| Image Comments |
| poppy | 31-May-09 19:44 |
| Got a bit done today. The kit supplied wood is 1/8" and is in excellent condition after 50+ yrs. Soaked in warm water for 10 min. to get it to curve. Front fuselage half almost complete. Rear half is next. This is like building 2 kits. |
| David Duckett | 31-May-09 20:49 |
| Well, you did want a challenge. It's starting to look good even at this early stage. I do like the way the "greenhouse" is framed! |
| John M Oshust | 31-May-09 21:45 |
| Me thinks more like three!!! |
| poppy | 31-May-09 21:51 |
| Thanks DD. Yes, the 'greenhouse" is quite innovative. That front bubble is gonna be a problem. No framing nor plastic for it. But I am sure I can come up with something or someone can give me some advice. I may have to call on SteveM at some point cause I need the "blisters" also. But that is much later. For now, I just hope I can get the rest completed. |
| poppy | 31-May-09 21:53 |
| Hey John. How's the Duster coming along? |
| Creosotewind | 03-Jun-09 10:28 |
| Poppy, how do you like building the kit on a "keel"? Is it harder than the half fuselage method? I was thinking of doing the Panther that way, but thought I'd stay a little more traditional out of the gate. |
| SteveM | 03-Jun-09 13:15 |
| I'll be glad to help out as needed. The maximum size that will fit on my vacuum former is about 3"x5", so if that nose is bigger then that it'll have to be done in pieces or on a larger vacuum former. |
| poppy | 03-Jun-09 14:38 |
| Keel building is fine but you need stiff keel material as well as formers. The keels on this one are hardwood and the formers are plywood. Even then a basswood stiffner is needed in some sections as I will show on the next post. Problem is keeping everything perfectly straight which is difficult since you cannot pin to a level board. |
| poppy | 03-Jun-09 14:41 |
| And remember, this fuselage is right at 5' long. |
| Creosotewind | 03-Jun-09 15:53 |
| I'll have to check some of the model ship websites. I know they tend to build with the keel. Their bases are usually thick ply with a center strip to hold the keel in place. I have a late 50s SNJ from Japan that is a very similar build to this kit. Pre-cut plywood and turned aluminum cowl. |
