Pica/Platt FW-190D9 Build Log
 

<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Hello,</div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">I always wanted to do a build log. So here is my first of many firsts. This is my first build log for my first scale warbird project. This will also be my first fiberglass job. Lots of firsts. I hope to learn a ton and I hope to share all my positives as wells as any negatives. I also want to ask &ldquo;what would you do?&rdquo; from time to time. Since this is a smallish scale plane compared to the 1/6 or larger kits out there, I have to be careful about how much detail I can add. But I have to start somewhere.</div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">I am not a fast builder. I spend a lot of time reviewing my next step. I hope my long contemplations catch any major mistakes before I get to the point of no return. I also hope someone will chime in if they see something that is wrong or could be done better.</div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">I started yesterday, January 29, 2013. I took a picture of my project. When I bought the kit, I was told it was a complete kit. When I opened up the box, nearly all of the wood was missing. No ribs, no spars. But the plastic accessories, canopy and the decals were there. I found a guy on the web who sells a short kit for the 65 inch Dora. I than had Balsa USA send me the rest of the missing sheets and sticks.
Attachment 2235773

</div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Ok, now what I want to do with this build:</div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">I want this to be my first gas airplane. So I will install a DLE-20.
Right now I plan to use Spring Air 704 Retracts.
I will be getting struts from Shindinmachine.com.
After talking with Lenny, I will not be installing a retractable tail wheel. I will get one of his non retracting tail wheels.
I will be getting an Imp cockpit kit as a base to work on.
I wanted to make the canopy open automatically, but due to the size I will have to settle for manual.
I have not settled on lights yet.
I will be adding flaps.

I am starting the wing first. I already set the spars at the proper angle and epoxied the two halves and the dihedral brace.
Attachment 2235774</div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">The first stumbling block has come up. The plan and the instructions call for gluing both W-1 ribs together to create a &frac14;&rdquo; group. But the kit I bought is using 1/16&rdquo; ribs. So I have to now trace W-1 on to 1/8&rdquo; stock and cut it out. This goes fairly easy. I now need to clean up the glue joint on the spars and glue the W-1 group onto the spars at the center joint. I also need to glue in the &frac14;&rdquo; dowel for the hold-down.
Attachment 2235775

Well that is it for now.

Thanks for looking.

Jerry</div>

RE: Pica/Platt FW-190D9 Build Log
 

Jerry,

I will be following your build with interest.

Enjoy the experience.

Zor

RE: Pica/Platt FW-190D9 Build Log
 

Definitely going to follow this one, as I have the Platt Dora built from the RCM plan.<div>
</div><div>Regarding the retracts, you'll want the Spring Air 709, they have the more or less correct 74* angle for the FW-190. I've heard that delivery from them is very slow, might be worth it to do a phone order vs using the website. It might just be quicker to get the entire gear set from Lenny since you appear to be ready to rock...</div><div>
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RE: Pica/Platt FW-190D9 Build Log
 

Should be fun. Here is mine for a little motivation. DLE 20 is a perfect engine for it.

RE: Pica/Platt FW-190D9 Build Log
 

Also, one thing I recommend is to look at the tail closely when you get to that point. You should think about building up the fin and rudder as this is a very un-scale aspect of this kit. I was pulling my hair out trying to get a good transition from the rear fuselage fillet into the vertical fin. Building this area up in a more scale fashion would make it easier and look a lot better. Consider building up the stab- elevator as well. This would not take too much time, but would really improve the looks.

RE: Pica/Platt FW-190D9 Build Log
 

Hi Pigheaded I am Grapeaprilia and I have the IMP FW-190-D. If you would were did get the wing from.

RE: Pica/Platt FW-190D9 Build Log
 

Hello,

Well I did not get much done today. I was able to get the drawings down on the table and dry fit a set of ribs.
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a6/.../Dry-wing1.jpg

I would like to address all of the great comments. Thank you all who have subscribed to this tread.

Hemikiller,
You are correct about the Spring Air 709. I miss-typed. I am also concerned about Spring Air. I emailed them several weeks ago and they have never replied. I did email Lenny to see what he could offer. One thing that Lenney asked me before was what angle I wanted the axle to be set at. Igot out my Brian Taylor Fw190 plans.
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a6/...T-Retracts.jpg

It looks like he used 4 degrees. Anyone think that number is tomuch?

Vertical Gimmace,
Your Dora is what inspired me to use the DLE-20. And yes I was just going over how different the tail is. when Iget to the Fuse section, Iwill address that. But I expect to use the BT Plans to build this area up. Before I started this project I went over many sites and read many posts from you ranging from building to finishing. Great Stuff!

Grapeaprilia,
I got the short kit from www.laser-design-services.com/
Bob has been very helpful. Had I emailed him about the problem with W1, he would of sent me two new ribs. Great service and cheap. Can't beat that!

That's all for tonight. Ihave to look over the ribs and start preparing for the glueup.

Thank you,

Jerry

RE: Pica/Platt FW-190D9 Build Log
 

I have Robart retracts in mine. They are the spring down variety, and have worked very well. I had to lengthen the Robostrut though. I JB welded thick (1/4") I think, inside the strut and then sleeve it with brass tubing. This has worked well also. Not sure if Robart has a strut long enough. At least with Robart, you can get it quick from Tower hobbies.

