Scratchbuild 28mm US Navy SEAPLANE

[Johnnytodd]

Starting my next 1/56th scale airplane. This is my 7th scratchbuild plane and each successive build gets a bit more complicated and intricate. This one will be a WW2 os2u-1 Kingfisher



I've had good results using these ww2 era patterns available for download at solidmodelmemories.  Here's the one I'll be using:  Email me if you want instructions to resize the pattern into 1/56 scale - its currently 1/72.



Once I have the pattern resized to 1/56 I simply cut out each paper profile and glue it to the wood.  Then cut each piece out with a jigsaw.  I use basswood which you can get at hobbylobby.

[Stu]

Keep the updates coming, I'm liking the idea of this.

[Damas]

I've not used this technique so I would be very interested in a good walkthrough of your build. 

[Sangennaru]

I've not used this technique so I would be very interested in a good walkthrough of your build. 

Agree, a step to step report should be really interesting!

[Johnnytodd]

I've cut out the main pieces.

Hint = make extra copies of your paper plan as the fuselage requires 4 cuts (which means you cut off the paper but you still need a reference point to cut the opposite side - clear?).

A few more pieces to cut out and then the next step is filing, sanding and measuring which takes the most time.  I'll try to snap a shot or two of the progress over the next week.

[Johnnytodd]

Here is a Brewster Buffalo I made a few years ago using the same type of plan - just to give an idea of what the finished product should look like

[zizi666]

Here is a Brewster Buffalo I made a few years ago using the same type of plan - just to give an idea of what the finished product should look like

He said casually...

Man, that is one fine job. kudos !

[Scout_II]

Old school carving templates, I don't think I had seen that site before but I have amassed a large collection from old books for airplanes, ships and other vehicles.

For those who are intimidated by the wood - you can actually use hard foam like Balsa Foam.

http://www.dickblick.com/products/balsa-foam/

Costs a bit more than balsa or bass wood blanks, but it is easier to work since there is no grain to it.

[Johnnytodd]

Results after 1-2 hours of filing and measuring:





Square wood block takes shape but this is a slow process

[Burgundavia]

Thoroughly mad. But I salute you in your insanity, and am reminded again why I love LAF: I get to feel adequate everyday just by reading the threads here.

[Marine0846]

Your off to a great start.
If it comes out as well as your Buffalo,
we are in for a treat with the finished plane.

[Johnnytodd]

Latest progress:

[Johnnytodd]

Glue is still wet!  Next is the propeller and sliding canopy.  I'm thinking of opening up the rear canopy to expose the machine-gunner but the choices for suitable 28mm aircrews are almost non-existant.

[Aaron]

Very inspiring and damned impressive! The only drawback is that my wife has seen this thread and is now asking uncomfortable questions about why I am buying models instead of carving them myself. 

[Johnnytodd]

My wife is asking me "are you working on your plane again?"   I explain to her that this hobby costs nothing - essentially saving money by not spending any