Anyway, it shouldn't be a problem, just use the offset type of hinges that are common with jet models. And I suggest you build thick doors not fiberglass-thin ones: the thicker they are the better they seal.
Please bear in mind that the nose well doors don't need to be water-tight EVEN in case of amphibious operation: the wheel well must be water-tight but not the doors. They should not allow too much water in...
The doors should deflect the fluid away from the bulkhead: if the fluid itself hits the bulkhead it will slow the plane down and it will prevent it from getting on step and leave the water.
I find out that some commercial offset hinges must work ok. I think Sonic-Tronics is the best solution. But, if you intend to make some water landings, what about the the openings for the offset hinges at the sides of the nose well ? You have to find a way to seal those openings.
the real aircraft don't have the door sealed. Take a look to this pics. You can see the 2 big hole on the rear bulkead. This hole are ther to evacuate the water from the nose gear bay. I'm not sure if it's by suction (when aircraft move fastly for take off), or only gravity feed the water from this hole, but I know that is the purpose of this hole.. You can add just 2 small tube on your model to have the same effect !
You're right, I noticed those holes on the hull of some 1/72nd scale plastic models I have.
However I thought they were used to force water out in case the plane started from gorund, got into the water, retracted the gear and took-off: this way the water fills the nose well for sure...
Are you really sure that those doors don't seal the well in case of 'pure' water operation???
I don't remember to see anything who can close this hole. They are always open, so the water can enter if the plan are in water and don't move. I will even ask to my friend who are mecano on the CL-415..
In the meantime a dear friend from France, Phil, is taking great care in laser-cutting all the wing parts according to my plans: we have been working on it for some time now and I'm really excited about getting the wing started (not before the end of February anyway ):
Hello guys, I am from Czech republic and I found a link to this forum on Bernard's pages. I am very interested in Canadair CL-x15 since I saw it live in work on holidays in Croatia. I am in quite extasy reading this pages about your masterpieces. The construction seems to be perfect.
GREAT WORK!
Now I have finished Porterfield CP-65 and I am going to start the construction of Bernard's CL-215. I think I'll start with the wing. I'm not sure but haven't you mentioned some changes in Bernard's plan? Because your ribs seems to be different to those on plan. I have started with doing a pattern for cutting and trimming ribs. I have just this one piece.
One more question: I am not sure what to choose, if electric or classic engine. I am quite affraid of situation when one engine will suddenly cuts-off. But I know, that the sound of electric motor is not the best for a model like this... I was quite decided for electric, but when I read your posts...
Again a question: Are you always using a classic 24h epoxy, or you also use a faster epoxy? Do you thing it will be less consistent then when a classic epoxy is used?
< Message edited by prokyz -- 2/13/2008 8:43:24 PM >