Salutations

[Iplank]

First post so, Hi.

As with most first posts I have a question. It's about the Zero in the 400 (?) series, the 1/16th scale model. Does this kit have instructions to make the control surfaces operable, like the Thunderbolt? I'm working on the Thunderbolt and can probably adapt the instructions to the Zero, but I'd rather have everything figured out for me in advance.

BTW, can anyone comment on the laser cut kits? How sharp are the parts coming out of the sheets?

[backyardbalsapilot]

The 400 series Zero does not come with instructions for making control surfaces moveable. The kit was intended for static display or rubber/gas power. Also, from my experience with laser cot kits, I can say that the parts come out of the sheets quite easily.

[Mitch]

For the 400 series, I believe the Zero has the best potential for a conversion to powered flight as the tubular fuselage allows ample room for components needed.

Laser cut parts are great but if you make ailerons, you will need to cut a few more parts on your own. That should not be a problem, I believe installing the linkages and servos will be most of the extra work.

[Iplank]

Thanks for the information on the Zero. My intentions are to build to scale for static display and nothing looks scale like operable control surfaces, IMO anyway. I'm looking forward to scratch building the cockpit with plastic, if I don't get too frustrated doing the same with the Thunderbolt. I tried to find a better engine but it seems no one makes any in 1/16th scale. I have seen what some skilled individuals do with plastic disc and bits in creating a scale radial but I'm afraid that's more than I could accomplish.

I have 2 of Platt's short kits squirreled away for RC purposes, a Zero and a FW 190. Guillow kits are good practice, it'll hone my skills with doing scale hinges and I'm thinking of fiber glassing instead of using tissue. We have some long winters in Maine.

[davidchoate]

If You are building for display The ailerons should be easy. You sometimes can not get them exact to scale because they will not be enough to work with as scale ailerons are not that large, and when I tried to follow the scale lines the result was i could not get them to look like they followed the aerofoil of the wing.

[Iplank]

Good to know, it'll save me time trying to satisfy my retentive nature. I guess that's why they have a stand off scale category in this hobby. Stand off and squint at it.

I wish this board would allow the pictures to be magnified. But it can't be missed that even with the small picture your rudder fin relationship stands out much better than if the demarcation line was penciled in.

Magnifying the picture would be nice, except if I post any, then the warts will remain hidden.

[David Lewis]

Hold both the Ctrl and + key down at the same time to magnify a web page.

[sandman]

Good tip David. How do I allow non-members to see the pictures I post? I cant see some pictures unless im logged in.

[davidchoate]

I usaed to know thge reason for itr,but

i forget.

[BillParker]

How do I allow non-members to see the pictures I post? I cant see some pictures unless im logged in.

Photos that are "attached" to your post will only be browsable by logged in members. Pics that are "linked" will show to all...

Linked:



attached:

[sandman]

I guess that's why they have a stand off scale category in this hobby. Stand off and squint at it.

That's funny Iplank! I didn't mean to hijack your post but my question was on the subject. Thanks Bill Parker for answering my question. Your a credit to this forum and its people like you who make this hobby so enjoyable.

[tom arnold]

Bill, what event prompted all those displayed frameworks? It looks like an FAC judging with no tissue! I am dying of curiosity.

[BillParker]

okay, so...

you know that guy at the park that plays 20 guys at once in chess?

this is my version... Can you actually build 20 of em at once?

Yes, you can. But by the time you're covering them, it gets a bit boring. (I'm actually painting them right now, but it bacame 30 at once before we got to the paint shop......)

oh, and... Thank you for the kind words!


bp

[davidchoate]

Holy sh** Bill. I thought I had a lot of projects at once goin ! Very nice job on those display Jets.

[BillParker]

Thanks man!

The plastic jets were from an earlier round, where I did thirteen at once.