My First Aircraft Model

[rickstef]

Pman

1/32 X-15 by Ken West - ECardmodels.com Shop - Downloadable models and crafts for builders of all

[f18fixer]

Thank you for all the kind words on my model, Ive all ready started my next kit, its the Thaipaperwork He-162, I do have a couple of questions on paper weight...the x-15 was built pretty much with 80grm paper laminated to a heavy weight illustration paper where it needed to be beefed up.
I went to an art supply store yesterday and picked up 120 and 160 grm paper.
I look at pictures on the forums, and I see these Bulkheads that look like they are paper laminated to wood, is this the norm ?
I mean I did not use that thick of material when I was building my X-15.

Thank you Ken for a great model, I'm a plastic aircraft builder, but I needed something to do over here in Kuwait, without having to haul all my supplies with me.

Thanks again...Here are a couple of pics of a couple of rockets I started out with when I got into paper.

[billy.leliveld]

Laminating 80 gr paper is a lot of extra work, normaly I start with printing it to 160/200 gr paper for the "normal" parts, any printer can handle that, for bulkheads you laminate it to 1/1,5 mm cardboard, or cerialboxes...
I think you did the right thing to start the new project, but the X15 looks great!

[Barry]

First class job

[cdavenport]

F16fixer- here's a technique for bulkheads few use, but it is outstanding for catching the subtle curves of an aircraft such as the He-219

Laminate the bulkheads to closed cell styrofoam like the kind that is used for packing desktop computer components. That foam can be shaped to accept the curve of the preceding and following fuselage sections. The beauty of this technique is that you do not have the seam crinkling effect that sometimes come when you bond fuselage sections together.

The foam is solid enough that you can apply pressure to really close those unsightly seams up. If you roll the fuselage sections you will find them taking on the curvature of the real airplane as opposed to a simple series of conical sections.

To cut the foam, fashion a simple foam wire cutter....plans abound on the internet. I have a commercially made one.

Anyone who works on sophisticated aircraft will find making this tool a walk in the park.

Where are you stationed?

[vanhalen]

Charles, that is a great hint especialy for me as a novice.
I will try that in one of my prospective builds.

Greetings

Stephan