Thanks Randy, it's lookin' really cool.

 Here's where I've always been mystified over this clear canopy subject, and the main reason I've yet to build my "Electra"...

 Ok great, we can put a bunch of filler around a clear canopy and then sand it down until the outline of the canopy blends uninterrupted into the fuse outline. That part I've got. What I don't get is that when you finish sanding it the filler at the joint (like at the top rear seam for example) it would end up being so thin that it would crack very easily. Another example would be like on the flat side glass on a Classic "Electra" when you want that glass to be on the same smooth line as it transitions to the side of the fuse.

 So, my question is how do you achieve the indiscernable transition without the filler ending up microscopically thin at the joint, or even gone altogether?

Dude, you've got some serious sanding ahead...

That cockpit looks fantastic!!

Marcus

Marcus,

The cockpit is very simple. but it looks OK.

Wayne, I leave it thin and have never had a problem it cracking or whatever. You can sand it super thin and just feather it into the plastic of the canopy. Nice thing about SuperFil. I usually sand it all very smooth including the plastic of the canopy. Clear coat clears it right up.

I've tried to post pictures 3 times, but apparently the server isn't in the mood tonight. I keep getting an error so I'll try again tomorrow.

Yea, I tried again and no deal. Not even one at a time. I guess I'll try tomorrow.

I've tried to post pictures 3 times, but apparently the server isn't in the mood tonight. I keep getting an error so I'll try again tomorrow.

Check file size. Has to be under 1000 KB

OK, it's a new day. I'll try to upload some pics again. First is the grind in process. Second the grind is done and the last is a shot of the wing fairings. I had to go back and fix something (a bunch more blue stuff), but most of that will be ground off today.

Yah but is my rush job that good? Some say yes I say no.

I think it is. It's a very cool plane. I'm just loafing along, working on it when I'm in the mood. You put in long days to finish yours.

That's only because I was lazy this winter. I was rushed for time for the NATS. I am regretting it now. That's why next years is in construction now. But this is about your cool build. I love the style and execution.

 Looks really good Randy, a very cool original design.

 I study the pics and keep trying to think of descriptive words for this model but...it's trippy.

 It's kinda like Star Wars meets Yin and Yang meets Schneider Cup Racer meets Lowrider meets...

 Whatever the inspiration was, it works.

Me too, what ever the inspiration is it works.

I think I'll leave this thread intact for the finish so that if someone is interested, they can see from first wood cut to clear coat in one thread.

That's how I prefer to look at a build thread.

Hey it is not that hard to go to the finish section.

I suspect I'll just stick here. We'll see.

I like the fillet Randy! Keep it!!

I like it, do it!

I was a bit concerned about nose stability (no maple mounts to stabilize it). I build a couple of different setups; these fillets, some cheek cowls and a sort of weird, molded wrap around, but didn't really like any of them. This is the only one I was really much considering at this point. It gives a very cool plan view, but overall, I didn't like it much. Now that I'm down to it, I was reconsidering. I'll look at it again today. they would make little difference in final weight but may add something to nose stability. Same reason I have those long fairings on the flaps. The nose looks a bit blockier than I had planned. If I don't put the fillet on, I may rework the cowl to give it a somewhat less blocky look.

So, I put everything in and if I were flying it right now, it would be pretty light. This is going to have to be a very thin finish.

Sigh...

Robert,

To hit my target weight, I'll need about a 7oz finish. I've done it before. Number one is no filler coat. I'll build up clear until everything is filled.

Try them like this.



I did this with a triangle piece of 1/64 plywood with a inside radius and filler.

Mark,

I thought about that. The nose on this beast is pretty long and was concerned about torque. But I don't really like the long leading fillet (which is why they've been made for months but not glued on). I'll do something up there, but probably not that.

Robert's filets look great and not too overly done.

 Yep, that style would work.

Robert's filets look great.

They sure do.  As they say on the radio in the movies, "Copy that."

neck brace,,
I fear we are missing part of this story Randy,, what gives

 Holy $%@# Randy, at least you weren't carrying a plane! Get Well!

Let's just say that the cat and I had words. Running up the front steps and tripping me as I came down and sending me into the rocks neck first was not what I had in mind. Result was a very large bruise and a pinched nerve. But I'll live. Flexeril is wonderful stuff. Doc says I should be fine in another couple of days.

I've had similar things happen to me, only not yet with such dire results.  Cats seem to fully understand the implications of life insurance policies, they just never seem to grasp the fact that they are not the beneficiaries.