Skyshark Aichi (VAL) On-Line Build
11-23-2003, 02:57 AM
#52
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RE: Skyshark Aichi (VAL) Build
Thanks guys, nice to get some feedback. Matrox it looks nice, if you want to see one completed have a look here
http://www.*************.co.uk/4um/i...;threadid=5522
I'm so pleased with the kit, I've ordered the Skyshark Stuka kit, to build over the holidays
http://www.*************.co.uk/4um/i...;threadid=5522
I'm so pleased with the kit, I've ordered the Skyshark Stuka kit, to build over the holidays
11-24-2003, 02:27 AM
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RE: Skyshark Aichi (VAL) Build
Great thread Graham. A question: How would you compare this kit with regards to building ease and quality of components to for instance topflight (sorta)scale kits?
I can't wait to see how the VAL looks when finished...
Cheers
Christie
I can't wait to see how the VAL looks when finished...
Cheers
Christie
11-24-2003, 03:37 AM
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RE: Skyshark Aichi (VAL) Build
Hi Christie
I've built a fair few of the Top-Flite and GP kits, and without doubt the Skyshark gets my money for quality of parts (FG cowls, not ABS), Wood (every part seems perfect, and so damned lite), Plans (wow each plan is an original, printed, NOT copied), lazer cut parts (what can I say, you end up having to tape them into the sheets, otherwise the bottom of the box fills up with the parts damn quick).
Finally accuracy/fit. If you look at the pictures of the ailerons and elevators the ribs are cut down to probably 1/64" or smaller (where they taper) and the fit 100%, so they only need glueing after assembly.
I've built a fair few of the Top-Flite and GP kits, and without doubt the Skyshark gets my money for quality of parts (FG cowls, not ABS), Wood (every part seems perfect, and so damned lite), Plans (wow each plan is an original, printed, NOT copied), lazer cut parts (what can I say, you end up having to tape them into the sheets, otherwise the bottom of the box fills up with the parts damn quick).
Finally accuracy/fit. If you look at the pictures of the ailerons and elevators the ribs are cut down to probably 1/64" or smaller (where they taper) and the fit 100%, so they only need glueing after assembly.
11-24-2003, 12:20 PM
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RE: Skyshark Aichi (VAL) Build
grahamd1,
My Skyshark Val showed up at my door last week. It will be a while before I am able to get her on the building bench but I am very glad to see your thread here. I will keep tuned in to get the full benefit of your build and comments. Will you have a dropable bomb? Are you going to scale her out (rivets, panel lines, etc) or will you stop short of that? Keep up the great work. razorback11
My Skyshark Val showed up at my door last week. It will be a while before I am able to get her on the building bench but I am very glad to see your thread here. I will keep tuned in to get the full benefit of your build and comments. Will you have a dropable bomb? Are you going to scale her out (rivets, panel lines, etc) or will you stop short of that? Keep up the great work. razorback11
11-24-2003, 01:08 PM
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RE: Skyshark Aichi (VAL) Build
Hi Razorback (or should I say Canitchiwa ? Razorback San) 
Yep looking at the bomb option at the moment, and yes I want to put the panel lines etc on her, again I hope to share my experiences with doing this for my first attempt, and hope someone will tell me quick when I go wrong [&:]
Yep looking at the bomb option at the moment, and yes I want to put the panel lines etc on her, again I hope to share my experiences with doing this for my first attempt, and hope someone will tell me quick when I go wrong [&:]
11-24-2003, 02:32 PM
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RE: Skyshark Aichi (VAL) Build
Hi Graham,
I'm still watching. As I said, I just don't want to interrupt your building. I ordered the Val this weekend. I was going to get the Avenger or FW190A-8, but liked the idea of not bothering with the retracts and also liked the wing loading for the Val. Avenger and/or FW190 next year I hope.
Keep the info flowing, you're doing a great job! I'd also be interested in how many hours you've got into it so far, and how much by the time its RTF.
Thanks again,
Darren
I'm still watching. As I said, I just don't want to interrupt your building. I ordered the Val this weekend. I was going to get the Avenger or FW190A-8, but liked the idea of not bothering with the retracts and also liked the wing loading for the Val. Avenger and/or FW190 next year I hope.
Keep the info flowing, you're doing a great job! I'd also be interested in how many hours you've got into it so far, and how much by the time its RTF.
Thanks again,
Darren
11-24-2003, 02:44 PM
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RE: Skyshark Aichi (VAL) Build
Hi Darren, I guess the number of hours so far would be about 25, but all were a labour of love 
I'm now slowing down to get her looking just so, after all the Val is not something you see everyday up your local strip [>:]
Covering will be Medium Tissue with Polycrylic, and I will also do that on-line
I'm now slowing down to get her looking just so, after all the Val is not something you see everyday up your local strip [>:]
Covering will be Medium Tissue with Polycrylic, and I will also do that on-line
11-24-2003, 03:05 PM
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RE: Skyshark Aichi (VAL) Build
Hi Grahamd1.... dont think no one is watching your build because "WE ARE WATCHING YOU!! LOL. I have been following you from the start but have never replied until now.
