briansommers

My Feedback: (2)

i would love to build a scale plane that would have a cowl that would be true to scale, in other words be hinged on the side or sides like the real world airplanes are. I hate most cowling attachments that seem once you remove it several times the screws don't hold in the fuse anymore, something like this:

http://www.airliners.net/open.file/0399096/M/


i guess my question is, are there companies that make model cowlings like this? or would i have to cut one and then hinge it?, also how would one go about cutting something like a cowling perfectly straight? the only thing that comes to mind is a bandsaw

TexasAirBoss

My Feedback: (22)

Its pretty much up to you to build a cowl like that.

However, its not true that regular model cowls screws come loose or only work a few times. If installed properly they will work well for years and years.
I have found that maple is a very hard, hard wood. Using maple blocks is just one way to insure the cowl mounting screw holes will not strip.
Another technique is to install a short piece of the inner Nyrod into the cowl block mounting holes.

Even if you build a scale cowl that is hinged and opens like a real cowl, you will still need to mount the cowl to the airplane. Doh ![X(]

briansommers

My Feedback: (2)

yes true that ill still have to mount it to the airplane, but i was thinking i could epoxy it on, but the other tips are good, - i like the nyrod insert one, that would def. help - the main reason is:

1. it would look cool and very scale
2. everytime i wanted to get to the engine i wouldn't have to pull the spinner and prop off, etc

Campy

My Feedback: (1)

I would rethink the idea of epoxying the cowl on the plane.

What happens if (when) you need to remove the engine for some reason ? With the cowl epoxied on, at a minimum, it is going to be a "real bear" getting the cowl off AND you can definitely plan on damaging the paint job/covering.

SCALECRAFT

My Feedback: (13)

Brain

For fiberglass cowls , you can use a razor saw to cut extremely straight line with minimal cut line. And also if a company doesn't make it, make it yourself.

Practice with scrap cowls

Steve

franc

Brian,

You may want to take a look at the following web site. This man is a genius! He is a regular contributor to the rcscalebuilder forum

http://www.mfarchive.modelstuff.co.uk/mf098/wip.htm

Francois

SDCrashmaster

Very, very useful link Francois.
Thanks,
Paul

briansommers

My Feedback: (2)

oh sweetness! thats exactly it!!

great info, thanks