Siemens-Schuckert D.III 1/3 Scale
11-07-2010, 10:28 PM
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Siemens-Schuckert D.III 1/3 Scale
This is being built from plans that I obtained from Dave Johnson, and they are similar to his earlier 1/4 scale version. The plans for the 1/3 scale version are very basic but the important stuff is all there. He also supplied me with a nice set of wing ribs and fuselage formers.
I decided to do the scheme of Lt. Greven of Jasta 12.
I started with the tail surfaces. They are built from a simple balsa framework, although I substituted a couple of pieces with basswood in the tailskid fin. The vertical and horizontal stabs are built from 3/8" balsa stock, sanded to an airfoil shape, and then are sheeted with 3/32" balsa.
Jim
I decided to do the scheme of Lt. Greven of Jasta 12.
I started with the tail surfaces. They are built from a simple balsa framework, although I substituted a couple of pieces with basswood in the tailskid fin. The vertical and horizontal stabs are built from 3/8" balsa stock, sanded to an airfoil shape, and then are sheeted with 3/32" balsa.
Jim
11-07-2010, 10:30 PM
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RE: Siemens-Schuckert D.III 1/3 Scale
The elevator and rudder are built up from 1/2" stock and do not get covered with sheeting. The plans call for using strips of balsa and laminating them around a form for the perimeter. I don't like doing that so I made curved end pieces from 1/4" balsa, laminated flat. I traced the pattern using SeeTemp material.
I decided to use 1/2" dowels for the leading edges of the fin and elevator because I'm going to make scale-like strap hinges. The fin and elev also get sanded to an airfoil shape
The rear corner of the elevator is a potential weak spot, so I cut a strip of 1/64" plywood and glued it inside the curve. It's now very rigid.
I decided to use 1/2" dowels for the leading edges of the fin and elevator because I'm going to make scale-like strap hinges. The fin and elev also get sanded to an airfoil shape
The rear corner of the elevator is a potential weak spot, so I cut a strip of 1/64" plywood and glued it inside the curve. It's now very rigid.
11-07-2010, 10:32 PM
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RE: Siemens-Schuckert D.III 1/3 Scale
The tail surfaces are sanded and ready for covering.
Basswood blocks were set into the trailing edges of the fin and stab for attaching the hinge straps.
Basswood blocks were set into the trailing edges of the fin and stab for attaching the hinge straps.
11-07-2010, 10:34 PM
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RE: Siemens-Schuckert D.III 1/3 Scale
The upper wings are meant to be built in one piece but my table is not long enough, so i'm doing them in two pieces which will be joined in the middle.
The first thing to do is to laminate the spars from 1/4" SQ and 1/4" x 3/8" basswood stock. I glued them with thick Ca up against a metal straight edge. I also went over the seams with thin Ca. Using this method, I ended up with nice, rigid, and straight spars.
Balsa blocks were tack-glued to the edges of the spars so they could be raised up to allow for the curve of the ribs, and so they could be pinned in place over the plan.
The laser-cut ribs virtualy fell into place!
Jim
The first thing to do is to laminate the spars from 1/4" SQ and 1/4" x 3/8" basswood stock. I glued them with thick Ca up against a metal straight edge. I also went over the seams with thin Ca. Using this method, I ended up with nice, rigid, and straight spars.
Balsa blocks were tack-glued to the edges of the spars so they could be raised up to allow for the curve of the ribs, and so they could be pinned in place over the plan.
The laser-cut ribs virtualy fell into place!
Jim
11-07-2010, 10:35 PM
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RE: Siemens-Schuckert D.III 1/3 Scale
Dave also supplied laser-cut pieces of 1/8" light ply for the wing and aileron tip bows. I laminated three 1/8" layers together, using balsa shims underneath so the finished bows would have a slight curve to them.
The wings have to stop here because the leading edges call for 5/8" square balsa stock, which I don't have on hand, so I had to order some from BUSA (along with more Ca glue!)
The wings have to stop here because the leading edges call for 5/8" square balsa stock, which I don't have on hand, so I had to order some from BUSA (along with more Ca glue!)
11-08-2010, 09:19 AM
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RE: Siemens-Schuckert D.III 1/3 Scale
ORIGINAL: MaineBear
Nice! ...I like it. Looking forward your build. Keeps me going
Have fun!
Dick
Nice! ...I like it. Looking forward your build. Keeps me going
Have fun!Dick
Jim
11-08-2010, 09:47 AM
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RE: Siemens-Schuckert D.III 1/3 Scale
Looks good Jim. I think you will be surprised how easy the fuselage goes together. If you haven't, order some Midwest 6"wide 1/8th thick balsa.
DJ
DJ
11-08-2010, 10:23 AM
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RE: Siemens-Schuckert D.III 1/3 Scale
ORIGINAL: cocobear
Looks good Jim. I think you will be surprised how easy the fuselage goes together. If you haven't, order some Midwest 6''wide 1/8th thick balsa.
