Rafa and I will be doing a model using the basic techniques I have always used. The subject has yet to be chosen, but as soon as we do we will let you know and make a cook-up of it.
Lou
Rafa selected the Convair Charger for his first solid wood model. We will be doing a step by step build using the same drawing. Rafa will select his scale preference shortly.
Lou, guys, yes, I've selected the little Charger to make mor justice to the plane than I did in my previous build. I will go for 1/72 scale, which is my favorite, and also will go better with all my other models, also in the same scale.
Here's the 3-view I have of the model. I have the measures stored somewhere. As soon as I find them, I will post them
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_LARAOV10ConvairChargerpost-2-107230.jpg)
http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/displayimage.php?album=180&pos=0
I'm eager to go!!!
Rafa
Excellent Rafa. I will use the same drawings.We need to start with the same size drawing
Are the drawings 1/72 or do you have to resize them?
Do you have the capability to resize them on your PC?
What kind of wood do you have at home?
Lou
I can resize them. By the simple expedient of transferring the drawings to Powerpoint and translating with my ScaleCalc, it is easy.
I have to go to a store to buy wood. I believe pine or basswood can be obtained here without much trouble.
Hah! I found the measures:
Convair Model 48 Charger (1/72)
span: 27'6" = 7.01mt = 9.7 cm
length: 34'10" = 10.3 mt = 13.89 cm
(I live in metric. That's why I translated them like that)
Rafa
Oh!!
According to the sizes listed, How much wood do I have to buy?
In what shapes?
Rafa
Canada is also metric these days. My measurement come out slightly different from your. As to wood size, I don't know what your standard sizes are. here we still use the impreial system of inches and feet for wood. Funny that never converted over. Translated to metric, my piece of wood is 1.8cm X 6.0cm X 24.0cm. That should be sufficient for the build. So any board that has straight grain with no knots will do.
Let me know when you have the wood. I use 2.54cm to the inch for conversion. I will recalculate my numbers before we start.
Lou
I have redone my numbers and keep coming up with 14.75cm and 11.64cm.
Lou
Quote from: lastvautour on October 14, 2008, 06:12:57 PM
I have redone my numbers and keep coming up with 14.75cm and 11.64cm.
Lou
Agreed - When I use ScaleMaster in metric for the source measure, it comes up with my previous results. But when the source measures are in feet, I come up with your result. Let's stick to them, then.
I just came from the wood distributor, and got *for nothing* three scraps of pinewood - two 1.8cm X 6.0cm X 24.0cm and one slightly smaller. Maybe a Mustang and a Spit are inside the extra ones.....
Now I have a subject, Pine wood, and eagerness. What tools do I have to use to perform the next surgery? I have a folding knife, an x-acto, a set of files, sanding paper, a little handsaw, and a dremel. I believe this is primitive and maybe insufficient. Or am I wrong?
My first piece of wood - pardon me, that sounded strange.....
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_ConvairModel48ChargerIMG_4021.jpg)
http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/displayimage.php?album=180&pos=2
The tools I currently have
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_ConvairModel48ChargerIMG_4022.jpg)
http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/displayimage.php?album=180&pos=1
Rafa
You have enough wood and tools carve out your Charger. The first thing is cutting the model pieces. I measure them to be:
Main wing thickness .5cm, cord is 2.9cm and span is 11.6cm
Tail plane thickness .3cm, cord is 1.8cm and span 8.3cm
Booms thickness 1.2, width .9cm and lenght 9.1cm
Fuselage pod thickness is 2.4cm, width 1.2 and lenght is 9.0cm
Vertical tail fins are cut from a piece .3cm thick, 2.0cm high and 3.7 wide.
Use your coping saw to cut the blocks lenght-wise to the grain of the wood. Take your time, we don't have a hard fast schedule.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF3891.JPG)
http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-2022
I cut the fuselage and both booms from one piece of wood and both main and tail plane wings from another. Just draw the lines on the wood for the piece you want and cut it out.
QuoteVertical tail fins are cut from a piece .3cm thick, 2.0cm high and 3.7 wide.
Each fin? or both come out from that piece?
I resized my 3-view to the new dimensions and doesn't coincide. Maybe I'm tired and falling asleep. I'll check tomorrow.
Meanwhile, I'm done cutting the main fuselage pod, both booms, the main wing and the tailplane:
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_ConvairModel48ChargerIMG_4025.jpg)
http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/displayimage.php?album=180&pos=3
I'm one with the wood....
