Build Along With Wonwing-FAIREY FIREFLY

[wonwinglo]

I am thinking now 'Flaps' ! what if I was to incorporate the flaps into my model ? if set up correctly they would increase the wing area for starters and sure look good as well,the flaps extend from the wing on rails as can be seen in these photographs,I am going to devise something to include them into my model of the Fairey Firefly,they would reduce the wing loading dramatically,thinking cap on decision tomorrow.
As you can see they can extend fully out of the wing or be used partially out of the wing,very useful.

[wonwinglo]

Much flappery going on today as I got to it and devised some ground adjustable wing flaps,basically I opted for aluminium offcuts from streamlined strut tubing for the mountings,this is ideal as when wooden sticks are inserted they can be twisted into alignment and pushed tight into the tube,the same material is used on the plug in undercarriage where the piano wire springs tight into the tube.
Study the photographs to see how it is done.



Alloy oval strut section pieces are inserted/glued into the trailing edge of the wings,wooden dowels push into the tubes and can be clinched by moving upwards into the tube and held by friction.



They certainly give the desired effect,on the real aircraft they extend on rails in variable positions.





Hardwood dowels were glued into the leading edges of the flaps.



The wheels were joined together and skimmed with Squadron putty,then rasped up with coarse glasspaper and painted,brass bushing was then added.
You will remember the wheel halves were filled with plastic balsa after first inserting balsa discs glued into the wheel halves,a vast improvement on flimsy vac formed mouldings.

[scottie3158]

Barry,
The great work continues the hand made props are very impressive.

[wonwinglo]

Barry,
The great work continues the hand made props are very impressive.

Thank you Scottie,and now some photographs of her sitting on her undercarriage for the first time.

[wonwinglo]

The undercarriage legs were completed today and offered up for the first time.

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[wonwinglo]

Looks like we had a problem there the pictures did not appear so lets try again.

[wonwinglo]

As the model comes towards completion the parts were sanded down and a day spent tissue covering.

[wonwinglo]

This evening I made a start on the painting on the upper surfaces.

[Steven000]

Another very nice model Barry!
Cheers, Steven

[wonwinglo]

Another very nice model Barry!
Cheers, Steven

Thank you Steven.

[wonwinglo]

Assembly is now underway and the wing fillets are being gradually built up,the plan simply states the use of paper but I like to build up a bit of structure where the fuselage meets the wing then build onto that with the paper fillets.




The wing fillets are very subtle and to look realistic need to be done carefully,below you will see how I did them my own way.



First to make things easier I painted the components and allowed them to dry overnight,the wheel wells will be cut through after the test flying just to give the wings a bit more lift,then if things go well they will be cut through to reveal the work that I did in that area.



Looking underneath first balsa membranes were fitted where the wings blend into the fuselage,this gives me something to build onto.



The curved paper fillets ( warm hands around any suitable round object ) glued into place.



Here you can see the little bit of structure inserted into the joint.

[wonwinglo]

The completed Fairey Firefly all ready for test flying when the weather is suitable.







And as a bonus here a stablemate to keep it company the Hawker Tempest V

[scottie3158]

Barry,
That's a great result mate.

[Mickc1440]

That's a great looking model Barry

[wonwinglo]

Barry,
That's a great result mate.

Thank you Scottie & Mick,your interest is much appreciated.