gfiend

Hello, I've been viewing all sorts of builds on LSM for quite some time now and I must say I'm blown away by the level of talent shown. There's certainly no shortage of inspiration. In addition I'm absorbing all sorts of new techniques. However, looking isn't going to help unless I actually start building something and applying what I've picked up.To that end I've made a start on the HPH PBY-5 Catalina. It's an ambitious long term project but I really like a challenge and am looking forward to seeing what I can create. Why the Catalina? I'm not really sure I have an accurate answer for that. HPH certainly make wonderful kits and the Catalina is no exception. Also, my neighbour was an RNZAF navigator in Catalina's during the Pacific war and that certainly has had an influence. (Yes, I'm leaning towards an RNZAF paint scheme.) I'm not entering the Pacific War Group build, as much as I'd like to participate, because with a young family and a busy career I don't have a whole lot of spare time and I don't think I could finish a project like this in the space of a year. And a project like this deserves having time and care taken. There's also the possibility I may deviate into some smaller, less involved kits where perhaps I can try out a technique without risking the Catalina. To begin with I'm going through the kit and marking off all the parts to make sure everything is there. At the same time I'm going to break down those parts into build modules, cleaning and assembling (where practical) the parts up as I go. I'd appreciate feedback and comments - it can only help make a better build. Here's a picture of the box on initial opening. First, there's lots of parts and second, it's really, really big!!! That's a twelve inch rule just below the fuselage. As I progress with the parts break down I'll post more pictures to better show the kit. I'd also appreciate it if anyone could recommend some good books or websites that show various detail pictures, particularly of internal equipment. (I also need to spend some time myself having a surf on the web.) Paul

Hi Cees, Fantastic build - it's great to see this early RAF bomber modelled. I look forward to learning more as you progress. With respect shaping the fuselage may I make a suggestion? Have you considered transferring each fuselage cross section from your drawings onto some coloured card (or similar) then sectioning your wood blank at the corresponding positions? You could then glue everything back together with the sections inserted. The advantage being that all you have to do is sand the blank down until each section of coloured card starts to just appear. As long as you work to an accurate datum along the vertical and horizontal axis when initially positioning the card sections you should be able to obtain a very accurately shaped fuselage. This is just an idea and an alternative to sanding to templates. As with any technique I'm sure there are pros and cons with what I've suggested. I'd be interested to see what thoughts others have and any possible fish hooks that may be associated with this approach. Keep up the fantastic work. Paul