Build along with Wonwing from start to finish -Hawker Tempest V

[wonwinglo]

My next subject is this Westwings ( obsolete no longer trading) model of the Hawker Tempest V.
Today will see some parts cut out in preparation for the build,as usual the kit will form the basis for a much improved flying model,my first Tempest model was a kit by Skyleader built at the age of 9,pure nostalgia and I still have the plans for that plus a set of parts that were cut out for it to make a replica model something that I like doing.
So prior to picking up a sharp knife to cut parts here is a look at the kit as it stands,very basic but all I need to build a dream model.

[wonwinglo]

The parts spread for the Hawker Tempest V all cut out from the sheets and ready to make a start today on the fuselage,cut the parts out with great care and you will be rewarded with a smooth build that is the aim,so this is where we are at with parts laid out in shallow card trays all ready to identify and pick.











You can see what is involved with the cutting operation from the scrap wood removed.

[wonwinglo]

The keel is laid down and the first formers are carefully added to the master side,tiny gussets have been used to ensure the formers do not lean a common issue with thin balsa formers at this crucial stage of construction,no matter how careful you are this happens and the small gussets is a way of support during the curing process of the adhesive which can pull them out of line.



Down go the keels pinned to the board.



One by one formers are added from nose to tail working slowly and carefully as this is a delicate stage of construction.





And there we have the first stage all ready for stringering once everything is fully dry overnight.

[wonwinglo]

Having got soaked yesterday at Weston Park model show it was good to get back in the comfort of my studio to do some work on the Tempest,the port side was stringered from nose to tail as can be seen in the pictures,as usual a few notches for the formers were out of line and the common error was rectified by re notching and a little balsa work to fill the voids,this is no big deal as these kind of things happen and plan design errors creep in,the important thing is to ensure the stringers run smooth and straight with tiny adjustments made along the way,there is always a workable solution in model building so never ever get upset you are the model builder who uses his/her skills to put things to right.
Once the lower nose blocks are in shape and have set the fuselage half can be carefully sanded and the starboard side started by adding more formers.
Once you get to this stage at least you have some strength to work on but it is delicate but rewarding work.



The Tempest fuselage in its early stages of construction today,the rear motor peg support has been added.





Tiny correction pieces added between the formers solves the voids,once sanded you will not notice them,balsa block is for lower nose but I will be sheeting in the nose portion anyway as my usual practise,why add ballast up front when you can add extra shape and strength ?

[wonwinglo]

Now we have a secure port side it is time to start building the starboard side up by adding the respective formers from nose to tail,once again keeping everything at exact right angles is important so the use of small gussets is paramount,a tiny gusset locks the former into place and avoids sway when placing the stringers into the slots,besides the gussets a small strip of wood assists in locking the former straight while the adhesive sets.



Starting at the nose working on each half former.



Working cleanly and checking every single joint,these kind of models rely on collective joints,the system is time proven.



Line everything up carefully.



A Tempest takes shape.



The stringers underneath the wings are added after the wing has been assembled to the fuselage.

[Mickc1440]

Such a pleasure to watch your work.

[wonwinglo]

Such a pleasure to watch your work.

Thank you Mick it is my pleasure to share my passion for model building with you.

[wonwinglo]

The fuselage is now all stringered up ready for a good sanding,then additional balsa will be added to the nose area fitting between each stringer to add lots of shape and strength rather than additional dead weight for ballast,the only block balsa supplied is for the lower nose area as shown with rough cut blocks awaiting sanding,the lovely shape of the Tempest V nose will benefit from this worthy addition.
The nose block has been laminated together,the existing circular nose plug will be replaced with a more practical and adjustable square nose block,this will be useful for flight trimming adjustments to the thrustline of the propeller,more on that later as lots of changes in that area.
So after a good drying session some sanding will take place to pull the fuselage into fine fettle.



Supplied canopy just sat in place to see what it will look like.



Lower chin blocks yet to be shaped and carved.



The mid formers slide around the wing centre section spars then stringering will be completed in that area.



The adhesive curing area on the radiator turntable,note the gusset infills around the cockpit surround.



Nose block laminations,circular hole will be modified for a square built up nose plug.

[stillp]

Nice to see some 'old school' aircraft modelling.
Pete

[wonwinglo]

Nice to see some 'old school' aircraft modelling.
Pete

Yes keeping old skills alive,I love traditional model building.

[spanner570]

Following this like a leach, Barry.
I have the Guillows F4U-4 Corsair - 30" wingspan. It's all framed up, but I don't want to use tissue to cover it. Would it be possible to skin it with thin balsa sheet or perhaps card? It will be static model.

Thanks.
Ron

[wonwinglo]

Following this like a leach, Barry.
I have the Guillows F4U-4 Corsair - 30" wingspan. It's all framed up, but I don't want to use tissue to cover it. Would it be possible to skin it with thin balsa sheet or perhaps card? It will be static model.

Thanks.
Ron

Use ordinary cartridge paper applied with PVA adhesive,once painted it looks like aluminium panels,I once did an A-26 Invader this way.

[scottie3158]

Looking good. I only ever built one of these a long time ago with my dad.

[wonwinglo]

The day has been spent sheeting in between the nose areas with balsa,when doing this cut pieces with a slight wedge to them and press into place firmly as the pieces automatically expand into the voids,once dry sand flush with the stringers,as you can see here it has worked well on the Tempests nose because of the complex pulled in shape at the front,it makes the noses of these type of models look much better and stronger too where needed.
















Next the laminated nose is added ready for further sanding and blending in

[wonwinglo]

The laminated nose block has been glued into place and the nose given an initial sanding,now I have devised a important and practical modification and that is to replace the plastic nose button with a squared block that has a vintage brass motor shaft screwed into place,once I sort out some cup washers then the shaft will be assembled to the propeller and worked out,my plan is also to make my own carved three bladed wooden propeller a task that I usually do on most of my models,carving propellers is an art form and requires skill and patience,if you were my apprentice then you would only be considered time served if you had carved a minimum of 100 propellers including three/four and five bladed examples !