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Building Tips and technical articles. => Building techniques => Topic started by: wwwarbird on January 10, 2017, 08:47:23 PM

Title: A little side project...
Post by: wwwarbird on January 10, 2017, 08:47:23 PM
 Here we have the "JAP ZERO" (I love that they actually put that on the box)  LL~

 I found this little "gem" on Ebay recently, a whole fourteen bucks I think it was. It was partially started as shown, and complete except for the L/E and T/E pieces. Oh, the controls and L/G were missing too. The decals were there but they're toast. I've sourced some fresh stock for the L/E and T/E and I started in on building up the L/E tonight. I've got a few ideas in store for it and at this point I'm thinking it's going to end up with a Medallion .09 on the nose, we'll see. Anyway, I'm planning on piddling around on this one off and on while also working on the 'Hutch P-38...
Title: Re: A little side project...
Post by: Steve Helmick on January 12, 2017, 02:49:03 PM
Couldn't quite tell if it said 36" or 38" span, but I don't think it'll keep up with your P-38 unless you put at least a .25 in it, and probably not even then. Got a good .35 Combat engine in the drawer?  y1 Steve
Title: Re: A little side project...
Post by: wwwarbird on January 12, 2017, 06:21:02 PM
 Steve,

 Per the box art it's only 28" span and calls for .09 to .19 power. Since I don't have the original L/E or T/E, and the plans don't give the info, I have to take a guess at the rib spacing. After looking things over I've settled on 2-1/2" inch spacing, which will end up giving me about a 30 to 32" wing including the tips when finished. There's not much chord either so it's still going to be a small wing, I bet a Norvel .074 would fly this thing just fine. If I decide to stick with the Medallion .09 it's going to be pretty crazy.  
Title: Re: A little side project...
Post by: wwwarbird on January 12, 2017, 10:07:18 PM
 Got the wing framed up tonite..

 First was laying out some blue tape onto the benchtop then drawing out a "plan" on it for the wing. I then marked and cut the rib notches in the L/E and T/E sections. After all the parts were ready to go I glued some 3/4" square blocks onto the tape with CA to create an elevated "jig". Lastly it was to just align and pin down the L/E and T/E securely to the "jig" blocks, then fit and install the ribs. Tip rib to tip rib is now 30".  ;D
Title: Re: A little side project...
Post by: Steve Helmick on January 15, 2017, 04:17:08 PM
Ok, I read it better today than previously. A .21FP should work fine...  LL~ Steve
Title: Re: A little side project...
Post by: wwwarbird on January 15, 2017, 08:44:41 PM
Ok, I read it better today than previously. A .21FP should work fine...  LL~ Steve

 Hmm, I do have a brand new FP .20 sitting on the shelf, but nope. I've never had one, but I've always thought the Conquest .15 was a pretty cool engine. VD~

 Actually, I've now committed to the Medallion .09. I cut out a new fuselage today with the proper beam spacing for it, the old original mounts were about a 1/4" too wide.
Title: Re: A little side project...
Post by: wwwarbird on January 17, 2017, 09:15:45 PM
 Tonight I flipped the wing over, pinned it back down, and made a new platform for the bellcrank. Next I widened the existing notches for the mount just a bit because I made the platform about 1/4" wider (front to rear) than the original. With these changes it now sandwiches between the rib and the newly added bottom spar, ending up flush with the L/E of the spar. The way it all worked out it now allows the whole wing center section to be glued together creating a solid unit, good and sturdy for the bellcrank mount. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that the wing didn't have any spars as designed, I filed notches and added them, 1/8"x1/4".

 After all that I set a few of the big pieces together to get an initial look at things. I think it even kind of looks like a Zero.  ;D
Title: Re: A little side project...
Post by: Larry Renger on January 29, 2017, 08:11:51 AM
Who was the kit manufacturer? The plans look like they could be from Sterling.
Title: Re: A little side project...
Post by: wwwarbird on June 11, 2019, 08:09:57 PM
Who was the kit manufacturer? The plans look like they could be from Sterling.

 Larry,

 Sorry I never got back to you here, been away from this one for a while. The kit box says Master Modelcraft from New York, NY. I don't know anything about that company but to me the kit seems a lot like the older Japanese kits, maybe there was a connection?

