Scratch build Boeing F4B-4

Skyediamonds · 2024-07-18T19:03:55-0400

Continuing on:

After the wax paper was laid over the wing & taped down, the blue masking tapes with the base of the fairing cutouts were then laid down on either side of the strut -making sure the cutout matched.

Once everything was in place, I poured a resin mix. Resin was used at the base to ensure a strong fairing-to-wing join.

Before the resin started to cure, I quickly peeled back the masking tapes, making sure that none of the resin spilled over.

Skyediamonds · 2024-07-18T19:10:19-0400

Once the resin completely cured, the next steps were to carefully measure the intended height of the fairings from front to back. I used my old compass as a de facto caliper & using the traditional eyeball method of: " Looks about right," when comparing to photos of the full sized biplanes.

From there, I masked off the struts at the intended heights. I knew the filler material would not get that high but I didn't want to take any chances. The masking tapes also helped to protect the finish in the struts.

Skyediamonds · 2024-07-18T19:18:27-0400

Filler material was added. In this case, I used Spackling compound (a dry wall filler used in home construction). This Spackling dries quickly -within 1-2 hours & is easy to sand.

As with the resin, I quickly peeled off the masking tape before the filler cured.

Skyediamonds · 2024-07-18T19:24:14-0400

Once the filler was dried, I started sanding using a # 320 sandpaper & progressing to a finer grade of # 400. I'll admit it was a challenge sanding between the N join.

From there, a quick coat of grey primer was added. This was to harden the filler & to show any spots needing to be redone or corrected.

Skyediamonds · 2024-07-18T19:27:11-0400

Here's another view of me trying to mimic the unique way the fairings were crafted.

Skyediamonds · 2024-07-18T19:32:55-0400

Once I was satisfied that most of the fairings were complete, I removed the struts from the wings, peeled off the wax paper & proceeded to correct small pin holes or dents or spots with more filler followed by sanding & more primer & repeated several times.

Skyediamonds · 2024-07-18T19:35:04-0400

This went on for several days until I was happy with the final results. I then sprayed the finished fairings with a light coat of grey.

Skyediamonds · 2024-07-18T19:37:23-0400

Finished results.

Skyediamonds · 2024-07-18T19:44:30-0400

While waiting for the filler to dry, I finished the forward portion of the fuselage using foam material & wood planking.

Skyediamonds · 2024-07-18T19:48:29-0400

More photos of the forward fuselage…

Skyediamonds · 2024-07-18T19:52:29-0400

The fuselage underside was completed by using a 1/4" thick sheet balsa cut to clear the landing gear struts.

Filler was added to fill in the gaps & fair in the balsa to the fuselage.

Skyediamonds · 2024-07-18T20:02:41-0400

Flite Metal was given some rivets along the sides & glued into place. Then given a light coating of filler & primer. Any imperfections on the underbelly will be hidden by the drop tank.

The gaps along the landing gear struts will be filled in by making fairings, similar to the wing struts.

Skyediamonds · 2024-07-18T20:16:56-0400

Received custom plastic louvers. I then spray painted flat black onto a small section of Flite Metal.

A faux screen was glued onto the intake opening.
Then the Flite Metal was laid on the fuselage side to hide the wood grain & the louver on top.

Skyediamonds · 2024-07-18T20:21:38-0400

Filler was used to blend in the louvers to the fuselage sides.

Notice how the flat black Flite Metal hides the wood grain.

SaparotRob · 2024-07-18T20:21:41-0400

This is an amazing project. I can't even build a sandwich.

Skyediamonds · 2024-07-18T20:25:16-0400

SaparotRob said:
This is an amazing project. I can't even build a sandwich.

LoL…. Thank you very much.

Crimea_River · 2024-07-18T20:27:52-0400

Neat stuff

Skyediamonds · 2024-07-18T20:29:33-0400

Crimea_River said:
Neat stuff

Thank you, sir.

Skyediamonds · 2024-07-18T20:36:10-0400

Flite Metal has been pre-riveted & added to the forward section of the fuselage. Just as with the wing struts, masking tape was added & filler applied. This is where I am right now.

Normally, Flite Metal would be applied from the tail to the nose, but I wanted to minimize any possible scratches & dents to the aluminum cover while working in the struts. So it's been a compromise…

Skyediamonds · 2024-07-18T20:38:50-0400

I'll post some more as I progress forward. Thank you, everyone. It's been a challenge & a wild ride so far.

Scratch build Boeing F4B-4

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