forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com
Forum Archive Storage => Des Delatorre International Memorial Group Build => Topic started by: NinetythirdLiberator on February 14, 2019, 02:56:14 PM
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First...thanks, Dave, for spear heading this great tribute. What I liked the most about Des was that he made everyone welcome. Great suggestions and a true gentleman, not to mention his incredible skill!
I've decided to start out with a couple of balsa free flight models as a change of pace. I think Des would've approved. I'll be getting my balsa sheet soon so these will basically be "scratch built". With luck, I'll post a video showing them flying!
So here are my kits: basically plans downloaded from a great flying model site/archive called "The Outerzone".
(http://i.imgur.com/HIqJ7zy.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/hdRmFR4.jpg)
I have some other scratch plastic ideas as well. Wish me luck!
Dan
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This will be an intriguing build, and I'm sure it's really challanging as probably every bit is made from scratch.
Wish you good luck and lot of modelling fun.
Ciao
Giuseppe
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That's great Dan! These can be turned into great scale models with a little weight compromise. I'm building a 1/32 Bristol Scout from a Cleveland plan that I hope to show on this forum some time.
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What an ambitious but beautiful project, Dan! This one demands our attention! And Des would have loved it... Regards, Marc
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I am looking forward to this one!
RAGIII
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Good luck! I cant imagine building them and then risking them getting airborne.....
Steve
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Thanks, Guys...your attention makes it worth while. I start the Albatros tonight.
And Steve: Get a load of this!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5_OwxtBXKg
It's CO2 powered and mine will be rubber, but holy cow...and a Camel to boot!
Cheers,
Dan
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Dan,
Talk about walking down Memory Lane! I'm so looking forward to following this thread my old friend. As a young boy I built all the Guillow's WWI line with the exception of the Albatros DVa. That one I don't even remember I'm afraid. I do remember that the Halberstadt flys well if you get the CG just right. All the best of luck to you Dan and thanks for the memory refresh.
Highest Regards,
Gregory Jouette
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Thanks, Gregory! This one is a good memory for me too since I remember my Dad trying to fly it off a hill and it had 2 pennies epoxied to each side of the nose! I recall it stalled a lot and crashed even more so this one is for Des and my Dad...
Here is a bit of progress. I intend to make some videos to show the build as well so I'll add links later. But the first thing is to make some nice 1/32nd x 1/16th balsa laminations wrapped around the outlines of the tails to get strong and light starts to the tails. I just used the outline from the plan, glued it to some cardboard, spread bar soap around the edges (so the wood won't stick to the form) and then, after putting some glue between the thin balsa sheets that I soaked for about 15 minutes in hot water in the sink (2 long lengths so I'm actually wrapping a 1/16th x 1/16th balsa outline) wrapped them around the forms, pulled them tight and held them in place with some strong magnets on a piece of metal. This way, there are no pins to poke the wood and I never go the hang of holding the wood without actually pinning through it. This way, things work out just great. I'll leave these to dry overnight and be ready to start building the actual tails tomorrow! Light and strong. I may make them hinged but we'll see...
I hope this makes some sense...here are the pictures:
(http://i.imgur.com/gHI2EiF.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/N7dPyZg.jpg)
Note that the tails will be a 1/16th of an inch larger around than on the plan, but hey! You usually need more tail surface area anyway...especially for free flight! ::)
And here's the first video installment. Lots of pretty music and it's only about 4 minutes long. It may show better than I can describe if you are not familiar with these little balsa models!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vAlEidRqFs
More soon!
Dan :D
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Tiny update tonight: after drying for 24 hours, the laminated edges are nice and strong and kept their shapes. The split in the stabilizer is no problem and will be filled in. The soaped up edges really paid dividends...
Tomorrow, I'll actually add the interior sticks and finish them!
(http://i.imgur.com/QNnXsqb.jpg)
More soon,
Dan
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Interesting to see woodworking techniques in your video, I'm looking forward to your progress.
Ciao
Giuseppe
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Great start Dan, very interested in following your builds.
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Great start and awesome wood working technique!
RAGIII
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Thanks, guys! I hope this will be helpful and interesting to everyone especially if they haven't seen these little guys made before! ;D
I got the stabilizer and elevator done. Besides the laminated outline, I used 1/16th square for the elevator separation and along where the tail joins the fuselage while the rest is 1/32 x 1/16th thus saving some weight. I hope the movable surfaces will aid in trimming. They will be attached with twisty tie wire for easy bending. More soon and tanks again for looking...Dan
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This is scratch building with a difference Dan. I too am not sure that I would want to put all the time nd effort into something which might be wrecked on the first flight!!
