UPDATE: SPITFIRE 221114.
STAGE 56 TO 59.

Port Wing Leading Edge.

Fitting the leading edge to the Port wing needed slight adjustment mainly at the joints in my build, I found that some of the wing ribs were just a bit proud and had to be sanded back to keep the metal parts aligned, also keep dry checking as you move along otherwise you will have to make some quick adjustments to keep straight.



First job was to clean up all metal parts I used 1200grade wet/dry's.



The glue I used was Epoxy Resin, I thought this would be a strong bond.



Just a light touch of glue.



In this shot it show's to remember that there is a very small let back in the back of the leading edge this is were the wing panels slot in so you must keep this area clear of any glue.



First part completed and cleaned of glue.



Next section this is the longest part, remember what I said about dry fit, this is most important here because if it rocks up and down you will have to do some adjusting, and that means sanding down until it sit's in, otherwise it will go out of alignment, and will cause problems at a later stage. (no rocking and rolling on this bit)



This is the fourth part again no problem here but watch the glue on the back edge were the wing plates fit.



Last part fitted all ok, so here are a few shots of the finished Leading Edge.




I hope this will be of some help, are there any other Spitfire builders with similar experiences.

Kind Regards to all.
Trev.

Trev

That's some very neat and careful work and has produced a top quality finish.

Looks a very involved part of the build that could make or break the end results you have done a great job.

Top work as always Trev

Alan,
You were right, it went together very well I just had to think ahead a bit but I'm am pleased with the outcome.

Regards
Trev.

Steve,
Hi,thanks for looking the next test will be the metal plating and getting all those rivets in a straight line, reckon a few test on this one.

Regards
Trev.

Andy,
Thanks, I just find that working at this scale a lot easier than the smaller balsa wood kits although they are good practice thanks Andy.

Regards
Trev.

Hi Trev,

Nice work still coming along and some interesting parts in the latest delivery.

Waiting with baited breath for the next update.

Regards
delboy271155
(Derek)

Hi Trev,

Christmas (what I see of it) was great.

Seeing smiles on the Grandchildren`s faces is good enough.

Unfortunately my Christmas is one day with 12 to 13 hour shifts either side, but I choose to have new years day off to sit up, have a few (too many) drinks and listen to Jules Holland until the early hours.

My second passion is classical music.

Hope you had a good Christmas and look forward to your next update.

Due to other commitments in the modelling world, my Spitfire has taken a bit of a back seat for now, but stand by in the new year for a January monster build start-up.

Wishing you and your family all the best for the new year.

Regards
delboy271155
(Derek)

UPDATE:170114.
STAGES:
60/

This has been a very interesting section this month with the fitting over the first wing plates. It has involved identifying the metal wing shape to the correct template and then rolling the rivet marker to form small rivets in the plates, but not all plates are marked.

My problem with the rivet marker was movement, as I rolled along the side of the ruler the metal plate moved, due to the pressure or down force that I put on it, this caused me great frustration as you only get one go at it, my first thoughts were to hold down the ruler with sticky tape or use Dyno tape instead of a ruler? well I tried but I was not very satisfied.

My next thought was to make a jig that would hold the metal plate still and in position while I rolled the marker along, this was made from scrap ply and spare wood from other builds, it took two prototype's but the third holds it all in place and gives a reasonable finish.

As for the metal wing plates I found that you must keep dry fitting, and try the next one along to see how it fits against the one you are sticking, and trim if necessary to obtain the correct fit.

A few photo's to show my build so far.



Identifying and marking the correct template.



Lining up the jig with the rivet roller.



Closing up the marking jig reedy to roll.



This Picture shows how I used the jig to hold wing plate.



Now in this picture I use a piece of tapped wood to achieve the correct curve if you notice I have placed the next wing plate as a test fit before fitting the first piece.




After fitting the first wing plate I found it was good practice's to clean away any glue before fitting the next stage.



Next stage fitted trim if necessary.



Five wing plates fitted, you will notice that I have dulled the surfaces the reason to shine for the photos.

That's the end of this section will post again soon thanks for your time.

Regards
Trev.