Scratch build Boeing F4B-4

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Next, the holes to the cardstock were measured & a small modeler's punch & die set was used to create holes.

Unlike the plastic strips, paper doesn't take to drills without making a mess with paper fibers scattered around the drilled holes.

The cardstock was then given final measurements & cut to size.

 

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The cardstock was given the same color of paint as the vertical supports & horizontal stringers.

 

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Next, came the accessories. I'm using the fuse box & switches in this example.

I simply make a large image of the box using black colored paper & rub-on dry transfer letters from a local arts & crafts store. From there, I taped it into the door & stood at a distance taking various pictures I felt would result in a photo of the artwork of the correct size.

From there, I would go to a local outlet where I could convert my digital images into glossy photos.

I admit it's time-consuming but it yields very high quality image that is much better than printing off of a printer. Even the tiny letters can easily be seen & read with clarity. I found this out the hardway when building & detailing my Mustang. So I learned from that experience & applied what works for me here.

The picture was then cut out of the photo & folded to size, glued & some wires were added to complete the setup.

I used this method throughout the cockpit build & got great results.

 

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Additional accessories.

 

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The smoke candle holder was very prominent so I knew it had to be included. It's a bit too large but I'm happy with it.

 

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The throttle was given the same treatment as the rest of the accessories. The image of the large paper throttle in my hand is actually from my old Mustang photo collection as I forgot to take a close up photo of the Boeing one.

 

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This is going to be another fine job. Carry on!

Thank you.

 

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Thank you.

 

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Ultimately the throttle was removed as I kept knocking it off during handling. It will be glued back in place just prior to installing the cockpit coaming.

 

[special ed]

I like seeing new ideas and modifications of old ideas in your work. Where, or more accurately, what kind of shop does the photo work for the pieces you use on throttle, elec panel, etc.
That idea works well. At present, I am building an F11C-2 from a very old plan. At the time the plan was drawn, controlline model fuselages were often carved from a large balsa block. Since balsa is now very expensive and I have no desire to whittle on a large block, the templates were used as patterns to cut formers and bond them to a central keel. As you can guess, the plane will have to withstand "normal" flight stress and landing, therefore much of what you put inside yours would be too fragile. When I run into an obstacle, I usually postpone the next steps, so watching you may solve some problems.

 

[Vic Balshaw]

Very impressed with the skills here and curious about the letters you are using, they look similar to what I know as Letraset which was a common product in the 70s and 80s. Is this what you are still using!

 

[Wurger]