Will be following with interest nonetheless - the more so as it is your model that is at risk!!
Stephen.
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Thanks, Stephen. The risk part is part of the fun. These models are all about a balance between looking like the real thing and actually getting them light enough to fly well. We'll see how this one goes!
Here is a bit more showing the finished tails. They will be hinged with thin, bendy wire for trim adjustment. Next step is to lightly sand and then cover them with tissue!
Here is a link here to the latest short sped-up video showing how these were constructed if you have some time to waste! ;D
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qk0hqamHdMQ&t=20s
Cheers,
Dan
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This is incredible, inspiring work. Thanks for showing!
Andreas
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Looks great Dan, takes me back to being a kid and trying to build one of these (did not have the patience then, and now....)
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Excellent work, Great Video, and to top it off I saw a link to a Video of the Live Aid performance of Queen and took the time to watch it...A totally satisfying experience in all categories 8)
RAGIII
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Excellent work, Great Video, and to top it off I saw a link to a Video of the Live Aid performance of Queen and took the time to watch it...A totally satisfying experience in all categories 8)
RAGIII
QUEEN ROCKS!!!
I hope this Albatros does the same...Dan
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Some beautiful, delicate work! Looking forward to more... ATB, Marc
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Thanks, Everyone! Just a tiny update today. I got the wing tips (both top and bottom) laminated just as the tails. Only thing necessary was to make sure my cardboard cut out was 1/16th of an inch smaller around...that's the line inside the plan's edging I drew in on the first picture. I'll start making the wings tomorrow.
Thanks for looking!
Dan
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Excellent progress Dan! Looking forward to seeing those wings !
RAGIII
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Excellent progress Dan! Looking forward to seeing those wings !
RAGIII
What Rick said , looking forward on seeing the wings as well :)
Terri
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Dan,
The stick and tissue excellence as me drooling. Outstanding progress to date my old friend. Again many thanks for bringing back some memories of childhood.
Highest Regards,
Gregory Jouette
PS: My Dad helped me (build it for me) many of Guillow's WWI line as a young boy.
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Thanks, All! Gregory: this is a fun trip for me too since I was about 6 when I saw my Dad crash this one. It was a model I always remember in the basement...usually in pieces...under the stairs. ::)
I started the bottom wing but only got half done. Still, even with my modifications, the fit is nice and precise. The first pic shows all the basic strip wood and ribs cut out to basically make a "kit". The next shows the wing on the board! I've modified the kit a bit by using laminated tips and only the mid rib and strut ribs are 1/16th. All others are 1/32nd. The trailing edge is also 1/32nd compared to the kit's 1/16th balsa. I hope this saves a little bit of weight. Light flies best!
Cheers and more soon...Dan
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Starting to look like an Albatros Wing !Nicely done.
RAGIII
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Thanks, Rick! ;)
I got the bottom wing completed...structure wise. Now I need to final sand it and and in the scallops. Top wing up next!
Cheers,
Dan
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Dan,
Your wing is an excellent example of the high levels of skill and craftsmanship.Looking forward to further amazement.
Highest Regards,
Gregory Jouette
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My one Uncle used to build stick and tissue kits . I would sit and watch him for hours . This is a treat . Nice work so far and I like the magnet idea . Looking forward on your next up date .
Terri
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Looks like a most excellent Albatros Wing.
RAGIII
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Your woodworking skills are as good as with card and plastic!
What scale is this Albatros Dan? I am thinking of trying out an idea on wing structures in wood in 1/32 scale and am looking for ideas....
Stephen.
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Thanks, everyone! This one is fun and I'm starting the top wing tonight.
Stephen: This guy has an 18 inch wingspan so it's roughly 1/20th scale (I think)...
I do think you could make a 1/32 scale with 1/32nd sheet. It would look just about right, I reckon...
Thanks for looking and commenting.
Dan
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Got the top wing done and sanded. I need to separate the ailerons and then it will be ready to cover. Really...only the fuselage left to go.
Thanks for looking!
Dan
P.S. Here is a quick sped-up video of building the bottom wing. Basically the same process.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzCdU8lU8XY
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My one Uncle used to build stick and tissue kits . I would sit and watch him for hours . This is a treat . Nice work so far and I like the magnet idea . Looking forward on your next up date .
Terri
Hi Terri!
