Kolywopter - Page 12

**willygoat** · #**111** 06-03-2009, 08:10 PM

Oh goody!!!! I was was beginning to worry. Glad to see your still working. :D

**outersketcher** · #**112** 06-09-2009, 02:32 AM

The struts look delicate don't they. I'm trying to convey a sense of "delicate brutality", like a butterfly constructed from pig iron.

In any case, they work. By the way, the axles are cut-up, paper Q-tip shafts.

The wheels...

As mentioned before, I designed separate wheel parts sheets from which the builder can choose. The one uses the "disk" method of construction and the other uses the "tab and glue" method. For this prototype, I chose to build the tab and glue wheels.

Each wheel is constructed from a series of concave and convex rings... each with an extra "tab" layer glued to the back to allow the rings to butt together when assembled.

David

**outersketcher** · #**113** 06-09-2009, 02:35 AM

Okay,... more on the wheels....

Once the basic "rubber" part of the wheel had been assembled, I gave it a quick spray of clear-coat for strength. When dry, I gently rounded all of the butt-joints and glued edges with 220 grit sandpaper. Then, I applied some automotive glazing putty over some of the more obvious gaps and low spots and sanded again. Once that was done, I glued on the three, tread strips. One on the center, and one on each upper side.

I brush-painted the tire (or "tyre" for you english blokes..; )...) with a mixture of burnt umber and paynes gray acrylic paint. Those two colors mixed together make a nice, realistic "rubber".

The wheel "bearings" are made by wrapping a length of strip paper around a spare Q-tip shaft. Touch a tiny drop of super-glue to one of the rolled ends and pull the rolled assembly off the shaft. Add another touch to the other side and you have a strong, bearing that fits the shaft perfectly.

I think they look pretty good.

David

**outersketcher** · #**114** 06-09-2009, 02:44 AM

Ahhhh.. the wheels are now installed. I wanted big, bouncy, almost plump looking wheels like you see on some of the bush-planes flying today.

I think I accomplished that okay.

Now, I know that these wheels may look like a pair of daddy's loafers on a 2-yr-old's feet... but, once the engine nacelle, the wings, and the tail are installed, those goofy looking wheels will fit right in.

Eventually, there will two foot steps on each strut, one on the wheel hub itself and one about halfway up the strut.

On to the tail section...

**Don Boose** · #**115** 06-09-2009, 06:59 AM

This has been an amazing project from the beginning. A true work of art, craft, imagination, and engineering.

I think the proportions look perfect, and very pleasing to the eye.

Don

**eatcrow2** · #**116** 06-09-2009, 07:01 AM

Fantastic work!! Just blown away by this whole project...

**cdavenport** · #**117** 06-09-2009, 07:04 AM

That is a work of art!

**B-Manic** · #**118** 06-09-2009, 08:02 AM

The Kolywopter is looking FANTASTIC David. The wheels and tail boom are perfect.

Reporting live from sunny Halifax NS

**willygoat** · #**119** 06-09-2009, 09:36 AM

Those wheels are super! Great job :D

**outersketcher** · #**120** 06-09-2009, 03:04 PM

Thank you for your comments! It helps to spur me on. I've been scheduling my time and while I still think I can get the parts sheets completed by the 30th.... I'll most likely need another week to complete the instructions.

I redesigned the new door hinges today while at lunch from work. Tonight, I'll try them out. Hopefully, this set will work as I need them to.

Gotta get those doors back on...

David