[/sub]] (ftp://[sub)My opinion: The De Havilland DH.106 Comet was and still is the sharpest looking airliner of all times. The first jet liner to go into commercial service suffered the faith of being a pioneer. Unknown at the time, the constant pressurizing/de-pressurizing of the fuselage caused fatigue cracks and eventual destruction of several aircraft in flight. Delays in fixing the problem resulted in other aircraft manufacturers taking the lead and the Comet was left behind. My attempts to recreate this beautiful aircraft in 1/350 scale is also less than successful. My approach has resulted in poorly shaped engine nacelles that will be hard to fix. The next model (yes Virginia there will be another) will be larger and the engine nacelles will be carved separately and attached to the wings. This project may sit for a while but will eventually be completed.
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Well it's just a prototype Lou, Gonna have problems, Next one is always better. The question is..
Square windows or rounded corners? :o
I use the backwards clothspin clamps too, cept' I keep gluing em to the bench! >:(
Lou,
What a neat model! There is a very large wooden model of the Comet at the Museum of Flight in Seattle. I found out recently that they have an actual Comet that they are restoring!
Garet
Thanks for the encouragement. Ray, round windows.
Garet, the Seattle Comet has its own section in the Comet site.
http://images.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/Lab/8803/comet/pc10_mk1_m_gapas_2.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/Lab/8803/fcomet.htm&h=462&w=1024&sz=78&hl=en&start=18&um=1&tbnid=NzOpaBKZR5rKWM:&tbnh=68&tbnw=150&prev=/images%3Fq%3Ddh.106%2Bseattle%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den
Lou
Some progress on what would seem a dead subject.
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I had a few seconds so the nacelles were carved sanded and primed.
Year end report.
I started to make 1/48 scale blowup drawing, but nothing else has moved on this subject. Maybe 2009???
Well it is now 2011 and the Comet project has been resurrected as a 1/72 scale model. The engine nacelle/center wing platform will be carved as a single piece with the grain runner for and aft. After trying unsuccessfully to make the drawing dimensions agree with a note I had copied down, I finally realized that the wing span data had been placed in the fuselage column. Oh well, regardless I am looking at approx 19 in wing span and a 15 in fuselage. The center block piece has been cut and a copy of the drawing glued in place. Photos to follow when reportable progress has been made.
Lou
Regarding the fatigue failures on the Comet 1 airliners,many years ago I went on an official visit to Fanrnborough to see the water pressure tanks that had been made to submerge and test the fuselage,the cracks appeared arounf the original squared windows used in the Comet,a very bad move as we now know which caused the loss of many lives.
Those windows set back the Comet development by many years until the real cause was found,the later round windows did the trick with no further bother,there is a saying in aviation design and that is 'If it can be rounded off then do so' this applies to even the smallest of items used in aircraft construction from a tiny bracket to a complete wing as anything can fail in cycle eventually.
I know the problems in executing those tricky engine nacelles top and bottom of the wing centre section Lou,they pull in sharply then go out again as part of the bifercated design of the engine covers,no easy task to replicate in wood.
I like that miniature model as the lead in to the subject,always good practise to make a smaller version such as this.
Barry.
The production line had time to start work on the Comet. Roll out - 2012 or 2013.
Lou
You have made a good start on the engine area Lou.
Barry.
Real companies spend millions on test equipment. Here a spray can is used as a prototype engine pod (single) holder to test the feasibility of attaching the Comet engines to the fuselage. I have elected to stick with the one centre section containing all four engines. Some progress has been made in that all four engine nacelles are now protruding from the block of wood chosen.
Lou
Can you please explain this test a little bit more Lou ? it looks like a milliput engine nacelle you have there stuck to the can,I am intrigued as to what you are testing,where you thinking of trying something to get that big fillet worked out ?
Barry.
I saw that thing sticking on the paint can in the AJ-1 thread and wondered about it ???. I think Lou is trying to come up with a way to carve a one-piece nacelle and fuselage/wing fairing, then just glue the whole thing to the fuselage instead of messing with filler blocks and putty. I could be wrong though, maybe Lou is really just a mad scientist.
Give Dave a cigar. I have had many problems with fairings, hence an attempt at carving it all in one piece. If memory serves me right, Paul D's DC2 had a centre block containing the large fairings and then attaching the wing to it. This is just a variation on his theme. I have very few original ideas these days.
