Super Chipmunk 30cc

Some time during the Summer I will be confined to house so I am considering that I would like to start building an Apache Aviation Super Chipmunk, just like the one I already have. That way I can build in my mods, supe it up, navigation lights, fully sheeted wings, etc, from the start. These kits are extremely sturdy models.

I have never built from kit before so hoping someone would give me some guidance. I suppose I'll have to get a nice flat surface to work on (mdf), little clamps and god knows what else.

Nice model Phil
I built the exact same for a guy a couple of years back.I ended up doing the test flight's aswell and it was a nice capable model. I seem to remember that the construction in some area's was well over the top,the wing especially and I changed quite a fee things.
Also the wood selection in the kit was not the best very dense and heavy so I changed some of it,but saying that a nice kit to build

Pete

Phil. MDF is heavy and not warp free. I use a cheap internal door (well, three actually) to make my workbenches

B&Q internal doors

They are now fixed in place but I have built many models on the doors simply propped on top of a couple of saw horses

Screwfix

If you need to have a surface for planting pins, you could simply glue some cork tiles to one side of the door.

Regards
Mike

Agree with mikes suggestion to use plain internal door as a building base but I use 9mm SUNDEALA (or pinboard) for the building surface. - available from Jewsons / Travis Perkins

Thanks for your suggestions Guys. Pete, the Apache kits and cutting tools were sold to SLEC two years ago so the buyer may have changed a few items. Where was the wood less than ideal? Yes, the wings are sturdy and the firewall too. I find it a pleasure to fly when I do get it out. My present one is powered by ASP 180 four stroke turning a Biela 18x8 prop. Sounds like a lawn mower... :lol:

I suppose I'll need some clamps, how many? Lot's judging by photo below.. i have a sturdy 6 ft fold out table so maybe just a pin board surface needed?

I use a couple of doors laid over old kitchen unit bases with an off-cut of plaster board on top. The plasterboard is flat,takes pins easily and is easily replaced when worn out. I have used the SLEC building jig which is quite effective although the clamps are plastic and a bit waffy. You might consider getting a balsa stripper so you can make your own strip wood when replacing kit parts. Lego bricks can be useful for setting wing ribs upright, other than that get clamps, clamps and more clamps!

Having just rebuilt my workshop your welcome to come and look for ideas

Your be ok with a slec kit,Iv built 2 of their stampe kits really nice wood selection. Back to the chippy it was an original apache aviation kit and as with many kits they are very much over built so you can save alot of weight by changing a few things.If you need any help just ping me a pm

P.S iv got a brand new 30 cc petrol motor sat here doing nothing,be ideal for your chippy

Pete

Many thanks for your offer Pete. As you have had experience of these before I'll pick your brains every so often... :lol:

30cc Gas engine. Would it be a DLE 30RA? In fact I was going to go a bit over the top with a DLE40 twin that has been offered to me by a skint flyer at work.