Scale Don Smith P-51 Mustang
- Thread starter stangflyer
- Start date
Snoopy1
640cc Uber Pimp
That is going to be awesome plane. That looks like a real build lots of parts and you have to know what you are doing.
The comment that @acerc reminds me of a friend that was really into scale World War Two British war birds, he use to say when building the planes they are never done, you just decide to stop and say it is done.
The comment that @acerc reminds me of a friend that was really into scale World War Two British war birds, he use to say when building the planes they are never done, you just decide to stop and say it is done.
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stangflyer
I like 'em "BIG"!
Fantastic build Rob! But remember one thing, the construction is the quickest part, it is the finish work that takes all the time.
Thank you guys. I am a little disappointed in the plans on this plane. They really only suggest a very minor amount of information. I spent quite a bit of the day just trying to understand how all the pre-cut wood parts are supposed to fit together. The information is a little sketch at best. Oh sure, gluing in ribs to the leading edge is easy enough. But I am finding a bit of an issue with the leading edge and rudder post and how it is all supposed to come together. I plan to build the other half of the fin/rudder assembly and then hopefully the light will come on for the leading edge of the rudder. Then I can dig out the stabs/elevators and make the necessary attachment adjustments before both structures are finally attached to the fuse. The attachment will not be for a long time yet that is for sure. I only can imagine if the building is the quickest part, just how much fun the finish work is going to be. Ugh. I will say this though. Once the fuse was completely framed, the sanding and shaping has actually been quite enjoyable. I am one of those guys that "has" to see constant progress to keep me happy. Seeing the fuse come into its own has been a real thrill. But one other thing is certain. I highly doubt I will be to the point that I just decide to stop and say it is done. I am pretty sure the day it flies, that will be the day I am done. LOL.
stangflyer
I like 'em "BIG"!
So what does one do when they can't sleep in the wee little hours of Sunday morning? Well read what everyone else has been up to the last week of course. Duh! Sorry for not updating everyone sooner. I do have a few new photos to upload. The Fin and rudder are over half done now. I will get the photos and description updated soon.
You fellas have been doing some really neat stuff lately. Really hard for an old guy like me to compete. Keep up the awesomeness gents.
You fellas have been doing some really neat stuff lately. Really hard for an old guy like me to compete. Keep up the awesomeness gents.
stangflyer
I like 'em "BIG"!
Yes I think we all noticed that you were up last night. I think I had 25 Alerts. Ok now it is time to build that Mustang
stangflyer
I like 'em "BIG"!
I spent a few more hours with the fin and rudder this morning. Now basically done, about all that is left is to build the counter balance for the rudder. Then shape and sand.
There have been a lot of things about this build I just do not understand why they were designed to be built the way they were. Namely for example, the hinge point blocks. According to the plans, a half of a hinge block is glued in to each side of the assemblies. When the other half of the two components are glued together or, for the lack of a better term...assembled on top of one another, everything is supposed to come together. I think it would have made more sense to put full blocks in place. Yes, I already know what some of you may be thinking. So, why didn't I do it that way? Simple, I am trying to go "exactly" from the plans. I know me well enough to know that when I start altering construction methods, too much weight gets inadvertently added. Suffice it to say, everything aligned up perfectly. I gave the structures a little "twist" once all the sheeting was in place. Talk about strong. I could not put any form of twist on either the fin or the rudder. I suppose if I really tried, they would both break quite easily. But that would not be normal "torsional" stress the airframe will endure under normal flight conditions.
I will probably get to a little more of the Behemoth Stang build in a few days. I should have everything I need now for the main wing construction. We'll see how it goes. Hopefully I can get the wings framed up soon.
There have been a lot of things about this build I just do not understand why they were designed to be built the way they were. Namely for example, the hinge point blocks. According to the plans, a half of a hinge block is glued in to each side of the assemblies. When the other half of the two components are glued together or, for the lack of a better term...assembled on top of one another, everything is supposed to come together. I think it would have made more sense to put full blocks in place. Yes, I already know what some of you may be thinking. So, why didn't I do it that way? Simple, I am trying to go "exactly" from the plans. I know me well enough to know that when I start altering construction methods, too much weight gets inadvertently added. Suffice it to say, everything aligned up perfectly. I gave the structures a little "twist" once all the sheeting was in place. Talk about strong. I could not put any form of twist on either the fin or the rudder. I suppose if I really tried, they would both break quite easily. But that would not be normal "torsional" stress the airframe will endure under normal flight conditions.
I will probably get to a little more of the Behemoth Stang build in a few days. I should have everything I need now for the main wing construction. We'll see how it goes. Hopefully I can get the wings framed up soon.
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