Bellanca K "Roma"

[g_kandylakis]

Back to my monthly updates...

Seeing new projects and progress reports by Tim, Monique, Tommy etc, reminded me I need to post something as well

The model is not yet finished, the holidays were not enough for this, but I hope I will get there soon.

The following pictures are from various days. First is the application of the "huge" flag decals to the fuselage

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Decal right after positioning, with plenty of softening liquid to allow it to adhere completely on the covering. Positioning template cut from paper is also visible

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same...

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final dried decal

[g_kandylakis]

other views, with remaining decals attached as well.
the transparent tissue finish somehow reduced the contrast of the thin decal paper. For a proper finish, a painted undercoat is prefferable.

nose and wing inner sections have been brush painted with silver, over the original tissue. The result is much better, although the wings need a second coat to cure the problem. N more silver tissue for me, it seems...

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[g_kandylakis]

Current status, working on the dummy engine.

Still to do are wing struts, landing gear and wheel finishing and then final assembly.

Hope to be able to test it in two weeks...

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[Monz]

Very nice George, gives a good base for the second one.

[Tim H]

Really good George. The silver on the wings looks much better now.
Are the flags all one decal or two? I would imagine that they would be difficult to move around once on at that size so did you have to get them accurately positioned as they went on?

[g_kandylakis]

Hi Tim,

The decals are almost one piece. It was not a big problem to manipulate the individual flags, connected with the narrow segment. All it took was a careful sliding of the backing paper on to the model, plus pleny of water and decal liquid. As a matter of fact it was easier to align since you had the complete decal in place and could see all boundaries.

The problem area were the small top center sections, which could roll in themselves, so I cut them off and added them immediately after I had the big part in place.

[g_kandylakis]

Finished ?

Well, you might say so... Had some spare time today so I managed to complete the model in time for tomorrow's flying.

Here are some photographs. I am not going to add any more details, such as exhaust etc, just the basic that could somehow complete the image of the airplane.

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[g_kandylakis]

I hope I might have something flying tomorrow, with pictures...

Here are some more close ups

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now, what to do next ?

[Monz]

Very nice George.

[g_kandylakis]

Thank s Monz

First flight opportunity today. Went rather well, although it is far from being trimmed.

Short flights, not more than 15 seconds, but stable enough. looks promising. Never flown a model this big in rubber power before... Any suggestions about rubber size/section? Model weight around 40 gr.

https://youtu.be/2Hw3refxIEY

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George