Weston Cougar kit build

[Declan]

Having recently returned to the hobby I've been getting my eye back in so to speak with an XFly Glastar V2 foamie bush plane.  I've also started a long term Brian Taylor FW190 build, this is on a different thread.  

In the meantime I wanted something to get back to more adventurous flying and after searching through the model sites and watching YouTube I've decided on a Weston Cougar kit.  I was considering an Arrows Edge 540 but I did have a Cougar before and I recall it being a great flyer.  I think the article in the November issue of RCME swayed my descision a little.

So I ordered it on Wednesday and it came the day after after a very nice helpful chat with someone at Weston UK.  I've started the wings as per the instructions and here's where I'm at so far.

 

[Engine Doctor]

Didnt realise that Weston were doing the Cougar in a kit form. Its a pity the fuz is square instead of round like the original. 

What are the fits like ?

[Declan]

So far the fits seem fine.  I've only done what you can see in the picture.  Once I have it all tacked with CA I'll go over all the joints with the Delux Materials Super Phatic glue let that cure and give it a nice sand all over before sheeting.  I did the usual sanding of the mating surfaces prior to assembly.  The wing seems to have gone together nice and straight and I had no problems aligning it with my straight line and perpendicular marks.  The ribs sat vertical in the cross spar nicely.  There is a spcing jig to use which is handy.

Although not called for in the instructions I did put the metal reinforcing spar in place before glueing, again that went in very easily.

[Declan]

Finished the bare skeleton for the wings.  I'm going to stop here with the wings and start on the fuselage.  Reading the build in the RCME Ian clamps the wings to the fuselage before setting the final postion of the wing retaining plates which seems like a good idea.  This should mean a nice snug fit when completed.

[Declan]

I've tacked the fuselage together using CA.  Once the front box section was assembled I set the middle lower fuselage stringer straight on my workbench and pinned this down.  I then dry assembled the rear formers for the fuselage and set the dry assembly down on the pinned stringer.  After lining up the front of the fuselage on my straight line and making sure the centre line of the firewall was straight and perpendicular with my line I tacked with CA.

I'm still wating for some Super Phatic to arrive and I'll go over all the joints with this for belt and braces glueing on both the fuselage and wings.  Once this has set I can then give all my work a good sanding where needed.

The fit has been ok so far.  The only error I've encountered was incorrect locating lugs on F6.  This was an easy remedy though.  The fuselase is a bit 'square' as mentioned by Engine Doctor but I think after the large wings are on it will not be too noticeable.  It's a similar look to the Max Thrus Riot from a fuselage point of view.

[Declan]

Storm Daragh has meant lots of time on the build this last couple of days.  Making good progress with the wings nearly ready for sanding and covering.  I've covered all the control surfaces using the heat shrink film from 4Max models.  I found this to be very easy to use and I'm very pleased with the outcome.  

[Engine Doctor]

Looking good👍would be interesting to see it suitability to a IC conversion for us Piston heads .

Edited 3 hours ago by Engine Doctor