Top Flite Cessna Skylane Kit build thread

frajolex · January 23, 2015, 11:32:13 AM

Update: Hibbico will send me new die cut parts for the fuselage

I hope I can get this ASAP so I can continue building the plane.

I think the wing is really fine now, I'll keep it out of the weights until tomorrow to check if the warp returns.

frajolex · February 06, 2015, 04:47:29 PM

Okay, I finally had some time to work on the kit again, Hibbico sent me the new fuselage parts, and I was able to build the bottom section yesterday night... overall, I'm quite happy with the results... according the manual, I should cover this section now before building the upper section.

frajolex · February 10, 2015, 12:45:33 AM

Lower fuselage is covered, I gotta say, this thing hurts... I broke at least 3balsa sheets trying to bend them....

Michael · February 10, 2015, 06:44:18 AM

It really looks good.

Did you wet the balsa sheets, at least on the outside, before bending them?

That usually helps.

wollins · February 10, 2015, 07:56:45 AM

Awesome Andre!

frajolex · February 10, 2015, 11:06:42 AM

Yes, I wet the sheets, but it seems it wasn't enough. I hard a real hard time to sheet the curves, I could not align the pieces at all due to the curves. I gotta get some advices from you guys on how to improve this technique....

frajolex · February 10, 2015, 12:44:03 PM

Guys, question about patching and sanding...

1 which patch /gap filler do you guys use?
2 do usually pre-sand the wood before patching?

battlestu · February 10, 2015, 01:04:00 PM

I use polly filler light and yes i do a bit of sanding before patching. I don't think it matters since you'll need to sand afterwards.

Papa · February 10, 2015, 02:17:26 PM

I use this product as I find it the lightest.

http://www.dap.com/product_details.aspx?BrandID=136&SubcatID=23

I leave it overnight so it's fully dry.

I only sand down visible high spots first. You have to sand to get it to a final finish anyway.

I find I usually have to come back and do second filling job to get the spots missed the first time around.

Jack.

wollins · February 10, 2015, 02:21:32 PM

Quote from: Papa on February 10, 2015, 02:17:26 PM

http://www.dap.com/product_details.aspx?BrandID=136&SubcatID=23

Yup I use that too Andre ... could never seem to find it at H/depot but I get mine at Rona.

Colin

piker · February 10, 2015, 06:06:39 PM

That's looking really good, Andre.

I have used the Dap filler in areas where I need to use a lot of the stuff (like my Sandringham repair), but I'm not completely sold by it. I find it kind of soft and a little difficult to get a nice, smooth, finish with. For filling on balsa planes, I use Model Magic from the hobby shop. It's expensive, but when not using much, it last a long time and I find it much better for sanding and more stable.

frajolex · February 11, 2015, 02:50:30 AM

Well, now it really looks like a plane.... As Michael said to me, now the fun begins....

I stopped by pinnacle today and Ron suggested a nice push rod set... Already installed and ready to go...

Michael · February 11, 2015, 06:31:25 AM

Beautiful!

electroflyer · February 11, 2015, 08:20:56 AM

Hey Andre,
That is shaping up real nice!
For bending balsa sheet, a mixture of Ammonia and warm water is what I have used. Check on line to find a good ratio.
As for filling joints, my favourite product is Le'pages latex wood filler found at Canadian Tire in the paint section. It comes in different colours and squeezes out of a tube. It goes on smooth, sands nicely and actually has some strength. As with any water based product though, it should be put on in thin coats if filling a large depression as the balsa will act like a sponge.
http://www.lepageproducts.com/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=112

Glenn

Papa · February 11, 2015, 09:05:53 AM

Does this not add extra weight? I have always thought wood filler to be very heavy.

Jack.