My Wood & Foam Bridi UFO Build
02-26-2012, 12:29 PM
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RE: My Wood & Foam Bridi UFO Build
Thanks Rendegade! 
The engine compartment has been fuel proofed. For this job I brushed on a coat of West System epoxy, which is fairly thin to begin with, and warmed it slightly with a heat gun so it would penetrate the wood better. Any excess epoxy was soaked up using a [link=http://www.soscleanroom.com/tx707alargerectangularpolyurethanefoamheadcleanroo mswabmol5157.aspx]foam swab[/link].
Once the epoxy has cured I'll sand it lightly to remove the "fuzzy's" that usually come up. I might also give it a second coat.
RG [8D]
The engine compartment has been fuel proofed. For this job I brushed on a coat of West System epoxy, which is fairly thin to begin with, and warmed it slightly with a heat gun so it would penetrate the wood better. Any excess epoxy was soaked up using a [link=http://www.soscleanroom.com/tx707alargerectangularpolyurethanefoamheadcleanroo mswabmol5157.aspx]foam swab[/link].
Once the epoxy has cured I'll sand it lightly to remove the "fuzzy's" that usually come up. I might also give it a second coat.
RG [8D]
02-26-2012, 12:59 PM
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RE: My Wood & Foam Bridi UFO Build
Also got started on repairing all the nicks, dings & gouges that invariably occur during a build! [X(] For this I like to use [link=http://www.dap.com/product_details.aspx?BrandID=135&SubcatID=23]DAP Vinyl Spackling[/link]. It's easy to use, dries fast, sands & feathers well and, as long as most of it is sanded off, is fairly light weight.
I did the wing first and after a few hours of filling and careful sanding it's ready for doping.
RG [8D]
I did the wing first and after a few hours of filling and careful sanding it's ready for doping.
RG [8D]
03-11-2012, 04:21 PM
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RE: My Wood & Foam Bridi UFO Build
Thanks guys!
I sanded down the fuzzy's in the engine compartment and applied a second coat of epoxy. To get into the corners and other awkward areas I cut a small square of self adhesive sandpaper and stuck it to the end of my finger. This allowed me to easily sand the engine compartment without having the paper slip. I'm finding more and more uses for self adhesive sandpaper. It's really handy stuff to have in the shop.
To fill in the fiberglass weave on the canopy I mixed up some epoxy and micro balloons to a thick, milky consistency and brushed on a thin coat. Once it cured it was sanded smooth using 120 sandpaper and finished up with 220. At this point the canopy is ready for primer.
RG [8D]
I sanded down the fuzzy's in the engine compartment and applied a second coat of epoxy. To get into the corners and other awkward areas I cut a small square of self adhesive sandpaper and stuck it to the end of my finger. This allowed me to easily sand the engine compartment without having the paper slip. I'm finding more and more uses for self adhesive sandpaper. It's really handy stuff to have in the shop.
To fill in the fiberglass weave on the canopy I mixed up some epoxy and micro balloons to a thick, milky consistency and brushed on a thin coat. Once it cured it was sanded smooth using 120 sandpaper and finished up with 220. At this point the canopy is ready for primer.
RG [8D]
03-18-2012, 10:13 AM
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RE: My Wood & Foam Bridi UFO Build
Thanks Dave! Glad to have you aboard! It's been a fun build so far and I'm starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel!
I thought it would be a good idea to vent the canopy to relieve any pressure that might build up inside while sitting out in the hot sun. A single 3/32" diameter hole should do it.
RG [8D]
It's been a fun build so far and I'm starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel! I thought it would be a good idea to vent the canopy to relieve any pressure that might build up inside while sitting out in the hot sun. A single 3/32" diameter hole should do it.
RG [8D]
03-18-2012, 11:06 AM
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RE: My Wood & Foam Bridi UFO Build
We had some very nice temperatures here this weekend so I took advantage of it and did some doping.
I started by applying two coats of SIG nitrate dope, thinned 100%, to the wing and sanding with 400 sandpaper between coats to remove the fuzzy's.
Next I pre-cut all the pieces of K&S 00 Silkspan that will be applied.
Over solid surfaces I like to apply the silkspan dry. It's much easier to control when it's dry than wet. I place the piece of silkspan into position and start doping from the center outward. On small pieces I'll dope the entire piece down and then, using a paper towel, I blot up the excess dope while at the same time smooth out the silkspan. For larger pieces I'll alternate the doping & blotting before the entire piece is doped down. This prevents the dope from become too dry to smooth out. For paper towels, the cheaper store brand towels seem to work better for me than the "high end" towels like Bounty. The high end towels have too much lint.
Compound curves, like wing tips, are always an interesting challenge to cover! But with a few strategically placed slits the silkspan lays down nicely. One of the great things about silkspan is it's ability to be sanded and feathered. So overlapping seams and small wrinkles are easily sanded smooth.
