Developed
by

DeHavilland DH-88 Comet

by

TAIL SURFACES

All the tail surfaces are of built up construction of balsa and then covered with 1.5mm sheet. This is simple and lightweight with care needed particularly with the tailplane to keep it true and the correct shape. I deleted the wire joiner for the elevator and made the push rod forked at the back of the model instead. After all the tail surfaces are completed, the tailplane can be fitted to the fuselage carefully checking incidences. Now with the tailplane fitted in an accurate manner, the fin can be added along with the balsa blocks.

FINISHING

After the entire airframe was finished, I covered it with 21g fibreglass cloth. To help fill the cloth weave, automotive primer surfacer is brushed over the cloth and then dry sanded with free cut 240 grit sandpaper.

Then I primed the plane with acrylic primer surfacer and filled any imperfections with stop putty.

The Comet was then treated to two coats of acrylic lacquer in Fire Engine Red.

Next I had all the decals computer cut in vinyl.

The canopy is made from flat 1mm plastic and was done in four sections. Two pieces for the top and then two wrapped over the sides.

I then used 2mm pinstripe to simulate the canopy frames.

After all the decals were fitted, the plane was given one coat of Protec 2 pack clear to seal all the decals and paint. This also gives an excellent durable finish with a brilliant gloss.

Radio gear used was all J.R. 507 and 517 servos with the exception of the throttle as previously described.

The retracts fitted were Robart with the valve fitted to the top of the wing. The weight was 5.4 kg which was rather heavy for a model of this size. Weight could have been reduced with less surface finishing but I opted for strength and durability.

Engines used were two O.S. 46 FXs with the standard mufflers and bolly 10.5 x 6 propellors as I have found this a very reliable combination.