Rafa
Good work Rafa. I will do some more work this afternoon and post some more picture this evening. I printed a two spare copies of the plans and am now cutting out the side view of the fuselage pod and gluing that to the side of the wood block we cut out for the fuselage. To help thing align, the bottom of the fuselage is flat so I aligned the bottom to the edge of the cut out plan to the edge of the block. I will do the same for the engine/tail booms
More to come.
PS I am in the Altantic Time Zone or GMT - 3 hours
Next step it to cut away around the paper drawing glued to the blocks. This can be done for the fuselage and booms
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF3898.JPG)
http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-2030
The larger sections can be removed using a saw or what ever you wish. Save these small pieces as we will be using them for balance weight on the stab and engine exhaust etc.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF3899.JPG)
http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-2029
Using a pocket knife or exacto or a chisel, remove so that you now have the top and bottom 90 degrees to the sides.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF3903.JPG)
http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-2026
Next using a ruler draw lines where the canopy frame but continue the lines to the bottom of the block
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF3907.JPG)
http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-2031
More to follow
Hey!!! This is fun!!!
I confess I had a hard time with the saws at first, but then, the wood yielded and some results started to show. Being a complete wood illiterate -and I mean a complete ignorant- of woodworking, these two afternoons have given me a great time on my bench. I have learned that presses are your best friend for holding things to cut, and wood is not plastic, and not butter, either.
I've cut the center fuselage pod, and will cut the booms tomorrow, you know, She Who Must Be Obeyed demands my presence in the living room to watch two and a half men and The Big Bang Theory. So I must drag my tired, diabetic rear there.
A blurry photo of today's accomplishment:
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_ConvairModel48ChargerIMG_4026.jpg)
http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/displayimage.php?album=180&pos=6
Thanks to Lou, for this. Hey, Lou, how does it feel having someone learn from your experience in the opposite hemisphere?
Saludos,
Rafa
After having cut out the boom, carefully notch the engine intake area.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF3911.JPG)
Now we carry on to continuing the canopy frame lines to the bottom of the fuselage pod. (http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF3908.JPG)
Then extend the lines under and on top of the pod.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF3909.JPG)
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF3906.JPG)
Once done connect the lines on the other side of the pod. This will help align things later.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF3910.JPG)
Next post will be working in the wing and booms.
Moving right along, we need to be careful not to get ahead of our selves. The next step has to be done slowly to achieve decent results. And that is shaping the wing. The temptation is to go right at it and carve that shape. I ruined more wings that way.
First is to look at the drawing and determine that the thickness part of the wing is roughly 1/3 from the from the leading edge so I measured 1.2cm and made a pencil line (softly) the lenght of the top and bottom of the wing. I them placed a line on the front face of the block 0.2cm from the bottom. That leaves 0.3cm above the line. On the rear face of the wing block I placed a line 0.1cm from the bottom and that leaves 0.4cm above the line.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_Convair_Charger_Build_Photo10.JPG)
Now the fun part: The airfoil shape. We are not trying to perfectly make the curvature of the wing, but will settle for a nice smooth airfoil shape. Slowly shape the top and bottom leading edge of the wing. You can draw the shape on the tip face of the block to help you. This can be done using the knife blade(easy there not too much at a time) a file, sandper glued to flat stick or a hand planer if you have one.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_Convair_Charger_Build_Photo11.JPG)
You will find that the bottom of the wing from the 1/3 back will be flat.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_Convair_Charger_Build_Photo13.JPG)
http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-2047
Once the leading edge is nicely shape, the rear 2/3 is shaped. It is not flat but has a long curvature to it.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_Convair_Charger_Build_Photo14.JPG)
http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-2048
once you enlarge the picture you will see the curvature of the wing is smooth although not perfect. Not to worry about the hole in my wing. I am using recycled wood so nail holes are easily filled later. Try to get a fairly smooth finish using 180 or 220 grit paper.
Next the tail plane. It is symetrical so the front and rear face lines will be centered on the wood, but that will be in another post.
Hola, Lou!!!
Each lesson-step is more entertaining than the previous one.
I already notched the air scoops on the engine booms. One thing I worry about is that my shapes are not exactly 90 degrees from the drawing face, courtesy of my poor cutting technique/pulse.
I believe that can be leveled/filled later.
