JohnF

Martin, The horns are cut from 1/8" composite sheet which is fiberglass laminated with carbon fiber. The tree is made from carbon fiber( 5/16") arrow shafts the same as the ones I use for the rudder post and leading edges. I use G10 material to gusset the arrow shafts together. Brass tubing for bushings. The arrow shafts need to be notched where they fit together and J B Weld is used to glue them.

Nieuport nut

My Feedback: (10)

Thanks, that will help me plan mine.

Martin

Sethhunter

Hi John, that assembly looks nice indeed. Who did you buy the composite sheet from? I haven't seen glass-CF lamination.

JohnF

Hi Seth, The composite sheet was actually from an R/C car chassis I cut up. I am pretty sure you can buy just the composite sheet.

JohnF

Working on the slot the gun will be mounted in. I used 1/32 ply and wet it so I could bend it. Now what to do for a gun? I have the Mick Reeves kit but don't really like it.

Nieuport nut

My Feedback: (10)

Hi John:

I'm sure you can scratch-build a Vickers, and there are lots of references. The barrel jacket is the challenge - perhaps cut louvers with a punch and form litho.

I am working on a pair of Schwarzloze M/G for my Aviatik. Lots of fun with inadequate drawings!

Making steady progress!

Martin

JohnF

Martin, what drawings are you using? Maybe I can help. I am still playing around with the Mick Reeves gun and will probably use the barrel at least. The good thing is only one side will be seen.

Nieuport nut

My Feedback: (10)

I made the mistake of trusting the Arizona Aircrafter drawings available online. Their kit instructions, with parts, is on their site and I used those parts as a basis. I have stuff from Harry Woodman's book on WWI aircraft weapons as well as some original Austrian drawings and some Russian drawings. Unfortunately, there were several versions of the Schwarzlose and even more sub-contractors. None of the drawings has cross-sections and that has presented some challenges. I've discovered some more photos since I started and am making changes.

As I write the above, I have to laugh at myself - this was to be a straight forward stand-off scale model in the Balsa USA tradition. The problem is that at this scale, you have to put in quite a bit of detail or things look bare. And that can suck a lot of time - enjoyable for sure, but time none the less. I'd had hopes of Toledo but not likely at this point >sigh<

Martin

JohnF

Well Martin, sounds like you have more than I did to make my guns. I have not seen any drawings with cross sections. Have you seen the photo's on the Vintage Aviator web site? I also have drawings from the book Austro Hungarian Army Aircraft Of World War One. These are good because they show a top view. Your model has come along way from being a "fun scale" model. When I built the 30.40 I kept adding details after it was flown. It would have never gotten finished otherwise.

JohnF

Been jumping around with this build. Decided to do some work on the instrument panel. Here is the compass I have started.

JohnF

Well, I got motivated and finished most of the instrument panel. Still have to add some details to the compass and some other stuff. Had to work at the gun but it is getting there. A ammo. box will be made and will hide the servo's.

Nieuport nut

My Feedback: (10)

I really like the stringers and open framework on this - my next model will have something like it. Your kitchen stove really puts the size into perspective. I would have thought you would have it on its wheels!

Martin

JohnF

Well, I think we all know the story on the wheels? Hopefully WB's will have them done before Rhinebeck.

Sethhunter

Hi John,
Looking very nice indeed!
I emailed Daniel the other day - the mold maker is working on the job. Encouraging sign.
Seth

JohnF

Hi Seth, Thanks. I got an update email from them and I am hopeful we will have wheels in a month or two now. The Pfalz is looking good.

JohnF

Not much to show. Just a little more progress on the compass.

Nieuport nut

My Feedback: (10)

That compass looks great, John. It's interesting how these details become "models within the models".

Martin

JohnF

Hi Martin, Yes, many projects within the project.

JohnF

I have decided to install the switch's in the rear cockpit bulkhead. They will be accessible via a storage compartment door. I am using a wood veneer called "Anegre" to laminate the lite ply bulkhead. The color and grain of this veneer seems very scale like to me. It can be purchased from Woodcraft (www.woodcraft.com).

JohnF

Here's my attempt at the oil pulsameter and the storage compartment with a coat of spar varnish, Urethane.

cocobear

My Feedback: (2)

Any new progress John?

JohnF

Hi Dave, Actually I will have some more progress photos soon. I have completed the servo linkage and am working on the alum. belly pan/floor and hatch. I ran into a snag and discovered I had installed the l/g too far to the rear so I had to fix that. I am moving along as time allows. Really hope we see those Williams Bros. 1/3 scale wheels soon. I see you finished well again at Top Gun. Congrats! Maybe some day I'll get there.

JohnF

I noticed I did not show the floor boards I made. I used brass foil or shim material.

JohnF

Okay, this is what I am working on now. You can see in the full scale photo the nice big hatch with a hole in it hanging down. I am using piano hinges I salvaged from some eye glass cases. This will give easy access to batteries,servo's and receiver.

geezeraviation

My Feedback: (3)

I think thiings are about to pop at WB. I ordered another set last week or so and Daniel siad the last of the mould work was to finish soon.
Doc