Layout Question

[regular guy]

Guillow's Model Builders

let me see if i've got this right.

i lay the plans on the workboard. ( i see why plans in a roll are desirable! )

i put the wax paper over them.

i line up parts with plans.

that's it?

that's as accurate as it has to be?

Have A Nice Day!

[Wildpig]

That's it.

You can use an iron on a low heat setting to help smooth out the plans. No steam, use dry heat.

[Arlo DiPasquale]

I just use lots of thumbtacks and reverse fold the plans. This works pretty well, but I can see how ironing them could work better.

[BillParker]

I get the plans all set up on the board, and then stand there and stare at it for a few days. I call it, "the staring at the plan stage..."

[Xanadu]

I get the plans all set up on the board, and then stand there and stare at it for a few days. I call it, "the staring at the plan stage..."

That is the best thing to do, study the plans first............

[StefanJ]

I reinforce the tack-down points of the plans with "Scotch tape."

Carefully cut out and sort the stringers. Bundle by size, using paper strips.

I've seen folks here sand, cut out, and sort all of the frame pieces into sandwich bags before starting construction. That's a great idea that I'm going to try on my next build.

[jpuke]

I take the plans to the copier at work and I make copies of specific areas of the plans so I'm not dealing with the whole plan as I work. You can usually get the entire fuselage plan on one sheet, one wing per sheet, etc. They charge me $.01 per copy so it's a cheap way of keeping the plans in better shape if I need them later.

[regular guy]

Guillow's Model Builders

Hobbylinc carries plan protector sheets.

i guess somebody could get the file for plans from

Guillow's and plot them out on one smooth sheet.

Have A Nice Day!

[Xanadu]

Wax paper is so much cheaper, and works well.

[Arlo DiPasquale]

"Saran" plastic wrap also works pretty well.

[regular guy]

Guillows Model Builders

so laying the sticks on top of the plans

is accurate enough?

measuring and checking with a square is optional?

Have A Nice Day!

[Mfezi]

Hi Regular Guy

I noticed that you ask a lot of questions on this site about building - occasionally you even repeat the same question several times if you are not satisfied with the answers. I firmly believe there is no such thing as a stupid question, and I commend you for doing your research thoroughly. However, if you would allow me to give you some advice... Take into account that although I have been building all sorts of models for more than 30 years, I don't have as much time to spend on my hobby as I would like and as such I am not nearly as experienced or good as some of the builders posting on this site.

I think you should just go ahead and try things. Forget about what is considered right or wrong. Some the simpler models, which you have wisely decided to build first, are robust enough in their designs that a few small mistakes or a slight misalignment will not seriously affect their flying abilities. Just do it. If something looks a little off at the end, then perhaps come back here and ask if someone can give you tips on how to avoid that particular problem on your next build. Don't try too hard to make your first few models perfect. Just build them, enjoy the experience and watch your own abilities improve automatically while you are having fun.

These kits are not that expensive and the ones you are planning to build don't take that long to build. Don't worry so much about making a mistake. You can afford it.

The same goes for the tools you use. You need very little to successfully make a model. Don't spend too much money on tools now. Get the bare necessities mentioned on the plans or in the instructions. Once you built a few models, you will start to realize which tools are worth investing in and which ones are really unnecessary. I have built everything from little sheet models through to scratch-build (own designed) large scale radio control models and have never felt the need to buy dedicated plan protector material. The cheapest wax paper from the grocery store has always worked just fine for me. Others use Saran wrap, which I believe work just as well.

Sorry for the "lecture". I am just concerned that you are so worried about small details that you are missing out on the fun of actually just making the models. I occasionally build one of the cheapest and simplest models I can get, go out to the park with my 3-year old son and fly the model to destruction. Sometimes I feel that type of trimming/flying session teaches me more than what I learned from the most complex R/C models I have built.

Cheers,
Bennie

[regular guy]

Guillow's model builder's

i'm just going to go with laying the sticks on the plans

is accurate enough for the Guillow's 4000 series.

all the other stuff, steel rules, squares and jigs are for

making display model look nice or making contest flyer fly straight.

Have A Nice Day!

[Mfezi]

Hi Regular Guy

Yes, just lay the sticks on top of the drawings and follow the instructions printed on the plans. When you trim the sticks for the frame, it helps to spend some time "dry fitting" the parts before gluing them. That means cut the stick to the right length - compare it to the drawing and if it is too long trim it a little more with a knife or some sand paper until it fits. If it is too short, just cut another one - most guillows kits have more than enough sticks. A good fit helps to create a better glue bond. I find a single-edged razor blade very useful for trimming sticks to length, but a xacto blade or any other sharp hobby knife will also work. Again, don't feel like you now have to go out and look for a single-edged razor blade. Use what you have.

All the guillows models can be built accurately without any special jigs. Squares are useful to align things when you start assembling the separate frames, making sure formers are perpendicular to the plan (on the scale models) and ribs are perpendicular to the plan when you glue them. As I said, just go ahead and do it. I think you are way too nervous... After a few models it will become obvious to you where you need to pay special attention with accuracy.