RCAF's 100th 1/72 - Fairchild 71 Started 17 May 2022 Complete 19 June 2022

[lastvautour]

Another 1/72 single engine yellow bird on floats. Blocks are cut and construction should begin shortly.

[Boomerang]

 A Fairchild ?

Gordon

[lastvautour]

Yes, it is a Fairchild. Some progress completed yesterday.

Lou

[lastvautour]

Engine construction under way on my Fairchild 71. Cylinders started as 1/8 in dowels. I used a V file to notch the top off the cylinder followed with a round file.

Lou

[lastvautour]

A bit more work done today. Engine needs intake & exhaust manifolds and electrical harness(perhaps). Wing is mated to the fuselage. Next will be some more sanding followed by primer and 1mm tape ribbing.

Lou

[lastvautour]

In the paint booth for first coat of primer. Ribbing has been done on the main wing. I ran out so I need to purchase some 1mm tape.
Next, floats.

Lou

[lastvautour]

Float blanks are cut and ready to carve.

Lou

[lastvautour]

Floats are carved and cross beams attached.

Lou

[lastvautour]

Floats in the spray booth for some primer.

Lou

[Gearup]

Engine construction under way on my Fairchild 71. Cylinders started as 1/8 in dowels. I used a V file to notch the top off the cylinder followed with a round file.

Lou

Great looking detail on the engine and cylinders.
Fraser

[Gearup]

This is going to be an interesting model to look at. Float planes always seem to have good character to them.
Fraser

[lastvautour]

I like float planes. I am also doing a 1/32 Otter and it will be on floats.

Lou

[lastvautour]

The Fairchild 71 was launched 19 June 2022. Just over a month is typical for a model this size.

The Royal Canadian Air Force evaluated the Fairchild 71 in mid-June 1930. Thirty four RCAF F-71s were operated from 1930 to 1946. the RCAF F-71 were utilized primarily in the aerial photographic survey role as well as northern transport. In November 1934, the RCAF transferred the FC-71s to the five detachments flying in the amalgamated Maritimes No. 5 (Flying Boat) Squadron at RCAF Station Dartmouth.

Lou

[Gearup]

Again the aircraft looks so natural in the photos. Great Job. I always think the Fairchild has the look of a real bush plane on floats.

Fraser

[lastvautour]

Thank you Fraser. I too, love those high wing float planes.

Lou