  I've been looking at the half-built Zero sitting in my shop all this time and now that the P-38 is finally done I'd like to finish this little one up, should be a hoot!
Title: Re: A little side project...
Post by: 944_Jim on June 12, 2019, 05:28:16 PM
Any chance patterns have been made of all parts? This looks like a pretty cool step up from 1/2A.

Thanks in advance,
Title: Re: A little side project...
Post by: wwwarbird on June 12, 2019, 07:37:21 PM

 Sorry no patterns, a design like this would be very easy to draw up from scratch though.
Title: Re: A little side project...
Post by: Randy Powell on June 12, 2019, 09:46:59 PM
My new project is a classic plane.
Title: Re: A little side project...
Post by: wwwarbird on June 12, 2019, 10:32:59 PM
My new project is a classic plane.

 Cool, and it's a...?   ;D
Title: Re: A little side project...
Post by: FLOYD CARTER on June 19, 2019, 10:10:04 AM
On this prorfile, or any other, I would question the ply doubler.  Doesn't quite go back far enough.
Title: Re: A little side project...
Post by: wwwarbird on June 19, 2019, 10:21:04 PM
On this prorfile, or any other, I would question the ply doubler.  Doesn't quite go back far enough.

 I'm not using the old original fuse that had been started when I obtained the kit (the top one in the photo) . I built a new one from scratch with longer engine mount beams and a slightly longer tail moment, the lower one in the photo. It's really not a big deal on these small models but my new doublers do go back further than the original design, mainly to just look better than the originals. You'll notice the difference once I get to adding some more photos.

 I did get the leadouts done and the controls mounted in the wing tonight, a little progress at least. Next will be adding the wingtips, which I'm also making from scratch.  :)
Title: Re: A little side project...
Post by: Randy Powell on June 20, 2019, 11:44:33 AM
That's very cool, Wayne. I'm getting ready to start a new project soon also. Still bubbling in my head and on the drafting table.
Title: Re: A little side project...
Post by: wwwarbird on June 20, 2019, 08:29:25 PM

 Thanks Randy. It's just nice to work on a simple model every so often, no stress, just a fun little project.

 I'm anxious to see what's coming next out of the Powellworks.  #^
Title: Re: A little side project...
Post by: FLOYD CARTER on June 21, 2019, 10:57:33 AM
Looking back to the original post, I am reminded that the word "Jap" is no longer politically correct, or even condoned anymore.  It was common back during WWII, when I suppose the kit was produced.

But we did, and said,  a lot of dumb things back then.
Title: Re: A little side project...
Post by: wwwarbird on June 21, 2019, 11:15:54 PM
On this prorfile, or any other, I would question the ply doubler.  Doesn't quite go back far enough.

 Floyd,

 This shows the new fuse with 1/16" ply doublers...
Title: Re: A little side project...
Post by: Clint Ormosen on June 24, 2019, 12:47:03 AM
I just saw this thread for the first time tonight. I’m totally digging this little side project. I do stuff like this all the time. Build planes that serve no real purpose but to give me something too do.
This was a very cool project. Took a half built model from an obscure kit maker and produced a flyable model from it. That’s awesome.

Wayne, I’m going to have to come to MN sometime and check out your operation.
Title: Re: A little side project...
Post by: wwwarbird on June 24, 2019, 08:25:29 PM

This was a very cool project. Took a half built model from an obscure kit maker and produced a flyable model from it. That’s awesome.


 It's not actually done yet, these photos are current. Finished up making the wingtips the other night though, next will be sheeting the center section, more pics to come... ;D
Title: Re: A little side project...
Post by: wwwarbird on June 24, 2019, 08:32:48 PM

Wayne, I’m going to have to come to MN sometime and check out your operation.