The wing is also almost ready. I gently curved/sloped the profile towards the trailing edge, more or less in shape with the drawing. I have not yet smoothed/finished the surface. The bottom of the wing also needs sanding/filling prior to smooth it out, thanks again to my cutting marks.
This is what I have, so far:
Marked Pod
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_ConvairModel48ChargerIMG_4029.jpg)
http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/displayimage.php?album=180&pos=8
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_ConvairModel48ChargerIMG_4030.jpg)
http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/displayimage.php?album=180&pos=7
Main wing airfoil
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_ConvairModel48ChargerIMG_4034.jpg)
http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/displayimage.php?album=180&pos=10
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_ConvairModel48ChargerIMG_4037.jpg)
http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/displayimage.php?album=180&pos=12
Saludos,
Rafa
Good work Rafa. I was at my Thursday Card Night that I organized and run. When we have odd numbered players I sit out and work on my models. Tonight I mated the wing to the fuselage and the booms to the wing. I will post the photos tomorrow as I am tired and will be going to bed shortly. The minor slips can be corrected. After all it is wood which is very forgiving.
Lou
The vertical stabs or fins are next. The fins are tapered from bottom to top but still flat front and aft. Next shape the front half to a symmetrical airfoil shape. Leave the rear half for now. Look at your pictures to get an idea of the basic shape. Remember this is an ID model destined to be a reasonable facsimile
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/Vertical_Stabs.JPG)
http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-2058
.
Next the horizontal stab is also shaped symmetrical. Draw a center line all around the block and slowly shape to an airfoil contour. Shape the tips and round off using sand paper. Careful not to take to much off. Final trimming can be done later.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_Horisontal_Stab.JPG)
http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-2057
More to come
The booms are next. Cutout a copy of the top view for the booms and glue them on. I only did one but you can do both if you wish.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF3928.JPG)
While the glue is drying, you can flip the boom upside down and mark the leading and trailing edges of the wing. Continue the line all the way around both booms. As you erase a line while carving, replace it from time to time to keep things aligned.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF3930.JPG)
Now carve the boom keeping the sides vertical at this point. You can use whatever tool you wish. I prefer a wood chisel for the majority of my carving, but an exacto knife will do just fine. Once roughly carved, use a sanding stick (flat wood stick with sandpaper glue to it) to smooth things out. Do both booms and compare to make them even.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF3932.JPG)
Another method to make them the same is to do one and flip it over the other and measure then cut. Keep comparing to make use you don't take to much off that second boom.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF3933.JPG)
And now, attached the fins using your favorite glue. I use white carpenter glue or some times I use superglue. Either is OK just make sure you have a good straight bond. Check them frequently to make sure they do not shift. You will notice that the rear of the fin is wider than the tip of the boom. That is OK for now.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF3942.JPG)
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF3943.JPG)
The only thing else at this point is the rounding off of the front propeller spinner area. Mark the centre and then mark a circle where the prop spinner will be attached. Carefully sand the area round(so-so for now)
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF3935.JPG)
Take a break, more to come.
Lou
Wing tips get the next treatment.
Make a line on the wing bottom 2mm from the edge of the wing tips. Then using a copy of the drawing cut the shape of the wing tip as viewed from the top.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF3944.JPG)
Make a line on the wing bottom 2mm from the edge of the wing tips.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF3949.JPG)
The wing tip should look something like this.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF3948.JPG)
Holding the wing upside down, shave the tip until it is bevelled as shown. Do not go beyond the line you drew on the bottom of the wing and do not cut the top of the wing. things should look like this at this point.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF3946.JPG)
Do the other side and voila! the tips are shaped. Viewed from the bottom, you will note that the bevel flattens out a bit at the rear and that is the desired result we are looking for.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF3950.JPG)
Joining the Wing to the fuselage can be made many ways. I prefer the tongue and groove method whenever possible. First mark the location of the fuselage and boom centreline on the upper and bottom wing. Make sure the lines are straight as this will affect the overall look of the model.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF3951.JPG)
Make a vertical line to indicate the wing leading edge location and continue the line around the fuselage.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF3952.JPG)
Make a horizontal line to indicate the bottom of the wing. Remember we have a flat bottom wing so line up the line with the lowest part of the drawing's wing shape.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF3953.JPG)
Make a line at the base of the canopy's rear. Make a vertical line to line up with this. Then measure 1cm on the horizontal wing line. Also line off the width of the fuselage on the top and bottom on the wing. You can use the fuselage pod to do this.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF3954.JPG)
In the next post we will carefully remove the blacken sections to mate the wing to the fuselage.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF3955.JPG)
TAKE A BREAK, go for a coffee or a beer, easy on the beer.
