How to Build a B-29
01-02-2016, 08:46 PM
#101
Half-planked nacelle with the cowl off, showing the firewall and the "well nuts" Dwayne uses to control engine vibration between the firewall and the nacelle
Page from McMaster Carr catalog, showing how they work and so you can order some, if you want
Longitudinal splines for the nacelles, part of the kit wood, but NEVER used in a Dwayne bomber build. Looking back at the cowl-less nacelle, you can see areas o n the inside surface of the nacelle planking where he will glue extra layers of hard balsa to add strength, but NO longitudinal splines! He thinks they just add complexity, get in the way of tank and gear mounting and don't add that much strength. Certainly, the longevity of Dwayne's planes speaks to the science of that hypothesis
01-05-2016, 07:38 PM
#104
Bottom nacelle formers take some time to line up so planking will flow around the wheels and gear doors will look scale
I use two 1/8" balsa strips on the bottom centerline, so gear doors will be easy to part after the planking is finished. Only glue them together in the area where they won't be gear doors
The bulkhead just in front of the tires needs to be 1/8" aircraft ply, because it anchors the top of the gear door cylinders and will be the forward surface of the front gear door seam
01-08-2016, 08:30 PM
#106
Tedious little task of doubling nacelle wall thickness with 3/32" balsa planking on the inside, before finish planking bottom nacelles
Just like on the wing, carefully shaping the nacelle formers and dry-testing the planking ensures a smooth fit and none of that awkward sanding that leaves thin spots on the planking
01-08-2016, 08:49 PM
#109
The two rear-most formers of nacelles #2 and 3 will be glued to a thin plywood base that 4-screws to the massive gear mounting plate
Thus forming an easily removable rear nacelle "shell" that will allow access to (and removal of) the main gear for servicing
01-09-2016, 09:34 PM
#112
Perfecting the gear door openings:
I use two levels zip-tied together, do the openings at the same time
Straight edge then sits flat on all four gear hinge points, assuring symmetry and perfect door swing
Hinges will be Robart 1/8" with hinge pockets
Last edited by kram; 01-09-2016 at 10:03 PM.
01-09-2016, 09:41 PM
#113
After planking: cut a slot for the gear strut, then dry-fit reassembly of the removable rear hatch
In some photos, gear has been removed to keep it from blocking our view.
Of course, when the rear nacelle hatch has been detached, this is really easy!
01-19-2016, 07:18 AM
#124
On the topic of Mindfullness and Meditation in Bomber Construction:
I spent some mental energy contemplating how to meld the fuselage to my (perfect) wing BEFORE I build it, so it doesn't become a snort-'n-root struggle to fit the two together AFTER I build it!
A little design and sequence planning I hope will save some sanding and grinding later
First: dry-fitting the wing saddles