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Lou
You come up with some great ideas Lou and your experimental approach is noteworthy,I do like the way this DC-2 centre section has been broken down the way it has which makes carving much easier,also I always think that studying the way the real ship is put together is worthwhile ie centre section stub wing then outer wing panels makes life easier.
A good tip is to stick coarse to medium grade abrasive papers to wooden dowel from broom handle size downwards,these make superb sanding blocks to get that inner curve we strive for.
I usually go these days for large wing fillets made from that amazing material obtainable from art shops called 'DAS' you can form it over the wing butting against the fuselage,once dry it can be sanded and carved just like wood ( well it really is pulped wood with additives ) then carefully lifted from the surface and re-glued back into position as it has no adhesive qualities of any note,it is particarly useful for large fillets,for multiple units you can even mould it by pressing a wooden pattern into florists Oasis and spreading it in smoothing off with a palette knife,once cured uit can be sanded and filed as well.
The Comet certainly presents some challenges to get that beautiful root shape with the engine covers as well.
Barry.
The starboard side engine nacelles have been found inside this piece of wood. i only hope I can find the port side also.
Lou
That looks an intricate bit of carving Lou, how long did that take to do?. Is that a Red Arrow smoke pod in the background? Regards Paul.
That took about two hours of gouging away. Yes, that is a Red Arrow in the background.
lou
That is an impressive bit of carving Lou by any standards,you really are getting somewhere with the shape of those engines,no easy task with a chisel.
Barry.
The material for the wings and tail feathers have been chosen. All tat remains is find a suitable piece for the fuselage.
This is going to be a very impressive model Lou,and the piece of timber that you have for the wing looks very good.
Like yourself I am running a bit low on fuselage material.
Barry.
I still have 3 feet of a 2 X 6 plank I bought some time ago but I am reluctant to cut it up. In the end I fear there will be no choice in the matter.
Lou
Lou is this precious piece of timber White Pine ? something virtually unobtainable here in the UK,in fact exotic woods in general are difficult,I even have difficulty getting hold of Basswood which I love working with.
Barry.
Clear pine is the order of the day around here. Every now and then I come across some white pine but it find it harder to work with than clear pine. The clear pine is approx $3.00 CDN a foot for 2 X 6 when in stock. Since the military base used quite a bit of it, the local shops keep it in stock. I considered laminating a block for the fuselage but found I did not have any of that either having used my last piece to do the wings. The cutting operation took around 10 minutes using my band saw. The blade slowed quite a few times and I had to ease up on the pressure to put it through. Cutting this thick my table saw just heats up too much. The wings and tail units have been block shape and will be contoured in due time.
Lou
Looks great so far Lou. Have you picked an airline yet or will it be military?
Mark
I am considering an RCAF version. The RCAF became the first Air Force in the world to operate jet transports and the first operator to make scheduled trans-Atlantic crossings. I was fortunate enough to join the RCAF before it was combined with the navy and army to form the Canadian Armed Forces in 1968.
Lou
Well this is back to the subject of wood. I hope to offer a posting of my progress - or better lack of - in constructing my DH Mosquito - the famous "F for Freddie". Sort of as an introductory and as the subject of wood came up I'd like to comment that thinking that a piece of Balsa as it came available in a hardware and was evidently cut closer to the trunk or otherwise deemed unfit as a hobby piece of balsa it therefore would be more dense and less "grainy" I purchased it and commenced to carve - some time ago. However for everyone's information NO it is definitely not less grainy but requires copious amounts of SIG Sanding Sealer. But also for all members' enlightenment it definitely IS more dense and heavier. It has certain advantages: it carves exceptionally easy and appears very less prone to breakage or the extreme "softness" associated with traditional balsawood. So there is Balsawood and there is Balsawood. But don't expect that just because it looks rough that it contains special qualities. More (good grief) later.
Cliff.
Cliff I have noticed that the Australian balsa now coming into the UK seems to be more consistant in quality than some of the other sources ie Ecuador which used to be the main area for logging,but since Solarbo are no longer trading many other companies have jumped on the balsa bandwagon with vastly varying qualities of wood,most of the good stuff goes to people like SIG in America for their massive kit production.
Lou I get the same problem with these big blocks struggling through the bandsaw,how my old saw ever coped I will never know ? but that gave up the ghost and I purchased a cracking saw which although it has a larger blade copes better.
I am envious of your clear pine,it looks to be lovely wood with close grain.
