AJ 404 Interceptor
The tail section is built up directly over the plan (above left). Once completed the parts are lifted from the plan and sanded to final shape. The finished fuselage (above center) is sanded to final shape. The battery access door is then marked up and ready to cut out. With all of the components finished and detail sanded the model is dry assembled (above right) so that any minor fit problems can be corrected before the cover goes on. The wing and tail section
are covered with cream Microlite (below left) and the fuselage given several coats of nitrate dope to seal the wood and prep for the graphics application. Before the graphics are applied the battery hatch (below right) is cut open using a sharp hobby knife and a steel straight edge. The edge of the opening is then hardened with thin CA. The battery is test fit into the opening and secured to the fuselage side with hook and loop fastener.
a bit of adhesive to tack the panel in place. Align the panel over the frame, and then stick the corner down. Now, about one inch at a time, peel the backing back and smooth the panel in place being careful not to stretch or wrinkle the vinyl. It’ll feel a little awkward at first, but you’ll catch on quick- ly. Do all of the tail section parts first, and by then you should have a good feel for what you’re doing.
The complete graphic package for the Interceptor (above) is available in several of the original color schemes from
www.callie-graphics.com. The individual components (below) are cut from the carrier sheet and applied to the model. The graphics can be applied either wet or dry.
The fuselage is next. The only challenge there will be with the pushrods extending out at the tail. To clear those, cut a slot into the clear film at the exit location and dry fit the panel to insure it will align properly without interference. Now, peel the backing off up to the pushrod location, fold it over as with the rudder and slip the panel over the wire, align it and begin pressing it down working from back to front. Repeat the process for the other side, and when both sides are in place, trim the wing and stabi- lizer openings as needed.
The wing is done in the same fashion, starting at the root and working toward the tip. You’re dealing with compound curves here, so it’ll be a bit trickier than the rest. Take your time and work out the wrinkles as you go. To deflate any bubbles you might get under the panel, use a sharp sewing nee- dle to pierce the surface and work the air out of the bubble.
Final assembly
Slip the wing into the fuselage, align and glue in place. I tacked the wing at the lead- ing and trailing edges then ran a bead of Canopy 560 glue all the way around the wing. Slip the elevator into the slot followed
22 JULY 2013
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68