How do I make a cowl. What's planking. Where do I find it. Sorry, I'm a noob.

It would help out a lot to know what you need a cowl for? What plane?

Ken

There are many ways to make a cowl. Many people either make one out of balsa or fiberglass using the "lost foam" method.

It's for a .40 size p-51B

If you are so NEW at the hobby that you do not know what a cowl is - I think that a P51 could just possibly, mayby be BEYOND your level of expertice...

Perhaps you should consider saving the P51 for a day in the future - after you have mastered a Seinoretta, or an Eagle 2, a Kadet or even a Cub.

Currently; you are setting yourself up for a fall / disappointment / expensive learning curve. [&o]

IMHO

Problem is I already am building it. I got the main frame pieces cut out, some of the ribs. It would be a waste if I stop now. I don't care if I crash it and stuff. Just as long as I get the satisfaction of flying something I built. Oh and by the way, I do know what a cowl is It's just that I don't know how to properly make one out of scratch.

It wouldn't be a waste if you stopped. no one said throw it away. You could build a trainer kit and still fly something you built. If you crash it then that is the wasteful thing.

But if you are determined to build and fly it then the cowl is a simple matter of using a balsa block to create the form and shape of the forward fuselage by sanding and carving and sanding followed by some sanding. hollow it out to allow for engine clearance etc. dont worry to much about how it will look, the cowl never survives the crash.

Thanks for the detailed instructions. But isn't there a way you can make it out of sheet balsa or something?

basic woodworking skills req'd. just build a frame out of balsa sticks and then sheet in between. you will have to put some thicker pieces in the corners so you can have enough material to sand to the proper curves to make your shape. but really like mentioned above, i would not plan on it lasting long if you plan to learn with a P-51. Not to be mean, but most likely it will be more than you can handle learning, and one crash will turn it back into the pile of balsa that you started with, only in slightly different arrangement.

You certainly can make it out of sheet balsa. You can also make it out of a block of balsa.

The block is the easiest.
Fit the block to the opening.
Draw the outline on it.
Remove the wood that's outside the outline.
Hollow out the insides for the engine.
Figure out how you wish to attach it to the airplane so you can take it off and put it back on.
Cut out the openings the engine needs.
Fuel proof it.