180 forum posts 97 photos | This is not as detailed as some of the other excellent build blogs, but it’s nice to join in and offer what I can and perhaps also receive some useful feedback if anyone feels inclined. Taking a step forward from the pile of wood, the first thing I did was to build myself a ‘Peter Miller’ building board comprising of 4’ x 1’ of conti board from B&Q covered with a double layer of 3mm cork tiles from Wickes. Immediately putting this to one side I set about cutting out all the formers ribs, tailplane, fin, fuselage sides etc. using a coping saw for the ply parts and a scalpel for the balsa. Here’s a few of the parts… |
David Hayward. | 18/01/2016 19:29:33 |
![]() 180 forum posts 97 photos | With most of the parts cut out I started to put the fuselage together and here you can see the two sides are now joined with F1 – F6 plus the cockpit deck. |
David Hayward. | 18/01/2016 19:32:32 |
![]() 180 forum posts 97 photos | I don’t have a jig but I marked the centre of each former, drew a straight line on the building area of my bench, anchored the fuselage with weights at the front and middle positions and then pulled the rear together and glued. All lined up fine, added the front turtle decking and snake outers; I didn’t think the holes in the formers as marked on the plan lined up very well but that may have been me. (probably was). |
john stones 1 Moderator | 18/01/2016 19:57:23 |
![]() Moderator 11919 forum posts 1531 photos | Nice piece of art work for the front end David, fuzz looks spot on John |
David Hayward. | 18/01/2016 20:01:53 |
![]() 180 forum posts 97 photos | Thanks John, just followed Peter's instructions. |
Craig Thomas | 18/01/2016 20:53:39 |
![]() 478 forum posts 161 photos | The fuse is coming on nicely Dave. Good progress. I'm a first time scratch builder as well, it really is quite enjoyable. I've tackled the wing first. Great little engine you have for the front. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 |
Former Member | 18/01/2016 20:53:46 |
8085 forum posts | [This posting has been removed] |
David Hayward. | 18/01/2016 21:06:35 |
![]() 180 forum posts 97 photos | Hi Percy, you are right about the tailplane, actually it was me I believe who first raised this with Peter; you will see the next image coming up shortly will feature the mod to the fuselage. but thank you for your feedback, just what I am hoping for. |
David Hayward. | 18/01/2016 21:07:30 |
![]() 180 forum posts 97 photos | Next came the spruce spars for which I temporarily stuck a paper template to the front and rear formers to line up the spars correctly; well almost correctly, the gaps vary a little but not enough to worry about. |
Peter Miller | 18/01/2016 21:07:35 |
![]() 11768 forum posts 1416 photos 10 articles | Yes, tailplane butts up against F-10. Don't ask because I don't know. I do have my own opinions though |
john stones 1 Moderator | 18/01/2016 21:15:48 |
![]() Moderator 11919 forum posts 1531 photos | Lots of plans have errors on em, even some big expensive scale ones, look on it as preparation for future builds. Nieuport 17 I built had 4 sheet plan, on top wing panels one was 3/8" bigger than the other, I only found out when measuring to glue the tail on. John |
David Hayward. | 18/01/2016 21:19:27 |
![]() 180 forum posts 97 photos | For some reason I found the engine cowling a little bit challenging just in terms of getting it clear in my head exactly how to go about it and I think mine has varied just slightly from what Peter did but it seems to have turned out ok. I also think I did not quite interpret the plan correctly for the front turtle deck which should have overhung into the cockpit, however I managed to add this as an extra and it seems to blend in ok. |
Peter Miller | 18/01/2016 21:21:36 |
![]() 11768 forum posts 1416 photos 10 articles | Very neat cowling with beautiful cut aways round the engine. I won't dare bring mine to Greenacres!!! |
Former Member | 18/01/2016 21:43:12 |
8085 forum posts | [This posting has been removed] |
David Hayward. | 18/01/2016 21:55:47 |
![]() 180 forum posts 97 photos | I was thinking of applying sanding sealer first inside the cowl and then painting with some Flair Spectrum paint and finally fuel proofer on the top for good measure. Externally it will be a polyester covering. Any thoughts? |
john stones 1 Moderator | 18/01/2016 22:06:10 |
![]() Moderator 11919 forum posts 1531 photos | H.K covering is good and cheap as well John |
AndyD | 18/01/2016 22:11:49 |
![]() 773 forum posts 553 photos | my stringers vary more than i would of liked but whose goin to measure them,lovely build and welcome. |
David Hayward. | 18/01/2016 22:16:13 |
![]() 180 forum posts 97 photos | John, what is H.K. covering? |
Please login to post a reply.
Want the latest issue of RCM&E? Use our magazine locator link to find your nearest stockist!