GPM A-7D Corsair II

**Beachead** · #1 01-31-2021, 11:08 AM

So I'm trying again - fourth go round - to get this done. As many may already know, this isn't the most friendly kit instruction and diagram wise. Or its just me.

Getting the fuselage done is a big step. I'd like to think that once this is done, the rest will be "easy". At the moment, I'm pretty happy with what's done so far.

Hint. Getting the sections to match is tricky. I set back the rib pieces from the edge of the paper. Then using different thickness of paper, I build up the rib surface to match the edge for better contact with the other section. I did it this way because I found its much easier to install the ribs to the fore and aft areas of section. The section marked 7b** shows this lip/gap. 5b shows the fill-in.

**MacSongLi** · #2 01-31-2021, 11:16 AM

Greg,

Your fuselage shape looks great, and very clean. I find that those darned butt joints are near impossible to line up (maybe it's just me).

Good luck,
Gary

**SmashedGlass** · #3 01-31-2021, 07:24 PM

I'm working on a Marek design at the moment, and it was almost all butt joins like that. Not a fan of them. In future I may do as you have only inset them even further and use tab strips at the actual joint.

**Beachead** · #4 02-02-2021, 10:12 AM

Fuselage is done. Part 9 is a bit trickey to glue. The cut out is for the tail hook compartment. Had to add a sliver of paper at the back end to help with the connection.

For the most part, once you get past the nose to section 4, it goes together pretty well. Also recommend not installing the cockpit section until after section 5. The sides of section 3 and 4 are "loose" and take some fiddling to get them to meet the sides of the cockpit section.

**smithdr** · #5 02-02-2021, 10:55 AM

Hey Greg,

That looks great from here! You can put me in the gang of butt-joint haters. I know there are lots of folks who do them perfectly, but I'm not one of them. Your solution was an interesting one I may shamelessly steal.

I've always liked that plane and the printed renderings look pretty cool too. It will be impressive when complete!

Dan

**YOAVHOZMI** · #6 02-02-2021, 11:07 AM

it looks nice.....keep on the good working.

YOAV

**Beachead** · #7 02-09-2021, 10:32 AM

I spoke too soon. Putting the tail and wings together is also a struggle for me. Even accounting for the lack of detailed drawings and instructions, just getting them to fit and cooperate makes for slow going.

So to get the tail on, I'd recommend gluing the front half at the TOP seem, and gluing the main vertical tail along the front edge and top edge. Leave the rear edge of the vertical and the front wedge (where it meets the front half) unglued. I'd would also add a bit of joiner paper in the inside of either half where they meet in order to make a tighter and better seal. I didn't so there is some error. Hope this all makes sense.

I also found that I needed to line the placement of the wing ribs with a pencil so that I could get them lined up correctly. It takes some fiddling.

Onward....

**smithdr** · #8 02-09-2021, 10:59 AM

Greg,

Looks like you're bashing it into shape. I like the picture labeled "Well Nuts". I think that must be the most used phrase in paper modeling.

At least for me...

Dan

**Isaac** · #9 02-09-2021, 12:46 PM

Greg

I built this model 10 years ago.

Here is my thread : LTV A-7 Corsair 2

see if it helps you

Isaac

**mor54** · #10 02-13-2021, 10:28 AM

Hello Greg,

The model looks very nice. I am also building this model from GPM, and I was really frustrated with instructions. I don't like the butt joined between fuselage parts, so I changed it to tabs. I will post a thread shortly.

Hoping to see more of this model,

Shalom Mor