Building the Nose and Cowl for the I-16
Here we have the Cowl formers in place.
(Note the slight angle of the Power pod skewers. This Air-frame uses a modified Power pod and doesn't use the "C" fold piece.)
The scrap foam board piece is used on the
left side to support the cowl when inserting the skewers.
Mount your Power Pod at this time.
A view from below. Note the
skewer stop, also made from scrap foam board.
This should keep the skewers from poking through the cowl on the right side.
Another view of the finished former assembly. The skewers shown are for fitting purposes only.
Temporarily hold the cowl paper in place. Mark the skewer locations and poke a hole through on
the left side only.
Glue down the cowl at the
top center of both formers.
Apply a small bead of glue to the formers on one side and seal down.
Do the same to the other side.
The bottom edges of the cowl will wrap around the bottom of the Fuselage, glue them down as well.
The cowl paper is a little long in front so you may have to trim it back flush with the former.
Next, cut out and
De-paper the two Nose pieces.
You may skip cutting out the cylinder cut-outs if you wish. I made them to add more visual detail.
Glue them to the front former. Try to center them as best you can.
Make sure the nose doesn't fowl the motor. Trim away any foam if it does.
When the glue is completely dry, sand the nose pieces to shape.
Finish off with a coating Water based Poly-U and Talcum powder, sand smooth when dry.
Cut you Power pod skewers to length and install your Power pod.
I leave my skewers about 1/4" long and add a drop of Hot glue to the ends so I can grasp them for easy removal.
I hope this makes some sense. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.
Cheers
Tom G.