SE5a 1/6 Scale
07-07-2007, 04:42 AM
#151
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RE: SE5a 1/6 Scale
Well, I drilled holes for the seatbelt eye bolts. One of the holes went dead center through an elevator cable and guide. The good news is it completly severed the cable. If it had only damaged it I wouldn't have known until the maiden flight. So, I replaced it and gave the whole system a good inspection. I forget sometimes that I'm going to FLY this plane, not just look at it.
07-08-2007, 07:43 PM
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RE: SE5a 1/6 Scale
I finished the fuse stitching, today. Also, I attached the wing root sections and made the aluminum fairings. The fairings are made with a heavy aluminum foil I got at Hobby Lobby. It's beginning to look a lot like an airplane
Steve
Steve
07-12-2007, 12:58 PM
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RE: SE5a 1/6 Scale
I finished the bottom covers today. I still need to make the false hinges, but they won't go on until final assembly. The front cover will be removable as will the one under the pilot's seat.
I made the rudder and tail skid adjustable by running the cables to servo wheels under the pilot's seat. The wheels are bolted to plywood with a rubber washer in between. I set the tension so that I can adjust them from outside without removing anything.
Also, I made the drain cock for the radiator. The handle is removable, making it functional. It will be used to drain the oil from the catch tank for the crankcase breather.
At last, the fuselage is ready to paint. So I guess I'd better get offline and get busy.
Steve
I made the rudder and tail skid adjustable by running the cables to servo wheels under the pilot's seat. The wheels are bolted to plywood with a rubber washer in between. I set the tension so that I can adjust them from outside without removing anything.
Also, I made the drain cock for the radiator. The handle is removable, making it functional. It will be used to drain the oil from the catch tank for the crankcase breather.
At last, the fuselage is ready to paint. So I guess I'd better get offline and get busy.
Steve
07-13-2007, 03:57 PM
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RE: SE5a 1/6 Scale
I got a couple of new toys today, a beam compas, extension, and a Rapidograph pen. The compas uses a clamp (very strong) to hold whatever in place. No excuses for sloppy roundels now.
Steve
Steve
07-15-2007, 03:58 PM
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RE: SE5a 1/6 Scale
I finally finished getting the colors on today. I'll let it dry for a few days and then everything gets a couple of coats of poly.
BTW, if anyone knows how to use the Rapidograph pens, I could use some help. I couldnt get anything thicker than water to flow through. I got the largest they had (size 7) but no luck. So the markings had to be done with a brush.
Steve
BTW, if anyone knows how to use the Rapidograph pens, I could use some help. I couldnt get anything thicker than water to flow through. I got the largest they had (size 7) but no luck. So the markings had to be done with a brush.
Steve
07-18-2007, 08:34 PM
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RE: SE5a 1/6 Scale
I finished all the painting/varnishing and have started final assembly. I'm starting with the tail and control cables so I can cover up the bottom. Here are the fins, rudder and skid. When it's all done I'll paint all the bolts and brackets.
Steve
Steve
07-19-2007, 08:46 PM
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RE: SE5a 1/6 Scale
Today, I installed the stab and elevators. Also I rigged the elevator control cables.The bottom panels are all in place, the landing gear is finished, and I did a few details around the cockpit. Tomorrow I'll install the wings and start on the rigging.
Steve
Steve
07-20-2007, 08:35 PM
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RE: SE5a 1/6 Scale
Thanks Pete. Actually, I gave up on the Nelsons clear and went with Minwax satin. It's held up fine on the test plane with 15% nitro.
I got the center wing lined up and mounted today.Now I'm working on the bracing for the cabane struts I took a couple of pics outside with natural lighting. Out doors, It's definatly a brown airplane.
Steve
I got the center wing lined up and mounted today.Now I'm working on the bracing for the cabane struts I took a couple of pics outside with natural lighting. Out doors, It's definatly a brown airplane.
Steve
07-21-2007, 09:36 PM
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RE: SE5a 1/6 Scale
I installed the center wing section and rigging today. With that finished, I was able to install the Vickers covers and tank skirts. I'm not happy with the tape on the cabane struts. It looks too coarse. I'll redo them tomorrow.
Steve
Steve
07-27-2007, 07:51 AM
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RE: SE5a 1/6 Scale
I have one side rigged, one side to go. The wires are steel music wire. How should I "finish" them. I can think of three options. Clear Coat, Paint, or WD 40. I think the oil would be best. Any suggestions?
