Slingsby T-45 Swallow ~ 1/3-scale Kit by Peter Goldsmith (Build thread by JimD)

[JimD]

While waiting on the glue to dry, we decided to work on the stab hold down. The stab was taped in place and a pilot hold was drilled from under the stab mounting plate up into the stab. We then removed the stab and used to drill press to drill a nice centered, straight hole. then the top was counter sunk for the head of the attachment screw.





Back to the wings and making lots of spiral balsa strips!!!





We decided on a scheme for the project. Found this full-scale when we googled the T-45 Swallow and liked the scheme, so we had Callie Graphics make us the insignia.




Here is the full-scale:

[JimD]

We have been HAPPY and MERRY...but the holidays are over and time to get back to building.

Before adding the outside leading edge balsa, the wings need to have the excess of the plywood skins trimmed off and all sides flat sanded. Plus, a general smooth sanding of both top and bottom is in order at this point.









The leading edge balsa joints were cut with a 45 degree overlap and these joints were positioned so as not to be in the same location as the other joints in sheeting and leading edge stock.





We used Gorilla Wood Glue because of its sanding properties.



Masking tape was used to hold the leading edge pieces in place while the glue dries.

[gunny11]

That was a fast build! Looks GREAT!

[ARUP]

Looks great! TJ- your comment is funny!

[RShelby]

What's that white stuff on the ground? Did you spill your 50 lb bag of micro balloons?

[French1]

Very nice build Jim, can't wait to see it flying

[hello82]

....looking really nice there framed up Jim! Love that iron and glue sheeting trick!

Matt

[Steve P]

Sweet! Now get inside!

[Tango Juliet]

Sweet! Funny, I remember you being taller. Lol!

[JimD]

It is 20 degrees outside, but I've just got to see how all of these pieces look when I put them together!

[JimD]

One last section and then the cap strips and servo mount.

[JimD]

Time now to add the bottom sheeting. First the sub-leading edge balsa strip needs to be trimmed down to the contour of the ribs.



Last piece comes out of the kit box!!!!!





Sheeting is marked and cut to the proper size and taper is sanded onto the edge where this sheet will join with the outboard sheeting.



Prepare with glue and then iron it on!!

[JimD]

Last night we mixed up a batch of West Systems epoxy and 404 filler to glue in the wing tube. the wing needs to be positioned so that this mixture can level out as it cures. Also added a bead of Speed Bond along the critical underside areas to make good secure joints. Hopefully this Sailplane will be with me for many years to come and we want it to hold up over the years of service.



This morning, we applied the bottom side trailing sheeting (really love this hot iron technique for sheeting with plywood).





Then we leveled the wing to add the West Systems mix to the other side of the wing tube.

[JimD]

Thanks TJ, I have an ambitious building season and need to keep moving if I am going to accomplish all that I want to.

[Tango Juliet]

Slick work Jim! You're literally "flying" along on this build! Merry Christmas!