Thanks for the comments. I too liked watching my Dad build these things. I only ran upstairs when he'd run an engine in the basement! ::)
Cheers,
Dan
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Continuing to be an inspiring build! The upper wing looks terrific!!
RAGIII
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... a quick sped-up video of building the bottom wing. Basically the same process.
Fun watching - thanks.
Something you may want to try: VERY lightly spray the wax paper with lo-tack/repositionable adhesive before you start building. That will aid in positioning pieces ... and as handy, after you remove the magnets, the pieces stay flat to make sanding easy!!
Gene K
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Cool idea, Gene. I should give that a go. Sounds like when you remove PE parts. Keeps things in place. ;)
My camera ran out of batteries but here is a short...well...if you have 6 minutes to waste...video of separating the ailerons in prep for making them hinged. Worked quite well, I might add!
Sorry for the lack of photos...Dan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5hQaCshW3Y
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Well...here is one photo of the top wing with the ailerons removed!
I'll sand in my scallops next and then try some covering...a dainty job ahead.
Thanks for looking!
Dan
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Outstanding progress. You are making this look easy but I know it is not!
RAGIII
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Spectacular scratch building results, as usual from your hands!
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Super job on the wing Dan :) What are you using to glue the tissue onto the wing ?
Terri
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Thanks so much, folks!
Terri: I'll add a link to a video showing how I cover with tissue, but I use a cheap glue stick rather than dope of my youth. This stuff works great and is very forgiving.
In the mean time, I got the wings all ready for covering by adding little balsa gussets as tissue anchors, made the pockets for the strut locations, and even added a tissue tube soaked in water and wood glue formed around the trailing edge of the upper wing center cut out. That will be a dicey place to cover, so I hope that works and is hidden under the lozenge!
I also printed some lozenge onto tissue (using an old decal set as a guide...enlarging it and printing directly onto white tissue). Seems to look ok. The smear on the top side was a printer hiccup but since my tissue is kind of dear...I'm using it anyway. A little weathering! ::)
One cool thing is that the top pattern was spliced together just like the original since I didn't have a clean single piece to put over the whole top. Looks cool!
I plan on finishing this one tomorrow and then doing the top wing as well. Then I'll cover the tails and all that will be needed for major building will the the fuse!
Watch this space for a link on how the tissue process goes (for those unfamiliar or interested) and the finished tails too!
Going quite well, I must say.
Cheers,
Dan
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Your home made lozenge tissue looks great! I am liking this build a lot!!
RAGIII
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Thanks, Rick. The fun part is that you actually put it together like the real thing. Turns out pretty cool!
I got the bottom wing done and then covered the tails as well. I'll add markings next and these will be ready for the rest of the build to catch up! :o
More soon...Dan
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Again this looks Awesome! I have an old Guillows kit of the Camel I purchased about 4 years ago. You are making it tempting to pull out, dust off the box, and take a look 8)
RAGIII
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Thanks again, Rick! I just put on "my" Jasta colors on the tail. Just some 3M post-it tape cut in thinner strips and airbrushed black Tamiya flat acrylics. I don't think the weight penalty is too bad. I also got the tails hinged as well!
I'll attempt to make some masks for the rudder and bottom wing markings tonight and see if I can't get those suckers on too...
Cheers,
Dan
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Man , this is really coming together super so far Dan , love how the lozenge turned out on the wings 8)
Terri
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Thanks, Terri. It's going quite well! Now if the dang thing will actually fly!!!!!
I sprayed on the markings tonight using Loctite to turn plain ol' paper into a slightly tacky mask. I let it sit for about 5-10 minutes and then the paper would stay on for a nice, crisp edge, but not pull up the delicate tissue. Worked a treat as I've never tried this before. I don't know how common it is. Likely everyone does this... ::)
Anyway, I'll start covering the top wings tomorrow using the same techniques, spray on the markings and then start the fuselage before next weekend!
There is an IPMS show coming up in my parts in two weeks and I need to get my WNW Halbersadt done too! I hope I make it.
Cheers and thanks for looking...Dan ;)
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All...
Here is a family portrait of all the markings and plane parts to date. I got the top wing all covered etc. today and it went well. I'll start the fuselage next and it will begin to look like a real Albatros soon!
Thanks again for looking and the encouragement.
Dan
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Wow Dan, great workmanship. The family portrait looks great... Hoping the rest of the family joins in the fun.
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All of the Markings turned out Fantastic! Lovely work!
