Spitfire plane

[Kaledrub]

Please excuse my english.

I'm carving/building a scale replica of a Spitfire plane but I've come to a dead end because I have no idea how to go on.

I've attached a photo to better illustrate my question. It's a phone camera pic so excuse the bad quality.



As you can see from the reference images I forgot to add that curved shape that joins the wing to the fuselage. I could easily cover it with some sort of wood clay ( I don't lnow the right word ) but I don't intend to paint the model. I'm going for the varnish look because I want to preserve the veins from the wood. So, I must carve 2 pieces of wood to make that joint and this is where I'm stuck.
Perhaps this is a silly question but how do I copy the wing curvature acurately? I've tryed the trial and error method but the end result was really really bad and I disposed the wood piece.

Can someone share some thoughts on how I can get a mold for wood replication on those complicated areas? Thanks in advance.

[Merle Rice]

You might cover the area with Plastic wrap and then mould the shape that you want over the plastic wrap, after it dries you can remove it and then you would have the shape that you wanted. Take your measurements from that piece to make your Fillet. Hope this is a help to you. Merle

[CREID]

You might try making a paper or cardboard cutout with the shape you want first and then as your carving, keep comparing it or putting the cutout right up against the carving to see where you are and where you need to remove wood.
Curt

[Tom-H]

Since I never follow plans, I'll not try to tell you to. But I would consider cutting the existing wing off, level with the bottom of the fuslage. I would next carve out a "notch" to fit a new wing into. The new wing would have to be rather fat at the point where it fits into the carved or cut notch. After the new fatter wing is attached I would then carve the curves by eyeballing them. Now that's how I would do it..

Tom H

[Benjamin]

I agree with tom. Take the bottom section off and start over with the wing. When you make it thicker at the fuselage then you can carve the curve as much as you need to to make it work. Adding anything to the fuselage is going to show big time. You have a great start there, keep going and back up just a little with doing the wing again

[urbansheepdog]

Hi Kaled
I've built and flown two 5' wingspan models of these (...and smashed both! ) I would make the 'fillets' in two sections. One piece, at the trailing edge of the wing, that is the thickness of the wing and forms the trailing radius wing to fuselage. Then lay a square section piece on top of the wing and against the fuselage. Glue the first piece to the underside of the second then shape the two together to get the flowing contours. I know that's going to give you a three part section wing per side but it should look acceptable once stained and varnished. Failing that......... make a P51 Mustang.......... nice straight edges! LOL!
Looking good though! Please keep us posted on your progress! cheers Simon

[Kaledrub]

I'm overwhelmed with the feedback. I was a bit unsure about posting my question but I'm so glad I did. I don't usually work on wood with assembling parts - I just carve things into shape from a single block - thats why I got all messed up.

Many thanks for your thoughts. I'll read them all again a few more times, stare at my model and hopefully go for the easiest best aproach.

I'll keep you posted about the progress...

[squbrigg]

I would suggest making an insert (using the same wood as the rest of the plane) and carving it to shape. I believe you are going to have to use a trial and error in this, to get the right shape, but don't let that put you off. Start from the wing joint as far forward as you can and trail it off aft to the end of the wing root. Get the joint fitted perfectly first (the underside of the insert piece and then using gouges, sweeping fore to aft, carve the flair into the piece. I have done this with ship hulls successfully and the aircraft joint is very similar. This is a good lesson for you actually, in carving, so don't get down about it, just take your time and you will get it right with some practice.

Looking forward to seeing your progress on the "Spit", they are one of my favorite aircraft, sweet lines. Best of luck and don't get frustrated.

Bob

[Kaledrub]

Started today working on the left wing...






The joint shows up really big and the amount of sanding is amazing. I don't think it will pass on with just varnish...

[urbansheepdog]

Kaleb, that fillet on the left wing looks really good! You might want to consider painting her up in the "Battle of Britain" colours! Either way I can hear that mighty Merlin firing up!!
Check this clip out....... get's me every time! LOL! YouTube - Spitfire Low Pass