RE: Catalina PBY2 - Budd Chappell
Thought I would get back on the Budd Chappell Catalina build, been a bit side tracked with my club web site and a vintage Junior 60 build as well . . . I have got a load of advice and have been tissue and doping the fuselage, I've decided that all these curves will be to difficult to cover so I figured that if I cover it with tissue and dope I can spray it will celulose car paint. Thing is tissue and dope is not all that easy and Im a real novice - just keep sanding and re doping. Very surprised with the addtional strenght it gives the airframed and you can just tell it's really getting to be waterproof. Also I opted to cover my fuse in 1/16th balsa as opposed to 1/64 ply so I could do with the extra strength . . .
I have been given some tip floats that I am contemplating using as well as they are foam covered with wing skinning material and are really light and strong.
The nacels have had there first coat of white enamel, I know that a brushed look on the nacels will not be great - but again trying to cover them in film would be tough. I just really want to get the bird done so I think I may end up with some compromises . . . if it flies nicely I'll go back and refinish some of the build. :-)
I have just taken delivery of a GP catalina as well . . . I am contemplating making a new set of wings and fitting 2 x GP .07, I really dont care much for electric - any idea's on this anyone?