HOW TO BUILD AIRCRAFT DIORAMAS

[JohnReid]

[JohnReid]

I like the jig as supplied for the Albatros .It is easy to assemble and holds everything nicely in place as you put on the lower longerons.The main side ones go on first and required only a bit of minor fitting on 1 or 2 bulkheads.They are held securely in place with rubber bands and small pegs.
The first two side longerons will determine the run of the lower longerons curve at the bottom.Remember at this point the fuselage is being built upside down.

[JohnReid]

[JohnReid]

The lower longerons have been glued in place and the fuselage freed from its jig.The monocoque type construction is actually quite pleasing to the eye in its design.There were a few minor fitting problems in a couple of areas especially around the tail.In general the wood and the laser cut wood pieces only require some fine sanding and are of good quality.

[JohnReid]

Wrong pic.

[JohnReid]

[JohnReid]

[JohnReid]

[JohnReid]

I hated to do it but.....the fuselage is now in two pieces.I separated it at bulkhead 6 just behind the aft U/C strut.
From here on it is all new to me.I won't be following the sequence of build as per the instruction booklet.The engine and fuselage will only be joined after all the hardware is in.I haven't yet decided on the plywood panels surrounding the engine compartment.I could show them either on or having been removed for savaging purposes.Either way there will have to be some burn damage to the longerons and engine bearer etc...I want it to look as though the fire was put out pretty quickly after the flash burn of the fabric wings.

[JohnReid]