The fuselage is as series of 1/16" ply and balsa formers held together with 3/32"x3/16" stringers and a 1/16" balsa skin. The fuselage is assembled over a removable internal jig.

The laser cut parts of the Raiden fuselage laid out on the building board ready for assembly.

Fuselage construction begins by sliding formers F1, F2 and F3 onto the jig. The jig is position so the bottom of the nose section is up. Carefully align F1, F2 and F3 to be 90 degrees to the jig and glue a extra long 3/32"x3/16" stringer to the center notch in the formers. The stringer is temporarily tack to the aft part of the jig creating a smooth arc across the front formers.

Check the alignment of former F3 to make sure it is 90 degrees to the jig and building table.

Add the side stringer in the lower nose section and trim the ends flush with F1 and F3.

Change the position the fuselage assembly on the building block so that the top side is up. Slide the remaining formers in position on the internal jig. Add a 3/32"x3/16" stringer to the top center notch from F1 to F6.

Before gluing the stringer to each former make sure that each former is 90 degrees to the jig and building table. Use a square or drafting triangle.

Close up view of the front of the assembly. DO NOT GLUE THE FORMERS to the jig. The jig will be pulled out through the nose of the fuselage after the fuselage is partially sheeted with 1/16" balsa.