Roden PKZ-2 Experimental Helicopter 1:72

[Ian from Doncaster]

After the original accident previously reported, I had commenced my repairs as detailed here.  However, since the photos here were taken, the outriggers subsequently broke in several places, the fuel tanks were skew, the engines had been touched up too much that the paint job was unsatisfactory, the central assemblies were poorly aligned, there was excess CA in too many places.  Not one specific further accident as such, just a case of the resultant repairs each reducing the quality of the model. 

It is quicker and will get a better result to use new parts.  As long as I learn my lessons that is...

[Pete Nottingham]

A right bummer for you Ian, but good luck with your rebuild, a very interesting subject.

Cheers

Pete.

[GAJouette]

  Ian,
I glad you're still moving forward with the PKZ-2 project my old friend. Prehaps the remains of the first PKZ would make an excellent crash diorama? Looking forward to the next update.
Highest Regards,
Gregory Jouette

[Ian from Doncaster]

Made a bit of progress with the replacement parts.  In the first pic you can see the remains of #1.....

[GAJouette]

  Ian,
She looking excellent my old friend.It's great to follow this thread.
Highest Regards,
Gregory Jouette

[Ian from Doncaster]

I'm happier with the components this time, so far.  Being more careful with the assembly too....

[Whiteknuckles]

Good on you for persevering Ian, this looks like a much more fiddly-than-normal 1:72 model!!

Andrew

[Ian from Doncaster]

I remembered from my first efforts that I had struggled to balance the central engine assembly whilst attaching to the fuel tanks and the tanks to the outrigger attachment points.  It's a bit like balancing a mercedes car badge on a pencil end whilst using both hands to fix something to the bagde edge!

So I made a simple roll of fine grade wet and dry paper, to support the assembly whilst glueing the fuel tanks on.  The following pics show how this worked, then the central assembly is done, touched up and ready for the outriggers.  I have put this on the shelf far away from fumbling fingers - I AM NOT REPEAT NOT GOING TO DROP THIS MODEL ON THE FLOOR AGAIN......!!!!

You can just see some small holes I drilled into the ends of the attachment points to help get a better joint with the outriggers, which otherwise require a < 1mm rod to butt joint onto a flat surface!

[GAJouette]

  Ian,
Fantastic progress my old friend. Most times the KISS principle works the best. Looking forward to the next outstanding update.
Highest Regards,
Gregory Jouette

[Des]

Looking really good again Ian, this is a fascinating build of a very unusual aircraft, and being in 1:72 scale makes it even more challenging, well done.

Des.

[Ian from Doncaster]

Thanks folks

Assembled the outriggers, rigged up with EZ Line and painted the rigging.  Added the end assemblies including the airbags.  Touched up the metalcote paint, which needs a polish tomorrow.  The hand in the pic gives an idea of scale.

This is further than I got last time, with the outrigger assembly.  Just need to attach the propellers and the bucket, the only bits to cut out and paint are the spacers for the shaft.

There have been no further mishaps, touch wood

[GAJouette]

  Ian,
Outstanding work my old friend.Try not to dwell too much on the last attempt just keep plugging away . No doubt here you'll end up with awesome PKZ-2 when she completed. Looking forward to the next installment.
Highest Regards,
Gregory Jouette

[pepperman42]

This is turning into a major piece!!. Nicely done.

Steve

[kornbeef]

looking great especially after the *accident* but what a crazy contraption, I just envisage mass de-capitation of anyone close by.


Keith

[Chris Johnson]

Your dedication is admirable Ian, and you're going to have a fine looking 'contraption' when you're finished.

Cheers,

Chris