Another project I've started is a pair of F6F Hellcats. The youth at our church had a fundraiser, including a silent auction. I offered up an airplane model of the winner's choice (from a list I provided). The winner selected the Hellcat. I got started over the weekend. I decided to do two at once, just in case I mess one up, I'll already have another in the queue. I have to have it done by July, as the family will be moving out of state and I'd rather not mess with shipping it.
I had some poplar scraps as well as pine, so I'm making one out of each. Scale is 1:72.
The box you see was a keepsake box I won in the silent auction. It fits the pieces for this project as well as my Mustang parts.
(https://i.imgur.com/izioYLC.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/G4AptvB.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/gKQ3KXB.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/eoCqec6.jpeg)
Lucky winner.
louis
I got the wings shaped over the last few days and today I was finally able to make some progress on the fuselage of my Hellcat. I made a new fuselage by laminating two pieced together with red paper for a centerline. I got the guidelines drawn and the lower fuselage carved.
(https://i.imgur.com/knjGrXG.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/3axAewL.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/HbVvC4r.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/2OprNDe.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/mJRAIz5.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/1cB7SM2.jpeg)
The recipient will be pleased.
Louis
Well, the Hellcat drew first blood last night. I was cutting out the plug on the fuselage for the wing joint when the wood split unexpectedly and the blade slipped out and got the thumb I was using to hold the piece. Pressure on the wound for about 20 minutes and some superglue to keep it closed fixed it right up.
(https://i.imgur.com/FhHx4S6.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/JpwTYUR.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/8GuoHEL.jpeg)
I got the upper fuselage carved and the canopy drawn on (that's a lot of fun to see). I still need to get the wings all the way adjusted up into the fuselage. I'm also considering dousing the vertical tail with superglue to strengthen it. It is pretty soft and I'm worried it will snap off with even the slightest pressure, and since this is going to a young teenager, I want it to be a little sturdier.
(https://i.imgur.com/zD49PH5.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/sUaey3R.jpeg)
Hi Jordan
I also have the same worry when the wood grain for the tail is aligned with the fuselage. I work with a larger scale and have now opted to use a hardwood tail and elevator - Normally maple. I orientate the tail with the grain in the vertical direction. But in your case, I suspect this will not be practical.
It's hard to tell the thickness at the tip of the tail. But if there's sufficient thickness you may consider drilling one or two vertical holes down to the underside of the fuselage and inserting either a bamboo skewer or a smaller diameter tooth pick. Both of these are hardwood and should provide some cross-grain strength. Or alternately maybe consider a 1/16" diameter piano wire from a local hobby shop. These wires are usually very rigid and don't bend easily.
I do have thin piano wire. I might see about that. Thanks!
Nicely done Hellcat. I keep a box of band aids on my workbench.
Louis