Your plane is looking great- keep on trucking brother!!
John McGowan, Birmingham, Al
Your plane is looking great- keep on trucking brother!!
John McGowan, Birmingham, Al
11-24-2003, 03:22 PM
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RE: Skyshark Aichi (VAL) Build
Thanks John
Heres the rudder being tested against the fin, but still needs shapeing and sanding to final shape
Heres the rudder being tested against the fin, but still needs shapeing and sanding to final shape
11-24-2003, 10:41 PM
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RE: Skyshark Aichi (VAL) Build
Grahamd1
I am also following this thread. You are doing a super job. I also have the UK Construction thread on my favorites. I saw from your last couple of posts that you have a good drawing in the background for scale rivets etc. Where did you get that? I have looked for Val documentation, but it is a difficult plane to get documentation for, at least on the Internet.
Keep up the work. I imagine there are lots of people following, they just have not posted.
Craig.
I am also following this thread. You are doing a super job. I also have the UK Construction thread on my favorites. I saw from your last couple of posts that you have a good drawing in the background for scale rivets etc. Where did you get that? I have looked for Val documentation, but it is a difficult plane to get documentation for, at least on the Internet.
Keep up the work. I imagine there are lots of people following, they just have not posted.
Craig.
11-24-2003, 10:57 PM
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RE: Skyshark Aichi (VAL) Build
I for one am watching it very closely as I plan on getting one after the 1st of the year if Santa don't bring me one. I like different and was going to do a Zero but not anymore but it also means my Phantom and Heritage SBD Dauntless will be further down the list.[
]
]
11-25-2003, 02:51 AM
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RE: Skyshark Aichi (VAL) Build
Thanks Guys.
The only reference I could find for the Val was a book
Aichi Val by Peter C. Smith
The book has a couple of 3 views at the back, however actual photos of some of the items such as hinges etc, are sadly not included
The only reference I could find for the Val was a book
Aichi Val by Peter C. Smith
The book has a couple of 3 views at the back, however actual photos of some of the items such as hinges etc, are sadly not included
11-25-2003, 10:22 AM
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RE: Skyshark Aichi (VAL) Build
Grahamd1
What about the drawings that are in the background of your posts on the UK site. Are they blown up from the book that your last post shows. I did manage to get some three views off the internet but they only show panel line detail and outline. The drawings that you are using show exact rivets.
If any other followers of this thread have any other info, could they pass it on.
Thanks Craig
What about the drawings that are in the background of your posts on the UK site. Are they blown up from the book that your last post shows. I did manage to get some three views off the internet but they only show panel line detail and outline. The drawings that you are using show exact rivets.
If any other followers of this thread have any other info, could they pass it on.
Thanks Craig
11-25-2003, 12:52 PM
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RE: Skyshark Aichi (VAL) Build
Hi Craig, yep the drawings came from the book (near the back) and yes I just Zeroxed them up 4 times for detail
11-25-2003, 12:53 PM
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RE: Skyshark Aichi (VAL) Build
Heres the tail assembly starting to come together, the white plastic cone is not sanded or stuck in place yet, its just pushed in to show you the final object
11-25-2003, 02:39 PM
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RE: Skyshark Aichi (VAL) Build
I noticed from your pics that you are using Robart hinges. Are you scaling up the tail feathers with regards to there movement? I am wondering if the hinge is positioned deep into the elevator so the movement is scale. I hope that you do not mind all these questions regarding the construction. I am new to the scale scene and am trying to learn a such as possible. During my Lancaster construction I used Dubro hinges, which seem to work fine, however my next project I want it to be more scale.
You are doing a great job on this kit. It looks like good qualty materials, and seems to be a quick build. Thanks for allowing us to view your construction thread.
Craig.
You are doing a great job on this kit. It looks like good qualty materials, and seems to be a quick build. Thanks for allowing us to view your construction thread.
Craig.
11-25-2003, 03:09 PM
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RE: Skyshark Aichi (VAL) Build
Craig its very difficult to be 100% as although there is some good info in the book, taken from the original drawings, you have to take some of the figures with a pinch of salt. As for scaleing up, no I'm trying to not deviate too much from Mikes design. The Robarts look nicer than if I had used wide hinges, and from the pics they are quite close to the original pin type hinge.
12-05-2003, 02:10 PM
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RE: Skyshark Aichi (VAL) Build
Glad to see someone else using medium tissue instead of glass, been doing this for years and I apply it with McCutchens wood sealer. The Corsair in the picture gallery on my page was done this way and it came out gorgeous.