| LtJBSz | 13 Sep 2009 3:35 p.m. PST |
Okay, I am a pretty good modeler and scratch builder, but getting all 8 struts on a SE-5a lined up and inserted in the upper wing has frustrated me to no end! Why couldn't they have made them into little boxes that could fit into a slot in the wing and cowling, at least this would halve the stuff to line up and they wouldn't be so fiddley! Any one have any tips that might help? Otherwise I'll just toss them and wait for the WoW series 4. |
 John the OFM  | 13 Sep 2009 3:49 p.m. PST |
When I was doing 1/72 plastic kits, I would assemble everything upside down. Put the upper wing upside down on your table, and put the struts in place. Before the glue sets, lower the assembly on to them.
That works a lot easier with plastic, though than metal… When you give up on that, try drilling holes all the way through the wings, and thread brass rod through. Use a spacer to hold the wings apart, and put superglue along the rods.
Walk away. DO NOT PLAY WITH THE NEW ASSEBLY! It will only break your heart when you try to get that last 1%… When the superglue sets (next day) clip the wire and file or sand it smooth. Making templates from bass or balsa wood to hold the wings at the right distance helps. Reviresco makes lead templates for SOME of its planes, but unfortunately not for all. |
| Waco Joe | 13 Sep 2009 3:58 p.m. PST |
What John said only I use plastic rods instead of brass. I then clip the plastic and use a dremel to file it smooth. |
| quidveritas | 13 Sep 2009 5:10 p.m. PST |
Well if it makes it any better, I have days like that with 1/72 kits sometimes. mjc |
miscmini  | 13 Sep 2009 6:10 p.m. PST |
I know how you feel. I'm working on a Voisin and it's nothing but struts. |
| quidveritas | 13 Sep 2009 8:34 p.m. PST |
Something you might do is make some spacers -- you can use card stock or foam. There aren't easy to use either but they will hold the space for you while you place your struts from the inside out (don't go the other way -- formula for disaster -- I know). mjc |
| Pictors Studio | 13 Sep 2009 8:52 p.m. PST |
"That works a lot easier with plastic, though than metal…" This is universaly true. |
| Devil Dice | 14 Sep 2009 12:00 a.m. PST |
First , drill through all the spar holes in the top wing . For pairs of outer spars , I bend brass wire into an upside down "U" and thread it through both top holes and then glue . Then I trim and bend the spars until they glue in the bottom holes without difficulty . Once dry , I enlarge the centre holes on the top wing slightly so that I can thread the spar onto its fuselage location point . Trim the excess wire off the top wing and touch up with a bit of filler . |
| LtJBSz | 14 Sep 2009 1:09 p.m. PST |
Thank you all, drilled the wings and replaced all the soft metal with brass wire, (OFM, I am resisting touching the new assembly, but it ain't easy, now that you have taught me this new trick). Thanks to all of you our RFC pilots will soon have a new mount to take to the skies! |
| Steve Blease | 14 Sep 2009 2:36 p.m. PST |
I second the brass wire but would suggest drilling through the bottom wing rather than the top for a smoother finish. I use blu-tack to keep the wings in place whilst the glue sets. Here's my RFC efforts: link |
| quidveritas | 14 Sep 2009 6:17 p.m. PST |
You can also drill out the wings and use styrene instead of brass wire. This is easier to cut and sand down to the contour of the wing when you are done. mjc |