More to come.
Using your saw, make cuts inside the black area and slowly test fit the fuselage to the wing. Remove small amounts at a time until you get a snug fit.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF3956.JPG)
When doing the fuselage, make sure you mark both sides to ensure you don't take off too much wood.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF3959.JPG)
Note that I removed the paper from the fuselage where the wings will fit. The thickness of the paper, if left on, will make the wing loose when removed later, so take it off before final fitment of the wing.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF3960.JPG)
Take your time in fitting the wing to the fuselage. Keep checking to make sure the wing and fuselage are aligned. If not, remove a bit here and there to get it straight.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF3957.JPG)
Then after many tries and lots of small cuts, the wing will just slide on in. Note that if the wing contour is as we discussed before and the fuselage was cut to plan, the wing and rear fuselage should mesh quite nicely. Any deviation can be quickly remedied with sandpaper.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF3961.JPG)
PS, Money is from our Euchre night. I charge each player a small fee and give out money prizes at the end of the night.
More to come
Hola, Lou!!!
This is fun and fun and fun!
Ok, this morning, when I saw your posts, I took my pieces and started measuring. I found that my engine booms were totally wrong. Well, I was using a different set of plans, and made some mistakes more. I then made a new set of booms, and started cutting the wing.
The wing and fuselage pod were also a little off, note the different cut I had to make to have the wing and fuselage pod marks match. In the end, I got to the current stage.
Lines and lines and lines in my confusion:
(http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q14/rafaelgonzalez65/Solid%20Model%20-%20Convair%20Charger/ConvairModel48ChargerIMG_4039.jpg)
How It was finished
(http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q14/rafaelgonzalez65/Solid%20Model%20-%20Convair%20Charger/ConvairModel48ChargerIMG_4041.jpg)
(http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q14/rafaelgonzalez65/Solid%20Model%20-%20Convair%20Charger/ConvairModel48ChargerIMG_4042.jpg)
(I put my images directly from photobucket, since the Gallery keeps giving me a "disk storage quota exceeded" message) ???
Rafa
Rafa, Your gallery limit has been increased.
Thanks, RFB!!!
Rafa
Very good Rafa. The booms are notched as per the drawing. I used the flat section of the wing's top as the spar for the wing. Mark and cut out the parts required and again, work slow and take little cuts. As you have already found out, if we mess up it is relatively easy to remake a piece.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF3968.JPG)
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF3971.JPG)
Continuous test fit will get you there.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF3973.JPG)
And voila!
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF3975.JPG)
And things should look something like this.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF3977.JPG)
Once the other boom is notched, test assembly can proceed. The reason I notched the wing in such a fashion is that it is easier to smooth the transition from boom to wing.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF3980.JPG)
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF3982.JPG)
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF3983.JPG)
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF3984.JPG)
Again it is time to take a break and visit with the wife or take a walk.
More to come
We will now blend the rear fuselage pod to the wings. Mark the shape of the rear canopy area.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF3987.JPG)
Make a vertical cut to remove the excess wood.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF3988.JPG)
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF3990.JPG)
Next do the same for the booms. I neglected to take a p[icture with the wing in place while doing this.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF3991.JPG)
More to come
We will now start to shape the booms. Run your pencil approx 1.5mm from the edge of the boom and make a line on both sides of the 4 corners.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF3992.JPG)
Remove the materiel from in between the lines.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF3993.JPG)
We now have a rough squarish shape to the boom that when place with the wing starts to take form.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF3995.JPG)
If you look close, you will see I removed too much wood next to the wing. A bit of putty will fix that latter.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF3996.JPG)
I was a bit careless and damaged the front of the tail fin. This will be repaired so that is not visible after finsihing the model. Also the notch behind the fin will also be fixed later.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF4000.JPG)
More to come.
This is the most fun, instructive and fulfilling modeling experience I've had in my entire life. I was always on the lookout for ways to translate 3-views and diagrams into model form. I believe solid-models are the way. A little study and lots of practice will ensure it. Thanks, Lou. Thanks, Solid-model builders and members of this forum.
