2 Mustangs in 2 Weeks

[Mitch]

Thanks, I'll go with that. The only other way is pegs and rubber bands, but I want a smooth finish. I plan to sheet the top front of the wing between F1 and F2. Epoxy 2 magnets. Insert a cross member inside the fuselage and epoxy 2 more. The wing already gained 2 more grams with the bottom of the ribs added. I think mostly from the glue.


Here is the underside of the wing now. Not much added. Just enough to remove that straight line. I do not believe air wants to travel in a straight line and that may cause turbulence. I think this will look better and work better.

I do NOT know... It is just what I think. If Miss Scarlet flies well AND survives her COMBAT MISSION, I will use her as a test plane for wing design!

So, finish sanding and wing attachment. After work make a nose block and final check, start covering... with Red, maybe I'll get my Silver today. Mitch

[SpiceMan]

Hi Mitch,
Just a suggestion ... you might want to check the "pull strength" on these magnets before setting things up to use a total of 4 magnets. You may find that using just 2 will provide more than enough grip strength.
I'm concerned that if you use 4, that something will get broken when separating the wing from the fuselage. Wouldn't want that.
Your builds are looking FANTASTIC

[Mitch]

Hi Guys... I got home about an hour ago and made the nose block:

Made from Plywood, hole big enough for my "Blast Tube", Peck Thrust bearing and some tiny Earth magnets (4)... Total weight 10g.

I got those Earth Magnets at a Hobby Shop. I will assemble tonight and test the "PULL" strength. I have bigger ones if needed for the wing. I have some Bass wood I will install as the "holding" cross pieces for that.

More Latter... now diner with my daughter... Mitch

[Mitch]

Not much done the past 2 days on the model. I was busy with other stuff (went to a M/C show). But I got my Silver paper!
...and I installed the magnets:

I decided to make extra nose blocks (3 total). When the prop shaft is installed and bent it will be difficult to remove. I plan to have different props and see which one works best.
The Plywood B-0 will be glued to B-0. It has a round hole large enough for my blast tube. Then the nose block will just pop on and off!
I used 4, 1/8 inch round magnets for the nose block and 2, 1/4 inch round magnets for the wing.

I will paint the nose block and spinner tomorrow, and cover the model. If all goes well do some glide tests and trim flights on Monday and Tuesday.

Leaving on the road trip on Wednesday Morning!

Mitch

[Wildpig]

Is your nose block adjustable? I don't see any feature for this.

[Mitch]

No. Although I bought 2 plastic adjustable thrust bearings, I decided not to use them at this time. I built the model (B-0) with what I believe is a 3 degree down thrust. I realized the balsa B-0 is not strong enough to handle the rigors of combat, so I made another B-0 from plywood at that will be glued to the model. That will stay there, so I opened up the hole to the size of my blast tube. The nose button fits snug in the hole of the face plate, but has enough room so I can install a shim and move the thrust to a slightly different direction.

Step 1: Finish the model
Step 2: Adjust the model for glide

I hope I can have enough adjustment to get Miss Scarlet to fly properly. But today I have to cover her, so I will deal with one step at a time.

Step 3: Choose the proper POWER combination. Rubber to Prop size / pitch.
Step 4: Check and adjust model for powered flight.

Mitch

PS I just weighed all the parts I have... Minus the rubber. (Model is a skeleton) Miss Scarlet is weighing in at 60 grams! I hope to keep her under 75. My Me109 Miss Freddrich weighs 80 AUW. The Me 109F will receive a little TLC today.

[Mitch]

At the end of the day:

The model weighs now 70 grams. The paper need to be wet and shrunk. Then a light coat of sealer.
Then I need to add minimal details and lines...
Well I didn't make 2 Mustangs, but I didn't really have 2 weeks either... It has been only 10 days.
My new fear is that she may end up nose heavy. We'll see...

Mitch

[Mitch]

I was busy with my daughter all day today... Getting school transcripts (3 schools) and "hand deliver" to UW, Seattle.

Back at the factory... The Mustang skin is shrinking and I thought I would cover my PT:

I do not think I will have time for pre-flight tests... It will be build, pack, and GO!

Balance and pre-flight checks... AT THE FIELD!

Mitch

[Wildpig]

Is the PT a Comet model? Sorry if you mentioned that already, first I've seen of it.

I've been thinking about getting a kit, I see them on Ebay occasionally.

[Mitch]

The PT 19 is a walnut scale 19 inch ws dumas kit. I showed you the skeleton on the 500 series thread:

This gave me practice for shrinking paper on thin tail surfaces. Very light spray of water, then pass the part though the mist. Then clamp flat, with air underneath.

So I did the 'Stang tail the same way. These are the thinest (1/16) pieces I have created that are nearly perfectly straight!

The Pictures show models with shrunk tissue and a spray of Mono Kote Clear finish... This is like dope in a spray. I usually put 2 coats of dope on my models, but these will be considered finished after 1 spray. Next decals and trim parts...

I am pleased with the way the wing came out on Miss Scarlet... She is "Beautiful, Deadly and barley wearing any cloths"..."paint". The bottom of the wing looks even better...

These are 2 of the 6 or so models I will bring to Denver. I will start a post on the trip later with all the models!

Mitch

UPDATE: I thought I would show of her "undersides"

Smooth as a baby's bottom...

[duk774]

Since I haven't done this in a while may I ask what type of pins those are that you're using to hold down the balsa while working on it? I like those and would like to get some. Cost?

Thanks

[Mitch]

Hey All... down in Denver at a Super 8 Motel...with internet

Those are "pin clamps" They fit over a 1 inch T pin. You can get them from SAMS in UK or I think Shorty's basement in TEXAS? They were about 1.99 or something. You get a pack of 28. I think I will order more... Mitch Keep Building!!!

[Bill Gaylord]

Hey All... down in Denver at a Super 8 Motel...with internet

Sounds like you're all set there, as long as you can surf Ebay for kits.

[WIDDOG]

Hi Mitch,

Great Models, Good Hunting and Go Team Guillow's.

[duk774]

GO MITCH! The way those birds look I believe you'll do just fine!
Thanks for the info about the pins.

Bill