DJ
Looks good Jim. I think you will be surprised how easy the fuselage goes together. If you haven't, order some Midwest 6''wide 1/8th thick balsa.
DJ
Jim
11-08-2010, 11:11 AM
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RE: Siemens-Schuckert D.III 1/3 Scale
Jim, just cut the panels slightly over size and sand them to final. You should give me a call sometime so I can get into details. The panel effect on planes like this and the Albatros greatly enhance the realsim. You should be able to see some grain even through the paint.
DJ
DJ
11-08-2010, 11:14 AM
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RE: Siemens-Schuckert D.III 1/3 Scale
ORIGINAL: cocobear
Jim, just cut the panels slightly over size and sand them to final. You should give me a call sometime so I can get into details. The panel effect on planes like this and the Albatros greatly enhance the realsim. You should be able to see some grain even through the paint.
DJ
Jim, just cut the panels slightly over size and sand them to final. You should give me a call sometime so I can get into details. The panel effect on planes like this and the Albatros greatly enhance the realsim. You should be able to see some grain even through the paint.
DJ
BTW, The tail surfaces are very light weight!
11-08-2010, 02:55 PM
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RE: Siemens-Schuckert D.III 1/3 Scale
Dave, you work with Art Pesch don't you? Say 'hi ' to him and let him know my SE5 is about finished. Got side tracked this summer so guess it will be next year before getting it up... and I'll be in touch.
Jim, please excuse my butting in on your build. Sorry...
Dick
Jim, please excuse my butting in on your build. Sorry...
Dick
11-10-2010, 08:12 AM
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RE: Siemens-Schuckert D.III 1/3 Scale
ORIGINAL: cocobear
It will balance most likley with no balast required. The quarter scale actually was a tad nose heavy.
It will balance most likley with no balast required. The quarter scale actually was a tad nose heavy.
Did you modify the original D.III plans to get a good balance? Like moving the top wing back or streching the nose? Its hard for me to believe this very short nose design will balance with no balast?
Jan
11-10-2010, 10:54 AM
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RE: Siemens-Schuckert D.III 1/3 Scale
My 1/6th scale D.III required a bit of lead in the tail, even after I replaced the RCV60SP with a lighter Saito 72.
So I believe Dave when he says that his 1/4 scale was a tad nose heavy.
So I believe Dave when he says that his 1/4 scale was a tad nose heavy.
11-10-2010, 11:11 AM
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RE: Siemens-Schuckert D.III 1/3 Scale
ORIGINAL: allanflowers
My 1/6th scale D.III required a bit of lead in the tail, even after I replaced the RCV60SP with a lighter Saito 72.
So I believe Dave when he says that his 1/4 scale was a tad nose heavy.
My 1/6th scale D.III required a bit of lead in the tail, even after I replaced the RCV60SP with a lighter Saito 72.
So I believe Dave when he says that his 1/4 scale was a tad nose heavy.
Jim
11-10-2010, 12:14 PM
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RE: Siemens-Schuckert D.III 1/3 Scale
Jan, the SSW is exact scale in all outlines. The secret is to add lightness to the tail section:-) Knock on wood, I have not yet had to add nose weight to any airplane I have designed including a Sopwith Camel. You just have to consider every piece you add aft of the CG.
DJ
DJ
11-10-2010, 03:45 PM
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RE: Siemens-Schuckert D.III 1/3 Scale
Tmoth4,
If you don't have them already, the Profile Publications are now available free online, including the one on the Siemens-Schuckert. It has a couple of nice shots of the cockpit.
J
If you don't have them already, the Profile Publications are now available free online, including the one on the Siemens-Schuckert. It has a couple of nice shots of the cockpit.
J
11-16-2010, 08:20 AM
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RE: Siemens-Schuckert D.III 1/3 Scale
I did a little more on the wings. The 5/8" sq. balsa arrived and I could finally put the leading edge on.
The trailing edge is cut from 1/16" basswood sheet, and the non-aileron parts will have scallops sanded into them.
The wingtip bows were glued in place and some soft balsa filler blocks were added too.
The LE sheeting is 3/32" balsa and is only going on the top side. I still need to put the rest of the cap strips on.
Jim
The trailing edge is cut from 1/16" basswood sheet, and the non-aileron parts will have scallops sanded into them.
The wingtip bows were glued in place and some soft balsa filler blocks were added too.
The LE sheeting is 3/32" balsa and is only going on the top side. I still need to put the rest of the cap strips on.
Jim
11-19-2010, 07:06 PM
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RE: Siemens-Schuckert D.III 1/3 Scale
Both wings are assembled and most of the cap strips were added. Then they were joined, after block sanding to make sure they matched perfectly square in the middle. 1/8" hard ply joiners were epoxied on.
Jim
Jim
11-24-2010, 08:35 AM
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