Albatross D.III Build

14 February 2006, 07:15 PM

Brian,
I usually use carpet tape on the thicker balsa and plywood parts, those parts don't break easily when removing the template. For lighter and thin balsa parts I drill holes in the template just large enough for a push pin to slide into and epoxy them in place with about 1/16" sticking through. It works great and is very fast to use when cutting out ribs, no more fighting to get the tape to break loose before the balsa part breaks. The push pins also double as handles which helps out on small parts.

I will be posting pics in a couple of weeks (if work will stop interfering), and you will see them on the templates I'm getting close to finishing.

By the way I've redone the templates that I originally have in the pics in this thread. The Lexan had a tendancy to flex to much due the very large notches for the spars to pass through the ribs, just not enough material left to keep it stiff. I've since gone to 1/4" plywood and I am much happier with the results. I really like lexan but it's just not workable in this case.

I do most of my work on a scroll saw( rough cut). I just cut to within about 1/8 " of the plan line and do all of the final sizing and shaping on an oscillating edge sander. The sander allows VERY smooth and acurate final shaping, very fast.

Hope this helps you,
Scot

15 February 2006, 05:48 PM

Thank-You for the additional information!

Brian

5 March 2006, 05:38 AM

For the most "work" has kept me out of the shop for the last couple of weeks. However I have managed to finish cutting out all of the templates so I now have a template "short kit". I still have some fine tuning to do on them, but I'm getting close to starting the plane itself.

Hopefully my work schedule will let up some over the next two weeks and I can spend some quality time in the shop !

Lucky Dog · 15 March 2006, 08:08 PM

Scot,
The new pic on the home page of the RC Dawn Patrol web site might help get the "motivation" up on your DIII.

16 March 2006, 04:43 PM

You're right Mike!!!!
Makes me want to go in tomorrow and tell'em "I Quit !!!"
I should be able to spend some quality time in the shop in about two weeks. All I need is one good weekend and I'll be done with the templates and at least started cutting out the parts.

I sure hope everyone else is making more progress than me!

Scot

17 April 2006, 05:09 PM

The response to my humble little thread is a bit surprising ! I apologize for not making any new posts lately. I have been so swamped with work that I haven't had time to even go in the shop. But a new post with pics is coming soon !!

Scot

8 May 2006, 05:40 AM

I see Dave Johnson did very well with his Albatros DIII at Tob Gun this year! Great Job, DAVE!!!! Knowing Tiano's dislike for WWI bilanes, this is a feat!

DJ · 8 May 2006, 05:47 AM

Thanks, It was a lot of fun! I am very proud of that plane, It handled 20-25mph cross winds and looked great. It is a real good flying plane. Alas, that was it's last year for elgibillity unless I repaint it. I have considered Goering's scheme, but only if my Bristol M1 turns out to be a dog.

DJ

JohnFitz · 8 May 2006, 09:39 AM

Hi DJ, Just wanted to say congrats on the Top Gun finish. Must have been a great feeling. Don't re-paint the Alb. it's too pretty the way it is. Looking forward to your Bristol.

VBR, John

Lucky Dog · 9 May 2006, 05:40 AM

Congrats Dave! I vote with John. It's just too sharp the way it is. But, a man's got to do what a man's got to do.

You going to be at the Mint Julep again this year?