Well, today my city, Caracas suffered a massive, general electric power outage.....twice. Just when I entered the site and found today's lesson, by 10:30 am. Power came back at 4 pm and my ISP resumed Internet service by 6 pm. What a boring day, except for a good reading session.
Back to modeling, I followed all the steps, and arrived to the current stage, more and more alike to a live Charger. Again, my inexperienced hand made the cuts, and some gaps were the result, but so far, everything matches.....Here's the piccies...
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_ConvairModel48ChargerIMG_4052.jpg)
http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/displayimage.php?album=180&pos=17
Saludos,
Rafa
Looking good Rafa. You are a very good student. I will continue with pictures shortly.
Lou
This post will deal with shaping the canopy. Make the vertical cuts to isolate the canopy from the fuselage pod.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF4014.JPG)(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF4015.JPG)
Now run lines on top and sides of the canopy to provide you with guidance with cutting wood away.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF4016.JPG)
Remove small amounts at a time and refer to the frontal drawing of the Charger.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF4017.JPG)
Sand everything nice and smooth. Flat sections can be filled with putty and resanded, but if you work slow that should not happen.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF4018.JPG)
Repeat for other side. Got to go take the dog out.
More to come
Lou
Now that both sides are sanded, make sure your canopy frame lines are replaced.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF4020.JPG)
You basically remove the wood from the rear canopy frame line to the base of the fuselage and sand smooth
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF4024.JPG)
Mark off the shape of the front and rear fuselage viewing from the top
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF4025.JPG)(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF4026.JPG)
Again, using a vertical cut remove the excess wood.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF4028.JPG)
Next installment will be rounding the fuselage pod. But that is another day. I have darts tonight.
More to come
Lou
What can I say. It's 10:30pm local, the day was long, my ISP is acting up like crazy due to the power generation failures in my country, made a couple mistakes, cut a little too much wood, cut a finger, but I got there!!!
Pics tomorrow, Lou. Have a nice one, be safe.
Rafa
Mark off an area approx lined up with the centre canopy pane.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF4030.JPG)
Remove the excess wood starting at the base of the windscreen drawing the blade forward. This will prevent you taking too much off.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF4031.JPG)
Once you have lined off the area, continue until the nose area is beveled as shown.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF4032.JPG)
Smooth out the top forward fuselage with medium grit sandpaper
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF4033.JPG)
Keep checking with the drawing so you don.t remove too much materiel. You can always sand a bit more off here and there at a later stage.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF4034.JPG)
Mark off the rear pod edges and remove the wood. Do the same for the bottom areas
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF4034.JPG)(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF4036.JPG)
note that the bottom centre area is only approx 1mm from the edge so careful not to take too much off.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF4037.JPG)
Taking your time, sand the entire fuselage pod using medium grit sandpaper. Take care along the centre bottom area as we will be hanging the sponsons from the edge of the pod.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF4038.JPG)
That completes the fuselage for today.
Here's what I've got to show so far. It's amazing the resemblance to the original bird even in this far from finished state. I have to putty it a lot, for my rough cutting, but it will get there to the display shelf.
Thanks, Lou!!
Rafa
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_ConvairModel48ChargerIMG_4060.jpg)
http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/displayimage.php?album=180&pos=28
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_ConvairModel48ChargerIMG_4057.jpg)
http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/displayimage.php?album=180&pos=30
Looks great Rafa. You carved out the canopy from the fuselage which adds greatly to the model . Keep up the good work.
Place the fuselage on the drawing and mark the location of the sponsoon
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF4038~0.JPG)
More lines to ensure the sponsons are aligned.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF4039.JPG)
Make two sponsoons or more as I usually need a few tries before I get them right.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF4040.JPG)
Mark and bevel the area where the sponson will be attached. This is not quite scale, but will be easier to do for an ID model
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF4041.JPG)(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF4042.JPG)
Attach the sponsoon and sand the side vertically aligned with the fuselage. Once done, you can place the assembly on sandpaper and flatten out the bottom a bit.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF4043.JPG)(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF4044.JPG)
For whatever reason I negleted to take a picture of the finished sponsoon. You will see it later in the build.
More to come.