I quite often laminate fuselages and trap a piece of other thin wood as a permenent centreline to work to in the middle,sometimes I build a certain type of model to use up a spare piece of wood to save on any wastage.
I repainted a Dinky Toy Comet in RCAF scheme and it looks very attractive,a good choice of model for your collection.
Barry.
Hi ho, Hi ho, it's off to craving I go. Well the enthusiasm is just bubbling these few days. I have made a rough stab at the Comet fuselage with pretty good results so far. The joining of the wing, engine pods and fuselage needs a bit of thought before attempting. It will be dove tailed but where the cuts will come is still to be debated with myself.
Glorious day out here with roofers acting like busy bees. The damaged that was done last December, but it take a while for things to happen around here.
Lou
That fuselage looks perfect Lou,you are doing well to contemplate on joining tricky bits as seen on the Comet,with round fuselages mated against a complex wing and tail set up things are not always easy,but you are in good spirits and this will succeed,go for it Lou !
Barry.
That's looking great Lou,I'me particularly impressed by the nacelle section,very intricate carving.The last of our Comet/Nimrod aircraft were early retired this week.Regards Paul J.
I joined the engine section to the wings with little trouble. The wing was notched first followed by the engine section. Now just a bit of carving, putty and sanding, the unit should be ready for the fuselage later this week. In this photo, the fuselage is just resting on top of the Engine/Wing section.
The Comet has been a challenging subject for you Lou,especially those engine nacelles but you have given a lot of thought to this and it is now paying off,what is emerging is the beautiful lines of this classic iconic aircraft with that lovely round fuselage.
Barry
The mating of the major pieces is coming along nicely. The engine center section is a complicated arrangement that needs a bit of careful thinking before making those cuts. Final trimming for fit, a bit of putty and sanding will get her ready for the primer. I should be in the paint shop by the beginning of next week.
Lou
Boy, that engine section is indeed remarkable. Lou, did you have to consider any alternative methods of construction? Or did anything reasonable even present itself?
Cliff
Lou that centre section is a work of art in itself,there is not one straight line anywhere,you have worked the module out well,this is going to look really stunning.
Barry.
Cliff, I though of carving left and right engine module seperately and attaching to the top and bottom of the wing. I rejected that idea earlier on. I though of doing the engine and wings as one piece, however that would have meanth running the grain of the wood sideways to the nacelle shape. Not a good idea for my limited skills. The only remaining option I saw was to do the center engine section as one piece running the grain for and aft. So far it appeares to have worked as desired. I glued the fuselage last night and will do the putty and filling of the larger gaps with bit of wood.
Barry, thank you.
Lou
All parts are glued and putty has been applied to the engine/fuselage joint.
Lou your model is bringing back memories for me,I remember seeing scores of Comet promotional models sitting in the windows of travel agents,these days you hardly ever see a single model ? BOAC had hundreds made by a company called Westway models,the company still exists.
Barry.
Very good planning Lou. And thanks for the detailed explanation of the potential obstacles that may be encountered.
Cliff
Test fitting window treatment on the comet. Either original square or new rounded windows are no problem when using decals. The cockpit windows may be a problem unless they are made in separate panes. The Comet has been primed and initial sanding has begone. The Duplicolour primer/filler done a nice job, but it is very messy to sand with that red dust getting into everything.
Lou
Lou the primer has really pulled the shape together,congratulations on a fine piece of challenging carving my friend.
Barry.
Thanks Barry. Still a bit more to go.
Lou
First complete sanding completed. Now I will use grey primer and give it a final sanding before painting.
Lou
That has really gone together well,the engine section look great Lou, when using wood filler/ putty,do you just use wood filler, or have you tried any of the multi purpose fillers which are not only for wood and tend to be finer, or do they crack and fall out? Regards Paul J.
I have tried plastic model putty with some bad results so from now on it Elmer's Wood filler. Some one suggested Bondo. I have not tried that yet.
Lou
Primer applied.
Lou
Looking more beautiful every time a coat of paint goes on Lou.
Barry.
Looks fantastic Lou!
Mark
Thank you Barry and Mark. I should be able to paint within a few days. The humidity here is terrible these last few days and it will remain for a few more. With exception to the fin and fuselage top, the Comet is metal. I purchased each 3 spray can of Testor buffable aluminum, titanium and stainless steel. That should give enough variance for various areas on the wings and lower fuselage.