The main parts of the wing(panels) still need to be covered and hopefully we'll have another nice weekend next week so I can get that done.
RG [8D]
I started by applying two coats of SIG nitrate dope, thinned 100%, to the wing and sanding with 400 sandpaper between coats to remove the fuzzy's.
Next I pre-cut all the pieces of K&S 00 Silkspan that will be applied.
Over solid surfaces I like to apply the silkspan dry. It's much easier to control when it's dry than wet. I place the piece of silkspan into position and start doping from the center outward. On small pieces I'll dope the entire piece down and then, using a paper towel, I blot up the excess dope while at the same time smooth out the silkspan. For larger pieces I'll alternate the doping & blotting before the entire piece is doped down. This prevents the dope from become too dry to smooth out. For paper towels, the cheaper store brand towels seem to work better for me than the "high end" towels like Bounty. The high end towels have too much lint.
Compound curves, like wing tips, are always an interesting challenge to cover! But with a few strategically placed slits the silkspan lays down nicely. One of the great things about silkspan is it's ability to be sanded and feathered. So overlapping seams and small wrinkles are easily sanded smooth.
The main parts of the wing(panels) still need to be covered and hopefully we'll have another nice weekend next week so I can get that done.
RG [8D]
03-18-2012, 11:18 AM
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RE: My Wood & Foam Bridi UFO Build
ORIGINAL: vasek
Ralph, please tell me you bought the ''calibrated'' reamer @ Hobby King. I need one!
V.
Ralph, please tell me you bought the ''calibrated'' reamer @ Hobby King. I need one!
V.
I got it from [link=http://www.hobby-lobby.com/super_reamer_tool_14mm_2863_prd1.htm?pSearchQueryI d=3521878]Hobby Lobby[/link]. They're out of stock at the moment so you'll have to check in often. They don't last long once Hobby Lobby gets them in stock. I checked daily for about three month before I was able to snag one. I'm glad I kept after it because it's a nice piece and works well!
RG
03-19-2012, 03:26 AM
#613
RE: My Wood & Foam Bridi UFO Build
RG,
I hope that you'll have your UFO ready for our NECPO event in September! I'm really looking forward to seeing the end results, awesome build so far!
FB
I hope that you'll have your UFO ready for our NECPO event in September! I'm really looking forward to seeing the end results, awesome build so far!
FB
03-25-2012, 05:36 PM
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RE: My Wood & Foam Bridi UFO Build
ORIGINAL: proparc
RG, your workmanship is razor sharp and clean. Can't see it getting much better than this!!
RG, your workmanship is razor sharp and clean. Can't see it getting much better than this!!
RG
ORIGINAL: Free Bird
RG,
I hope that you'll have your UFO ready for our NECPO event in September! I'm really looking forward to seeing the end results, awesome build so far!
FB
RG,
I hope that you'll have your UFO ready for our NECPO event in September! I'm really looking forward to seeing the end results, awesome build so far!
FB
NECPO in September is the goal at this point!
I hope nothing goes wrong here between now and then! 
RG
03-25-2012, 05:46 PM
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RE: My Wood & Foam Bridi UFO Build
Mother Nature cooperated again this weekend, at least temperature wise!
Finished applying the silkspan to the wing. I'll let it dry well and then sand and feather all the seams. The next steps will be to apply three more coats of nitrate dope and a couple coats of sanding sealer followed by lots of sanding.
RG [8D]
Finished applying the silkspan to the wing. I'll let it dry well and then sand and feather all the seams. The next steps will be to apply three more coats of nitrate dope and a couple coats of sanding sealer followed by lots of sanding.
RG [8D]
03-29-2012, 02:03 PM
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RE: My Wood & Foam Bridi UFO Build
Ralph,
Well it's official now!! I just received my plans form RCM .It took five weeks ,but I guess Rome wasn't built in a day.I hope my UFO looks half as good as yours and I'll be happy.
Bruce
Well it's official now!! I just received my plans form RCM .It took five weeks ,but I guess Rome wasn't built in a day.I hope my UFO looks half as good as yours and I'll be happy.
Bruce
03-29-2012, 03:03 PM
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RE: My Wood & Foam Bridi UFO Build
ORIGINAL: R_G
Mother Nature cooperated again this weekend, at least temperature wise!
Finished applying the silkspan to the wing. I'll let it dry well and then sand and feather all the seams. The next steps will be to apply three more coats of nitrate dope and a couple coats of sanding sealer followed by lots of sanding.
RG [8D]
Mother Nature cooperated again this weekend, at least temperature wise!
Finished applying the silkspan to the wing. I'll let it dry well and then sand and feather all the seams. The next steps will be to apply three more coats of nitrate dope and a couple coats of sanding sealer followed by lots of sanding.
