tomcervo wrote:
> On Aug 3, 1:09�pm, "Enzo Matrix" <enz...@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote:
>> Rufus wrote:
>>> Enzo Matrix wrote:
>>>> I'm just about to finish an Eduard 1/48 F6F-3 Hellcat. �The
>>>> model is built pretty much out of the box, but I have dropped the
>>>> flaps - something which is very easy to do on this kit.
>>
>>>> The kit decals provide a scheme for BuNo 66016 with red outline
>>>> insignia when with VF-16 in 1943 and also Lt Alexander Vraciu's
>>>> machine when he was with VF-6. �However, it seems that during the
>>>> Battle of the Phillipine Sea, Vraciu was serving with VF-16 and
>>>> 66016 was his machine at the time. It is possible to use the kit
>>>> decals to depict the aircraft at this stage in its history, whch is
>>>> what I have done. The control surfaces on this kit are seperate
>>>> from the airframe, so
>>>> it would be possible to depict them deflected. However, I have read
>>>> that the F6F had spring loaded control surfaces that were held in
>>>> place when the aircraft was parked.
>>
>>>> My question is, how effective was this spring loading? �Given
>>>> that
>>>> in June 1944, 66016 had been in service for over a year, most of
>>>> which had been spent being worked hard in a combat environment, is
>>>> it possible that the spring loading wasn't quite as effective as
>>>> once it had been? �I'm not saying that I should show the control
>>>> surfaces severley drooped, but I wonder if showing the elevators
>>>> deflected maybe five degrees or so would be valid.
>>
>>>> Any ideas?
>>
>>> ...actually, it depends on a bit more than that. �If the surfaces
>>> were spring-compensated, it was probably to offset airloading in
>>> addition
>>> to the the anti-servo tab and manage stick forces - so they probably
>>> wouldn't have held the full weight of the surface.
>>
>>> Secondly, was the elevator driven by mechanical linkage, or
>>> hydraulic power? �That could make a difference.
>>
>>> Thirdly...a simple Google image search located a number of pictures
>>> of Hellcats with elevators pointing trailing edge skyward when
>>> parked - indicating to me that they were parked in some sort of
>>> gust-locked condition...even if it was as simple as to hold the
>>> stick aft with the belt/harness strap. �Common practice with
>>> light planes even today.
>>
>>> Bottom line - find a picture you like, and go that way.
>>
>> Thanks, Rufus. �That *is* , of course, the sensible option! �And
>> thanks for the interesting comment on the spring compensation.
>>
>> I did a Google image search and, like you, found a surprising number
>> of F6Fs with elevators deflected upwards. If they were held in that
>> position by the seat harness, that really isn't an option for me as
>> the harness on my model
>> is already set in position. However, it is something to think about
>> for
>> future models.
>>
>> I have managed to find a picture of a parked F6F with the elevators
>> in
>> exactly the positions that I wanted. As a bonus the rudder is
>> deflected as well, so that's how I'm going to finish it!
>>
>> Has anyone else built one of these Eduard Hellcats yet? �It's a
>> pure joy to build. �Highly recommended.
>>
>> --
>> Enzo
>>
>> I wear the cheese. It does not wear me.- Hide quoted text -
>>
>> - Show quoted text -
>
> (ducking) How's the nose?
> http://www.cybermodeler.com/hobby/details/dmold/detail_dmold_48006.shtml
LOL
I can assure you that the claimed cross section for the Eduard kit is
*not*
representation of the cowling in my kit. That is much more like the
right-hand picture.
I've compared the cowling with numerous pictures of the real thing and I
think it is very accurate. It's certainly accurate enough for me.
--
Enzo
I wear the cheese. It does not wear me.
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