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Pat's Custom Models Brown B2 Miss LA by pfinn. Viewed 801 times.
Build Thread
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| Image Comments |
| pfinn | 23-May-16 13:44 | | Installed.Needed to add reinforcement to the stringers because the Fairing overlapped the bulkhead. |
| goldenboot | 25-May-16 11:45 | | Is it possible to use the same procedure to cover the fuselage of a spitfire. Can I use 1/16 balsa and feather it at the cowl? Or is 1/64 plywood the only option for using this technic? I think DD previously said 1/32 balsa doesn't sand well., and I agree after trying it on the topside of the wing. Don't like the thought of filling in all those little squares. |
| David Duckett | 26-May-16 06:11 | | You could but......feathering into the cowl is asking for trouble. To use 1/16" will require that each former has 1/16" removed from the perimeter and the stringers repositioned. It will also require several panels, just like a real one, and I would think that each one would need to be formed wet so that when used they will be completely dry. Another thing to consider is that panels of wood like that can only be glued to the frame at the edges/keels. If you glue it to the stringers as well, you take the chance that the wood will adhere just like tissue does and will have distinct sides instead of being round. The reason you need to do it in sections is that balsa does not bend in all directions at once and the Spitfire's fuselage isn't exactly a tube.
I know nothing about plywood but my guess would be even more trouble.
I believe Poppy has far more experience in this kind of construction and can provide some insight. |
| Skyediamonds1985 | 26-May-16 14:50 | | I have to agree with DD on the feathering using 1/16" balsa. He's also correct in pointing out that Pfinn used plywood in his previous postings of this build. Like Pfinn, I decided early on to use 1/64" plywood wrapped around the fuselage cowling and top decking surrounding the cockpit area on my S.E. 5. This ply was thin enough to literally be wrapped around like paper, yet strong enough to compensate for it being so thin. Still had to wet it to help with the bending and wrapping. I also had to compensate for the added thickness of the ply, but at 1/64th, this was almost a none-issue. I covered the ply with a heat-shrink film so I can't comment on the surface finish for ply. For your Spitfire, as DD pointed out, you're looking at several areas of compound curves, especially near the nose area. If you elect to use the 1/64" ply, it will help take care of most of the fuselage, but you'll still have to do some creative wrapping or infilling at the nose as well as compensating for the thickness of the ply however thin it may be. Great job on the B-2 Miss Los Angeles by the way.!! |
| goldenboot | 27-May-16 09:19 | | Thanks both of you for your expert advice. I think I'll just use the usual method and try the plywood method on a different model later. Without this website and the wounderful commentary from The experienced modlers, i would never have completed even my first balsa model kit. |
| Skyediamonds1985 | 27-May-16 14:58 | | Goldenboot: thank you for your comment. We all learn from each other. I too, have learned much since joining this site two years ago; both from the experienced modelers and those making mistakes. I try to understand their mistakes and learn from them. We're all here to help each other. You did a great job on your S.E. 5. |
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