I have always been fascinated by single engine high wing sports planes. I recall my cousin having carved one and finally it passed into my possession. Long gone now, but the memories are just as vivid as the day I received it. So as my first new project for 2010, a couple of these beauties in 1/32 scale. They should be recognizable to all.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF9105.JPG)
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF9104.JPG)
http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-3721
The background is my balsa stock. Not much, but then I don't do many balsa models. These two and which ever other high wing wonder will be made from this stock. I must proceed to my local supply for balsa to construct the wings. The furniture store used to stock balsa boards a few years ago. If they are out, mail order will have to do.
It looks like a neat project, Lou. But, you've got me. I don't recoginize the aircraft yet!
Cliff.
The Aeronca and Luscombe designs are both nice to model and carving them out of balsa relatively simple. I started the Aeronca first and will dabble with the Luscombe as time permits.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_Aeronca_A7_and_Luscombe_2A.JPG)
Thanks Lou. The Aeronca looks like a "Champ" - the plane I soloed in in Air Cadets. Should 'ave recognized that one.
Cliff.
It is Cliff. Do you have a picture of your first flight or at least the designation and time frame so one may be able to get the colour scheme. Cadets birds where normally yellow????
Lou
Love these high wingers Lou,you will probably remember that I built a couple of Aeronca Champs myself recently ? mine were from the archive plans here,excellent subjects.
I recall your Barry, they turned out great. I downloaded plans on line, don't recall where but when I did a search for Champ A7C images on google they came up as well as my search for the Luscombe 2A.
Lou
Hi Lou,
I believe that somewhere I've got a photo of a bunch of students in front of a Winnipeg Flying Club Aeronca. And you're right most of those aircraft were primarily yellow. The exact date I'll have to check my log - which is at home. Also, which you are probably aware of, the group has a posted 3views of the aeronca I believe. Get back to you on this.
Cliff.
Very interesting project Lou.
I like very much those high wing sport planes. I will be here learning with you.
Marcos.
The fuselage is carved and rough sanding has taken place. Now a few coats of dope sealer, more light sanding and then the Duracolor spray filler/primer. The wing canvas sag pattern has also been started using sandpaper wrapped around a 1 inch (2.5416cm Barry) dowel. The balsa was selected for free flight model, hence it is very soft and easily dented or oversanded.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF9171.JPG)
http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-3745
Thats a cute model Lou,you will find that the balsa will strengthen up with the sanding sealer application.
Barry.
Looking good Lou! and no wonder with precision to ten thousandths of a centimeter! "(2.5416cm Barry) dowel" How did you secure the wheels to the struts? Is that an angled hole?
The wheel strut is placed in an angle hole as you suspected Paul.
Lou
The Aeronca is coming along nicely except for the finish. Lots of grain in soft balsa but we will prevail. Everything is just tacked in place for now.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_Aercona_001.JPG)
http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-3767
I tried something new. I normally build wings in one piece, however a new approach for me was to build the wing flat, remove the center section and attach directly to the side of the fuselage. Round toothpics currently hold them in place. I am pretty happy with the ribs on the wings and will do something similar on the tail plane surfaces.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_Aercona_002.JPG)
http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-3766
Absolutely love it Lou,it really is coming along,you have captured the lines of this delightful little aircraft.
Barry.
A very nice Aeronca, Lou. I especially like the wing ribbing. If I'm correct I believe that you replicated the ribbing by actually carving the ribs. A great way to go.
Cliff.
I had to make new wheels as I lost one of the old ones. Oh well.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/thumb_DSCF9735.JPG)http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-3980
I messed up the paint job by not checking twice before masking. The orange area was too high. I am almost out of yellow paint, so I tried to salvage the paint job by hand painting. You can see the original line of masking. My only recourse is to sand and try again but first I need to visit my local paint supplier.
Question for Cliff. Is the shade of yellow to your recollection. As long as I have to redo, I might as well try to get it right.
Lou
Cliff, where the call sign number CF DBK on top of the wing also?
Hi Lou,
A very nice Aeronca Champ. But after all those years the best I can recall is that the yellow is very close but it was probably a bit closer to a lighter yellow or a cream shade. The red looks just right. I suppose that regardless you don't want to have the two colours contrast too much.
The registration must have been on the top of the wing. But it must have been split so as "CF - " was over the left wing and "DBK" was over the right.
Maybe you could send me an email with a photo of your model and questions attached. That way I could forward it to Al Nelson who, as I mentioned , used to work on the aircraft and ask his opinion also.
Cliff.
The Aeronca Champ is finished. It was a pleasure to make although I hate filling balsa, but then that's life. I posed her with similar aircraft in my collection. I still need to find a serial number for the Cessna 120.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_Civil_Squadron.JPG)
http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-3983
CF-BDK was flown by our very own Cliff when he was an Air Cadet. We won't say when!!!!
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_Aeronca_Champ_CF-DBK.JPG)
http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-3984
As I mentioned many time before, I love these high wing types and have a Luscombe 2A still on the bench but for now all the attention belongs to CF-DBK
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_Aeronca_Champ_CF_DBK.JPG)
http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-3985
:o ;D :P
Very nice model Lou ;)
It is very inspiring for me!
A very fine Aeronca Lou. And some nice shots also. Shows that Solid Scale scratch buildng is not limited.
Think you got the colour right on. (Might be able to dig up a registration for your Cessna 120)
Cliff.
Thanks for the comments. I have changed the tittle of the post to enable closure of this subject.
Lou