Arc's Big Supermarine Stranraer

[Arcwelder]

I know what you mean. There's a certain grace and style to those old tubs that's very endearing.

[Arcwelder]

As Martin wisely points out in his own Stranraer build, getting the wings right on a biplane is half the battle (and also where things can go horribly wrong) so that's what I'm working on.



One of the engine bearing struts locks in nice and firmly, so I started to use it to align the other three that fit much more loosely. Moments later, I had snapped off its connecting tab and popped a nacelle off for good measure. There was some choice language but, mercifully, no pictures.

Ho hum. Onwards.

[lancfan]

I have fancied building this kit for some time as the RAFM Hendon aircraft, must get one.

David.

[Arcwelder]

Fitting the engine bearers on this was.. well it was no fun at all.. done now, hopefully it will all line up OK

[gnomemeansgnome]

Looking good. Also giving me a load of heads up of what to look out for when I finally tackle my Stranraers.

[Arcwelder]

Looking good. Also giving me a load of heads up of what to look out for when I finally tackle my Stranraers.

Aye.. the biggest issue with this kit (which I love to bits.. but hopefully not tiny little bits in the bin!) is aligning the top wing: the slots in the central section don't give you any sort of dihedral and the struts can easily slip inside the engine nacelles to throw alignment off.. it's mostly a guessing game.

[Arcwelder]

aaaaand on that note, into the DNF pile it goes. Despite careful test fitting and measuring, somehow I've cemented the engine section a full 1cm too high

I can hardly bear to look at it, let alone fix it.

[gnomemeansgnome]

Sounds like I will definitely have to watch out. Any aircraft with more than one wing is daunting for fit and angle issues.