 Definitely not worth a trip from California to check out my 12x14 foot "operation", but if you ever happen to be passing thru feel free to give me a shout.  ;D
Title: Re: A little side project...
Post by: Clint Ormosen on June 25, 2019, 12:15:31 AM
Definitely not worth a trip from California to check out my 12x14 foot "operation", but if you ever happen to be passing thru feel free to give me a shout.  ;D

Except for the weather, CA sucks! I can’t wait to retire and get out of this liberal cesspool of insane living expenses and taxes. Any trip out of California is worth it .
Title: Re: A little side project...
Post by: wwwarbird on July 01, 2019, 08:36:39 PM

 Finished sheeting the wing center section tonight, more pics once I get it sanded.  :)
Title: Re: A little side project...
Post by: wwwarbird on March 30, 2020, 10:04:37 PM
Back on the Zero, 3/30/20:

 Well, for whatever reason I haven't spent any time in the shop all winter, a wasted Building Season in a sense. Mainly just a result of too many other things going on along with an unusual (for me) lack of modeling motivation.
 
 With a statewide stay-at-home order that began this past weekend here in Minnesota I guess I finally ran out of excuses. Tonight I went down to the shop, turned on the lights, and started piddling again with this little "Jap Zero" project I'd originally started while still working on the 'Hutch P-38.

 I gotta say it helped, it was very relaxing to spend a few hours with the mind off the damn virus. Tonight was final sanding and prep work for covering the wing, tomorrow, out comes the Polyspan.  ;D
Title: Re: A little side project...
Post by: Randy Powell on March 31, 2020, 01:41:31 PM
Man, that is just cool. I'm enjoying your progress.
Title: Re: A little side project...
Post by: Larry Renger on March 31, 2020, 05:03:22 PM
Tee Dee Power? Put on your dancing shoes when you fly it. What is the wing area and probable weight?

I’ll bet it was designed for a Cub at half the power or less. Put the prop on backwards and short tank it the first flight!

Ask Andy Borgogna about ignoring our advice on over power, under size and short lines!

Or get a fast combat pilot to do the maiden flight. ;D
Title: Re: A little side project...
Post by: wwwarbird on March 31, 2020, 06:02:54 PM
What is the wing area and probable weight?



 Not much, and not much.  :##
Title: Re: A little side project...
Post by: Crist Rigotti on March 31, 2020, 08:52:26 PM
Tee Dee Power? Put on your dancing shoes when you fly it. What is the wing area and probable weight?

I’ll bet it was designed for a Cub at half the power or less. Put the prop on backwards and short tank it the first flight!

Ask Andy Borgogna about ignoring our advice on over power, under size and short lines!

Or get a fast combat pilot to do the maiden flight. ;D

Larry,
Rumor has it he's going electric on this one.
Title: Re: A little side project...
Post by: wwwarbird on March 31, 2020, 11:04:20 PM
Larry,
Rumor has it he's going electric on this one.

 Fake News.  ;D
Title: Re: A little side project...
Post by: wwwarbird on March 31, 2020, 11:23:51 PM
 Got the wing covered tonight. A nice bonus was that the scraps from the P-38 wing were still laying on my bench and they were just the perfect size for the Zero. Count that as another reason to rarely clean your shop.  ;D

 Whipped out a new set of tail surfaces too, 3/16" stab and 1/8" elevator.
Title: Re: A little side project...
Post by: wwwarbird on April 05, 2020, 09:42:52 PM

 Got the fuse final shaped and sanded tonight. After that some drywall spackling was applied that will be sanded to smooth and blend the 1/16" doubler-to-fuse transition. Once that is finish sanded the fuse will then get covered with medium silkspan. Got the fourth coat of 50/50 brushed on the wing too, a couple more and that should be ready to go.

Title: Re: A little side project...
Post by: Crist Rigotti on April 06, 2020, 10:01:37 AM
Nice work as usual Wayne.
Title: Re: A little side project...
Post by: wwwarbird on April 06, 2020, 12:46:04 PM
Nice work as usual Wayne.