I made a template to cut out the engine exhaust.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF4045.JPG)
I used 2.5 round stock but any stick cut down to that measurement will do.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF4046.JPG)
I cut out a few spares but will place them later.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF4047.JPG)
A bit of putty to clean things up.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF4048.JPG)
Look at the drawing and make two gun pods.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF4049.JPG)
Once cut and smooth a bit, add the gun barrels. You can use pins, wire or whatever will look like a barrel
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF4050.JPG)(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF4053.JPG)
You can now attach the gun pod to the fuselage. You will notice on the drawing that they are not symmetrical in their location with the right one being slightly forward of the left.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF4054.JPG)
Getting down to the bits and pieces. The prop spinner can be fashioned from any round stock approx 6.25mm in diameter. I carved my own as I did not have any round stock that actually fit. Carve half then smooth to a nice curved surface. The attaching pin is a round toothpick that will also hold the prop disc.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF4056.JPG)(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF4057.JPG)(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF4058.JPG)(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF4060.JPG)
More bits and pieces. I used round toothpicks to simulate the stab counterweights. Notch the stab and glue the counterweights. I screwed up a bit and my weights are slightly out of alignment with the vertical fins.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF4061.JPG)
Next are the oil coolers(?). Use scraps and make two. I could not get any decent look at the coolers on the aircraft so I just took a guess.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF4063.JPG)(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF4067.JPG)
I next started to cut out the outer wing pylon. I am not sure what I will hang from there if anything. I don't like to put too much stuff that will fall off when i move them.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF4065.JPG)
Finally, in this post, canopy framing. I used green masking tape then changed it to electrical tape. I does not make any difference what you use as long as it thick enough to see under the paint.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF4068.JPG)
Once the background paint is on, you only need to colour your favorite colour to the glass. I prefer black or gray depending on the model basic colour.
The display stand is four for a dollar wooden plaques at the craft store and soft wire.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF4070.JPG)
Fully assemble she looks pretty neat.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF4085.JPG)
She is now sitting in the paint booth awaiting the first coat of primer.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF4086.JPG)(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF4089.JPG)
Well, made more progress.
Here you can see I made the error of tilting up too much the engine booms. I already corrected that. Tomorrow, I will sand a little more for the finish, fill the big gaps I left, and mark the canopy framing.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_ConvairModel48ChargerIMG_4076.jpg)
http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/displayimage.php?album=180&pos=38
Saludos,
Rafa
I looked at the primer coat and I need some filling and sanding also. But for a first wood model you are doing very well. Things get easier with more models.
Lou
Heh!!! I ran out of Tamiya Putty. Had to take out the auto body repair putty. More to come.....
Rafa
My Charger will be used for Canadian East Coast Surveillance hence the dark grey colour. I have the decals drying from the first coat of sealer so no picture till late tomorrow night. I have some minor putty/sanding work to do but it can be repaired without repainting the entire aircraft. I am preparing a "Search Light/Fuel Tank" for one of the sponsoons and an "Infrared Sensor/Fuel Tank" for the other. I am trying to make them removable for transporting.
A couple of shots before decals and repair to the rear canopy/wing area.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF4100.JPG)(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF4104.JPG)
Under repair.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF4116.JPG)
Decals are ready but I have darts again tonight, so tomorrow before any new photos.
Lou
Those canopy frames really came out nice, Lou.
Superb, Sir!!!!
I'm still working on mine
Rafa
My Convair Charger 1/72 is finished as well as the tutorial. My Charger represents a fictitious Canadian Forces Maritime Surveillance craft with an infra red pod/fuel tank on the port fuselage pylon and a search light/fuel tank on the starboard side. Each wing tip pylon carries a long range fuel tank. I figured with the lenght of our coast line, extra fuel was a necessity.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_Charger_1.JPG)(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_Charger_2.JPG)
http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-2193
http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-2192
Krylon grey primer is the main colour covered in a light coat of future wax applied with a brush. Decals were placed on and sealed with another light coat of future. The model was a fun group build with Rafa.
I wish to thank Rafa for the inspiration to build this model.
Lou
And I wish to thank you, Lou, for your teaching me the basic skills to make a solid-model and all the other members of this forum for their inspirational work. I definitely wouldn't have made it without you. This is a great success for me.