RE: Pica/Platt FW-190D9 Build Log
 

Hello all,

Iwas able to get the ribs on the left wing completed.
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a6/PigHeaded/wing2.jpg

As you can see I have not cut off two of the ribs that will be replaced with the retract ribs. I am waiting until I have the leading edge on so that I can get a good fit, Talking about a good fit, Idid a dry fit of the top spar and it looks like I am 1/16" proud. I will have to look over each rib and see if I have high one.
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a6/...ng-3-close.jpg

Vertical Grimmace,
What model Robart are you using? Itappears I will need a 7 1/2" strut. On the Robart site it looks like the max is 5 1/2". I am guessing that you got the 85 degree retracts. Did you adjust your mounts tomore closely match the70-74 degreeangle?

I was going to gap fill with some Gorilla Glue, but I looked at my unopen bottle and the stuff was rock hard. FYI; Gorilla Glue has a shelf life of less than three years, who knew?


Thanks,

Jerry

RE: Pica/Platt FW-190D9 Build Log
 

Here is a link to what I used. http://www.robart.com/products/sd-85...ready-wair-kit

Even though they are 85 degree,they are fine. I used thin aluminum for the gear doors. I really like how that has worked out.

I think there is noway around having to extend the Robostruts. There may be other sources for a strut that will work. Check Dreamworks RC. Or possibly Shindin. Extending the Robostruts id not a big deal though really if needed.

RE: Pica/Platt FW-190D9 Build Log
 

Hello,

I had to deepen the spar slots on a few ribs, but the top spar now fits well.
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a6/...wing-2-fix.jpg
now the gap is gone and I have an even flow of the spar.
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a6/...wing-3-fix.jpg

Right now I am setting up the trailing and leading edges. Need to make sure they are nice and straight.
Vertical Grimmace,
Thanks for the information. Ihave not been contacted by lenney yet, so I will probably email Robart and see if they would be able to make an extended strut.

Thats all for now.

Thanks,

Jerry

RE: Pica/Platt FW-190D9 Build Log
 

I told you I was a slow builder. I am trying to order retracts. The big question right now is, wait 30 days for Century Jet Electric Retracts, or buy their air units. I have had no luck contacting Spring Air. What would you do?

Jerry</p>

RE: Pica/Platt FW-190D9 Build Log
 

I am stuck away for the next week. But I did make a decision on retracts. I was able to in contact with Spring Air, and ordered a set of 709's. Ialso talked with Lenny and shindin Machine and he is working on a set of struts and a tailwheel for me. Real nice guys to talk to. Can't wait to get them in. In the mean time I will press on when I get back with finishing up the wing. I have to install the leading edge. I have to cut off the ribs that are in the way of the retract units and install the plywood ribs that have to be added due to the retracts. I will send pics when I return. I would not cry if some one want to post some pictures of their wing build. I am wanting to make sure that I got all of the RLG pieces in the correct place. did anyone angle RLG-5 to get the correct rake or did you use washers?

Thanks,

Jerry

RE: Pica/Platt FW-190D9 Build Log
 

Hello again,

Well, I amhome and happy to get back to the project. I have added the trailing and leading edges to the left wing panel. Iwill now start the right wing panel.
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a6/...g-P2-Start.jpg


I still have a few weeks before the retracts will come in so I need to decide what wheels to get. I want to use Williams Bro's Smooth Contour Wheels. They have a 3 1/4 or a 3 3/4. The Pica plan says to use a 3 1/2 wheel. The Top Flite and the Brian Taylor plans say use a 3 3/4 wheel. I am leaning towards the 3 3/4" asI think I canshoehorn it in.So what would you do?

Thanks,

Jerry

RE: Pica/Platt FW-190D9 Build Log
 

I would use the larger wheels making sure they will fit in the wings.

Zor

RE: Pica/Platt FW-190D9 Build Log
 

Hello,

It has been awhile since I posted. I have not been slacking too much. I am waiting on my retracts. I called SpringAir and was told that they have a problem with some of their equipment and should be out by the end of the week. My Struts are still a could of weeks out. So in the mean time I have completed the second half of the wing.
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a6/...Fullwing-1.jpg

I have not added the remaining pieces for the retracts. I want to have them in hand before I move on. I figured that I might need to move forward with the fuse. So I ordered a cockpit and a pilot form I.M.P. I can't wait to see what they look like. I posted a question in the Warbird section about them, but go no response. I will just do my own review when I get the parts in. I am also working on the flaps. I don't like the way Pica chose to do the Flaps.
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a6/...Flaps-Pica.jpg

I am working on a flap that is more like a real split flap. I want something that hasinterior detail and I want it to recessinto the trailing edge.When I get it done I will post pictures. I am also getting close to reworking the tail section. I will provide more info when Iwork it out.

Jerry

RE: Pica/Platt FW-190D9 Build Log
 

I built this kit many years ago, great airplane. Won several local scale events with it.

