Converting a balsa RC model into a static model?

[flyboy_fx]

So, I found plans for a RC BF110. The overall shape is very good, not great, but very good. I notice that the 1/18 Tiger cat (http://www.hyperscale.com/2011/features/f7f318rd_1.htm) was built from scaled down RC plans, and made from plastic instead of balsa.

I have a set of 110 plans that needs to be scaled down to 1/18. I figure, the 110 would be a great plane to try this on, considering the plane is mostly square and blocky. That should aid in covering it. The plan is: Scale the plans down, start building the frame work from styrene, plate the plane in thin styrene (Individual panels cut to shape to match the 1:1 BF110), then get onto detailing the cockpit, landing gear, ect.. and figure out how to do the canopy. I feel it is pretty strait forward, think I can handle it? This will be something new to me, I'm up for the challenge!!!!

[pickelhaube]

I know a little about scratch building. IT AINT EASY.

can you do it ? Of course you can but as soon as you get to the engine nacelles along with their exhaust you will have wished you would not have started your project.

Plus the canopy that is a lot of glass with a lot of framing.

As far as the frame goes you may want to stick to the balsa. it is a lot easier to work with. Pricing will be high balsa AND styrene is expensive.

It is a very good idea to coat your frame with thin balsa sheeting. It will be a lot easier to sand to shape. Once done you can cover with thin styrene sheeting. REMEBER TO REDUCE YOUR RIBS BEFORE DOING THIS TO ALLOW FOR THE THICKNESS OF THE STYRENE AND BALSA.

Look at the pics of the Tiger cat. The builder did not do this and you can count the ribs. it is not smooth and rounded like a all metal aircraft should be.

It will also help out with panel line scribing , another chore.

The styrene only will give when you apply pressure with your scribe making for a wavy line.

I spent about 3-4 month making my Horten . 8 hrs + a day.

I made almost every piece on it and it does not have a fuselage with a simplified canopy.

Unless you have that kind of time to work on it , this could be a year plus in the making .

But it can be done.

Hope this helped.

[flyboy_fx]

Helped a lot. From the info I gathered, balsa planking is the best. As for scribing, I was hoping I would be able to cover it with styrene in a way that would simulate panels. As in, cut the styrene to shape. What do you think about that?I've been messing around with .015" styrene, it's easy to bend to shape and conforms well. I have not tried heating it yet for compound curves, not sure if that can be done. Like you said, the engines can be problematic... Depending on the version I go with, I'll use BF109 props and hubs. That should work. First things first, I'll scale the plans and get a 1/32 model. This project is going to be a long one! As of now, I have absolutely no time to work on it. My modeling time is decreasing significantly. But, I think it will be a fun project. Am I certain I can handle it? Absolutely not, but I never know until I get there!!! It definitely will test my building abilities. Thanks for the help PH, I'm sure I will be asking for a little more once started. Maybe a lot more...

[Jnewboy]

My 2cents Flyboy is that it would be an awesome project but not as awesome as all the buildings and stuff you make that could be done in the time it would take you to get through that. I would hate for all your time to be taken up by it.

[pickelhaube]

Helped a lot. From the info I gathered, balsa planking is the best. As for scribing, I was hoping I would be able to cover it with styrene in a way that would simulate panels. As in, cut the styrene to shape. What do you think about that?I've been messing around with .015" styrene, it's easy to bend to shape and conforms well. I have not tried heating it yet for compound curves, not sure if that can be done. Like you said, the engines can be problematic... Depending on the version I go with, I'll use BF109 props and hubs. That should work. First things first, I'll scale the plans and get a 1/32 model. This project is going to be a long one! As of now, I have absolutely no time to work on it. My modeling time is decreasing significantly. But, I think it will be a fun project. Am I certain I can handle it? Absolutely not, but I never know until I get there!!! It definitely will test my building abilities. Thanks for the help PH, I'm sure I will be asking for a little more once started. Maybe a lot more...

As for me scribing panel lines are the way to go, How many panels does the 110 have ?
300 maybe more ?

Each panel has 4 sides so that would be 1,200 cuts AND THEY HAVE TO BE PERFECT.

If they are not perfect then you have to shave or recut them. Another 1,200 to 2,400 cuts.

Then you have to glue them on with out squishing glue in your panel line. Yikes time for the ole panel scriber.

See were I am getting at ?

After balsa sheeting sand everything smooth.

