sahartman21

The AJ-2 was flow at the Basin race this past weekend.

PylonDave

And it flew Well!!!
Thanks for sharing it with me Scott !!

sahartman21

After a little break for some racing, I took this opportunity to install the firewall and motor mount in another fuselage.

I'd done this several times as this is now my fourth AJ-2. Each time is easier.

Just take your time and follow the following link:

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11087898

sahartman21

Here is the latest wing.

This one was removed from the vacuum bag, trimmed, and touched up a little with lightweight Spackle.

This is what is looks like after about 8 hours of construction.

sahartman21

The aileron torque rods were installed and the wing was fitted to the fuselage.

I now double check (with incidence meters) to insure that the wing is straight.

sahartman21

Another race is around the corner so it is time to finish this model.

Temporarily attach the tail surface with screws to align it up as needed.

PylonDave

Hey Hartman!!! Your Sluffing off!! Finish this thing

sahartman21

Here's how to seal the surface and get it ready for primer.

Wash the surface of the fiberglass with liquid soap and water. Dry the surface. lightly sand the surface of the model with 220 grit sandpaper used dry. Then dust the surface to remove any excess material.

Apply a layer of lightweight Spackle. I use a squeegee to apply the material in a thin smooth layer.

The fuselage had some larger holes that were filled with a polyester type filler. Let this dry and sand smooth.

Lightweight Spackle was applied to remaining surfaces.

Allow the surface to dry for a couple hours and then sand the surface smooth with 220 grit sandpaper used dry.

sahartman21

The model was primed with white Klass Kote primer.

Approximately 8 ounces of primer was mixed, allowed to set for 20 minute, and an equal amount of thinner was added.

sahartman21

Next is the fun part, wet sanding.

Take your time here as this is the step that determines what the color coat will look like.

sahartman21

Acrylic Enamel was used to paint the model.

Mix in hardener per the directions and thin to your needs prior to spraying on.

An inexpensive spray gun from Harbor Freight was used.

sahartman21

I wet sanded the wing and tail surfaces and sprayed on another coat of red Acrylic Enamel paint.

The paint was allowed to dry thoroughly and then the surface was wet sanded again.

I used 2000 grit wet-and-dry sandpaper used wet.

Be careful or you may go through the color coat. I did and touched up the surface with a red marker.

sahartman21

I had Kevin send me a picture of the real AJ so that I could better duplicate the canopy outline.

Below is a link and picture:

http://cessnateur.blogspot.com/2011/...aj-2-n9aj.html

Stevem9

Hi Scott,

How many coats of the klass koat do you put on?

sahartman21

Typically only 1 coat of primer (Klass Kote) is applied. You then lightly sand with 220 grit sandpaper as needed.

The goal is to end up with a perfectly sealed surface ready for paint.

sahartman21

Here are a few pictures showing the trim pattern.

Double check the pattern by assembling the model prior to painting.

I've still got to mask off the remaining surfaces. Somehow paint seems to get anywhere it isn't masked off.

sahartman21

The rest of exposed area was covered prior to spraying on the trim.

A very light mist of Krylon was sprayed on.

This was allowed to dry and several more light coats were applied until it covered.

After about 10 more minutes the paint was dry enough to removing the masking paper and stencils.

It's going to be a good looking model.

PylonDave

Looking Good Scott !! Should look Great after the Clear. Do you apply the clear untill it is glossy or does the wet sanding and buffing take care of that ???

sahartman21

I try to spray enough clear coat that the rubbing and buffing will be minimal.

Wet sand the edges of the numbers and letters until they are smooth. Allow to dry.

Below are some pictures of the model getting a coat of clear coat.

Begin with a light mist first, let it dry about 10 minutes, and follow with more coats until there is gloss.

sahartman21

Wet sand the finish with 2000 grit wet-and-dry paper used wet. Sand slowly to remove the dust and minor imperfections.

Follow with buffing with cleaner and various waxes. The ones shown work well.

sahartman21

The following pictures shows the servo being installed in the wing:

sahartman21

More radio installation:

sahartman21

The following pictures show engine installation:

PylonDave

Nice Tool !! Did you make that ?? You don't have to take the cowl off to tighten the collet nut.

sahartman21

I copied the idea based upon AJ's tool.

A Dremel was used with cutoff disk to cut a grove in a hollow nut driver.

It works great!