Next project on the workbench is the 1/40th Stearman from paper-replika.com. Designed by Julius Perdana. Nice and simple - should be a quick build!
First the wing spar formers are cut out quite roughly at first.
I decided to replace the actual spar with bamboo skewers to add a bit more rigidity to the wings.
Here's a little trick. Soak the spar formers in thin super-glue and they become rock hard making them 'sandable'.
Once they are glued to the spars sand them on a flat surface to make them level.
To tack the wings together I use double-sided tape, and if you are careful you can prise it open, if you make a mistake.
After the wings are secured I give them a very light sand with a very fine sandpaper just enough to remove burrs and smooth the joint.
Next I used acrylic paints mixed to match the colour of the wing and carefully touched up the raw white edge. It's important to colour all the cut edges - it will elevate the look of the model 100%.
Next I secured the wing with a thin bead of P.V.A. around the edge and using clips I secured the wing to a straight edge to maintain a straight wing.
In some parts the wing pulled slightly apart at the seam. This was corrected by adding a bit more P.V.A. and closing the join with clips.
Next the wing trailing edge fillet was added.
Next up was the engine. Pre-curved around a pair of scissors.
I decided to make some discs to keep the engine in shape. These were cut out using a circle cutter to make a perfect circle.
The engine cylinders were soaked in super-glue to allow me to sand a consistent groove into the top of each one.
I painted each cylinder block black before gluing the paper faces on each one.
Once the engine was assembled i touched up all the exposed cut edges with a dab of black.
I pre-formed the fuselage sections by pulling it across the edge of my workbench this induces a bit of curve which helps to form the cylindrical body. I then painted the exposed edges and then some inside where additional parts will be fitted. This stops any white showing once the build is finished.
I cut off the tabs as I wanted a butt join (which is neater) so I glued in some tabs along the fuselage join.
I used the supplied bulkheads to cut 1mm thicker versions to form the fuselage shape. The edges of these were soaked in super-glue so I could sand them to a more rounded shape. The thicker material gives a better edge to glue to.
The cockpits were cut out, and for a better finish, were scored on the white side to prevent the printed side cracking.
Once again the edges and sides were painted to match the finish.
Next up - the engine cowling. Made the same way as the fuselage, pre-curved, with a tab to join them, and the edges painted.
As the grey cowling front was a bit flimsy I decided to add ring of card strengthened with super glue.
With rounded parts it's important to maintain their shape using whatever formers fit.
I strengthened this part using super-glue sparingly - just enough so it doesn't stick to your former!
After a LOT of test fitting (and swearing) the fuselage parts are all together. I used the join in the bottom of the body to mkae sure it was all straight.
Next up the bottom wing was slotted through the fuselage and the engine added to the front.
Using all the same techniques as previously the rear wing and tail were made up...
...and added.
Wheels were cut out using a circle cutter. I decided to make the wheels a bit chunkier by adding thicker card to the width of the tyre.
As the wheels dried, I cracked on with the wing spars. These were added with no trouble. I tacked them in place with super-glue before strengthening the joins with P.V.A once the wings were on.
I made the wheel supports out of paper (after gluing the originals to too thicker card) thinner paper allows the shape to be formed much easier. I used some cocktail sticks and skewers to form the shape and strengthen them as they would have to support the weight of the model.
When dry the wheels were painted and axles formed around a cocktail stick. I always put pins through wheels as this gives a good centre (and also makes it easier to fix them to the vehicle).
Some glazing was cut from clear plastic and the frames added.
The prop was cut out and bent to 'propeller' shape and added to the engine with a pin. This has the added bonus of spinning if you blow it. Wheeeeeeee!
The model is now complete.
Another view of the completed model...
...and now some beauty shots.
x
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