Yak 9 WOS kit construction question

[steven yampolsky]

I've started looking into building WOS Yak 9. I am a little confused as to how the top block is built. The plans do not show any cross section views. Can anyone post some pictures?

[Douglas Ames]

WOS = ?

[steven yampolsky]

WOS = ?

Wings on Strings.

[Mike Griffin]

Steve

In the YAK9 Kit there is a piece of 3/32 x 4 x 36" balsa sheet.  That sheet is to be split down the middle and used for the side sheeting of the turtle deck for both the front and rear of the fuselage.  I tried to eliminate all the blocks I could so the build would be easier and lighter.  Just come up the top sides of the fuselage with the 3/32 and glue to the formers. Then you have a laser cut 1/4" front and rear piece for the fuselage that is glued on top and sanded to the contour of the top of the fuselage.  The very short 1/2" block is for the area right where the engine is.  Even the bottom cowl is built up and shaped rather than having to glue blocks and carve and hollow.

Did this answer your question?

Mike

[steven yampolsky]

In the YAK9 Kit there is a piece of 3/32 x 4 x 36" balsa sheet.  That sheet is to be split down the middle and used for the side sheeting of the turtle deck for both the front and rear of the fuselage.  Then you have a laser cut 1/4" front and rear piece for the fuselage that is glued on top and sanded to the contour of the top of the fuselage. 

I must have inhaled waaay too much CA fumes as a youth. I still don't get it. 

I have carved only one top block in my entire model building career. I either glued narrow strips on formers or molded. Mostly molded. Molding was invented for dum-dums like me.   

I do want to learn other methods of construction. This is one of the reasons I like building kits: they teach you something new.

[Bill Little]

Hi Steven,

It sounds like the 1/4" is a cap on top of the fuselage and that is all you will have to shape.  It appears that it is a simple 1/2 roundish shape.

I use razor planers for most of my "carving" and a block with 40 grit to do the original shaping.  I also put a centerline down the piece to work off of.  As I am finishing the shape I use "plumber's cloth" like a shoe shine rag and work it down the piece.  Finish as you like.

BIG Bear
RNMM/AMM

[john e. holliday]

I have built a number of kits in which the sides of the  turtle deck were brought up so far on the formers.  Then a cap put on, then sanded/carved to shape.  I think Veco/Dumas was good at this.