Building the Red Baron (Fokker DR1) fighter plane model kit - 

Stage 4

Build issues 8, 9,10 & 11.

Illustration of the DR1 from  issue 1

Additional tools used list:

1. Two part epoxi-resin adhesive

2. Metal files (small) - these are used to "clean up" the castings for the engine cylinders and to remove any unsightly molding marks at the joints, which may otherwise spoil the finish.

Here the picture shows the former block in use to pre-form the limewood strips after being placed in hot water until pliable. This is only required for the top rib caps as the lower strips have to bend in shallow curves. This prevents cracking of the wooden strips and requires less tension to be placed on the clamps to achieve the proper curvature over the wing ribs. 

As you can see from this picture, how the clamps prove very useful (if not essential) to the clamping of the limewood wing section capping. The leading edges are particular difficult as the shape tends to prevent clamps of various types, from effectively ensuring the curvature is achieved by the limewood strips.  Perseverance is required for this part. 

PANICK STATIONS: When I looked at the two sections of wing before completing the wing rib cappings, I noted that the wing rib section were different shapes to the trailing edges. I wondered if I had been building the wrong wing section! However instruction 14 in issue 9 indicates that this is the case, and states that the square ended  ribs should be reshaped to be similar to the other wing section. This must be a production error, but is easily overcome.   

The two lower section of the wing have now been completed. unlike the instructions, I fully completed all aspects of both halves (including the capping), before joining them together. This prevented having to work on the wing build which is at the completed stage some 28 inches wide, and rather more liable to damage whilst completing the other tasks.

                                 This above picture cannot be resized

I have pictured the engine parts, to give an idea of the size and look, particularly of the cylinders, of which two have been received and constructed to date. The detail in what is the rear engine casing was pleasing as is the valve gear despite it's very small size. Only another 5 cylinders to go! 

Although superglue was used for the two section of the cylinder itself and to attach the cylinder head, the rocker arm and valve spring assembly parts were two small and fiddly. I used something, which had a bit more "grab", hence the use of the two part epoxi-resin for these small parts. Even so it was still the most fiddly task to date. 

TIP: the cylinder heads do not fit well on the cylinders without some preparation. Part of the locating ridge on the underside of the cylinder head should be filed away part, before fixing to the cylinder assemblies (see drawing). The problem appears to be that on one side of the cylinder castings, is a lug of metal which prevents the cylinder head from seating properly.

I am very pleased with the build thus far, and the wing section now complete is very satisfying.   

21 May 2004