Martin Baker MB-5

[ricleite]

Thanks, Don
Mainwheels, modeled with my traditional rolled paper method…

[Erik Zwaan]

Looking very good Ricardo! I see same familiar tricks to have neat wing tip curves although I often use a tapered edge of cardboard or simply laminate the wing tip to stiffen up the construction. Everyone has his own tricks I guess (like the wheels).

Cheers,
Erik

[ricleite]

That’s right, Erik and any modeler may feel more comfortable with different tricks.
The rear fuselage is very similar to that of a Mustang. You may spot the card bits used to ensure that the sides remain flat, as well as the assembly to fix solidly the rear landing gear wire.

[rifleman]

great build well done so far great aircraft

[ricleite]

Thanks Rifleman
The wing structure consists of longitudinal and transverse formers. It doesn’t include parts to fix the plan shape. However, the wing skin provides the necessary clues, not least of which is the landing gear compartment position. I used extra tabs to glue it to the lower skin surface. The last picture shows well the method used to fix the landing gear. I use it whenever possible. The strength is provided by the wire, whose angles and links to the structure make the whole thing strong and rigid.

[Erik Zwaan]

Smart way of ensuring a strong landing gear strut, Ricardo. I always like to laminate the wing skins with either 80 grams or 160 grams paper (pending on the surface area) to make the wing skin stronger. It requires sanding of the wing profiles all around but it's worth the effort as you prevent seeing the location of the ribs and formers if you accidentally press too hard on the skin. Such a "dent" can't be corrected anymore once the wing skin is in place.

Great job!
Erik

[ricleite]

@ Erik - Yes, laminating the wing skin makes it much less susceptible to deform over the structure. It is work-intensive, as you say, and makes it harder to shape the leading edge. I don't laminate the skins (sometimes with unwanted consequences) but I often laminate the tabs of the last fuselage joint, where there is no access to put pressure inside.
The cockpit detail level is rather poor when compared to an “average” Halinski and I didn’t add detail. What you see is in the kit. The very thick paper doesn’t help to shape some parts. I did delaminate paper parts that were to be rolled.

[Siwi]

Originally Posted by Erik Zwaan

Smart way of ensuring a strong landing gear strut, Ricardo. I always like to laminate the wing skins with either 80 grams or 160 grams paper (pending on the surface area) to make the wing skin stronger. It requires sanding of the wing profiles all around but it's worth the effort as you prevent seeing the location of the ribs and formers if you accidentally press too hard on the skin. Such a "dent" can't be corrected anymore once the wing skin is in place.

Great job!
Erik

Yes, discovered this over gradually improving builds this year. Sometimes the formers need cutting back to accomodate the extra thickness especially in 72nd scale. The other advantage is that it holds up much better to using paint to cover white edges and if going into crazy detail, making rivet holes.

[JoeMon]

Very nice job on this model. This unique fighter has always intrigued me, glad to see someone build it.

[ricleite]

Thanks for the comments
The kit provides 2 alternative solutions for the wingtips. I opted for the least usual and the result is quite satisfactory.