Kawasaki Ki61 Hien “Tony” - Build Photos

Pinned balsa wing ribs positioned on plans
1. Laminated tailgroup outlines pinned down to the board.
Closeup balsa tail assembly on blueprint
2. Here is the completed tail framework--the fin and horizontal stabilizer will be sheeted while the rudder and elevators remain open structures.
Balsa wood model airplane skeleton on plans
5. Fuse finished. Wing and tail dry-fitted.
Balsa wing ribs pinned to plan
3. Wing almost ready for sheeting from the upper LE to the main spar.
Silver model airplane with red twin tail
6. Covered with plastic parts in place.
Balsa fuselage framework pinned on blueprint
4. Left side of fuse built on the board.

Howard DGA-3 "Pete" - Build Photos


Build photos

Finished photos

Balsa strips and wing template on workbench

1. Stripping tool and foam forms for building the laminated outlines of the tail group.

Shaped foam templates wrapped in plastic

2. Laminations wrapped around the forms and pinned into place while the glue dries.

Tailplane ribs pinned with glue bottle

3. Laminated outlines filled with the tail framework.

Balsa fuselage framework over airplane blueprint

4. Left and right handed side panels built over the plan.

Wing spars held by metal weights on plan

5. Side panels squared up and joined with the lower formers.

Balsa fuselage framework pinned to plan

6. Top formers going into place.

Completed balsa fuselage skeleton on plans

7. Stringers and sheeting of the nose and rear turtledeck complete.

Pinned wing rib assembly on plan

8. Wings going together.

Triangular alignment jig sitting on building plans

9. Spindly Pete landing gear--the bracing wire is a must-have on this model.

Close-up wooden model airplane nose assembly

10. Soft balsa spinner turned on a drill.

Completed wooden model airplane on workbench

11. Japanese tissue doped with water-based polyurethane.