Since there's now been a post on the CAD drawings for the fuse, and discussion on the stringers, I'll post about an idea I've been kicking around for some time. After doing the cockpit on my TF Spitfire, I found myself wishing that I could do away with much of the structure of the fuselage in the cockpit area. What I am thinking of is making that section with carbon fiber. Perhaps frame and sheet the fuselage as normal. Then cover the area to be removed around the cockpit with ultracoat. After that, lay up a couple of layers of carbon fiber that extend past the ultracoat by a few inches on both sides and then glass the entire fuse with .7 oz cloth as normal. Once set, from the inside, cut out all the balsa and ultracoat in the cockpit area, leaving a thin carbon shell which joins the front part of the fuse to the rear. Finally, add a couple of carbon small rod stringers in inconspicuous areas, or in scale locations if any. This will leave maximum room for doing a scale cockpit interior.

Any thoughts?

Scott


PS

I had the best seat in the house at the LA Jets event on Saturday. Watching jets fly below you is quite the sight!!!