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Guillows Series 800 - Bell P 39D Airacobra by Brian Kostecki. Viewed 988 times.
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Brian Kostecki24-Jan-10 18:04
The latest Ebay conquest.
SteveM24-Jan-10 21:13
Oh, good find. Looks to be in good condition too.
BillParker25-Jan-10 04:27
So, you're the one! *G*... I have the plans.... Blown to 90"...
Brian Kostecki25-Jan-10 05:39
I was definitely lucky to get it in this condition and at a "decent" price. It'll probably remain in this state for a long time as I still have a lot to learn before I can give it the effort it deserves.
BillParker25-Jan-10 07:02
Use the templature on the plans to make your own parts, a kind of a practice run. If you run into alot of trouble, (you won't) you'll learn plenty, if it's all good, go ahead and use your plastics. You may find that the old balsa in that kit is tough to work with anyway.
Brian Kostecki25-Jan-10 10:44
Not a bad idea, Bill. I just might do that. I wish there was an easy way to replicate the plastics...
TJH25-Jan-10 11:11
That's the cool thing about the Guillow's plans is the wood parts are easy to reproduce.
BillParker25-Jan-10 11:22
From what I understand, it's doable to copy the plastics as well. SteveM has a web site that details how he does it, and Mr Finn "dabbles" a bit... *G* Guys?
Ken Miller25-Jan-10 11:34
You might also check out David Duckett's build of his Dumas Kit #503, Boeing AV 8B Harrier about page 10 for his approach to casting everything but the canopy. I have used the same material and it worked well for me.
SteveM25-Jan-10 11:43
If you are going for display then casting a solid part or using balsa blocks are easy and effective. If flying then you need the light weight of the plastic which is more difficult as you need to make a mold and vacuum form new parts, easier said than done.I don't have the kit in front of me right now, but based on this picture the plastics should be relatively easy to reproduce.
SteveM25-Jan-10 17:10
Ok, I just took a look at my kit and think this will be pretty easy. The pilot is a standard 1000 series item and can be purchased from Guillow's. Some of the flat pieces, like the wheel well doors, can be made from card stock or even balsa sheet. The LG and other small bits could be vacuum formed or cast is resin and the larger pieces would be fairly easy to vacuum form. When I get around to this kit I'll probably to all of the above in order to get the best results for my intended purpose, which will probably be to fly.
Brian Kostecki26-Jan-10 16:10
Thanks Ken and Steve. I might be willing to dabble in casting, but the vac forming might be a bit much for me. I know David has done it (casting) a good bit and with beautiful results. I'll look around and see if I can pick up some hints. Might be a good idea for another "how to".
scigs3026-Jan-10 17:54
Guillows has produced some great kits over the years. It is a shame they never bring some of them back even for a limited production. I wonder if they even still have the molds.
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