Guillows Beaver Build

[Bill Gaylord]

Would you be so kind as to measure the wing area of your model? Inquiring minds want to know.

2-7/8" (2.875") chord. Around 69sq-in total area.
There are also parts for an enlarged tailplane included in the kit, for flying models. I'm not sure if Scigs used them or not?

[scigs30]

Well it has been awhile since I have worked on this kit. At first it was because I was waiting for the wood for the floats to come then I decided it would be too heavy to fly with floats so it was back to the drawing board. If the wood in the kit was contest balsa, I am sure I could get this to ROW and fly, but some of the balsa sheets were a little heavy. Now don't get me wrong, the wood is still lighter than the old 29lb/ft wood in some of my older Guillows kits. Anyway I then decided to add landing gear and make it a US ARMY BEAVER. The problem was I did not have any green tissue so it took me awhile to finally place an order. Yesterday morning I had a couple of spare hours so I covered the plane. I used Esaki Green and black glued on with 50/50 water Elmers glue mixture, then let dry overnight before shrinking. Now she is doped and ready for the details. There are some tricky little areas to cover and I was short on time so I just moistened the Esaki tissue in these areas and stretched to shape. I am talking about the top cowling of the fuselage, top cabin and the wingtips. Now a smarter way would have been to use separate pieces of tissue for ease of application.

[Mfezi]

Scigs, your covering jobs never cease to amaze me. I started on the Porter, and must say these laser cut kits are a joy to build!

[scigs30]

I have bought every laser cut kit that Guillows has come out with.

[Mfezi]

And I can see why! I have the 400 series Spitfire also, but haven't started as I want to convert it to R/C. For years I would essentially make my own kit of parts using better quality balsa, due to (a) the heavy wood in the kits and (b) the die-cutting that wasn't always very accurate. These kits changed all of that though. I am building the Porter as a rubber powered model, so "out of the box" you can say, and since I don't plan to change anything I can really appreciate the quality of the kit. I even plan to use their red domestic tissue, and will only use my own tissue for some of the trim.

Your Beaver, just like your other builds, is an inspiration though. I'd love to hear how it flies when you are done.

[Bill Gaylord]

Looks good Scigs. I had one cabin panel that was cut from heavy wood that I almost recut, although it would have defeated the purpose of having laser cut parts. With an outrunner, the weight was not as much as an issue with rubber though. It would be good if they would sort the best wood for these new LC kits, although for the kit price I can understand the cost of contest balsa. I also can understand the floats being a bit of added load for rubber power.
I ended up at 20gms for 2 floats with 1/32" sheeting and iron-on covering, but they were made from 1/32" sheet formers. It's an intricate task cutting those little formers from the plan and then cutting all the notches for 1/16" stringers, but would probably give you a float set at less than 10gms, without the sheeting and with tissue covering or waterproof Microlite.

[Supercubber95]

Looks awesome so far. I just built that kit not long ago (Thanks David!) and it's a lot of fun. I waited until the LC float kit came out and put that on. Did it like it looked on the box and that thing is cool. Always like the big 'ol engine in the front

[scigs30]

I finished the Beaver today and must say what a great kit. I bought every Guillows kit that is Laser cut because they are great builds. Guillows if you are reading, step to it and finish laser cutting all your other kits. The white tissue that came with the kit is awesome, I think it is Esaki but cannot prove it. I used green Esaki and made my own decals, I wish I would have painted the cabin area, oh well. Final weight is 42 grams and she should be a great flyer.

[scigs30]

Some more.

[Mfezi]

Awesome! Scigs, what type of glue do you use for attaching canopies / windscreens / windows?

[kittyfritters]

Is that weight with or without the rubber? My target weight for the kit was 45 grams without rubber.

[scigs30]

For windows I use Canopy Glue, the white stuff. Howard, the weight is without the rubber. I dare not fly this inside so as soon as the weather improves I will take her out.

[twospruces]

wow, very impressive work.
Quick question; are you using clear dope to coat your tissue, or Krylon, or ?
thanks-

[scigs30]

I brush on 2 coats of clear dope

[twospruces]

great, thanks. i am fully supplied in that case!

i must say i find much inspiration here. love all the pics.