RE: SE5a 1/6 Scale
 

Steve,

WOW[X(]

Great work. The end is almost in sight.

Pete

RE: SE5a 1/6 Scale
 

Thanks Pete. All I have to build yet are the Lewis gun & rack, and the dummy engine. The rest is painting, rigging, and final assembly. This is certainly the longest project I've ever done.
Steve

RE: SE5a 1/6 Scale
 

Nice plane. Have you found a pilot yet? The guy in the photo looks more like a grunt to me. :D

RE: SE5a 1/6 Scale
 

Thanks Jeffie, I've found a new pilot, but I don't have a uniform yet. I'll post some pics as soon as I get him sober and in uniform.:D

RE: SE5a 1/6 Scale
 

Not that I have enything against grunts, I were one for 4 years. Got any Sgt Rock comic books laying around? ;) You can get them on the bay sometimes. That SE5 is stunning, I hope you get the finished photos up the minute its done.

RE: SE5a 1/6 Scale
 

HELP! I got my clear gloss poly from Nelson. I mixed 8 drops of crosslinker in one oz., thinned with water and sprayed the front half of my fuse and about a dozen other parts. Total disaster! The clear drew up like water on glass. The solid parts I can strip and start over. The elevator will have to be completly recovered. What went wrong. I had heard that this was the best clearcoat available, so I must have done something wrong. What a stinking mess. Right now I could toss the whole thing in the dumpster and buy a BARF.
Steve

RE: SE5a 1/6 Scale
 

Steve,

That's a bummer. My advice is to call Jerry Nelson. I'm sure he will (and want to) help.

While I've never used his clear coat, I have his colors and have been very pleased using his foam brush application technique. So, rather than offer any suggestions or reasons, I think it best you ask Jerry direct.

Your '5' is sure looking great!!!

Dick

RE: SE5a 1/6 Scale
 

Please dont give up. That thing is tooooo sweeet. Everything is fixable, just takes a few steps back. Jeffie

RE: SE5a 1/6 Scale
 

Oh, I never quit. Just get a little p_ssed at times. Getting in touch with Jerry is a good idea. I'm sure it's something I did. I've heard nothing but good things about his paints. Maybe he can help.
Steve

RE: SE5a 1/6 Scale
 

Steve,

Sorry to hear that. I've used the Nelson clear coat in the past with no problem. I did test spray some mockup first. It needs to go on in VERY light coats that build up to the finish you want.

Pete

RE: SE5a 1/6 Scale
 

Thanks Pete. I'm painting a board with my PC10 to use as a base for testing. I'll let it dry for a few days and then try to unravel the mystery. Maybe I'm just not holding my tongue right:D:D
Steve

RE: SE5a 1/6 Scale
 

LOL :D:D

RE: SE5a 1/6 Scale
 

Hi Steve -

Sorry to learn about you painting mess:(. I have used Jerry's paint before and have found it excellent to work with.

If I recall, his instructions mentions about the need to fill the weave of the covering when it's applied over open framework. Whether this may be the cause in your case, I can't say. But, before spending too much time trying different fixes, etc, it would be my suggestion you call Jerry and talk over the situation with him. I know he would be very interested and should be the one who could best solve the problem and get you on the right track.

When in doubt go to the source, I always say ;)

Dick

RE: SE5a 1/6 Scale
 

Hi Dick. I talked to Jerry, and he hasn't heard of this problem before. After some experimentation, I think I've figured it out. When he says thin coats, he means thin coats. If I brush it on almost dry, it works. If I put it on with enough to flow, it draws up. Now all I have to do is figure out how to get a gloss finish while dry brushing:eek:
Steve

RE: SE5a 1/6 Scale
 

Hi Steve -

Sounds like you the problem identified. Yes, if there is one thing I learned from reading his instructions, was that very light coats were key - but only after filling the weave! After brushing on a couple of heavy coats, etc I should think you'd have good base on which to spray. Do keep us posted, though.

One thing I have always tried to keep in mind, is that if something sounds too easy... it's not ;)

Dick

RE: SE5a 1/6 Scale
 

Well, I'm back from vacation, and back to work. Actually, I took my wing panels and stitching/tapeing tools with me. Hey! It's my vacation and I should get to do something I like doing too! So, anyway, I've finished all the stitching and tapeing. Now it's going to be a bunch of painting, painting, painting.I'll post some pics when I get the wings done.
Steve

RE: SE5a 1/6 Scale
 

My stitching took about an hour per wing panel, and about 1 1/2 hours to apply the tape. Ten hours in all. Actually it was quite relaxing. Maybe I'll take up needle point It's hard to take a picture at this stage that shows the effect, but the slight irregularities look good to me.
Steve

RE: SE5a 1/6 Scale
 

My stitching took about an hour per wing panel, and about 1 1/2 hours to apply the tape. Ten hours in all. Actually it was quite relaxing. Maybe I'll take up needle point:D It's hard to take a picture at this stage that shows the effect, but the slight irregularities look good to me.
Steve

RE: SE5a 1/6 Scale
 

I went flying yesterday with my practice plane. I built a Top Flite 1/6 scale last fall to work out the kinks before I finish this plane. I'm using a RCV .91, and it runs great. The plane cruises along at about 1/2 throttle and sounds good. Jack Sheeks is coaching me. This IS my first scale experience. If my contest plane flys 1/2 as well as the Top Flite, it'll be fantastic. It flys smooth, lands without bouncing, and does consecutive loops. What more could I ask of a scale bird? Last fall I had trouble with it nosing over on landing, but with the new Williams Bros wheels I didn't have any trouble. Now if I can get this model finished by the FAI contest in September, I'll be a happy camper.
Steve

RE: SE5a 1/6 Scale
 

I talked to Jack at the Brodak Flyin and he confirmed that your model is as great live and in person as it looks in your posts here.
Chuck

RE: SE5a 1/6 Scale
 

Jack said he talked to you. Sorry I missed it this year. I'll be there next year for sure. Will you be at the nats this year? I'm going to fly the Top Flite in fun scale. The FAI plane won't be quite finished, but I'll bring it for "Show & Tell":D
Steve

RE: SE5a 1/6 Scale
 

I've got the colors on the wings. I haven't put the Nelsons clear on yet. I want to let them dry for about a week while I cover the rest of the fuse.
Steve

RE: SE5a 1/6 Scale
 

I finished the radio hatch this morning. It covers the switch, charge jack, and remote glow driver. The latch is just for looks. It's held shut with a small rare earth magnet.
Steve

RE: SE5a 1/6 Scale
 

Steve,
I will be at the Nats as a static and flight judge. I get to enjoy all the social aspects and don't have to worry about transporting and assembling models.:)
Chuck

RE: SE5a 1/6 Scale
 

Chuck, I'm looking foward to meeting you. I think it'll be a lot of fun.
I decided to go with the seat belt below. I used this photo for my seat, so I might as well use the same seat belt. That's the last detail I had to do before covering the sides. It's just about there!:)
Steve