Bruno's Planes

[croden]

Sygrod, I personally refrain from using cardstock on models with connected tabs. Printer paper fits better.

[Sygrod]

Originally Posted by croden

Sygrod, I personally refrain from using cardstock on models with connected tabs. Printer paper fits better.

But that is exactly what I did and I am trying to squeeze together equal size parts, where one has tabs that are supposed to go inside the other one. The result is like trying to put on a sock that is too small. I end up trying to force the piece on and all manner of problems can arise from that, including creases, warping and stretching. The beautiful design deserves a clean, attractive build, and I think I am missing something as far as technique goes.

Ken

[scissorsandplanes]

Hi Ken,
I think the "problem" comes from my lack of explanation.
The fuselage for and aft of the cockpit have been designed to be formed as on the drawing below. Since both parts have different diameters, they would not attach at all if you do not sculpt the forward part as drawn.
See if that helps.
Regards
Bruno

[Sygrod]

Originally Posted by scissorsandplanes

Hi Ken,
I think the "problem" comes from my lack of explanation.
The fuselage for and aft of the cockpit have been designed to be formed as on the drawing below. Since both parts have different diameters, they would not attach at all if you do not sculpt the forward part as drawn.
See if that helps.
Regards
Bruno

Nope. Knew that already from an earlier discussion on the C-17 Globemaster. I do a lot of studying and reading message board for ideas if i run into the slightest problem. You have done such a good job designing these planes that I conclude that it is something I am missing.

Ken

[Sygrod]

So here is the front of the plane. It is not glued and the parts are in place as prescribed.

[Sygrod]

I have an idea. Could one of you experts build this model and show step by step with explanations?

[papermate]

Welcome, Ken, to the 1/200 world of paper planes. I'm no expert but just an "experienced" builder so I'm happy to share the build process with you, but just up to the fuselage. As I'm currently busy building other models, I may have to slow down a bit. Maybe you can take it from there and finish the whole project and share your story with us.

I have searched on the net and found some formers for this plane. The simpler 5-piece set was chosen but I limited it by using only two. Seems that when designing, Bruno may not have the formers in mind. So the full use of these formers may not bring out the result you want. I used only two formers to make sure that the fuselage is oval shape and not circular when seen cross-sectionally. So, that's it as far as formers are concerned.

Another thing is that I built starting from the main fuselage and worked towards the nose and then the tail section. This is where the two formers were inserted right from the start. You will also notice that I printed double the fuselage and the wings as they serve as glue tabs and are good strengtheners to the whole model.

A word about formers. They tend to be too big when you try to insert them into the fuselage. What I did was print the formers about 95% of the original. If they are too small to fit, then tape a strip of paper along the edge of the former. This will also avoid the ribbed effect to the fuselage or at least make it less noticeable.

The build pics were taken on my cell phone and they are not very clear. The last couple of pic were taken on camera and are better. Hope you don't mind.

OK, just reached the ceiling of 20 pics. Continue on the next post.

Papermate

[papermate]

The build continues here.............

You will notice that the cockpit in the clearer pics is a bit higher because I have done something to it. I pushed the windows a bit backward and glued the edges. It was a mess but hopefully hidden with a coat of black paint. Thought I did it, oh no!

Papermate

[Sygrod]

You make it look easy. So you laminate a part without tabs over a part with tabs and get a piece 2 sheets thick, which allows butt gluing.

Here are four pics of my initial build, using the intended method. As can be seen, there is no way I will be able to true up the part in front of the cockpit. I can only conclude that this method is beyond my current skill and I have to try internal tabs and butt gluing. I have now printed out 6 models and surely I should be able to get at least one right.

Ken

[papermate]

And a little update - affixing the wings.

Papermate