High Wing Wonders Aeronca Champ CF-DBK . . . Completed 23 Feb 2010

[lastvautour]

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/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.

[cliff strachan]

It looks like a neat project, Lou. But, you've got me. I don't recoginize the aircraft yet!
Cliff.

[lastvautour]

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.

[cliff strachan]

Thanks Lou. The Aeronca looks like a "Champ" - the plane I soloed in in Air Cadets. Should 'ave recognized that one.
Cliff.

[lastvautour]

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

[Balsabasher]

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.

[lastvautour]

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

[cliff strachan]

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.

[Marcos Borges]

Very interesting project Lou.
I like very much those high wing sport planes. I will be here learning with you.
Marcos.

[lastvautour]

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/displayimage.php?pos=-3745

[Balsabasher]

Thats a cute model Lou,you will find that the balsa will strengthen up with the sanding sealer application.
Barry.

[Paul]

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?

[lastvautour]

The wheel strut is placed in an angle hole as you suspected Paul.

Lou

[lastvautour]

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/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/displayimage.php?pos=-3766

[Balsabasher]

Absolutely love it Lou,it really is coming along,you have captured the lines of this delightful little aircraft.
Barry.