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Post by nzgrasshopper on Oct 23, 2022 13:01:40 GMT 12
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Post by nzgrasshopper on Oct 23, 2022 13:08:23 GMT 12
The spinner was acquired many years ago from Tru Turn. The only one I could find that matched the P40 profile. Lots for the P51 and generic cone shapes. Only sizes were 5" and 5.5". The size required is 5.25". Next stage is creating the lower chin cowl.   |
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Post by Dave Homewood on Oct 23, 2022 15:00:34 GMT 12
That is looking awesome!
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Post by Deleted on Oct 25, 2022 17:49:09 GMT 12
Pure magic Peter, I love it! Each update is a delight.
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Post by nzgrasshopper on Nov 6, 2022 17:02:50 GMT 12
Putting the pestle to good use in lieu of an English wheel.  Thanks to Curtiss, I now have the correct drawings for the lower chin cowl. The drawings in my set of plans have the shorter chin cowl for the F and L series using a Merlin engine. Persuading some aluminum to make a 90-degree bend around a concave bend. This piece attaches to the lower chin cowl and supports a sleeve than in turn connects to the air ducts at the front of the cowl and the canvas ducts that attach to the front of the engine and oil radiator cores.  |
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Post by nzgrasshopper on Nov 6, 2022 18:35:58 GMT 12
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Post by Dave Homewood on Nov 7, 2022 6:48:38 GMT 12
That is beautiful craftsmanship! Wow!
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Post by planecrazy on Nov 7, 2022 17:33:13 GMT 12
Wow that third shot looking up under the top of the cowl is pure art.
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Post by nzgrasshopper on Nov 8, 2022 19:26:03 GMT 12
Reassuring when parts made 10 plus years apart fit together. Thought I better do some more measure twice make once before I get too carried away riveting the lower chin cowl together.  The forward chin hoop is matching the worked side panel as well.  |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 9, 2022 8:51:40 GMT 12
Magnificent stuff, Peter! WOW!
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Post by nzgrasshopper on Nov 26, 2022 16:52:20 GMT 12
Bottom skin of the chin cowl shaped and getting riveted in place.  |
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Post by planecrazy on Nov 26, 2022 17:57:32 GMT 12
Wow she's really taking some shape now, I bet that curved chin insigated some colourful language?
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Post by nzgrasshopper on Nov 26, 2022 19:05:25 GMT 12
Yes, a few words have been exchanged.   |
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Post by nzgrasshopper on Nov 29, 2022 15:38:37 GMT 12
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Post by Dave Homewood on Nov 29, 2022 16:42:20 GMT 12
That is such exquisite work!
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Post by planecrazy on Nov 29, 2022 17:00:43 GMT 12
[quote author=" nzgrasshopper " source=  [/quote] Just love this shot, the work in this is above and beyond, so the cowl flaps are hinged? Don't tell me they are going to operate via the handle in the cockpit? Sorry to ask another question, so do you beat the curved cowl out with a hammer and dolly, or do you have a mini English wheel? Great work mate! |
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Post by nzgrasshopper on Nov 29, 2022 21:59:36 GMT 12
The cowl flaps will be fully functional. Still a lot of work to finish them off. Mostly all the linkages.    I did consider buying a small English wheel and also making one. In the end, for the amount of multi curved panels, it was easier to do it by hand. The pestle on a dense foam panel worked out well. |
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Post by nzgrasshopper on Nov 30, 2022 7:55:37 GMT 12
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Post by nzgrasshopper on Dec 6, 2022 13:21:26 GMT 12
I have hit a major hurdle. The 1mm countersunk rivets that took a while to find many years ago have hit a supply problem. Currently researching doing a bulk manufacturing run, 30,000 plus. In the meantime, work has started on the wings again. A rethink of what can be built that doesn't require countersunk rivets. Inspection panels for pitot / lighting, Aileron etc. Also, all the leading-edge ribs and stringers.  |
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Post by Dave Homewood on Dec 6, 2022 13:48:37 GMT 12
That is a bummer.
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