Model Airways Sopwith Camel

[Lancair IV]

Hi Jason,


I did not cover mine. If that's what you want too do, you'll need to make several parts from scratch to get the correct shape between the cockpit and firewall. There are a few other areas as well. The kit does not include a cowling, but that should be easy to make......

I can't wait to see your build progress.

Cheers

[xken]

Here is a link to my scratchbuild as reference to see the issues Lancair mentioned. As for covering material I used Coverite fabric material in light cream and painted green. This material looks like the real fabric when completed. Also you may consider what I did on this by just covering the upper left sides so it looks like a complete plane from the left view and leave the lower right uncovered to see the structure.

Ken Foran : Sopwith Camel F1

Any questions just ask. Have a great build.

Ken

[Fight2FlyPhoto]

Thanks for the advice! Both of your build threads are very helpful!

Lancair, would you happen to have the pattern you used for those "cheek" additions to the fuselage? That looks like something I would like to add to my model.

[Fight2FlyPhoto]

I recieved Kit 1 on Saturday, which is the Fuselage frame assembly and tools that came with the purchase. I haven't had a chance yet to get started on the model, but from the looks of it this portion should be a pretty straight forward build.

I will try to use the jigs to help ensure alignment and use the advice mentioned by other builders on here. I already scanned and printed full-sized copies of the plans "just in case" so I don't have to worry about ruinening them.

[Nortley]

Hi FTF,
Monokote might be a good idea just to keep the structure clean, in case the model is to be displayed in the open. Practice on an inexpensive balsa model, to learn how the stuff works, it's simple enough but a session on a non-critical model won't hurt. There is a product called Balsarite which is painted onto the to be covered framework surfaces which greatly improves adhesion. One thought might be to cover the model in clear Monokote and then paint one side of it. Inner and outer display in one model.

[Lancair IV]

Thanks for the advice! Both of your build threads are very helpful!

Lancair, would you happen to have the pattern you used for those "cheek" additions to the fuselage? That looks like something I would like to add to my model.

Hi Fight2FlyPhoto......This picture is what I used to make my fuselage ribs. They started from Hasegawa's drawings then I scaled them down to fit the Model Airways kit. I had to make several changes to the ribs after they were installed to get the wings on, but they are a good start. I'm also sending you an e-mail with the file attached for you to use.

Please let me know if you need anything else.

Cheers

[Fight2FlyPhoto]

Well, the left fuselage frame is complete. I ran into some discrepencies with regard to the dimensions of one of the pieces... CAF03. The drawings show them larger than they are in "real life" so I had to kind of pick how I wanted it to align and modified my fuselage jig to assure that both sides will be identical.


Quick thought of the day...

I'm just curious, what type of glue do you guys use for your models? Any special types for speciall applications?

[Lancair IV]

On my Camel and Wright Flyer, I soaked or sprayed clear urethane on all parts prior to gluing. Sometimes they were dipped or sprayed twice and in between coats I gave them a light sanding to remove any fuzz that appeared. When thy were dry, I bonded them with super glue.