What would you do? (Kampfflieger Fokker D.7)

**Wily** · #1 08-17-2009, 09:31 PM

I'm building the Kampfflieger Fokker D.7 and am thinking through the build.

The photo below shows the fuselage and the bottom. This little Fokker has a square cross section, with a slightly curved top and a flat bottom.

Normally, I'd create strips to join the top and bottom to the fuse, but this isn't a big kit, so I'm leary of heavy joints. But, that may be my only option.

What would YOU do?

**Amazyah** · #2 08-17-2009, 09:43 PM

I would use glue strips but use regular copy paper.

Russell

**Wily** · #3 08-17-2009, 09:45 PM

So, do you score the paper? Ever used celo tape? "magic" tape?

**Don Boose** · #4 08-17-2009, 09:47 PM

I have been contemplating this same model (as well as the E.V) and had come to the same conclusion: joining strips made of 20-lb paper, rather than card.

I also corresponded with Roman on the thickness of the "red" parts. I suggested doubling my 0.01-inch/0.254mm card to make 0.5+mm thickness. Roman said that sounded about right.

Looks like you are off to a good start.

Do you plan to glue thin wire inside the struts, or just go with a double thickness of card?

Don

**KCStephens** · #5 08-17-2009, 10:01 PM

I would add my own glue strips made from pre-scored card stock.
First I would score the glue strip with a very light cut of a razor, making sure not to go the whole way through the paper. Then, fold the glue strip into an "L" shape (should get a very nice crisp fold). Next, trim the strip to the required length, and glue it onto the piece. HERE IS THE KEY....0 Make sure it's set back away from the edge very slightly - about the thickness of the cardstock. That way, when you glue everything up the edges will butt up against each other nicely and you won't even know that there is a glue strip there.
I hope this makes sense

**Wily** · #6 08-17-2009, 10:13 PM

Thank you. I'll stick with the strips...and KC, I understood what you meant and will be careful to do as you suggest.

Amazyah - perfect - I'll use some nice 28# paper. <S>

Don - those struts are skiiiiiiiiny! I have a few pieces of Yupo paper that I intend on using for the struts. The wire is a brilliant idea, but I'm too lazy for this one.

The SPAD shown (a Fitterer kit from ecardmodels) does have wires, however.

**cgutzmer** · #7 08-18-2009, 04:39 AM

Be sure to include pics of your builds! This goes for everyone

Chris

**kampfflieger** · #8 08-18-2009, 10:17 AM

Hi!

I just make connection stripes from regular paper (80 g/cm2)

Roman.

**Don Boose** · #9 08-18-2009, 10:21 AM

Thanks for weighing in, Roman. Would it be possible to see a photo of the connection strips?

And any other advice on building this model would be appreciated.

Incidentally, here is Roman's build of the E.V, which uses some similar methods: 1/48 Fokker E.V - Theo Osterkamp

Don

**kenlwest** · #10 08-19-2009, 10:53 AM

Wily,

I would just join the edges together using Aileens Tacky Glue (the purple bottle). Then after the glue dries, run a fillet of glue down the inside corners of the fuselage using a toothpick, just enough to bridge the joint. I am not really a fan of joining strips, but that's just me.

Ken