RAGIII
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Very coool ! :)
Terri
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Dan I am catching up after a long break: I cannot express in words just how impressed I am with this build. I like it because it is just so differnt, but also because it is so realistic. You have written that it is like building a miniature of the original and it seems that is exactly what you are doing. Your modelling skills are so varied - just wish I had a few of them.
Stephen.
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Thanks Juan, Rick, Terri and Stephen! Much appreciated. This one is really fun to make and tonight I'll start the fuselage! Can't wait. I need to be careful from this point on as it still needs to be light enough to fly well. Hopefully that all goes according to plan!
If you have a few minutes/are bored/slightly interested...here is a link to a YouTube showing some sped-up parts of covering the bottom wing with some commentary too. All other coverings were just the same but it would give you a flavor (at least).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFS_ifO1R4o
Cheers and more soon,
Dan
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This will fly in the end ? ....I got to see that . Will you be doing a video ?
Terri
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This will fly in the end ? ....I got to see that . Will you be doing a video ?
Terri
HECK YEAH!!!!!
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How amazing these flying surfaces, and great videos. It's really going to be something very special.
Ciao
Giuseppe
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Beautiful, amazing!!!!
Dan you're a real master!!!!
Antonio
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Thanks Antonio and Giuseppe!
Here is the fuselage started. I cut out all the formers and the main top and bottom keels. Keels and the formers forward of the cockpit are 1/16th balsa while the formers toward the rear are 1/32nd to save weight. A side keel goes along this guy and the we'll pull it all off the board and put the mated formers on the other side. Then...stringers!
Thanks for looking (again)!
Dan
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Your fuselage is really shaping up well Awesome work!
RAGIII
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..here is a link to a YouTube showing some sped-up parts of covering the bottom wing with some commentary too.
Thanks, Dan ... very instructional. What/which Isopropanol do you use?
IAlso, is the tissue you use from volareproducts.com the Easki? They don't carry or are out of white.
Thanks,
Gene K
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..here is a link to a YouTube showing some sped-up parts of covering the bottom wing with some commentary too.
Thanks, Dan ... very instructional. What/which Isopropanol do you use?
IAlso, is the tissue you use from volareproducts.com the Easki? They don't carry or are out of white.
Thanks,
Gene K
Hi Gene...
I just use plain ol' iso from my local food store or drug store. I thin my Tamyia paints with this as well.
I just looked and you are right! I don't see any white tissue on the Volare site. I did look at Peck Polymers and they seem to have it!
https://www.peck-polymers.com/japanese-tissue
Cheers,
Dan
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Hello All...
Here is a tiny bit more working on the fuselage. I'm making a little video I'll post later if you want to see some of the "in progress" manipulations. None would be hard for ANYONE here, I might add. I'm humbled looking at your work.
Until then...some photos. Basically, you lay down a keel of 1/16th balsa and then add formers keeping them at right angles. Then you pull it all off and add formers on the other side. Finally, you add side keels and stringers to fill out the shape. Next steps will be to sheet in the cockpit area and the nose/engine. Then I need to reinforce landing gear and cabane attachment points. It will start coming together pretty quickly!
Thanks for looking,
Dan
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Magic! ;)
von B
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Great framework.
Ciao
Giuseppe
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Excellent fuselage frame. You are moving along quickly on this one!
RAGIII
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Catching up again. Really like the magnets and steel plate for working off the drawings. Watched the videos too and it shines a new light on scratchbuilding. With all that the home made doughnut might still be tops......
Steve
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Oh man, Steve...you should taste them. I've told my son to only make those when I'm out of town. I'd eat the whole batch at one sitting.
I hope to add some more today and another little video too. Watch this space...
Dan
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Coming along nicely, Dan.
I presume the fuse will be tissue covered vs. balsa sheeted? Balsa sheeting would add weight and adversely affect the flying characteristics.
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I do love a bit of scratchbuilding, and this is among the best. This will be spectacular when finished, especially as it will fly!
Stephen.
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Dan , wish you would hurry up and get her done , I want to see her fly ! :-X
Terri ;)
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Hi Ken, Stephen and Terri!
I am trying to work on it...right now I've been bogged down with work but soon, I tell you!
Ken: I'm going to use tissue for the weight savings. The nose and area around the engine and cockpit will be 1/32nd sheet, though. If I put some color on the tissue, it will look pretty nice even though you can see the stringers.
Thanks (again) for looking and spurring me on (Terri!)... >:( ;) ;D
Dan
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Sheeting the front makes sense to me, as you will probably need to add weight in the nose to get the balance point right anyway. Also the sheeting will be more durable than tissue in the underside area of the nose.
