Going back to the early 70"s or so for this Pattern Ship designed by Jim Brittain. The construction includes a jig with a wrapped plywood fuselage. I don't see this type of construction too often. Anyone remember this design?

Yes, I remember it. Back then, there were several examples of "out of the box" engineering like wrapped ply bodies, cardboard wings, etc. It was a marvelous time of invention.

I remember that article. It says 7 1/4 - 7 3/4 lbs. Not too shabby. Any opportunity to get away from the trouble of selecting balsa is a good thing.

Tom

it is, but you might be VERY suprised at the difference in cost of trying to get a sheet of 1/32 ply in the right size you need.

Having said that, I've always looked at the plans for the "fuge" with interest, I'd love to see a build log for one if you decide to take the plunge!

If you do start looking for wood, I've been very happy with the low cost and high quality of ply from www.nationalbalsa.com. You might have to ask about getting oversize sheets. Another great source for it is www.aircraftspruce.com (look at the Finnish instead of domestic for 1/32" ). A 48x48" sheet of 1/32" is only $27.25. You can build several Fugitives with that.

Hope this helps.

Andy

I've read that some are using 1/64" ply as a substitute for 1/16" balsa.

Tom

I've used 1/64" ply as wing sheeting, it works well and doesn't need much fairing before it's ready for paint.

Having said that, these days I'm experimenting with carbon/glass skins.

That's probably the most accurate way to make wings. Skin it and vacuum bag it like the sailplane guys.

Tom