First Build, Skyraider

[Bus23sDriver]

Hi everyone! My name is Jess and this is my first post and build. I was thinking I would post pictures of the build and you guys could tell me if I'm doing it right. I'm building the Skyraider kit. I have experience building plastic models and wanted to try a balsa kit. A year ago or so I got to see people flying RC planes and I was fascinated as much by the building as the flying!

DSC00317.JPG

In this picture is the stabilizer. I think it came out pretty good, still have to trim and sand it.

Rudder.jpg

This is the start of the rudder.

I have two questions:
1. When pinning the balsa stripes (or any of the parts) down do you want them exactly in the lines on the plan? Or is it OK to have them fit snugly together? If you look at the center stringer you can see where I brought the strip over to meet R4. Is that OK?

2. How do you not make the notches too deep?

[Bus23sDriver]

One more quick question, the stringers are supposed to be level with the formers when they are in place, right?

[Wildpig]

1. It's better to have them fit snugly than have a gap. But, right on the lines makes for a prettier model

2. Put a back stop on the notcher. I'll post a picture later, my break is over.

3. Stringers level with the former when installed.

[Bus23sDriver]

Thank you Wildpig. Will not having something directly within the lines create any structural problems later?

[Wildpig]

It won't cause any structural problems. But it can have a problem on fit of other parts. In other words, you shift one piece then you may have to shift the next piece, and the next, and then you might have a problem.

If you cut a piece too short. It's best just to put it in your scrap pile and cut a new piece. Balsa is fairly cheap.
You can go to a craft store and buy balsa, just to have laying around, if you are planning on building more models. You'll need it, if you are going to fly your model.

If the piece is a factory die-cut part and it's the wrong dimension.... which rarely happens...*cough-cough*
then you can use the template on your plans to make another part. A good habit is to check the dimension of your part against the template on the plans before you pin it to the plan.

[Wildpig]

2. How do you not make the notches too deep?

I assume you mean the notches in the formers.
This thread might help:
http://balsamodels.com/phpBB/viewtopic. ... her#p15551

[Bus23sDriver]

Yeah that helps a lot! I'll definitely have to build one of those! Thanks again.

[Bus23sDriver]

Here are some quick updates. I finished the rudder other than trimming and sanding.

Rudder.jpg

I told my boyfriend about how to make the device to cut out the notches with sandpaper and some of the stringer pieces. He said why not use a file. So that is what we did! You just have to be extra careful and go gently. I was really worried about knowing how to get the notches to just the right depth but as you can see in the pictures, I just used a piece of the 1/16th stringer to measure with. It really works slick.

Notches in Former A.jpg

[Wildpig]

Moving right along with the first build. Looks good.

[Bill Gaylord]

The Skyraider is a nice build. I believe Kittyfritters built one here recently, and did a few mods to make the nose a bit more scale. I built one years ago, and also remember modifying the nose a bit, for a more rounded fuse. With the Skyraider's flat fuse sides and bottom, the built-up kit makes for a good rendition. I'd like to build another one, doing a few things differently than I did years ago.

[Bus23sDriver]

Thank you Wildpig!

Bill what would you do differently?

I finished notching all the formers and ribs during the Nascar race last night. I also glued the two halfs of the fuselage together at the back. I may start putting the wings together later if I have time.

[Bill Gaylord]

Thank you Wildpig!

Bill what would you do differently?

Probably things that wouldn't concern most people, as I use iron-on coverings and convert these models to micro rc. FWIW, I would have used lighter covering than the heavy iron-on used on the model. I now use Coverite Microlite iron-on, which is not much heavier than painted tissue. Mine is now a bit heavy for rubber powered flight, especially with the needed nose ballast. I used 1/32" sheet for the tail surfaces, which can be built lighter using light frame construction, eliminating or reducing the need for nose ballast. Beyond those things, I probably would have built it for micro rc, if done more recently. I have the 16" Stuka and FW190 flying well as rc conversions, and the Skyraider should be a better conversion subject than either of those two planes.

[Bus23sDriver]

I know it has been a while so I wanted to do an update on how things are going. I had a bunch of time today to work on the Skyraider and I took some pictures!

This is the left wing as it was being assembled.

Left wing.jpg

Here is the fuse as it was also being put together.

Fuse.jpg

Finished fuse.

Fuse finished.jpg

[Bus23sDriver]

This is the left wing finished.

Right wing finished.jpg

I had to fix a few things. Somehow there were gaps so I filled them in. The arrows point to the "fixes". I hope this was the right thing to do, I figured leaving gaps would be kinda pointless and a weak point. One was on the wing tip.

Left wing tip fix.jpg

The other was between the leading edge and one of the ribs.

Left wing fix.jpg

[Bus23sDriver]

Lastly here are all the finished parts. Left wing, Stabilizer, Rudder and Fuselage. Of course I still have to add the spars to the fuse and finish the right wing. I'm surprised at how fast it all came together. I did work for several hours and I took my time to make sure everything was squared up and fit together correctly. I really had a good time today!

Rudder, Stabilizer, Left wing, and Fuse finished.jpg