Not had much success with the leading edges provided for this kit. I have soaked and bent to shape but cannot seem to get the correct shape. Don't want to apply too much pressure as they are only .4mm ply. So change of plan, I have purchased some .4mm aluminium sheets (Thank you Cornwall Models) and using the provided cutouts as templates have cutout replacements. Hopefully I will have more success with these.

Will let you know

Hi Gil.
Been watching this coming along and very impressed! With regards to the leading edge problem, I just had a thought too. When I built my very first wooden ship, the Constructo "Grimsby" (Supposed to be an 'English Frigate' but with only 12 guns more of a Gun Brig really) I had some problems with bending the planking which was a single layer of 2mm quite hard wood (sapele?) Following advice in a 'how to' book I soaked the planks for a few hours in household ammonia - evil smelly stuff, even with no sense of smell but it did the trick well! I was wondering if, instead of the plywood you could use thin wood veneer as I did on the upper cockpit area on my card model Sopwith Pup but instead of trying to bend it after soaking, over the actual wings, sand a strip of solid wood to the same curve as the leading edge then bend the veneer around that holding it in place with rubber bands or similar. Let the ammonia evaporate (preferably out in the shed or garage!) When dry the veneer would stay in the required shape ready for gluing in place.
Modern books on planking don't usually mention ammonia anymore for obvious reasons but it does really soften wood! Probably not plywood though as Kev said too much softening could de-laminate the stuff hence trying veneer instead.

Robin

Great work.The fuselage is incredibly frustrating to get everything lined up properly because the metal is so soft.I ended up using epoxy on all the joints. you are making a superb job of it as always.


Carl

I am looking forward to it staying together! I was hoping that superglue would do the trick and whilst it does seem to be ok on some joints I think I shall have to do the same as Carl and use epoxy.
I am disappointed at the quality of some of the fittings, the "metal" is very soft and bends easily, and some fittings do not seem to be complete

They say patients is a virtue

Let's hope you're not a patient somewhere after this build

Been a slow start to this build. Hopefully will be able to get more done in the new year (Once the grandchildren have gone back to school)

Have assembled the Rudder Tail and elevator. Does not help when you drop a part assembled piece and have to start again (oops) There are 32 separate components to these parts. Its a process of glue a bit and wait, then add more parts

The Aileron/Elevator control is ready to be installed in the airframe (once I get my mind around the instructions)

Pictures attached

Have a good Christmas everyone. May Santa fill your stocking with the models on your wish list