I cut the fuselage from a block of Basswood, which would let me create some nice detailing and still make the "Jasta" deadline (back when it still mattered). I had the basic shape cut out that afternoon:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottzepher/1309045976/in/set-72157601832797119/
Most solids have smooth fuselages, but I wanted to give it the look of a fabric-covered frame. Easier said than done:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottzepher/2840101550/in/set-72157601832797119/
It wasn't until I had been able to return to the project (the contest long since past), that I resigned myself to the fact that handwork was a little out of my league at this scale, at least for now. So, I broke out the Dremel, popped a Silicone Carbide wheel on the end, and very carefully passed the wheel back-to-front, the width of the wheel making an approximate scale bevel.
I was happy with the results:
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_PICT0005.JPG)
http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-1734
More to come . . .
Scott, that worked pretty well! I'm always afraid of using Dremel-type tools because I messed up a lot of things with them when I was young, such as a disastrous episode involving my Swiss Army knife handle and a buffing wheel. But I've started to give them another try, and it seems to go better now.
I used one to cut the shape of a handmade round gouge, and am thinking of cutting a V-gouge the same way.
Garet
Thanks Garet! I think the handwork will be more feasable at 1/32nd scale and above. I love this plane, and I plan on building larger ones in the future.
Tom (aka ScottZepher)