FGMM Santos-Dumont Demoiselle - Page 5

**Tapcho** · #41 03-16-2010, 12:51 PM

Spoked wheels were often covered with fabric either on the outside or on both sides. Propably just to shelter the spokes from flying debree and stones that might come across on the airfields so it's quite ok to build them solid - kinda like this in a fighter plane:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3096/...78a9ec.jpg?v=0

**Mauri** · #42 03-16-2010, 05:00 PM

Hey,
have you considered that all this difficulties and sometimes lack of instructions adds to the realistic "experimental" feeling of this model?:p Don't you feel yourself like some of those pioneers already? :D:D:D

I would have quit long ago... really beautiful job!

Best regards,
- Mauri -

**Bill Poe** · #43 03-16-2010, 05:24 PM

I have really enjoyed watching your build. You have done a great job on a difficult model...Bill

**Alcides** · #44 03-16-2010, 06:41 PM

Very nice build and thanks a lot for the details in the process.

**Paperwarrior** · #45 03-17-2010, 05:10 AM

I, too am enjoying this build. It is hard sometimes to believe this is a paper model.

**jagolden01** · #46 03-17-2010, 10:16 AM

Thanks everyone. Your comments and support are much appreciated.

The wheels supplied with the model seemed out of proportion - too large.
I reduced the size to about 80%. This seems much better based on the photos I've seen.

Initially I tried to do the spokes out of thread but this proved beyond me. I did improve over simply using the paper wheels. I bought some rubber O-rings of the appropriate size, printed and cut out the spoked center section of the models wheels, pushed them inside the rings, and glued inside the O-rings using CA glue.
I like the finished look, hope you agree. The O-rings are thin - as were the tires on the plane, and the wheels are improved but I'm still using the card center so I keep with the origin of the model.

I can't remember where I first read about this method. Might have been on Fiddler's Green website on one of the model pages.

Looks like the rigging on the bottom is tied off to the axle ends, therefore the long axles.
Next is to instal some wing struts.

**ghshinn** · #47 03-17-2010, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jagolden01

Thanks, folks!

I feel the frames are sturdy enough without coating with CA glue.
When they are joined in the triangular shape they make they'll be even stronger.

After I put the 3 parts together, I'll re-think before moving forward.

Have you ever applied CA with a brush?

I have tried using a brush with CA, and it does work. But I found I have more control using a toothpick, even though it takes a bit longer. And, of course, the brush seems to harden up awfully fast.:( Lacquer thinner works to clean up, but its still a hassle.

Garland

**rockpaperscissor** · #48 03-17-2010, 11:29 AM

This really is an attractive model. I can't wait to see it after all the rigging is in place.

**Tapcho** · #49 03-17-2010, 12:08 PM

One suggestion - on early planes the rubber used in tyres was grey, not black. Othervise the wheels look great.

**jagolden01** · #50 03-17-2010, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tapcho

One suggestion - on early planes the rubber used in tyres was grey, not black. Othervise the wheels look great.

OOPS...well, they're black now.