drube

My Hellcat went downa while back due to a flutter problem with the stab. I was lucky and able to save it by using the throtle to bring the plane out of a dive until it finally hit the ground. Snapped the right wing clean off and ripped the firewall off as well.
After somerepairs andTLC it's ready to be glassed. Thanks to Gray Beard i'll be using Deft. This is my first attemptto glass and paint and am ready to tackle what's ahead..I think..lol
I'm going with aBritish FAA color scheme with stripes andI'll be using 3/4 ozcloth,Valspar Interior Semi-Gloss Paint and Polyurethane clear.

I applied the first 2 coats this evening and was surprised how easy it is to work with. But boy it has a strong smell! You were right GB! Tomorrow i'll do a light sand then add the cloth then more deft.

DavidAgar

My Feedback: (108)

Yes indeed, you need plenty of fresh air when applying the Deft. Your plane is looking good and close to new paint. Keep us posted and Good Luck, Dave

CorsairJock

My Feedback: (90)

Stab flutter on the Hangar 9 Hellcat is a somewhat common: I experienced it myself, but was able to land safely and make repairs. I've also read of other who've had the problem. As a result: I have encouraged others to modify their stab before first flight. It requires removing the covering, but they have the wrong color on top anyway.

There is a long running thread on the Hangar 9 Hellcat, you might do better by reading it (at least some of it) and posting your rebuild there:
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_43..._1/key_/tm.htm

drube

Thanks CJ, I've read through most of the H9 Hellcat threads on here including your stab problems and yourCorsair mods thread. Great info! My stab broke exatcly where yours and others did. I was bummed but she'll fly again! lol I was at my local HS yesterday getting supplies and one of the owners said he had the same broken stab problem and lost his Hellcat in a dive. He said it was un repairable nose first at about 100 mph into the ground.
I wasn't sure where topost this thread being it's basically going to be about my first time finishing and painting a plane.
Now i'm off to play with more Deft and cloth..

drube

Thanks Dave, will do!

drube

Made some progress today and amvery happy with the results so far. Two coats of deft, sanded, added cloththen two coats of deft. Can't see any of the threads from the cloth so I think i'm ready for the 50/50 deft/baby powder coat. I'm letting it sit til tomorrow eve and then i'll apply the last coat.

drube

Wondering if I should get a new cowl or just fix the one I have. I think I can fix it with some glass and epoxy.. lol What would you do?

da Rock

Starting a specific topic thread like this is perfect. It will is ok to bury within a general thread about the H9 Hellcat or to give it it's own identity. Both work.

There are often many threads that could all be lumped into one huge catch-all thread. But that doesn't always suit. We have plenty of room for big threads, and plenty of room for a long list of topics. The long list gives better user choice.

aghost

My Feedback: (13)

I would buy a new cowl. But then, I probably would not rebuild and recover the plane. I like your work.

Brian

drube

I'm at the final sanding point of the fuse and wing and almost have the cowl back together in one piece..lol I have a marathon work week starting tomorrow so i'll be buying the paint needed today.
I'm concerned about the kind of clear I should use though... Is Polyurethane Glow and Gas proof? Reason I ask is because i'll be using a ST G90 until I can get a DLE 20.
Thanks

drube

I was able to get some great info using the search this time and found my answer. Yes, polyurethane with work for both.

Chad Veich

My Feedback: (60)

Hi drube,

This may be coming a bit late but if you are interested I'm pretty sure I have a H9 Hellcat canopy, cowl, and dummy radial brand new in the box stored away somewhere. I'm not 100% certain I still have them but if you're interested in purchasing them I would be happy to dig through my shop to find out. Let me know and great work on your Hellcat rebuild by the way.

[email protected]
Chad Veich

drube

Thanks Chad, I was just thinking that when I do go gas i'll need a new cowl... I'll take them if you have them, just let me know how much shipped to 34286.

Chad Veich

My Feedback: (60)

Give me a couple of days to dig around drube and I will get back to you.

drube

Sounds good thanks. I was just reading your RCFW Hellcat group build, WOW! Beautiful work. I wish I had 1/2 ofyour skills! lol Mine will notlook thatgood..lol

John Baligrodzki

Drube,

Is the Deft sealer you used water or solvent based? When I glass this way I use Minnwax water based sanding sealer. A couple of light coats so nothing warps.

Also curious as it sounds like you used the Deft to attach the cloth. Is that correct? For attaching the cloth I used Minnwax H2O based Polycrylic.

As usual there is always a number of ways to do things in this hobby!

You will be very happy after you finish this project. Thanks for starting this thread. I am looking forward to see how this progresses.

Regards,

John

drube

Hi John,
Deft was used to apply thecloth and it went on easy. I followed Gray Beardsthread www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_10655561/anchors_10655561/mpage_1/key_/anchor/tm.htm#10655561.
The finish is not as strong/tough as I thought it would be though. Next time i'll use thicker cloth and try epoxy resin.
Since i'm new to all this, Can I assume Deft is not water based due to the fact lacquer thinner is used to clean up?

John Baligrodzki

Drube,

Yes if you use lacquer thinner it is not a water based product.

I learned the use of water based products for glassing at Tom Pierce's website. I pasted in the address but it did not come in as a link so you will have type it in. In his Reviews and Articles there is a section called Finding The Right Skin For Your Warbird. He goes into using solvent and water based products in good detail.

True it is not as strong as if you use glassing resin but it is actually fairly resiliant. It is certainly lighter and somewhat less expensive. Of course one huge plus is you can do this in your shop and not stink up the whole house.

http://www.tompierce.net/rcplanes/articles.htm

Regards,

John B.

Kostas1

What type of cloth did you use;

drube

Thanks John for the link and info, I will read all I can there. Kostas, I don't know the type/brand but it's 3/4 oz cloth the guys at the hobby shop cut off a roll for me. They use the same cloth on planes they build,glass and paint.

drube

John, After reading the "Finding The Right Skin For Your Warbird" section,I think i'll try water based poly next time. Thanks for the tip! The fumes from Deft are really strong, too strong for me in mywell ventilatedgarage. I know the wifey will be happy.

foodstick

You know after seeing this thread it just dawned on me.. I used to see a lot of these nice little hellcats.. But I don't even recall the last time I ran across one .

Chad Veich

My Feedback: (60)

I spoke with my brother today drube and confirmed that I still have the Hellcat parts. (They are stored at his shop) He said that even though all the items are new in the box the canopy does have a small crack in it. He indicated that it was still a useable canopy so I'm assuming the crack must be on a frame. I will pick the parts up tomorrow and see for myself. I'll shoot some pictures of the parts and email them to you if you will provide me with your email address. Mine is below.

Chad
[email protected]

PS - Thanks for the compliments regarding my Hellcat, much appreciated.

Chad Veich

My Feedback: (60)

Drube,

Here are the Hellcat accessories I have. Cowl and dummy radial/head rest are still brand new and have never been out of their packaging. The canopy is cracked worse than I suspected as seen below. The crack is contained within the rear window area of the cockpit. The windscreen and sliding hood portions of the canopy are perfect. Not sure if you can do anything with it or not. I'll send you a PM regarding the parts as well.

drube

Thanks Chad, I'll take them.