1:32nd scale Hansa-Brandenburg W.20

[gedmundson]

Incredible work Mike - amazed by your modelling on this one.
Cheers,
Gary

[Rookie]

As always, your build logs are very informative Mike.

There is so much to be learned, and my notebook is filling up quickly!

Willem

[Fvdm]

Your metalwork looks great Mike

[Mike Norris]

Hi all,
Here's some shots of the basic engine installation.
There's still the engine to finish and pipework and rigging to be added later in the build.
The engine oil pump and HT ignition unit were scratched as was the representation of the carburetor on the air intake.
Inlet holes were drilled around the air intake,

Mike

[Alexis]

Thumbs up Mike 


Alexis

[gbrivio]

Great progress on this build, metalwork is awesome.
Ciao
Giuseppe

[RichieW]

Wonderful precision as always, I'm really enjoying following your build. Very inspirational!

Richie

[RAGIII]

Pylon and engine look great in place Mike!
RAGIII

[Mike Norris]

Hi all,
Here's the engine and the oil tank with scratch made oil pump and HT ignition unit.
The engine push rods were replaced with 0.6 mm diameter Brass tube and 0.4 mm diameter Nickel-Silver tube.
Ignition leads were twisted 0.125 mm diameter copper wire.
The engine propeller shaft and rear mounting lug were removed to modify the engine with a shaft and different propeller.
There's still various pipework to be fitted, which has to wait until further in the build,

Mike

[RAGIII]

Outstanding engine detailing Mike!
RAGIII

[lawqbarr]

Mike
Another gem in progress ... I feel your pilot should look a lot happier knowing his airframe is being built by an expert ! Perhaps he's just war-weary ?
I have long admired your refined soldering technique and your results - That support frame for the engine on this W-20 is another excellent example of your careful research and technique
Not asking for a full "How to",  but would you please tell us all what tools you you use to solder - specifically
brand of soldering iron
working temperature or temp range you use
type of solder (brand and blend - %age of Pb [lead]  Sn [silver] etc ... )
brand of flux/ paste
I apologise if I have missed this information in your previous posts either here, or in the build articles you generously publish on the Mike's Models site
Kind regards
David

[Mike Norris]

Hi David,
Thanks.
As usual a fully detailed build log will be published when the model is complete.
In the meantime, to answer your questions:

Soldering Iron - WEP 60W Soldering Iron Kit Welding LED Indicator Light Adjustable Temperature
200℃-450℃, ON/OFF switch, 3 LEDs Light, CE Approved (Ebay)
Solder - CHIPQUIK Solder Paste, 50g Jar (RS Components)
Tube - Brass from 'Albion Alloy's'
Tube joiners - 'Connec+o' joiners from 'Albion Alloy's'

The 'Connec+o' joiners are used to form frame shapes but the joints still need to be soft soldered (or CA adhesive).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYTBReJPK-Q

However, they do make most framework easier to assemble and solder, especially soldering small components.
I use solder paste rather than the traditional 'wire' solder and flux.
The paste is flux paste mixed with tiny balls of solder. which when heated flows easily into joints and without over-soldering the joint, so less clean up required.

Basically, form the framework using tubing and where necessary the 'Connec+o' joiners.
Then apply a small amount of the Solder Paste to the joint.
Set the soldering iron temperature to around 300℃.
Touch the joint and the solder paste melts and flows.

The stuff I use is not specific and other soldering irons and solder pastes are available and will do a similar job,

Mike
 

[lawqbarr]

Hi Mike
Many thanks for that and for your unasked for additional tips - I didn't recall the Connec+o joiners though you have mentioned them before - Another handy reminder !
I sincerely feel humbled by the generosity and willingness of the members of this community of modellers to share their knowledge of the technical and arcane
Kind regards
David 

[kensar]

Outstanding work, Mike.  You have a great eye for detail and you know how to create those details.

[RichieW]

Great work Mike, thanks for posting your soldering set up. This is something I am keen to try too.

Richie