Looking for thoughts on balsa WW2 models........

[bdefen]

My first balsa project in about 40+ years. I went to the local hobby shop to scrounge an R/C propeller and some wheels to get the proper scale.

What is the pale-green material?
Very nice!! Do you intend to fly it? They make a nice display when "uncovered". Like a 3D schematic.
Oh, what do you use for your flat pinning surface? I use a cork-faced bulletin board. I could use something bigger. IMHO, it's very important that it's truly flat and level.

 

[special ed]

My first balsa project in about 40+ years. I went to the local hobby shop to scrounge an R/C propeller and some wheels to get the proper scale.

An amazing job from a box of sticks. How was the ball pien hammer in pic 2 used?

 

[special ed]

The members of our model club belong to an unofficial nation wide organisation, the ROMEO. Stands for: Retired Old Men Eating Out. Once per month we invade some local eatery for lunch and help the wait staff earn their pay.

 

[mjfur]

What is the pale-green material?
Very nice!! Do you intend to fly it? They make a nice display when "uncovered". Like a 3D schematic.
Oh, what do you use for your flat pinning surface? I use a cork-faced bulletin board. I could use something bigger. IMHO, it's very important that it's truly flat and level.

The green paper is the card stock that comes with the model with interior components printed on it. I just used a piece of plywood laying around. Not a flyer, just display.

 

[mjfur]

An amazing job from a box of sticks. How was the ball pien hammer in pic 2 used?

That's just in case I get mad and need to smash it into oblivion. lol

I was using plywood as a work surface. Sometimes a pin needed some motivation to stick.

 

[Casor]

That's just in case I get mad and need to smash it into oblivion. lol

I was using plywood as a work surface. Sometimes a pin needed some motivation to stick.

I use a pc of 5/8" thick gypsum wallboard as a building surface - this on top of a flat table or pc of 3/4 plywood.

 

[Howard Gibson]

Balsa wood model airplane plans -- Pinterest

Free Model Airplane Plans & Drawings Index

You are now in very serious trouble.

 

[special ed]

Check the models on post 21963 Picture of the Day. They are all control line flying models. The F-51H is a Jetco kit. I suspect the B-29 & Super DC-3 are Eureka kits from Japan. The model engine cylinder can be seen in all of the cowlings.

 

[Terry37]

You could always do my father's plane as Guillow's makes it in a balsa kit, but there's lots wrong with the color scheme and the name. .

I like building balsa, but usually build from plans, and not to fly as I try to detail the cockpit, etc. I started this a good 20 years ago, and really need to get back to it. It's an Austrian Albatros B.I

Stay well everyone,

Terry

 

[nuuumannn]

As a serious modeler you will never be satisfied with your build because if you judge it as if it were not yours you will see where it could have been better.

Beautiful workmanship, Ed. Nicely done.

 

[Casor]

Beautiful workmanship, Ed. Nicely done.

Or, you could scratch build your own.....

 

[SaparotRob]

That's fantastic.

 

[nuuumannn]

Or, you could scratch build your own.....

Or, I could not... I'm not a model builder per se, I'd like to be but I have neither the time nor patience.

Is that your own work, Casor? If so its marvellous and I frequently admire the skills of the regular modellers on this forum.

 

[Casor]

Or, I could not... I'm not a model builder per se, I'd like to be but I have neither the time nor patience.

Is that your own work, Casor? If so its marvellous and I frequently admire the skills of the regular modellers on this forum.

Hey thank you for the comment. Yes, I designed and built the 55" 1/8 scale model. It is a Hansa Brandenburg W12. I haven't flown it yet as getting water and a good pilot in the same place at the same time has been a problem. The excruciatingly detailed post is here for more info on the model.

https://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?2777778-1-8-Hansa-Brandenburg-HB-12

I have however flown this one...

 

[nuuumannn]

Hey thank you for the comment. Yes, I designed and built the 55" 1/8 scale model. It is a Hansa Brandenburg W12.

You're welcome. You're a skilled craftsman alright. That Fw 56 is nice too.

 

[Casor]

You're welcome. You're a skilled craftsman alright. That Fw 56 is nice too.

Thank you. I have been building for a long time. I design in 2D CAD and have a laser cutter which help a lot. But I have made all the mistakes there are to make along the way, so you just have to learn from them. I post my models on RCGroups to not only show techniques but also to show what I do isn't really that hard to do if you're careful.

 

[bdefen]

I use a pc of 5/8" thick gypsum wallboard as a building surface - this on top of a flat table or pc of 3/4 plywood.

Hadn't thought of that. Fairly soft so pins can go in and out easily. The sheet of plywood sounds good too, if it's not too hard. Thanks to all for chiming in with advice, and showing your work. I'll probably stick with pre-cut kits for now. Looking forward to my Dumas Storch build.

 

[special ed]

Show us the Storch as you build it. Ask questions if you hit a snag.

 

[bdefen]

Show us the Storch as you build it. Ask questions if you hit a snag.

Will do!! Thanks, again.

Oh, what glue do you use? How about the coating? I've been using Elmer's White Glue for construction and 50% Elmer's/50% water for coating the tissue.

 

[Casor]

Will do!! Thanks, again.

Oh, what glue do you use? How about the coating? I've been using Elmer's White Glue for construction and 50% Elmer's/50% water for coating the tissue.

I would use Titebond III wood glue for gluing the wood together. No heavier than Elmers and a lot stronger