Stearman build

Crikey, that is a complex hinge line - do you know if there was an aerodynamic reason to make it so Kevin?

JRI wrote: Crikey, that is a complex hinge line - do you know if there was an aerodynamic reason to make it so Kevin?

The problem is created because the spar depth tapers at the tips. These pics on the unfinished elevator show what it would look like without that reverse cone shape. So there might be an airflow and drag issue but i suspect its more down to aesthetics.

Ive now completed the stab & elevators with all the shrouded hinge points. The central pivot wire is secured with this m2 screw. I do like the full and free movement which can be achieved with this hinging method.

All the tail feathers are now finished and ready for covering but a "BIT" more construction first

Looking good, Kevin. I might have missed it in an earlier post, but how big is this model?

its 1:4.3 scale, 89" span and will be at 25lbs + depending on how much more metal i add.

Would you be interested in one of these Kevin?

thanks Brian but scale models that dont go Brum Brum arnt really my thing.

I thought perhaps Pop Bang Chuggga-Chugga would be more realistic Kevin. The photo shows the 3d printed engine wrapped around a brushless motor (UGH!).I wondered if you could use the front part of the 3D "engine", just to hide the noisy, hot oily lovely lump that drives the prop.

Sorry Brian, i totally misunderstood your post. If your saying you could 3D print dummy cylinders i would be very interested. Here's a pic of a scale build from the RCSB builders forum. The model is virtually the same size as mine but this "kit" version is well oversize.
Most PT-17's were made with 9 cylinder Continental, some with a 7cylinder Jacobs (which most models copy for simplicity.

I'm fitting a 3 cylinders Saito so its unrealistic to blend scale dummy cylinders to the original formats, So will have to cheat a bit and go for 6. My plan therefore get 3 x 3-D printed copies of the Saito and mount in between each cylinder. That will fill an empty space and with some careful plan to the rear of the dummy cylinders i hope to improve air flow & cooling

So if thats something you could help me with i would be very interested but i am a few months away at the moment.