 Thanks Crist, certainly not my best effort, it's just nice to be working on something to pass time during the lockdown.
Title: Re: A little side project...
Post by: dennis lipsett on April 06, 2020, 02:27:27 PM
I  remember Master modelcraft in the 50's. I believer they folded about the mid 60's. Also Harold Debolt made the 1st profile C/l model Probably to test something or other. The only profile that I remember him kitting was the twin A/2 Which I had 2 of them. So your model probably is a post 1949 model.
Title: Re: A little side project...
Post by: wwwarbird on April 06, 2020, 06:17:31 PM
 Interesting info Dennis. Did Master Modelcraft simply close or were they taken over by another company at some point?
Title: Re: A little side project...
Post by: wwwarbird on May 09, 2020, 10:03:14 PM

 Got the silkspan on the fuse tonight.  ;D
Title: Re: A little side project...
Post by: Dane Martin on May 09, 2020, 10:20:51 PM
Looking awesome Wayne
Title: Re: A little side project...
Post by: Dennis Leonhardi on May 11, 2020, 04:15:45 AM
Just spotted this thread ... Who is the manufacturer, Wayne?  Nice work!

Years ago PDQ offered at least a P-51 and Yak-9 (Matt Kania designs) in 1/2-A size.  They also offered them in .35 size, slightly smaller than, and prior to, the Sterling productions.

If there is one old kit that has sentimental value to me, it's the smaller P-51.  I mixed together all the dope I had - couldn't afford to buy more - painted it with the dull gray mix, flew it with a Cub .074.  I was completely thrilled to do several consecutive loops without crashing it.

Oh, the memories!  Oh, what little it took to thrill us!

Dennis
Title: Re: A little side project...
Post by: wwwarbird on May 11, 2020, 06:33:53 PM

Just spotted this thread ... Who is the manufacturer, Wayne?  Nice work!


 Master Modelcraft, see Reply #8.
Title: Re: A little side project...
Post by: wwwarbird on May 11, 2020, 07:31:48 PM
 Just glued the wing in tonight, watching 30 minute epoxy cure... D>K
Title: Re: A little side project...
Post by: wwwarbird on May 11, 2020, 07:35:06 PM
 Carbon veil on the fin/rudder, just in case we end up at the World Championships... ;D
Title: Re: A little side project...
Post by: Crist Rigotti on May 11, 2020, 09:07:12 PM
Carbon veil on the fin/rudder, just in case we end up at the World Championships... ;D

Ya never know!
Title: Re: A little side project...
Post by: Dennis Leonhardi on May 24, 2021, 06:19:12 PM
Wayne, any more progress on this one?  I had forgotten about it ...

Title: Re: A little side project...
Post by: wwwarbird on May 24, 2021, 07:52:55 PM

 None I'm afraid, and noticing here now that it's already been a year since I last touched it.  :(

 
Title: Re: A little side project...
Post by: john e. holliday on May 24, 2021, 08:12:46 PM
The way this is going I hope I'm still moving when it is finished and flown. D>K
Title: Re: A little side project...
Post by: wwwarbird on May 24, 2021, 09:10:19 PM

 Me too Doc.

 Aside from working 50-60 hours a week I've just been preoccupied with other projects, primarily old car stuff. Still checking in here and enjoying watching what others are up to but haven't played with my own airplanes. I'll get back to the Zero, eventually.
Title: Re: A little side project...
Post by: Juan Valentin on May 26, 2021, 07:29:41 PM
Just glued the wing in tonight, watching 30 minute epoxy cure... D>K

   Hello warbird
                              The zero looks great and the red P-38 looks awesome!
                                                                                                                                     Juan
Title: Re: A little side project...
Post by: wwwarbird on May 26, 2021, 09:25:53 PM
 Thanks Juan. If you're curious here's more on the P-38...

 https://stunthanger.com/smf/open-forum/yippee-p-38-rtf/msg556153/#msg556153

 And info threads on the build and finish work can be found by searching "Hutchinson P-38" and/or "YIPPEE".  H^^
Title: Re: A little side project...
Post by: kevin king on December 28, 2021, 07:12:31 AM
Medallion 09? I hope you have earplugs.😁
Title: Re: A little side project...
Post by: wwwarbird on December 28, 2021, 06:44:56 PM
Medallion 09? I hope you have earplugs.😁

 What?  ;D
Title: Re: A little side project...
Post by: kevin king on December 30, 2021, 08:09:37 PM
What?  ;D
😄 Good one! I will be needing a pair to if my Fox 36 Powered Winder works out.