Lou
Gloss white has been applied. I will let it cure a few days before masking to apply the metallic colour.
Lou
Lou have you noticed that gloss white takes longer to cure than most other colours ? a wise precaution as finger marks are easy to pick up as you handle the model.
Barry.
I have made quite a few messes with sticky white so she will sit for a while. I have a few other projects to keep me busy.
Lou
Really neat so far, Lou.
Cliff
I applied a mist coat of gloss white over the tape to avoid leakage. Even with Frog Tape, I would like to do a good job on this one.
Lou
That is the secret to a fine crisp edge Lou,if you are able apply another coat when the mist coat is just curing,a professional painter once told me this,apparently the paint fuses.
With such sharp demarcation lines you just have to plod on carefully,the biggest danger is the film/masking tape being attacked by the paint as the dryers go off,you probably know all of this Lou but it is worth bringing up now whilst people are watching your progress on this delightful model.
Barry.
The mist spray worked fine using just masking tape. A light gloss coat has been added over the silver/white finish, and guess what, no fingerprints in the white paint. Yeah, this must be a first for me.
Lou
Lou it is a beauty,out of interest which silver paint did you use ? it looks to be quite a bright silver unlike silver fox etc,it looks most effective.
Barry.
The paint is Krylon Bright Silver in the rattle can. I tried it on the F-84 tip tanks first. It will pick up every blemish.
Lou
Be careful with that stuff. I used Krylon (aluminum I think) and got a nice, bright finish but when I sprayed Krylon satin clear on it, it completely ruined the finish. Turned it to a pink shade of dull metal color. I was furious.
Ken Pugh
I tested the process before applying. The gloss leaves a slight glow to the silver. I have not tried the satin finish on silver. The decals are drying and will be applied later this evening.
Lou
That's good to know, I won't touch that satin stuff again. I'm thinking the safest thing for me in the future is just use gloss and sand to the level of flat that I want.
Ken Pugh
The DH-106 Comet in RCAF colours is completed. All decals are home made on my HP printer.
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I am very satisfied with this one. I think it may very well be my best effort to date.
It's beautiful Lou. Job well done.
Mark
Lou your Comet in RCAF markings has turned out stunningly beautiful,it is a credit to your workmanship and devotion,clever photography as well with those clouds.
Barry.
Lou, very nicely done.
Ken Pugh
Thank you all. The Comet has been a favourite of mine for a long long time. Through this forum I finally got the courage to attempt it.
Lou
Awesome job as ways Lou! I enjoy creative photographs as much as your models.
Peter
I agree, the making it is the most fun. I do enjoy looking at them, but from what I call the dream stage, to the placement of that final decal. Truly a magnificent hobby.
Lou
The dream has become a reality Lou,the dream becomes a tangible piece of beauty created with your very own hands.
Barry.
Lou,
Very nicely work.
It`s a pleasure to see your wonderful works.
kenji.
Exceptional work, Lou. And outstanding photos.
Cliff
Outstanding model Lou, you never cease to amaze me with your models,and your final photo dioramas make them come to life. Regards Paul J.
Truly an outstanding model, Lou!
The Comet always makes me think of the Hawker Siddeley Nimrod, which is a totally different aircraft but also has the four wing-root mounted engines. I picked up some air enthusiast magazines when I was in the UK recently and learned from them that the last one was pulled from service last year.
At the Museum of Flight in Seattle, there is a large solid model of the DH Comet that was used by an airline for display purposes. Apparently the museum also has a full-size Comet that they are restoring:
see http://dhcomet.com/ (http://dhcomet.com/)
Garet
Lou, your model is not only outstanding in its own right but I believe that your decals are also a great achievement - especially of interest is how you managed to make the decals for the windows. That is they obviously required a great deal of planning to actually simulate a window and its reflection. Possibly you could expand on this when you get time.
Cliff.
The Comet was in dire need of repair. Lots of superglue, some putty and lots of sanding. It is not perfect but much better than before.
Lou
I just realized I had not post photos of my repairs.
Lou
A terrific looking model.
Well done Lou!
Gordon
Thank you Gordon. I need to also fix my Yukon in the same manner.
Lou
Of course it is nice to be able to repair solid models. They will certainly outlast the plastics in that sense.
Fraser
Fixing a plastic kit requires a different skill set for sure. I have done both, too many time, and prefer repairing the wooden variety.
Lou