Good to see you here PrzemoL and you too Paul
Doug - it is indeed from 3 Sqn and is as featured in the Windsock Datafile. I can only find the one image of it plus the profile on the back cover.
I've had a bit of deviation for a couple of days - it's our Norfolk club Xmas bash tonight and a small comp with a bit of a difference - well a big difference actually. One of our members is an extraordinarily talented 'paper modeller' and earlier in the year he suggested we try it for ourselves. Having struggled with the intricacies of folding and gluing I know it's not for me but I have finished a light house. When I see what Adam has produced I can tell you I truly am in awe of his skill with this medium.
But - I have at last managed to get close to getting the top wing on. No it's not on yet
I spent today trying to work out how to get all the struts in position without the whole lot collapsing in the process.
In the end I decided another jig was required and after initial deliberation to only fix and align the cabane struts first. Again balsa was used and the jig quickly assembled with CA. Once the airframe was in position however it very quickly became obvious the wing prevented any visual access to the strut locations. The strut hole positions in the wing were transferred to a piece of clear plastic and the whole thing set up by gentle positioning.
Nothing has been glued on the model as yet - this is just a dry run- but the principle appears to be a viable one. The wing support uprights are fixed in position but the support bars are freely moveable. The clear plastic is stressed in a slight curve which holds the struts quite firmly
With the plastic able to move in three axis the struts prove easy to align to the fuse.
Once the principle was established the struts could be finished off. A Rotherham pump was cobbled together from various materials
and mounted to the rear right hand strut. In actual fact this should be the front strut on this particular aircraft but I felt that that was going to make things a tad awkward when rigging the cabanes. Not quite in Bo's league I'm sorry to say but it will give a reasonable impression
And finally all the bits are ready - well not quite, the little propeller needs re doing. I used Vallejo Flesh Tint for the undercoat - a wrong choice as it transpired
Well that's another step forwards. The plan is to get the struts in using Gator glue, mount the wing and then slip the main struts in last. First though I need to attend to the rigging line attachment.
Well it's time for a shower and get ready for a pint tonight - (see you later Paul)
Regards - Tug
