Balsa Wood Aeromodelling

[Kermit 180]

I am contemplating building a model C180 or 185 in balsa wood for static display (no radio control flying). Two questions.

1. Where can I obtain a good set of affordable plans for such a model?

2. How do modellers get an aluminium effect including rivet bumps, on a model produced from balsa wood?

Any ideas greatly appreciated.

Kermie

[henry crun]

What approximate wing span are you thinking of ?.

[Kermit 180]

Hello again. Not sure about scale or anything for this project, I've only ever made up plastic kitsets. A wingspan of around 12" to 20" would be ideal for what I need.

Kermie

[henry crun]

I have friends who build flying models so will ask around for you, but something that small could be hard to find in true scale.
If you havn't built in balsa wood before this could be a challenge, particular as you want it for display.

[Kermit 180]

Thanks for your help Henry.

If bigger, then thats ok too. I'd like to use it for display and a bit of instruction as well. The size i stated was more of a minimum span. This is something I've wanted to do for a long time, so I'm prepared to spend a lot of time completing it.

Kermie

[henry crun]

I'll get back to you, could be a few days

[Kermit 180]

Thanks for your help Henry Crum.

Kermie

[ShyTorque]

Kermit,

A method of obtaining "rivets" is to use small blobs of PVA glue from a syringe once the surface is prepared for painting (sanded and sealed using "sanding sealer").

Sanding sealer is basically a liquid nitrate dope mixed with talc. It is still commercially available as far as I am aware although I haven't used it for a few years.

Use a spray paint to get the bare aluminium surface effect; you may need to use a clear laquer as the final finishing coat.

I think a visit to a good model shop is needed - they will no doubt be delighted to help!

I'm afraid I can't help with the plans but some of the UK model magazines used to offer a plans service.

Good luck!

Edit: Just found this link which may be of use.
http://www.freeflightmodels.com/page...misc_scale.htm

ShyT

[ 30 July 2001: Message edited by: ShyTorque ]

[Kermit 180]

If anyone is interested in such plans, I stumbled on this site which has plans for a lot of aircraft (unfortunately not a 180). Lots of historic aircraft plans here as well as the usual racing types.
http://members.nbci.com/dlivesay/plansmain.html

Kermie

[Cornish Jack]

Kermit
There are a number of ways of getting the rivet effect. Shy Torque's suggestion works well but needs some form of locating for correct spacing. One way is to obtain or make a dressmaker's tracing wheel - the spikes dent the balsa at regular intervals and you put a spot of PVA at each dent. The same device can be used if you go for more realism by using litho plate cut and glued to correct panel shape but with the rivet lines indented by the wheel before gluing. If you have a printing works near to you, you can probably get all the litho plate you want for free - it gives a super effect. Finally, there's iron-on silver finish plastic coating which is very easy to use and gives a very realistic surface.
Probably worth looking for imported scale model aircraft magazines for available plans.
Final point - having done a bit of a similar project but at 1/5th scale, I found the most difficult thing to get right were the wheels, so I got the wheels first and then scaled the aircraft to suit.

[Kermit 180]

Shy Torque and Cornish Jack, those are brilliant suggestions. Thanks.

Kermie

[henry crun]

Kermit, I have emailed you with details of a C180 plan.

[henry crun]

Kermit, have you checked youe email ?, would appreciate a reply. I also have details of a C185 kit if you are interested

[Kermit 180]

Henry, apologies. I have just checked my mail, thank you for your help. I have located a set of CAD plans on the net for a 185. I have mailed you a reply.

Kermie