I changed the flaps also, i just sheeted the top of the wing to the trailing edge and made the flap with light ply. But I did have a problem with warpage. the flaps did not tuck up nice and flush due to that warpage. if i were to do it again I would use the top supplied balsa piece and make the moving flap with balsa/fiberglass, or something that will not warp. Or just use the kit parts and paint some detail on the inner flap area.

I would not mind getting my hands on this kit and building it again, reason being i have a nice set of hand made Brian Taylor retracts. Made for his 60 size FW 190A, but will fit fine in the D model.

I might even scratch build it some day?

Enjoy
Tom

RE: Pica/Platt FW-190D9 Build Log
 

Hello,

I am using the top flite fw190 build guide as a reference for designing the flaps. I am worried that it will warp also. So, Iam going to sandwich a piece of G10 the full length to help maintain the shape. Iwill have more details when I get it done.

I am still waiting on my retracts. I was emailed by spring air and they said that the retracts should ship this last Monday or Tuesday. We will see. in the mean time I did get my cockpit kit and pilot from IMP scale. So here is the pilot.
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a6/.../IMG_0508s.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a6/.../IMG_0505s.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a6/.../IMG_0512s.jpg

there will be a lot of work to get this pilot looking good. I hope to have it looking like These pilots

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a6/...ot-paint-1.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a6/...ot-paint-2.jpg

I have to pickup some more paints. I have to go out of town to a hobby lobby to grab a few more colors. I have a few but based on the Aces of Iron painting tips, I don't have enough.

Will update when I get further along. If you have any insight on painting these pilots, please post abount it.


Thanks,

Jerrry

RE: Pica/Platt FW-190D9 Build Log
 

Sorry, but I just had to laugh when I saw your new pilot!

Not the best looking chap.

RE: Pica/Platt FW-190D9 Build Log
 

<span style="font-size: x-small"><span style="font-family: Arial">Hello,

<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA">Like I said, it is going to take a lot of work. I had asked if anyone had purchased an I.M.P. pilot, but I got no replies. So I decided to be the guinea pig and see what I get. There are not a ton of choices when you look for 1/8 scale full pilots. At least he only weighs 1.3 oz and is an OK base to start with. There are worse out there. I will see how well he works out when I get going with the transformation. I have to get more paints and putty. Part of the fun of building is taking on these challenges. He won&rsquo;t be perfect by any stretch, but when I am done, he should do ok.

Still waiting on retracts and struts. Spring Air said they were going to ship last Monday, but I still don't have them. I need to email Lenney and see where he stands on the struts.
</span>
Thanks,

Jerry</span></span>

RE: Pica/Platt FW-190D9 Build Log
 

Just get the aces of iron pilot. they look very good when done.

RE: Pica/Platt FW-190D9 Build Log
 

Well, it took a while, but I finally received my retracts.
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a6/...d/Retracts.jpg
They look great!. So now I need to find time and get back on the wing.

Jerry

Pica Build
 

I was just sent the link to this thread by someone I have been in contact with about this kit and we have shared a number of tips.

Good luck with the build! I have researched this kit and am working with Skylake Models on a scale, weathered, competition-level Pica FW190D9 (I am not a builder but have researched the kit). The photos attached are of a plane built by an unknown builder about 20 years ago. It inspired me to have someone build the same kit to competition level.

I have someone in Australia doing a scale spinner on his 3-D spinner, as well as a paddle prop in resin, and perhaps a radiator. He has been a real help !

Here are some tips:

As mentioned, Fiberglass Specialities for the gun hood, cowl, canopy, exhaust stacks, etc. They do not have a mold for the supercharger, however.

Lado in France is a good place to get electric retracts at the correct 74 degree angle.

The cockpit you should get in Italy - it is resin and good quality and the right scale (1:6.5):
http://www.cockpitscale.com/product/...und-60-153-cm/

If you go electric: EMax 4030-400kv
Decals and Stencils from Germany: http://www.tailormadedecals.com/Tell
Use the scale above and when you have the ID number picked out, they will do it for you also.

Sound system - I talked to a company in Canada. Because there is not much space, they recommended the second set-up on this page:
http://www.modelsoundsinc.com/soundsystems-wired.php
(ShockWave2-System 1 x 4 inch x 8 Ohm) The sound would have to be turned down so it doesn't blow the speaker.

Wheel detailing: http://www.tompierce.net/190/html/paint/retracts.htm

Here are additional build logs:

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1564699

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1759772

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1525102

I hope this is helpful.

kind of wondered what happened to this thread I happen to have one of these in a box that I was going to clone but the guy on ebay that was selling the canopy stopped production so I need to either make a Vac forming table or find another one available somewhere been leaning towards the Vacuum forming table just for fun.

as for spinners you can get them from skysharkrc.com that work well for this size of Dora, your's looks great Mitavec

Thanks bigtim.
You don't have to make your own canopy. Fiberglass Specialties makes one:
http://www.fiberglassspecialtiesinc.com/catalog.htm
The problem with skyshark is that it is only a 2-blade spinner. They used to do a 3-blade, but no more. That, and the lack of a scale paddle prop, are obstacles.