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Your welcome Dan !
Terri
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watching with interest. last time i build a stick 'n' tissue the sticks went fine, the tissue not so much. in my defense i was 12 at the time.
i'm keen on crashing--i mean flying--oh who am i kidding, i mean crashing--some models. the Micro Aces foamie kits look superb, but your build has me contemplating sticks 'n' tissue. it's how the originals went together!
micro-miniature, ultra light weight R/C hardware has progressed so far that even if i build a small one i can R/C it up and crash it. i haven't built anything tiny yet, but if you're interested in going crazy and making an RC ship i can drop links to sites with tiny parts, etc.
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Holy Hannah...I can't believe it's been that long! So many things on the fire and real life getting in the way. You all know the idea.
Anyway, I got the fuselage finished and started some painting. Now I can start assembly and there is a chance I'll get her done by the August deadline. Maybe not test flown, but we'll see!
Thanks for looking...Dan
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Really looking great! I Love the scheme, Jasta 6 I presume?
RAGIII
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Hi Rick!
Certainly based on that Jasta but really just which paint I had that looked nice to me...I'm sure not making a specific pilot's plane. I really want to get this thing at least gliding. Our weather right now is thermal city. I'd love to see this thing soar!
Dan
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I did get a bit more done tonight. V-struts, landing gear, tail skid and the wings fitted. Lots to do, of course, but it's looking quite elegant I must say. Detailing and finishing should be done by the 1st with a little luck. ::)
Cheers,
Dan
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A beautiful Biplane!
RAGIII
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Dan,
It's good to see you back up and running with this one.
Take it easy,
Kevin in Port Orchard
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Good to see that this is still on the go. Looking forward to pictures of it in flight too - even if it is only gliding.
Stephen.
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Well Dan , now that is looking very sweat so far . However though I have a few questions .
Was there a vac engine in the kit ? It looks weird with out an engine in place , but on the other hand it does give it a more steam line loo to her .
Would that be a weight issue with vac engine added and guns ? Can't forget the guns !
Looking forward to the next update
Terri
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Thanks Stephen, Kevin (howdy from across the water!) and Terri. I actually got the cabanes in tonight and all the bits painted up but still more to go.
Terri: Don't worry...and engine will follow along with guns! I need to watch the overall weight as the lighter it is, the better it will fly and be much easier to trim. However, if you are going to add weight, the nose is where it should be as most planes, due to center of gravity etc., end up tail heavy. So far, this Albi is no exception so adding balsa and paper parts up front will not be an issue. No vac parts. I will just make everything from balsa, paper and wire. It won't be WNW, but it will look just fine especially in the air (if it flies with scale dihedral etc.)!
Thanks again for looking. I'll post more tomorrow when I'll try working on the nose plug/spinner assembly.
Cheers,
Dan
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All,
Not done yet, but I did test it outside and looks really promising. Still needs rigging, engine, radiator, cockpit edging and, of course, machine guns. It's so close now!
Since it was built to fly and I didn't modify the kit outlines, some issues do arise like the spinner is too small, the cabanes are in the wrong places on the fuselage, the wheels may be too small and the fuselage seems pretty fat to me. But! It does look nice gliding along and I hope it's a good tribute.
Next post should be all done and I'll link a video of it's maiden!
Cheers,
Dan
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Looks like an Excellent Albatros to Me...and it flies 8)
RAGIII
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That looks fantastic! I haven't built a stick and tissue kit in probably 30 years.
Drew
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Really Dan, accuracy is much less important in a flying model! This is truly imprseeive and if it flies it would win my vote for a prize because it is so different and original. Des would have approved, of that I am certain.
Stephen.
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Just realised I let this log fly right past me! It looks brilliant and when it flies it'll be a winner for sure.
Cheers
Alistair
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Outstanding Dan. I would be afraid to fly such a beauty.
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Ok...I lied. Almost the last post...
Just a shot of some of the fiddly bits. The main ones are left! engine and guns...but I used a rubber band for the cockpit edging and made a radiator out of paper and tape. I also used some of my wife's used tea bag material for the radiator top. It's a super fine mesh and is pretty convincing up close. I also couldn't resist the shutter mechanism for the pilot...you can just see it in one of the photos. Next time will be all done complete with flying/crashing videos!
Cheers,
Dan
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Looks OUTSTANDING! I am looking forward to seeing your Albatros Final photos with engine and guns!
RAGIII
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I am looking forward to seeing the flying video - not sure about the crash bit though....
Stephen.