Now for the pics of my finished Charger. It represents a future (year 2019) Marine Corps bird, used in armed patrol in the Caribbean against drug smugglers and pirates.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_ConvairModel48ChargerIMG_4098.jpg)
http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/displayimage.php?album=180&pos=42
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_ConvairModel48ChargerIMG_4099.jpg)
http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/displayimage.php?album=180&pos=43
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_ConvairModel48ChargerIMG_4095.jpg)
http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/displayimage.php?album=180&pos=45
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_ConvairModel48ChargerIMG_4092.jpg)
http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/displayimage.php?album=180&pos=48
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_ConvairModel48ChargerIMG_4093.jpg)
http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/displayimage.php?album=180&pos=49
Saludos y gracias,
Rafa
Rafa, you are very welcomed and you should be very proud of your first solid wood model. This was not a simple aircraft to make with twin booms and some pretty delicate fuselage carving. Now you are ready to carve anything you want using the technique you have learned and with the help of the other members. Don't be afraid to ask. This was my first tutorial of this depth and you were an apt student. Thank you for the inspiration on this joint cross-continental project.
Rafael,
Great work on that plane! It was really neat to see two of them being built at the same time in different parts of the world.
Garet
There are no borders for fun, Garet. That's what I like the most of our hobby, be it wood, plastic, junk. Specially when, in my particular case I know no other modelers in my country (I know they're out there, but hidden). Besides, not having model hobby stores here anymore is a perfect excuse for making more solid models.
Rafa
Rafa,
I certainly enjoy making models out of materials on-hand and salvaged, even though I have two fine hobby stores about 10 miles from my house. That's a lot further than when I was a boy and would ride my bicycle to the hobby store, but at least I can go to one if I really need to. But I have heard from many members who don't have a hobby store anywhere near them, including Lou in Canada.
My son and I found a beautiful 1x4 (actual size is 19 mm x 90 mm, almost 2 meters long) at the lumber yard a few nights ago. It was with a lot of knot-filled yellow pine boards, but this was definitely not yellow pine. The grain was nearly the same white color as the rest of the wood, very light in weight as well. It feels almost like a sugar pine or some other nice carving pine. We couldn't resist buying it for future models!
I have made a number of airplanes with scrap spruce that a contractor gave us at a construction site. He wanted us to take more, but our arms were full and we had another mile to walk before we got home.
Ray has gotten me into handmade tools as well, and I made a 3 mm chisel from music wire that I used in making the I-16 model. And of course, there are always the substitutions, like when you were using automotive resins. I discovered that the automotive putty used for scratch-filling is nearly identical to the expensive model putty I used to buy, but costs $1 instead of $8. I still buy those expensive model acrylic paints from time to time, but have been experimenting with okay-quality non-model acrylic paints, which are less expensive than the model versions, though they need some thinning and flow-improvement.
I've been really impressed to see the creative materials and techniques the members here use. And speaking of no borders, right after we heard from you in Venezuela, a model builder in Iran sent us comments via the gallery. I've invited him to join our discussion here as well, so hopefully he will become a member and let us know what he is working on. We're a little under-represented from Asia, but we know there are solid model builders in Osaka, Japan and have tried to let them know about our site.
With the price of plastic models higher than ever, friends of mine who built them as boys are worried that they are pricing out younger modelers (if they aren't just playing video games). But as long as a modeler is willing to work on carving skills, they could make solid models at very low cost. That was part of the idea behind the simple scale models that we built a few years back, to have a simple model for beginners to try, but we found them to be enjoyable in their own right, even discovering that Gorrit in the Netherlands had developed them independently.
I just bought from an on-line bookstore an old copy of a book of simple submarine models that I used to check out from the library as a boy (Model Submarines for Beginners by H.H. Gilmore). My first solid model came from that book: a tiny balsa model of the submarine "Turtle" from the American Revolutionary War. The same author was the one who made the PT-10 plans that I built and sent to Lou for duty.
Garet
Rafa, your Convair Charger is, without a doubt, a fine model in its own right. A model displaying so great initiative and skill, especially with regard to the choice of materials, that as a primary attempt it becomes an exceptionally noteworthy contribution to the group, to the hobby and to the whole idea of the importance of the individual as opposed to the commercialization of just about everything.
You also deserve, as I think Ray will agree, recognition for your determination, dedication and participation in the group. Especially given that a challenge was accepted to participate in such an open and public forum not knowing, I suspect, ahead of time what the outcome might be.
Your comments, along with those of Garet, concerning employing discarded materials, paints and fillers make up another contribution not only to this hobby but also to the more general idea of recycling and reuse.
A very fine model.
Muchas gracias otra vez,
Cliff.
Great Job Guys, A difficult subject too. :o ;D
I just finished going through this guide,i learned a lot,going step by step made it very easy to understand,also I get encouragement from this too, one key I remember is wood is forgiving and u can always start over if u want