Guillows Series 800 - Bell P 39D Airacobra Blown to 70"

[BillParker]

Ok, here goes. 70" wingspan plan is blown 300%... Stll deciding: RED STARS, or USAAC... Green Cammo, or Desert... Thoughts, anyone?

[scigs30]

You are an animal.....

[BillParker]

Yep!

That'd be me!




Just got started on the drafting. I'm going to try to document this time all the "blow-up" procedures as far as how I create parts that would ordinarily come with the kit. PLASTICS specifically. Lots of guys are vacuforming parts, and some are making them out of fiberglass. I try to make most of the plastic parts be part of the plane itself, that is to say made of wood and "built-up" and covered with fabric. It's lots like sculpture, only not so much talent required... If you get my drift. What I'm working on now is adding the canopy and nose cowl onto the top and bottom fuselage keels, so as to complete them as the fuse goes together, rather than "bolt on" after assembly. Once done with all the plan modifications, and drafting up the extra parts required, I'll begin laminating and cutting out the templates ready for transfer to the plywood. Photos soonest!


bp

[BillParker]

I HAVE THE BUILD PHOTOS PAGE SET-UP AT:


http://www.parkerinfo.com/ap63.htm

Hit reload or refresh in you browser window each time you visit to see the latest updates. Not much there yet, but there will be...

bp

[peterc4]

WOW...I blew that plan up to 200% and got scared off. 300%??? I bow down in awe!

I was thinking of "sculpting" (hack and sand in my case) some parts from blue-foam. Seems like the effort in making vacuform blanks would only be worth the effort if I was going to make more than one plane (extremely unlikely).

Anyway...keep posting... I want to see this beast come to life. Hopefully it'll motivate me to get going on my puny 200% version.

I wish Guillows would reissue this kit. (HINT HINT HINT mr/ms moderator)

[BillParker]

Thank you for the moral support...

I've just finished the drafting, and after a quick trip to the store tomorrow, (I've run out of clear packing tape) I'll begin laminating and cutting out all the templates... Then on to putting the templature on wood, then we finally get to make some sawdust!

Pics tomorrow...


bp

[tom arnold]

Bill, you are an amazing and prolific builder but I have got to ask: what do you do with your models when they are completed? They are a bit big to hang in the shop.

[BillParker]

It's funny you ask, as I have three of em right this minute that I'm trying to get rid of...

Usually I give em away to kids or guys, kids with kewl moms, or guys with wives with a sence of humor. But it's kind of dry in that regard right this minute, so...

They're having a neighborhood wide "garage sale tomorrow here. Everyone is supposed to just put stuff out front, and sell it. So, I'm gonna put a "free" sign on some airplanes, and see what happens...


bp

[pjstrains]

Bill

If I werent as poor as dirt right now, I would definitely have taken a ride over to see your "sale"......

Your work ethic is impressive.

Paul

[kittyfritters]

I'm very interested to see how this one turns out. This kit was probably the best one Guillow has produced.

[BillParker]

Good to see you, Howard!

Paul, save up and drive over. I'll put you to work making sawdust!

Moving along....



Step by step:

http://www.parkerinfo.com/ap63.htm


bp

[bsadonkill]

How about olive drab with stars and bars and a white tail. The 71st Tactical Reconnaissace Group, New Guinea 1944-45.

[BillParker]

Step by step:

http://www.parkerinfo.com/ap63.htm

Be sure to reaload your browser window...


bp

[BillParker]

She's starting to look a bit like an airplane...





Build photos at:

http://www.parkerinfo.com/ap63.htm

Be sure to reload your browser window...


bp

[BillParker]

First Mock-Up...