96" Grumman Albatross flying boat kit/scratch built model

[Michael]

This is my main 2014-2015 winter project; a 96" wingspan Grumman Albatross flying boat, twin powered model, from Zeke's Park Scale Models. The kit and some extra wood parts cost about $640, and I've already started purchasing balsa for sheeting.

It is an extensive builder's kit of exceptionally well laser cut ultra-light balsa wood, that builds like a self-jigging 3D puzzle, without building on plans. The plane is literally being built in my hands.

The wood for this massive model (except surface sheeting) fits in a box about 24" x 16" x 4".

I haven't decided on a finish yet, but I'm leaning towards a USA Coast Guard theme; I already did a Canadian theme on my DC3 last year.

This thread will not be a step-by-step building log, but simply to show some of the progress.

[Michael]

The stabilizer is about half-done here. It will have a span of about 30".

As mentioned above, this is being built without plans.

[Papa]

Looks Good, It will be an interesting Blog.


Look forward to following it on the forum.


Jack.

[Skyking]

Very cool Michael.
I'm sure it will be awesome.


Ken

[wollins]

Nice Mike! That'll go together so fast you'll be done in no time. Ahh the beauty of actual instructions and parts that actually fit! sigh.  (jealous!    )

Colin

[sihinch]

Some more colour scheme inspiration....

[battlestu]

you got to go total Margaritaville on this one just like Jimmy Buffets:

http://www.buffettworld.com/aviation/albatross/

[Michael]

Now I'm leaning Canadian ...

[battlestu]

bah... you already have a Canadian plane in the fleet ......

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CICf8xoLyG8

you can sign along while flying at Frenchman's bay

[Michael]

Stabilizer construction finished; work started on the elevators.

Parts are perfectly laser cut, but some are tiny and delicate. Work is slow but steady.

Note the pre-cut hinge slots and spaces for the hinges in the elevators.

[Wingnutz]

Now I'm leaning Canadian ...

While I'm a Parrot Head (Buffet fan) and regularly sing and hum lines from "Wasting Away Again..."there can never be too many Canadian aircraft over ROGO!

[Michael]

Stabilizer and elevator construction done.

I sanded a bit, but there's quite a lot to do, so I'll leave it for later.

I'll start the fin and rudder next, and when they're done, I'll sand the entire tail group.

[Gregor77]

Wow. Looks great.

[piker]

It's SO nice to see so much building going on!  And large flying boats at that!

The Albatross is looking great! 

What power systems are you thinking about?

[Michael]

The Albatross is looking great! 

What power systems are you thinking about?

The Albatross is looking great?


It just a darn stabilizer!


*************


What power system?


I'm thinking an E-flite 15 and one side, and an E-flite 25 on the other, to help compensate for the torque.


On which side should I put the heavier motor?