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Ian
has successfully built and flown several WWII fighter aircraft
using this novel construction system and has obliged by
providing the details of his method of construction. His
aim has been to produce a quickly made, low cost and simple to
build model. No plan, as such, is used.
The
fuselage follows pretty much a normal construction method in
part, but cardboard sides are preferred to balsa ones.
The
wings, by using cardboard skins, are much quicker to build
than the normal built-up system. Standard radio gear is
fitted and
some
nose weight is necessary to bring the C of G to the correct
position.
Although
Ian is unable to provide weight details for individual
components the total all up weight is fairly low compared to
similar models of this size using conventional methods.
The
2 photos show the part completed model during assembly.
See also the constructional views below the building
techniques guidelines.
Building
Sequence:
Stage
1.
Decide
on type and size of the model. Ian's aircraft are around
40" (1 metre) span.
Stage
2.
Draw
the wing plan view and fuselage side views directly onto
cardboard pieces.
Stage
3.
Use
1/4" balsa sheet for top and bottom parts of the
fuselage. Glue the balsa to the edges of the cardboard
with wood glue such as white PVA Evostik. Use a heatgun
to speed up the building time but avoid applying glue to areas
where sanding will need to be undertaken later, such as on
edges.
Stage
4.
Score
the back of the cardboard corregations on the wing panels to
assist later when bending the panels to the rib contour.
Lay the bottom panel onto the building board and using a wood
glue assemble to it the leading and trailing edges, ribs, wing
tips and mainspar. Fit the wing joiner and then add the
top panels.
Stage
5.
Hot
glue the wings to the fuselage.
Stage
6.
Fit
the sheet balsa fin and tailplane to the fuselage using white
glue.
Stage
7.
Prime
overall with thinned PVA glue and when dry apply a colour
scheme using Humbrol matt enamels.
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