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I'm building 1/48 models of the L and UC type aircraft from WW II. The fact that hundreds of civil planes were 'impressed' (read: drafted) by the military fascinates me. I carve fuselages from balsa and then Vac. I have a Matel Vac-U-Form and a homemade one. Currently on the workbench is a UC-70 (Howard DGA-15 in civil use). Does anyone have suggestions for streamlined strut material?
I use brass rod (or tubing in larger scales, with stripwood basswoodglued fore and aft of the brass, sanded to cross-section shape. Actually, some full-scale struts were made this way.
In 1:48 it would be rod- maybe 0.030 or 0.033, with 1/32 stripwood for fairings. I make the rod longer than interplane distance and fairings, so ends will fit in drilled holes in wings.
Don Stauffer in Minnesota
Pare or sand down styrene rod to get the profile you want?
WWW.AIR-CRAFT.NET
Thanks, I'll give that a try. What type of glue do you use to bond them?
Sanding down the styrene strips is the 'tedious' way I'm trying to get away from. But thanks for the response.
hawkeye2an_L-Bird_fan Thanks, I'll give that a try. What type of glue do you use to bond them?
I use gel CA.
My favorite planes are those used by the C.A.P. and others during the wars.I take brass tubing the size I know it,s going to be and carefully flatten it with a plastic or wood craft mallet(small ones) I then make sure it is smooth,and if it requires one I give it an airfoil shape with emery cloth.Don,t dig to deep though.!! tankerbuilder
Thanks for the tip, I'll try that. Sounds like it will make VERY strong struts.
I too am interested in the CAP planes. Where do you find reference material? I have some great color pictures of a Stinson 10 and have been working on converting an old Pegaso Stinson Voyager in 1/48th. I have also seen a few grainy pics of Fairchild 24s with bomb racks, but that's about it.
Go to the CAP website as I remember that they had a history section with photos of the war years. Also check Google LIFE Magazine Images for Civil Air Patrol photos. Use Civil Air Patrol as the search word. Also use the regular Google Images to search for photos. Sorry, but one more. Check out the USAF Museum website as CAP is an auxiliary of the AF. And the AF Historica Research Agency.
WIP: Monogram 1/72 B-26 (Snaptite) as 73rd BS B-26, 40-1408, torpedo bomber attempt on Ryujo
Monogram 1/72 B-26 (Snaptite) as 22nd BG B-26, 7-Mile Drome, New Guinea
Minicraft 1/72 B-24D as LB-30, AL-613, "Tough Boy", 28th Composite Group
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