grahamd1

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Heres another pic

grahamd1

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I'll be the first to admit I've had some bad kits from ATI some years back, however as I don't know anyone else who does a 70" B-25 kit for sensible money I bit the bullet and brought one.

Since getting the kit (well box of foam parts ) I've had a lot of emails from people who have or are building/flying one of these little birds, and the ones that are flying them have an affection for them. With remarks like "flys trainer". About a month ago I started the build with some trepidation, however I was plesently surprised, as per other ATI kits the plans and instructions are very lacking but if you have some prior experience with building then this will pay dividends in getting this baby airborne.

Unlike my earlier versions of their kits, the parts were all packaged well, and best of all they fit very well.

grahamd1

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The top and bottom fuz sections are made from white foam with obechi vaneer, I found (and so did everyone else) that the sides are narrower than the pre formed parts, but a good squeeze with some clamps put the right, now the sides match the moulded parts.

The twin tails are also foam with vaneer coverings, and are built as one piece then cut apart, and sanded to the required profile

grahamd1

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These are then attached to the tailplane (also made the same way), and I added some dowels to strengthen the join.

grahamd1

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As you can see when they are put onto the fuz, they look about right.

grahamd1

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The wings are also made the same way, and just require joining with Epoxy, now the fun begins as the engine nazels are built into the wing.

grahamd1

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Once the nazels are built the aileron and throttle extensions need to be inlet into the underside of the wing.

grahamd1

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Again testing the wings on the fuz shows nice lines of theis model

grahamd1

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Sorry if it seems I'm rushing to this stage, but I've been doing this kit now for a few weeks, and wanted to get upto date asap.

Heres is the tailplane being covered in 0.6oz glass cloth and Polycrylic (Minwax).

grahamd1

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And finally the techy bits.

Not knowing first hand how she will fly, I elected to install the supplied fixed undercart (I know how could I?), but more on that latter.

I'm going to fit twin SC 53 4-Cycle engines (both currently installed in other models).

I'm not going to fit Flaps, as I think at 70" and with the thick ish, wing section slowing down shouldnt be an issue.

I'm not suggesting anyone rushes out and buys one, instead I'm just offering my 2 cents worth on how I find the kit to build and fly.

Please ask any questions I may have missed, I've also got lots of other pictures if required.

Grahamd

twinman

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You know, I built the P-38 they kit and have to agree with your comments. It is, as they say a quick build kit. More plastic than I like, but that is personal. It flew very well and I notice they also have a B-17 of good size.
As you say, the plans leave much to the imagination, but if you have built a plane before, not too difficult and I do not claim to be the world's premire builder.
Can you give us the website for them.
They are not distributed here in the "Colonies"
Keep us posted,

grahamd1

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No problem, here you go

http://www.atimanufacturing.co.uk/

grahamd1

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The wires are now buried in the wing (a good idea to make your own as these will never come out again).

grahamd1

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Heres one of my aileron boxes, again with home made, buried extension cables

grahamd1

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I guess a nice touch is the inclusion of the internal cockpit and bombadier mouldings, even if these do distract you from some of the short comings in the kit.

grahamd1

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I've only applied a base coat (this will be RAF green when complete) and the internal shackles (seats, etc) are still to be fitted, but this gives you an idea of how it fits.

grahamd1

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This is one of the engine nazels, with the tank and engine mount fitted (not permanent just yet). I plan on mounting the engines inverted with the throttle servo behind.

grahamd1

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I'm using these Robart hinges so the link will be positive and more scale like.

grahamd1

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Meanwhile here are my elevators after 7 coats of Polycrylic over 1oz cloth. As tough as old boots, and ready for the primer.

Tmoth4

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graham,

Is the Polycrylic you used the water-based stuff?

Jim

grahamd1

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Yep.

grahamd1

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Finished the tailplane, just needs to have the primer coat sprayed on.

cf-drg

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Just thought I'd let you know I find guys/girls that post the construction of their models very interesting...I always like to see how it is coming along and the different techniques builders use...good work and keep us( or me ) posted..

EASYTIGER

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SEVEN coats?

I'd just glass the things.

I have built the Me110 from the same series, enjoyed it very, very much. Came out light at 9 pounds, with two saito 50s, retracts, and flaps. It flew beautifully, and plenty of power.
Your SC engines should be perfect.
I think fixed gear is not a bad idea at all on this size of plane. I think you made the right decision on going without flaps...they were really not needed.
Beware of a few things...if you make the nacelle tops removeable for engine/tank access, you will need to add reinforcements around any mounting screw holes, as a screw through the ABS plastic will cause long term cracking around the hole and you will be stuck ordering new parts from ATI. Think the mounting of the nacelle covers and cowls through for a bit.
If your B25 is anything like the 110, the cowls are short, made for two strokes, and you will need some special mounts to get the engine further back. No big deal.
Anyway...I love these kits, and they come out light and look great. Maybe a Lancaster in my future.