How I spent the Fall, Winter and Spring

[Dan Berry]

I have been working on a new plane since September. Progress is measured in fits and starts.
This is a Vector40 built from plans but using a set of laser-cut ribs purchased from Brodak.
This is the seldom modelled open cockpit version, done for several reasons.
It's my first real attempt at filling the wood grain effectively. Truth be told I seem t6o have accomplished that. I do have issues with seams between blocks and sheets and stuff but that won't get taken care of on this effort.
I'll spread out some pictures of progress.

[Dan Berry]

Top turtledeck to eliminate a big block that I didn't have

[Dan Berry]

Sanded primer showing some obvious issues.

[Dan Berry]

This was a lesson I didn't want to learn.
The orange has no opacity.  I quickly stopped wasting paint here. Most of this was removed and some white was obtained.
The whole thing got a  coat of white.
Some tape was applied to lay out some decoration. The blue tape will reveal a white line when finished.

[Dan Berry]

Orange finally made it onto the plane.
It should show up against most backgrounds.
Maybe I'll get maximum appearance points since will always appear.

[Dan Berry]

The blue made it on today.
This evening I will see if the supergalactic 3M masking tape will behave for me. The hair dryer will be in use.

[Dan Berry]

When I'm done with this I'm gonna build a Free Flight plane for a WenMac. Which will be easier than this project.

[kenneth cook]

              Dan, I think it looks great.

[Dan Berry]

Got the white exposed.

[Dan Berry]

And made a problem. At least it's on the bottom.
I've not decided what to do with it.

[Motorman]

Very nice, I like the open cockpit.

[Dan McEntee]

And made a problem. At least it's on the bottom.
I've not decided what to do with it.

   If this is all dope, and it is on the bottom, looks like an opportunity to learn how to repair this kind of thing. Carefully block sand the area to even it out, and do what you can with the exposed balsa. Dab in some filler a little at a time, let it dry and block sand that off in between coats until it's filled and blends in with the surrounding area. Then mask off and paint again in the order you first put it on. You may want to even try just brushing it on with a good soft small brush. if you air brush it, just take it slowly and lightly. When the colors are on then doo the clear coat if you are planning on one.
  Nice looking airplane!
   Dan McEntee

[Dan Berry]

   If this is all dope, and it is on the bottom, looks like an opportunity to learn how to repair this kind of thing. Carefully block sand the area to even it out, and do what you can with the exposed balsa. Dab in some filler a little at a time, let it dry and block sand that off in between coats until it's filled and blends in with the surrounding area. Then mask off and paint again in the order you first put it on. You may want to even try just brushing it on with a good soft small brush. if you air brush it, just take it slowly and lightly. When the colors are on then doo the clear coat if you are planning on one.
  Nice looking airplane!
   Dan McEntee

It's Nason car paint. Haven't decided what I'm willing to do on the bottom of the plane.

[Dan McEntee]

It's Nason car paint. Haven't decided what I'm willing to do on the bottom of the plane.

    In that case, just a light sanding and some sort of spot putty will do, then sand off flat, remask and paint it just like you did the firs time. You might want to just tape it over with clear tape to protect it while you finish up the airplane and get maiden flights on it and get it more or less trimmed out. If you ding it any further, then you can do it all at the same time. In thinking about it, that may be preferable.
   Good lick with it!
  Dan McEntee

[Dan Berry]

It's on the underside.
It's not going to the Nats and I start them upright.  There's a real good chance it gets fixed with a brush. There is almost no chance that it get fixed by loading and cleaning a sparay gun twice along with masking for spray.

[John Lindberg]

Looks great, Dan!