Building Zoukei-Mura's 1/32 Bf-109 G4: Part 2

 

This aircraft is being built as a skeleton model. This means the
main spar under the pilot's seat will be the only connection
between the fuselage and wings. The builder of the skeleton model
in the book mentioned that this makes the model a bit wobbly.
I have decided to use either wood or brass as an additional support between the wings and main spar. This pic shows my initial thinking process on how to solve this.

Here are the actual parts. I decide to use a brass tube and
rod that fits inside it. It occurs to me that by doing this
I can make the wings removable. This will make it easier to
paint.

A channel is made for the brass tube.

The main spar for the kit is made of two sides. I soldered a chunk
of brass to the tube so that when the two halves are glued together
the brass rod will be trapped inside.

A view of the spar and the channel cut in the wing connector.

Another view showing the basic arrangement.

The brass rod has a 90 degree bend that fits into a sleeve to hold
it in place. Below the rod is the top plate to the wing spar which
has a channel cut into the top. When glued in place the brass rod
will be mechanically trapped in place. This is more reliable than
using glue. 

Completed. Wings are removable.

I want to attach the model to a round base. This is a mock up.

The base will be made out of cardboard.

Here is the basic shape. This will get covered.

I use stretched sprue to fill in the unwanted panels. 

Once dry, file the surface flush.

Eyeglass screw used to attach the wheel.

A plug is made of sprue to fill the hollow wheel.

A tapped plastic insert is glued in at the correct angle. This will
allow me to easily attach the model to the base.

So much to do and so little time!

Fortunately, my actual progress is greater than what I have posted. See you in a few days!