Veron Chipmunk

[pedwards2932]

I finally started to build the Chipmunk.  All parts were cut with my Cricut Maker.  I am using foam from Hefty foam platters. It is denser than the meat tray foam I was using.  Comes out to be about 1/16 in thick.  Seems to be pretty stiff as well. Saves on balsa needed for the kit. I'm using my new magnetic build board and magnets I got at Hobby Lobby.  The balsa came from Amazon and seems to be pretty good.

[OZPAF]

I must admit it looks effective and would be very light . I guess that you are leaving the TE at 1/16 ?

Happy building
John

[pedwards2932]

Yes the balsa stringers are all the size called for in the plans.  I used the Cricut to make all the stringers

[pedwards2932]

I got the wings finished and the elevator as well.  I decided to build the elevator according to the plan.  I did use 1/8 strips for the cross pieces.  I could have used foam sheet but I am covering with yellow tissue so I thought it wouldn't look right. The rudder I am using foam but I think it has enough added graphics to look okay.

[pedwards2932]

I wish I had spent a bit more time aligning the spar slots on the formers.  Some were off enough to be irritating.  The fuselage really has a lot of spars!

[pedwards2932]

Got almost all the stringers on.  Man there are a lot of stringers!

[pedwards2932]

Guess I have to put in the obligatory put together bones shot.  Will start covering soon still need to make a decision on canopy.  I'm a little afraid of the one in the plans, trying to get it to glue together.

[pedwards2932]

Not sure what I was thinking I made the ribs where the 2 wing halves go together out of foam.  Not a good idea. I recut them in balsa, it will glue together much better.

[pedwards2932]

Okay fixed the issue with the ribs I recut them in balsa and it all looks solid to me.  Not sure why they didn't reinforce the center spar joint.  I may do that.  I finished the fuselage and put the rubber motor anchor one section forward of plans as had been recommended.  I tried doing the panel lines before covering the elevator and rudder.  I have to say that worked great.  I may need to find a different pen as I used a fine point Sharpie. I wasn't thrilled with it I'd like a finer point.

[pedwards2932]

The tissue I am using came from Hobby Lobby brand is Brother Sister.  It's a dollar for 8 sheets with lots of colors available.  We'll see.  It shrinks real well.

[pedwards2932]

I got the fuselage covered haven't shrunk it yet.  Hope it shrinks decently.

[pedwards2932]

Did the landing gear.  Not thrilled with the process of putting on landing gear, but it had to be done so I can cover the wings.

[pedwards2932]

Got the wings covered. I hate working around landing gear. I was able to get it to shrink decent enough.  Took two mistings to get it shrunk enough. I use my magnet board to hold the wing flat while it dries.  I had to raise it up pretty high to clear the landing gear.

[pedwards2932]

Clear coated everything with Rustoleum Clear Satin 2X.  It didn't seem to affect the foam at all. I put on 2 thin coats.

[Crabby]

A good way to keep a wing flat while it dries is a wire cookie cooling rack. I got the idea taking ginger snaps out of the oven the other week. It worked really well. You can "pin" what ever "it" is down with magnets and let it dry or use the heat gun. Just 'sayin not 'preachin!
I took a "h" of a warp out of the Collegiates' stab the other day....