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

[JimD]

After doing the two upper and two lower sections of wing sheeting we are more confident about how to size them. Basically, we cut them just 5mm oversize this time. The 48" x 1-1/2" aluminum angle makes a good straight edge to cut against.




Apply glue to both surfaces and spread out into a nice thin layer. Wait until the white turns clear and then use the hot iron and water spritzer to apply to the framework. Very slick!



The balsa leading edge worked perfectly. Allowed plenty of down pressure with the hot iron to apply the sheeting.

[ARUP]

+1 w Gunny! What's really great about this method is that the wood won't swell with the glue then shrink back once the glue dries because the glue is already dry! This eliminates the 'starved horse' appearance to frame work especially if using balsa sheeting. Also, you can use your iron to 'pre-curve' the ply so that is lays with less stress.

[gunny11]

That's neat Jim. Nice job!

[JimD]

With the top wing sheeting in place, the cap strips were added to the inboard section.



Then we moved on to the outboard section and added the sheeting.





Then the outboard cap strips were added to finish out the top of the wing.



Using the balsa sub-leading edge as a crutch to support the ribs while the top sheeting was being applied worked out great! We were able to attach the sheeting without the need for a lot of overhang which will make trimming and sanding this edge much quicker and easier.

[Tango Juliet]

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

[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.

[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]

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]

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

[JimD]

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

[RShelby]

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

[ARUP]

Looks great! TJ- your comment is funny!

[gunny11]

That was a fast build! Looks GREAT!

[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.

[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:

[ARUP]

I love that color scheme! I'll have to find another for when I build mine otherwise the Spanish authorities will come after one of us!

[MarnochS]

Looking Great....

[ErichS]

Great color scheme Jim..

[DustinI]

Thanks for all the pictures. Beautiful build.

[Cliff Evans]

This aircraft is modeled on the late version of the "Swallow" actualy know as a "Swift" the canopy area is quite different from the Swallow in that the original canopy was replaced with the dart canopy which changed the shape of the area quite considerably. Lovely model all the same.

[MarnochS]

As I wait for epoxy to cure on the Pawnee...........I think I might have a chance to catch up ....as your "distracted" with something bright and shinny......
Looks like Mike and I are at the Swallow Rudder - completed - stage....


angle aluminum used to keep the trailing edge straight

[JimD]

Home improvement stores generally have a nice selection of aluminum in various shapes, lengths, and thicknesses. Many ways to use this material as tools to assist in building. Take this example!

Thanks for sharing!

[MarnochS]

More sharing..... while Jim is distracted.....( probably cleaning up the Micro-Balloons that he spilled ).

Making My money work for me......for the fuselage sides



Was going to buy some bricks like Jim has used.....then I had a thought

4 oz specimen cups - Assorted coins ......= 400 grams per cup ....and they don't gouge wood if you slip.

Dimes only and Quarters only are about 450 grams ....but not cost effective, as the Quarters only one holds about $25 worth of coins.

[ARUP]

I'll give you $15.00 each for the cups with 450g of quarters. I need about... oh... say a thousand!

[JimD]

The Swallow was a bit neglected (not to mention Gunny's 2-33 😳) while I built the 1-26...anyway, the inspector stopped by the shop to see what I was doing this morning!

[MarnochS]

Looks Excellent

[JimD]

Yes, especially the top of the fuselage around the trailing edge of the wing attachment...🙄

[ARUP]

Your inspector, rightly so, is keenly interested in the fuse-stab auto-connect area!

[Alexis Scott]

Gorgeous model excited for the for the final reveal now