h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Entry: Constructing Rubber-Powered, Free-Flight, Scale Models - A87757348
Author: Deke - U27380

Submitted as part of the May 'Create'.

I've had to curtail it a bit to 'rubber power' models only as it turns out that engine power f/f models' will need a seperate entry of about the same length. So as the deadline is about to whoosh over my head, and I'm goling on me hols on Saturday, that won't get done till I'm back.

Sorry that I won't be around for two weeks but I'll make any amendments then.

Deke

This looks excellent Deke! I am looking forward to reading this carefully, what a great subject to choose. Thank you

I'm very glad to see that you're writing again, Deke!

An enjoyable article – I must admit I only made one foray into the world of Balsa, and gave up when the aircraft I'd spent ages crafting smashed to pieces. From then on I stuck to Airfix.

I'll mention a couple of points I noticed:

In 1948 – Queen Elizabeth – presumably you mean Queen Elizabeth, wife of George VI and Queen Mother, not Queen Elizabeth II? Perhaps a little clarification or a link to A14116736 HM Queen Elizabeth - The Queen Mother to avoid confusion?
RC Models – Perhaps add an explanation that this stands for radio controlled
Minor rephrasing is perhaps required where you have written 'where it did ought to be'
You could also include links to related articles such as:

A10422325 The Supermarine Spitfire
A2265437 The Wright Brothers - Aviators
A87725433 Rubber Bands - Behold The Power
A593048 Jets and Rockets

<BB<

Hi BB, thanks for your comments, they are appreciated.

Carried ot clarification of QE. via a footnote as I believe she was 'Queen' at the time.

RC amended to 'radio control'.

'did' removed from 'where it did ought to be'.

Five links added as suggested.

Thanks again
Deke

Nowt to add other than say what a great article. Well done.

Yes, she was Queen at the time, so keep that in, but with all the concentration on Elizabeth II's jubilee at the moment people might get confused and assume you meant her daughter.

But great stuff!

<BB<

A very interesting article.

I have just a few minor things: first of all I didn't understand if the rubber you use is some special kind of rummer that you buy in a model building shop or just a rubberband you have in every house/kitchen.

For me it would make reading a lot easier if the inch would be translated to cm.

The different kinds of glues: do you need all of them or do you choose the one you like best?

Something from my own experience (with plastic models, and no flying ones):
while scratching the surface to achieve a used look certainly sounds logical I think it's far easier and safer (for the model) to just paint the silver scratches *on top* of the actual paint. If you don't use too much paint and make fast strokes it makes no difference in look unless you view it from very close.
Don't know how good it is for flying models but there are also all kinds of dirt and rust powders, but I guess you don't want it *that* used.

oh, and I hope you'll be able to send us some pictures once this Entry has been picked

I built quite a number of these models in my 20s during my lunchbreaks at work, where I had room to keep the building board.

One thing you haven't mentioned is the length of time it takes to fully wind the rubber motor. I don't know how it's done today, but back then I used a hand-drill with a hook in the chuck to greatly reduce winding time. Might be a useful tip to add.

Another thing you could add for those that have never seen one being built, is to point out that during construction the balsa pieces are pinned to the model's plan drawing, itself pinned to a large board. I used to put small pieces of greaseproof paper under the joints while the glue dried to stop it sticking to the plans. Keeps the plan in good condition for the next build, or rebuild in the event of a VERY heavy landing

Good work Deke

Hi again,

Thanks for all your comments. I'll get to dealing with the matters raised as soon as I can.

Deke

I've added bits regarding:
Rubber type
Glue types
Winding motors

FYI they are marked with ** text ** I'll take the **s out later.

I'm still considering in/cm and detailing...

Deke

As recommended I've added the Inch / cm conversion.
Also a bit about painting/drybrushing detail
And a bit about basic construction/greaseproof paper for the plan.

As far as the photo goes, 'fraid I haven't got anything that's suitable. But I have got a KK Spitfire kit and I could see if it's still possible to screw it together...

Deke

This is looking really good now Deke

*takes note



Thanks h5ringer - good to hear that!

Thanks for the comments everyone. Is there anything else to be addressed?

Deke

Your Guide Entry has just been picked from Peer Review by one of our Scouts, and is now heading off into the Editorial Process, which ends with publication in the Edited Guide. We've moved this Review Conversation out of Peer Review and to the entry itself.

If you'd like to know what happens now, check out the page on 'What Happens after your Entry has been Recommended?' at EditedGuide-Process. We hope this explains everything.

Thanks for contributing to the Edited Guide!

well done!

I've taken photos of the contents of an old KK Spitfire kit that I have. I don't know if it's suitable as a photo for an EG entry, but it's available if it's wanted.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/63531735@N05/sets/72157630301924752/

Deke

thank you! I think we can use one of those.