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.

RE: SE5a 1/6 Scale
 

I covered the sides today and got one side stitched. Also, I put in the step on this side. I'm almost ready to paint the fuse.
Steve

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:D
Steve

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

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. :D
Steve

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

RE: SE5a 1/6 Scale
 

The only stuff I've used in a rapidograph was drawing ink. I've used paint in the nib style pens, but had trouble getting it to start flowing.

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

RE: SE5a 1/6 Scale
 

Steve,

You should enter this plane at Toledo. Your work is on competetion level for sure.


Pete

RE: SE5a 1/6 Scale
 

Thanks Pete. I didn't know they allowed C/L at Toledo:D
Steve

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

RE: SE5a 1/6 Scale
 

Looks wonderful. I take it the paint issues thinned out :D

Pete

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

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

RE: SE5a 1/6 Scale
 

It's been a busy weekend.I got the center section is done and she's in the jig getting her wings.
Steve

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

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.

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

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

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

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

RE: SE5a 1/6 Scale
 

Here are a couple of shots.
Steve

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

RE: SE5a 1/6 Scale
 

Congratulations. Not surprised by the "Highest Static Score" as cream always rises to the top:D

Get going on those final details LOL.

Pete

RE: SE5a 1/6 Scale
 

Thanks guys. Here's my favorite shot of the weekend. My grandson Trevor. He just loves those airplanes.:):)