Steve
Steve
07-27-2007, 11:41 AM
#167
RE: SE5a 1/6 Scale
Steve, I have several close-ups of the example preserved in the UK as part of the Shuttleworth Collection, and they show the wires a bright steel natural color, definitely not painted, suggesting either a clear coat or oil.
What is the size of your model and are the wings going to be detachable for transport?
Beyond that, I think the level of craftsmanship and attention to detail your work exhibits, is rarely seen and definitely stands out in all I have seen in many scale forums. I think you have taken this far beyond the level of a flying model hobby and you are truly an artist.
It seems you approach it all in a different manner than most of us who build, and then if there's any "steam" left, try do detail. Rather, it seems you finish and detail as you go along in the construction which is an approach I will definitley be wanting to try myself.
Keep it up, I think your work is something to look up to for any serious scale modeler.
What is the size of your model and are the wings going to be detachable for transport?
Beyond that, I think the level of craftsmanship and attention to detail your work exhibits, is rarely seen and definitely stands out in all I have seen in many scale forums. I think you have taken this far beyond the level of a flying model hobby and you are truly an artist.
It seems you approach it all in a different manner than most of us who build, and then if there's any "steam" left, try do detail. Rather, it seems you finish and detail as you go along in the construction which is an approach I will definitley be wanting to try myself.
Keep it up, I think your work is something to look up to for any serious scale modeler.
07-27-2007, 02:03 PM
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RE: SE5a 1/6 Scale
EF, Thank you for your kind words. The plane is 1/6 scale, with a 53" wingspan. The wings are not detachable. I have a van I can transport it in. I've decided to oil the wires with either WD 40 or gun oil. I have pics of 904 at Shuttleworth, and agree that it has natural steel wires.
Steve
Steve
08-05-2007, 04:09 PM
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RE: SE5a 1/6 Scale
Well, it's been a busy couple of weeks, getting ready for the NATS. Instead of trying to catch up with one post, I'll try to cover everything in several posts.
My little plane did much better than I ever expected. She took 1st place in FAI scale, and Highest static score. Now I have seven weeks to finish up all the details before the Team Trials. I'll try to post some pics later this evening.
Steve
My little plane did much better than I ever expected. She took 1st place in FAI scale, and Highest static score. Now I have seven weeks to finish up all the details before the Team Trials. I'll try to post some pics later this evening.
Steve
08-05-2007, 05:33 PM
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RE: SE5a 1/6 Scale
CONGRATULATIONS!!! That's no small achievement. An OUTSTANDING model! Looking forward to seeing some pics.
What 'details' are still left? How did it handle in the air?
Dick
What 'details' are still left? How did it handle in the air?
Dick
08-05-2007, 08:44 PM
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RE: SE5a 1/6 Scale
Thanks Dick. I still need to make the dummy engine & exhaust, the Lewis gun & mount, and the pitot tubes. Then there are a lot of little final touches & some weathering. Not a whole lot since most of these planes didn't last long enough to weather much. I'll get some pics loaded up tomorrow. Thanks again for your support.
Steve
Steve
08-05-2007, 09:48 PM
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RE: SE5a 1/6 Scale
Absolutely incredable, Its no wonder that it took first. Im supprised they didnt just go ahead and award you with next years too.
SEEYA, TIM
SEEYA, TIM
08-05-2007, 09:56 PM
#174
RE: SE5a 1/6 Scale
ORIGINAL: smcouch77
Well, it's been a busy couple of weeks, getting ready for the NATS. Instead of trying to catch up with one post, I'll try to cover everything in several posts.
My little plane did much better than I ever expected. She took 1st place in FAI scale, and Highest static score. Now I have seven weeks to finish up all the details before the Team Trials. I'll try to post some pics later this evening.
Steve
Well, it's been a busy couple of weeks, getting ready for the NATS. Instead of trying to catch up with one post, I'll try to cover everything in several posts.
My little plane did much better than I ever expected. She took 1st place in FAI scale, and Highest static score. Now I have seven weeks to finish up all the details before the Team Trials. I'll try to post some pics later this evening.
Steve
Congratulations. Not surprised by the "Highest Static Score" as cream always rises to the top
Get going on those final details LOL.
Pete
