RE: Byron Wedell Williams Racer Build
Rocketman, I have built over 20 Byron models as a professional builder and can tell you that you have a gem in your hands. Make sure to sand the inside of the fuse where you install the formere with 80 grit sandpaper to rough up the surface. Then clean with vinagar. Yes I said vinagar. Make sure you use only polester resin to attach formers to the glass parts. Epoxy will not bond well with the polester resin of the fuse. Also if you are going to glass the (highly reccomended) foam wings and tail feathers use 1 1/2 oz. cloth. Do not use 1/2 or 3/4 oz. cloth. This will not have enough strength to keep your fingers from punching holes or dents in the foam while handling the model atfer it is finished. Byron used to supply a glassing kit that contained this weight of cloth. I am presently finishing up a Byron Staggerwing for myself. The 5th one I have built. Just love the looks of these classics. I want to make clear DO NOT USE polester resin to glass the foam parts though! The resin would melt the foam. Use Epoxy type resin for the foam parts. I use Bondo Brand polester resin bought at local Walmarts, K Mart etc. I used to use K&B's , but there no longer in business. Also the Bondo brand is less expensive than going to the LHS and buying Sigs. They both work the same. I normally use about twice as much catalist hardner than called for to make it set up quicker. Instead of 8 drops per ounce I use 12-16 drops.
I also use a hot melt glue gun with Stanley brand glue sticks to tac the formers in place. I also use the glue to fill in the voids between the former and the fuse skin. Go easy on this. This holds the former in place while you glass it in. It also absorbs vibration by being some what flexable I've found. I normally also make a cowl ring in the back of the cowl to attach the cowling so I do not have those big cowl screws showing that they use. If you have any question along the way , please feel free to give me a shout. I just realalized this kit has built up wings so you won't have to worry about glassing them. You are really going to love flying this bird.
Look forward to your build.
Gary Webb