Then sheet with styrene. YOU ARE GOING TO HAVE TO SMOOTH AGAIN.

Then scribe your panel lines.

Also if you try individual panels they will have to be sanded smooth so you do not get the facet effect.

I have tried the individual panels.

It took sooooooo long to do and ended up looking like crap.

Ultimate failure. Never again.

[pickelhaube]

Now you said you are going to use the 109 prop and spinner.

That means you are going to cannibalize a 109 E. Or 2

I m not sure but I think the E's wing has the same outline as the 110.

The fuse could possibly work if you slice and dice it.

I think the cowlings are the same except were it tapers/ streamlines in back.

Could it be easier to kit bash than to scratch build the 110 ?

Unless you wanted to sell your project close could be good enough .

If you take 2 apart you could also possibly get both canopies to work as one.

So the major build would be the wing section between the nacelles and all of the empennage section.

[Jay]

Flyboy, I have a a couple of reference books on the 110 if you want anything in particular scanned and emailed. I also have a 110 card model in PDF format somewhere that might have some useful cross sectional outlines/details.
Would make life alot easier if you can cannibalize two 109 engine sections with props (or cast them of an xd model?).
I'm not sure about using the canopies though. I don't have the models in front of me but the 110's canopy is wider as well? You could always do a simple vac form or plunge mold canopy and use strip styrene over the top for the frame work?

[flyboy_fx]

At PH, definitely want to get as close to the real deal as I can with my skills. Don't want to do a look alike. Not saying this like I know I can or anything, it's a project. I have never scribed anything yet (Not like I will be practicing on the 110 though!), what do you normally use to scribe with? You are right about the panels. Then I would have the freedom to cut the styrene how ever the hell I want, as long as all the gaps are filled and smooth. Much easier I see!!! Then just scribe it and ad rivets with a pin vise.


Not sure what version I want to do. The C/E I'll use the BF109 E spinner and prop. The F?G I'll use a bf109G prop and spinner. I'll be casting them in resin for this build. For the canopy, I'll carve a master and have it sent to PH to vaccuform. Then I'll ad strip styrene to it for the fram work. I would like to even hinge it for the pilot if I can.


At Jay, can you send me any and all info you have on it to flyboyfx@gmail.com? It would help more than you know! Well, I'm sure you know. I'm converting an RC model into a static. Sometimes the proportions are off, so if you have any 3-views of the 110, I would be able to make sure the RC plans are right on. Again, what ever info your willing to share, I would really appreciate it.

At Jnew, yes... I will keep them buildings coming. Right now I have hardly anytime to model at all. Soon though, soon. I've got LOTS of awesome diorama statics in the works! Can't wait to get selling and share them with everyone!

[Airacobra]

Flyboy, I think you will do just fine with this project. You are into RC planes, right? I am not sure if you have ever built a scale balsa RC plane, but people build them all the time. You will just be building a smaller scale using the same plans. In fact, RCGroups has a thread in the Scale Electric Planes section where people have converted Guillows rubber powered kits to full RC planes. The reason I mention that thread is because those Guillows kits are about the same size as many of our 1/18 scale planes. Some of the builders sheeted the planes completely in balsa so it can be done. As far as panel lines go you can lay chart tape or any other narrow tape down on the surface of the plane where the panel lines should be and then shoot the plane with primer. After you're finished with the primer you can pull the tape to expose the panel lines. If you visit any of the scale RC warbird forums on RCGroups or RCUniverse you will learn a ton of building and detail tips. You can also look through the Large Scale Planes forums for scratch building and detailing tips and tricks. Large Scale Planes is devoted to 1/32 scale and larger static kits. There are some true scratch building masters on that site and I think it would greatly benefit your project if you read through the Works In Progress section, especially the scratch builds. I am in awe of the talent on that site. After looking at the work you have shown on this site I have no doubt that you have the ability to build the 110. Just don't give up and post a lot of pics.

[flyboy_fx]

Thanks Aira!

I have built quite a few RC models, non covered in balsa though. The planking will be new to me. I always scour the internet for as many tips and tricks as I can find to aid my project. I will check out Large Scale Planes. Thanks for the info!!!

[Jay]

Flyboy, I've just emailed you two rounds of PDF's and one round of Jpegs. With that jpeg rear view, you can make out the panel lines which can be referenced back to the side view. You should be able to get some good sectional profiles from those. Cheers.