RCAF Fleet Finch parts are rough cut.
Lou
Parts are block cut and ready for shaping.
Lou
Fuselage is shaped and rough sanded except for the windscreen. Other parts are block cut. Engine is a Kenner K5 and has been started. The front of the engine is clean with the push rods, intake and exhaust manifolds on the rear side.
Lou
I don't think I've seen one with the winter canopy. There is a Finch here in Langley at the air museum. They always had a real classic biplane look to them.
Fraser
For all its popularity I am surprised to find so few drawings and such poor quality.
Lou
Major components rough sanded and the Kenner engine is starting to take shape.
Lou
What is the material used for the rocker covers?
Fraser
Bamboo strip that has a blue stain on it.
Lou
Thanks!
Fraser
Simulated ribs are currently being placed on the wings and the engine has progress a bit also with intake and exhaust being installed. The front of the engine is not quite right, however that is a s close as I can get with the materiel I have. I may sand down the front to 1'' of the cylinder cutouts and make a wooden crankcase. I abandoned the idea of doing it all out of wood.
Lou
Nicely made Kinner and wing detail.
Fraser
Thank you Fraser.
Lou
Paint scheme has begun with 2 light coats already applied. The model will require at least another three light coats to get the depth of colour I want.
Lou
Engine exhaust replaced and fuselage is in the paint booth.
Lou
Great engine Lou .
Gordon
That's the nice thing about 1/32 scale, putting in details without using a microscope.
Gordon - Thank you
Dave - Indeed, my eyes and fat finger makes smaller engine hard to make.
Lou
Progress shot. The undercarriage frame work and wheels are complete and will be assemble off the model. The struts are also under construction.
Lou
Coming along very nicely Lou. Love the ribbing effect.
Cheers
Gordon
Thank you Gordon. I decided to double up the masking strips for greater definition.
Lou
Lou, love the engine stand used while while waiting for the riggers to complete their work.
Fraser
A place to store it out of the way.
Rigging has begun and monofilament just threaded through the location holes. They will be glued to the fuselage first and then the wing once the top wing is attached. The rigging actually acts as real guide wires and gives strength to the assembly.
Lou
Top wing is glued and rigging restarted from scratch as I had neglected to paint the guide wires. The photo shows my tensioning the wires and the gluing them in place.
Lou
Dropped the Finch and removed the top wing. URGG. Had to remove existing rigging and start anew. I now use clamps to secure the aircraft and to tighten the monofilament. Never pays to take shortcuts.
Lou
Roll out on 13 Mar 2022. The Finch is 73 of 100 of my RCAF 100th project. The Fleet Finch also brings my total RCAF yellow trainers to four.
Lou
Lou,
That is a really pretty model of the finch. The rib stitching looks very authentic. You've definitely captured the spirit of the Finch. Well done
Fraser
Thank you Fraser. Although it did cause me to say a few choice words here and there, it was still enjoyable and very satisfying build.
Lou
Another excellent model Lou.
Fits in well with the other trainers.
Cheers
Gordon
Thank you Gordon. One more Yellow Bird, a Gypsy Moth, is in the wings.
Lou