Harrier Mate

Hi guys... if anyone still out there watching slowest build of a Fokker DVII!!!!! Didnt like the centre leading edge mount support provided... just a triangular section of soft balsa, which was wrong shape and would have needed lots of filing to fit. So decided to make my own. Used kit provided vertical piece and braced it with ply offcuts from the rib template sheets (so perfect curvature). I had already added additional sub ribs beneath the centre section balsa (to give extra support to the hardwood undercarriage block beneath). So simply matched the positionof new fillets with those. Very light and strong. Covered with plate of 2mm ply (as in second picture), should stop the wing trying to part company with fuselage!!!

Merry Christmas everyone! Festive wishes who all who are still watching my extremely slow build!

Yep. I reckon this is the slowest build in the history of FLAIR kits. But coming along! Top leading edge sheeting added. Centre sheeting needs sanding, as does leading edge profile. Capping strips to be done and rear interplane fixings. Then i can start on upper wing. Bob, Have you maidened yours yet???

Donald, Thanks. I was wondering about that. It seems strong and of course it will now be epoxyed to the main rib as a 'sandwich'. So the metal plate will be bonded again. I felt that for extra reassurance, an 8BA bolt through the entire assembly would ensure that it physically cant detach.... unless it sheers the bolt!!!

Loose fitted. Cant find my epoxy!!!!

The pieces above, made from 3 mm ply and faced with 0.8mm ply (to allow the mild steel parts to lie flush with surface) fit against the extant ply ribs. just need to epoxy in place. Then upper leading edge sheeting can be applied. I had considered inserting 8BA through the rib and attachment where small hole already drilled in metal to ensure attachment cannot be pulled out by interplane strut. Thoughts? Is there much force pulling the attachment? Guess its only the weight of 2 tiny bolts!

Then made 2 left hand sides by epoxying one of the attachments wrong way round having soldered nut in place... Dohhhhh! Managed to unsolder and re-do on correct side without destroying epoxy bond.... As below.

Finally decided to keep the interplane strut attachments as per the plan.... Spent too long fiddling with ball and sockets... Think the suggested method is significantly lighter and more robust.... Ah well.... We all like to learn the hard way!

Hi Bob, Still working on mine. Been away on detachment for a few weeks so have been unable to progress. But hopefully get started again this weekend. Just have to insert interplane strut fixings to complete lower wing. Then can crack on with upper. Lucky to find the other 'scout' kits. I would love to find the Flair Bristol Fighter as next project... But NIB they are even more rare than rocking horse droppings!!

Still playing with ideas for scale ball and socket interplane strut connections but i guess sometimes the simplest method is best! 6ba bolts seem a bit excessive though. LOL.

Jeff, Wings look awesome with your saw tooth sheeting. Hope mine look as neat.

Any sign of maiden yet Bob???

Managed to get some time and renewed impetus to continue with lower wing. Decided to adopt the saw tooth leading edge sheeting as per the real ac. Still to be attached as I need to add interplane strut attachments first.

Hi Bob, looking forward to photos of maiden flight. I reckon mid point should be fine. About to complete lower wing of mine. v slow progress.

Brilliant job Bob. Really looks the part and luv the prop (just for static or flying too?). And just when I thought my build was catching up!!! Im sure the maiden will go well. But best of luck anyway. Looking forward to the photos in due course.