Spotlight
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P-40 Warhawk
by Bhagat Dhillon
May 14, 2005
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On January 1, 2005, we started a unique group-build
project at SFA called the Simplified
Sport-Scale Cookup. The idea was to
represent a scale aircraft using a simplified structure
- much like what R/C modelers refer to as "sport
scale." This 16" wingspan model is what
I came up with.
My interpretation of the Warhawk has a slab-sided
box for a fuselage, with lightening holes cut out.
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I think the squarish look lends a sense of
severity that's in character for this warbird.
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Tail pieces
were cut from sheet balsa with lightening holes
cut out, and a few parts added for stiffening.
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I'd hoped that the slab sides and other sheetwood
parts would simplify construction, but it
turned out to be more difficult than building
with stringers. |
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The wing uses "cracked rib" construction,
which makes a very strong, light structure for models
this size.
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I took a gamble on a new idea for the wing
fillets. They were formed as part of the wing,
with extended root ribs and an open structure.
Tissue covering over the frame worked out
very well, and I avoided all that fiddly work
normally involved with wing fillets. |
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