Bought this kit and the 504 Spitfire at a hobby shop a couple weeks ago, and kinda left 'em on the shelf 'til a couple days ago. This is basically gonna be a build thread, and my overall first impressions of Guillows kits.
Basically, this series is horrifically out of date. Guillows has failed to update this series with modern materials since the early 1970s, it appears. The wood is cheap, inconsistent (some parts are almost paper like and cut like butter, and others are much more bass-like than balsa), and the die-cutting is not very good. In addition, the retro-ness is kinda cool and kind of a turn-off. It's neat because of the old-timey drawings, and a turnoff because some of it's so blurry and unattractive to modern builders. In addition, there are some misspellings in the handbook ("Most of excess canopy stock can be cut away with with sicissors."). It just doesn't seem inviting to a new builder. For one thing, cutting out the slots on the formers was tedious and full of breakage. To older builders who grew up building these, it's probably a nice warm walk down memory lane. However, crashes due to bad materials aren't something I'd picture as nostalgic
To current builders, working around some of the flaws is a bit of a challenge. I like challenges, though.On a positive note, most of the parts being pre-cut is a nice touch for beginners, and helps speed up construction. The vacuum-formed parts are OK, although cutting them out neatly is not my forté. It's come together quite fast, and the fact that the stringers are all one size and come somewhat attached together keeps things neat. The background info is interesting, and the specs and color-scheme give good modelling ideas. The blank white tissue is well-suited for custom color-schemes, and the decals seem decent. To keep the balance, I've alternated between heavy parts and light parts on formers and stringers.
Onto the pics:
Also, how is the spinner supposed to be attached? Do I cut off the back part, attach the cone over the prop, and then glue the circle thing to the back of the cone between the bearing and prop? Do I get rid of the circle thing? Please help.
Not a bad flight for the first. My problem is getting enough winds on the rubber to keep them going for very long. But, never fear, after you get the trim right, the motor tuned in,and it gets a few good flights some major disaster usually befalls mine, like dog, trees,wild gusts of wind,still it all seems worth the effort if you can get that "one" really nice flight before major repairs are needed. Nice plane and have fun.