RG [8D]
03-30-2012, 06:32 PM
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RE: My Wood & Foam Bridi UFO Build
ORIGINAL: spot171123
Ralph,
Well it's official now!! I just received my plans form RCM .It took five weeks ,but I guess Rome wasn't built in a day.I hope my UFO looks half as good as yours and I'll be happy.
Bruce
Ralph,
Well it's official now!! I just received my plans form RCM .It took five weeks ,but I guess Rome wasn't built in a day.I hope my UFO looks half as good as yours and I'll be happy.
Bruce
Hope you decide to start a build thread!
RG
ORIGINAL: youngguy
Boy does this bring back some memories. I haven't heard of anyone using dope and slik span in years. Great method, but a lot of work. Also the UFO was just an awesome model. Good luck and a great job.
Boy does this bring back some memories. I haven't heard of anyone using dope and slik span in years. Great method, but a lot of work. Also the UFO was just an awesome model. Good luck and a great job.
RG
04-08-2012, 07:22 AM
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RE: My Wood & Foam Bridi UFO Build
Before applying the coats of nitrate and sanding sealer to the wing I thought this would be a good time to seal the wheel wells.
I was a little concerned about the butt joint between the 1/64" plywood liner where they meet at the outside corner. Given the thin butt joint this seemed like a place that might split over time due to vibration. So I added a couple squares of 1.5 oz. glass cloth for a little reinforcement. Two coats of Z-Poxy finishing resin were applied and sanded with 220 after each coat.
While in the neighborhood of the wheel wells I thought it would be nice to have a couple retaining loops to hold the retract air lines in place so they don't interfere with the wheels. The first idea was to make a couple loops from 1/32" music wire, but that didn't work out so well! Instead I made up a couple short, beveled tubes from 7/32" diameter ABS tubing and glued them in place with a little epoxy. The tubes worked out much better. I think I might have to give the ABS tubes a coat of epoxy to protect the plastic from the affects of oncoming dope. Maybe I'll just give both wheel wells another coat of the finishing resin. I kinda like the look of the plywood with the shiny epoxy coating.
RG [8D]
I was a little concerned about the butt joint between the 1/64" plywood liner where they meet at the outside corner. Given the thin butt joint this seemed like a place that might split over time due to vibration. So I added a couple squares of 1.5 oz. glass cloth for a little reinforcement. Two coats of Z-Poxy finishing resin were applied and sanded with 220 after each coat.
While in the neighborhood of the wheel wells I thought it would be nice to have a couple retaining loops to hold the retract air lines in place so they don't interfere with the wheels. The first idea was to make a couple loops from 1/32" music wire, but that didn't work out so well!
Instead I made up a couple short, beveled tubes from 7/32" diameter ABS tubing and glued them in place with a little epoxy. The tubes worked out much better. I think I might have to give the ABS tubes a coat of epoxy to protect the plastic from the affects of oncoming dope. Maybe I'll just give both wheel wells another coat of the finishing resin. I kinda like the look of the plywood with the shiny epoxy coating. RG [8D]
04-08-2012, 08:13 AM
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RE: My Wood & Foam Bridi UFO Build
Precision engineering no doubt Ralph!
While I'm sure your paint job will be stunning, it's almost a shame the beautiful workmanship will be hidden from view. This model should be a template for master builders class...
What's next?
David
While I'm sure your paint job will be stunning, it's almost a shame the beautiful workmanship will be hidden from view. This model should be a template for master builders class...
What's next?
David
04-08-2012, 12:54 PM
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RE: My Wood & Foam Bridi UFO Build
Thanks David! Next is......Back to the Fuselage! Hmmm.....sounds like a good title for a movie! [X(]
The fuselage took a lot more "elbow grease" to prep than the wing did. I managed to do a pretty good job of dinging it up while working on it! At any rate, after several hours of sanding it's ready for dope!
RG [8D]
Next is......Back to the Fuselage! Hmmm.....sounds like a good title for a movie! [X(]The fuselage took a lot more "elbow grease" to prep than the wing did. I managed to do a pretty good job of dinging it up while working on it!
At any rate, after several hours of sanding it's ready for dope! RG [8D]
04-09-2012, 07:23 PM
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RE: My Wood & Foam Bridi UFO Build
Ralph, that is ridiculous craftsmanship! I now understand that this is a master class in building. Thank-you for posting your work.
Dave
Dave
[:@][:@]
04-15-2012, 06:03 PM
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RE: My Wood & Foam Bridi UFO Build
Thanks Guys! I appreciate the comments!
Didn't get much done this week other than brushing on some dope. The fuselage is now ready for silkspan. Hopefully by the end of next weekend it will be completely covered.
RG [8D]
Didn't get much done this week other than brushing on some dope. The fuselage is now ready for silkspan. Hopefully by the end of next weekend it will be completely covered.
RG [8D]
