PT17

Michael · April 20, 2021, 06:27:28 PM

Thanks to Ontario's new stay-at-home order, I've committed to building another model airplane.

My decision was based on: what balsa kits are available in the GTA; what currently unused power system I have on hand; what covering I have on hand; and what whatever else I have on hand that might lend itself to a new project.

I chose the Alien Aircraft Corp PT19 biplane, courtesy of a curb-side purchase from Great Hobbies in Mississauga. I have a suitable power system and radio components. I don't want to finish the model in the traditional blue and yellow colours, since it will look like an E-Flite ARF. I have red covering, and a quick Google search found a bright red example used in the Israeli air force. I just happen to have suitable Israeli decals left over from a previous order/project.

The model has a 34" wingspan, and should weigh about 24 ounces.
https://www.greathobbies.com/productinfo/?prod_id=ALE306

The kit was about $192 (with tax). Compared to an ARF, that's not so cheap, but the kit includes lots of hardware, hundreds of laser-cut pieces of balsa and plywood and good plans. As well, last year I built another model by this manufacturer, and it was fun to build, and flew exceptionally well.
https://temac.ca/smf/index.php?topic=7376.0

This should keep me busy for a few weeks, and should be fun to fly on calm, warm days.

This thread will not be a full "build-thread", but I will post photos and comments of my progress.
The instruction manual has many photos of construction.
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2281/6393/files/aac306stearmanpt17_bd13fb75-f89b-4702-8feb-cf17759c6dde.pdf?15716914580228316341

Michael · April 21, 2021, 03:34:33 PM

I've done 5 steps out of a total of more that 265 steps, as per the instructions.

Tail "feathers" done: beveled, sanded, hinged (not glued).

Michael · April 24, 2021, 01:07:21 PM

32 steps out of 268.

The fuselage construction is underway. The laser parts need a lot of cutting to get them out clean and smooth, so that's adding time to the construction.

I'm using medium and thin CA, as well as a quick-drying white glue, depending on what I think will work better and more appropriately at each joint.

Parts fit is about 9/10 (or better) quality.

There's a lot of slow and tedious work; it's not a kit for a rank beginner, and it may even challenge the patience of an experienced builder, but it keeps me busy, and I'm enjoying it.

Michael · April 27, 2021, 03:36:39 PM

Basic fuselage construction is done. I'll do a bit more sanding.
That's 86 steps out of 268 steps in the instructions.

Next is the dummy engine, which seems to have more than 100 laser cut parts.

Michael · April 27, 2021, 05:38:00 PM

Dummy radial engine construction underway.

Every thin layer of the cooling fins on the cylinders is a separate laser cut part (and many of those need to be partially cut out).

This is slow work, but fun.

davidk · April 28, 2021, 04:34:29 PM

Quote from: Michael on April 27, 2021, 05:38:00 PM
Dummy radial engine construction underway.

Every thin layer of the cooling fins on the cylinders is a separate laser cut part (and many of those need to be partially cut out).

This is slow work, but fun.

What a great design job... to create hundreds of little pieces that fit together to form a full radial engine. That's pretty cool. Keep sanding, Michael... it looks great!

Michael · April 28, 2021, 05:07:07 PM

Dummy radial engine construction completed. It's made up of 165 laser cut parts, and an additional 14 parts I added. It weighs 21 grams (approx. 2/3 of an ounce) unpainted.

Frank v B · April 28, 2021, 06:19:04 PM

Looks great. Stain and varnish it!

Frank

Michael · April 30, 2021, 05:11:10 PM

It's 10 days of pleasurable building. The upper wing is now constructed and sanded.

Michael · May 03, 2021, 03:30:54 PM

Lower wing and wing-struts finished.

The wing struts took more about 3 hours to complete. They were glued together, secured with thread and glue, carved and sanded to an oval cross-section, and trimmed to fit in the wings.

Michael · May 03, 2021, 03:32:15 PM

Main construction is finished.

The inner cockpits were painted black during construction.

234 steps out of 268, in the instructions.

The next step is covering and painting.

davidk · May 03, 2021, 03:33:59 PM

Beautiful. This is a work of art. Nicely done.

Michael · May 03, 2021, 03:38:38 PM

Thanks, David.

Now it's time for a little imagineering.

GuyOReilly · May 03, 2021, 09:40:32 PM

Looks fantastic!
Great job Michael.

Michael · May 03, 2021, 10:03:30 PM

Thanks, Guy.

Covering has started!