An accidental novice

[Smee]

So, here’s my story so far.

One dull Saturday afternoon a few weeks back, not sure what to do with myself, I thought ‘I know, I’ll build a model airplane’. I’d built a few Airfix models as a kid so how difficult could it be, right?

So off I went to my local model shop and found a flying model Spitfire. The picture looked good and I thought the cut-away pictures were quite clever.

I’m not sure what the shop assistant thought of me after I’d asked for glue when he asked if I had enough pins (pins..?). ‘Err… no’ was my response and similar responses followed regarding dope (what ?) and thinners (OK gotta paint it sometime) and knife (OK, I get that) and I duly left the shop with a bag of stuff but not quite sure why.

I get home and open the box, and to be honest my first thought was ‘Arrgh…where’s the wings!’ (Airfix models, remember?). So after looking at it for a while with the same kind of comprehension a chimp would give a Rubik’s cube it dawned on me, this could actually be fun!

So I haven’t started the build yet (Spitfire kit 504) as I’ve taken some time to clear a decent work space in the spare room and getting in a few bits such as build boards & wax paper. I don’t intend to rush anything and I’ve picked up a few hints from the forum already but if anyone has any suggestions or advice for a complete and utter novice they will be gratefully received.

[joecrouse]

http://ars.userfriendly.org/cartoons/re ... id=3557732

Try that Smee

Its for an FW 190 but the ideas are the same. and its from out of the box to covering if you follow it far enough.

[Phugoid]

Hi Smee,

Not to dampen your enthusiasm, but you've probably chosen one of the hardest birds to get to fly (assuming you want to get it to fly, not a static display).

My advice is put the spit back in the box for now, and buy something a little easier to build and trim. I think that the easiest is either the Cessna 180 or piper cub, if you look at the Cessna 180 group build thread, that I started and many others contributed to it covers pretty well much everything you need to do.

The kit is one of the cheapest to buy, I have to admit that a Cessna is no rival for supermarine's finest but it will reward you with some pretty good flights if you build it straight and true....

Andrew

[Wildpig]

Good choice of activities on a dull day. Some folks would end up in mischief.

Have you seen this forum thread on building the Guillow Cessna 180? Lots of helpful information there.

I think what joecrouse linked to, will be informative.

Here are some pointers from me.
Use a notcher to cut out the 1/16" sections out of the Formers. You can use a #11 Xacto but the wood can split with that method. There are pictures of notchers on this forum.
IF you plan to fly your model, build it without the landing gear.
Did you get some sandpaper? I like to use 220 grit and then finish with 320.
Cover your building plans with wax paper.

Have fun.

[John G Jedinak]

SMEE.....I am currently building the 504 and it is moving along nicely. I don't build to fly, only static, so I can't address that issue. What I can offer is that the kit includes a "How To" booklet, and if you follow those instructions closely (even though the example is not the Spitfire) you will be pleasantly suprised with the final result. Good luck!!!

[squirlye]

You are already on the right path by joining this forum. There is so much good information here you can't go wrong. But I am sure you will cut few parts wrong, glue something upside down etc... But the good thing is you can go back to the hobby store and buy some replacement wood and recut a new piece. Or you can order replacment parts from Guillow online. If you can build a decent plastic model, you will be fine. Modeling is modeling enjoy it.

[paul]

Be patient
learn from these guys and enjoy the building
You are now hooked with balsa, plastic is no more (Like me)

[Marshdweller]

Like Paul, I am also a recent convert from plastic to balsa (though I haven't given up on the plastic altogether!)

As such, I can empathise with your position, but probably not offer a lot of advice, other than the following simple points:

1. Don't expect it to fly, but if/when it doesn't try to work out why not, and correct that on the next one (there WILL be a next one).

2. Read Phugoid's Cessna 180 thread. It's very good.

3. Visit virtualaerodrome.com - this forum and VA are turning into two of my favourite websites. If you do visit it, pay particular attention to the beautiful builds of David Duckett (his work is also on here) and Poppy (there are certainly others but these are the two who have caught my eye so far).

One of my favourite things about these two forums is the friendly atmosphere. I was starting to find the attitude of some members of the plastic forums a little grating, but not here. Everyone is more than happy to share advice and tips and give encouragement.

[Smee]

Thanks all for your comments & feedback.

As this is my first build I am not going to worry about flying it. I’m going to be happy if I end up with a fuselage that’s not bent like a banana and the wings not glued on upside-down

I’ve started reading through the Cessna 180 group build and I’ll check out the other references suggested

I’ll let you all know how I get on. Thanks again.

[Mitch]

WELCOME,

I have always enjoyed building these models since I was a kid.

I feel like I am building a real airplane from the "Blueprint" plans

Good Luck and Have Fun, Mitch