Fokker F.VIIa

[Stunthenk]

Today I fiddeled about with the paper template untill it fit the aperture and looked correctly scale-like in my eyes. I  then transfered the shape to a fresh piece of heavy paper and used this final template to cut out the windows from thin clear plastic sheet. Then I stuck a piece of the burnished alu tape over the paper, trimmed that and cut out the windows from the back. I put in the folds using two thin metal rulers, scored the clear window piece in the correct places and bent that too (just visible behind the windshield). Next step is to try and get this windshield in its proper place!

[OZPAF]

I just came across this interesting restored and colourised clip of the 1924 flight from Amsterdam to Batavia.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQmK1_Audaw

John

[chris46]

A fantastic model, perfect for a museum display case. The level of detail on the engine is breathtaking.

Chris46

[Stunthenk]

Very nice film! A great find. Note that the airplane is the first F.VII, much different from the F.VIIa that I am modelling. Apart from the Napier Lion inline engine, which will be easier to model, the structure is more complicated. However, if anyone wants to have a go, I have an accurate drawing that I can make available!
A strange interlude in the film is F.VIIA H-NADP that appears for a few moments. That was built in 1927!

[Stunthenk]

The windscreen needed individual windows to conform to the required angles between the panels. I could then glue it in place with PVA white glue. The exhaust manifolds in balsa did not work; when almost sanded to the right shape, a piece always broke off! In the end I used plastic rod, bent to shape with round nosed plyers and pairs angled and glued together and then trimmed to shape. Then they and the balsa central ring were painted a reddish brown colour (Humbrol 70) and when dry rubbed with graphite powder to create a burnt metal look. When all this was finished, I made up a propshaft from 1 mm piano wire, fitted a 6" Peck Polymer prop and weighed the model. 28,5 grams, wonderfull! But then I checked the C/G, it was way off! I estimate the model will need 7 grams of noseweight, of which I have fitted 5. The model needs some more details added, and the decals, but it is now ready for the first trimming flights next Sunday.