Curtiss F-Boat. 1/72 Esoteric vac

[Tim Mixon]

My latest project will be the Curtiss F-Boat. This is a vaccuform kit with cast metal parts and a small decal sheet. The parts seem crisply formed on two separate vac sheets. The metal parts leave a lot to be desired.

The F-Boat has the distinction of being the first mass produced flying boat. Developed in 1912-13, over 300 were produced. It also was the first US aircraft used in a military operation against another nation ( Mexico ).
[/b]





Parts are cut out and sanded.


I’ll use this resin Curtiss OXX engine from Ardpol instead of the poorly cast kit piece



I’ll try and end up with something like this!



Thanks for looking in!
Tim

[KiwiZac]

That photo looks like one of the New Zealand Flying School aircraft...coincidentally why I like these! I didn't realise there was a kit so I'm very excited to follow along.

[RichieW]

Great choice of subject, I've only ever built (very badly, hence only the one) vacform kit. Will follow along with great interest.

Richie

[Tim Mixon]

Part 2.

Starting with the interior framework. A little research shows that the fuselage is actually quite complicated lattice work. This will be my first challenge!





I’ll start with adding a keel to the left fuselage half. I chose Evergreen #134 strip



The lattice will be Evergreen #100 strips



Starting with the horizontal long strips:



Then adding the vertical strips:



After several hours I completed the framework and stained the “woodwork “ using Windsor Newton burnt umber over Model Master Depot Buff.



Next up will be flight controls and interior do dad’s.
Thanks for looking in!

[RichieW]

Great start, the interior framework looks fantastic. I've never seen such a complicated fuselage frame before. I guess landing on water needs all that structure.

Richie

[KiwiZac]

Beautiful. You've got me wanting one of these now!

[RAGIII]

Outstanding start!
RAGIII

[Tim Mixon]

Part 3.

Continuing on with the interior, I next built the vertical support post. I decided to make it from brass strip for support and ease of shaping.





Here’s what the real deal looks like:



Next I built the flooring. The actual aircraft had more planks but I think this will work.



Then came the seating structure and backrest pads:

https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/hyperscale/download/file.php?id=160299[/img]

Then the cushions made from multiple masking tape layers:


Trying to imitate this but with individual seat cushions:



Then the back support framework:



Now working on the steering column and wheels:

Thanks for looking in!

[Tim Mixon]

Part 4.
Interior is all finished. Ready to close up the fuselage and begin exterior work. It will need some putty to fill the seams!

Dual control yolk and rudimentary instrument cluster scratch built.






Thanks for looking in!

[PJ Fisher]

Ii need to practice woodgrain.  You got skilz.

[Allan31]

As always, simply amazing....

[RichieW]

Reckon I need to practice woodgrain technique too, those floor boards look incredible!

Richie

[RAGIII]

Really impressive work all around. You are a master of multi media for sure!
RAGIII

[KiwiZac]

Outstanding stuff!

[DaddyO]

How in the name of everything did you train those spiders to work for you? 

Can I borrow them please? 

Pretty please . . . 

Joking aside I just love how it's shaping up so far

Paul