TDM Models
Electric Power R/C Aircraft Plans

 

Kawasaki Ki-61 Hien 'Tony'
A scale electric powered R/C model
Original Design and Plans and Short Kits

Fuselage Construction Part 2

KI-61 Fuselage Construction plan
Full size 1:1 plans and short kits are available for this model. PDF plans are available for immediate download upon purchase. Laser cut short kits are drop shipped direct from the laser cutter and include PDF plans. Printed plans are also available and are send airmail in 8 1/2" x 11" envelopes.

 

Here is a close up photo of the aft fuselage prior to wrapping the fuselage sides around the formers.
Bottom view of the aft fuselage showing the 1/4" triangular stock that was aligned along the bottom edge. The fuselage will be sheeted with 1/16" balsa and then shaped to a rounded contour as shown on the plans.
To wrap the fuselage sides around the top half of the aft formers, wet them with a sponge soaked in hot water. This allows them to bend easily around the formers. Use fast setting - thin Ca glue to secure the fuselage side to the formers. The small 1/8" thick spacers are added between the center stringers and the top edge of fuselage sides to help align the top edge of the sheeting. /td>
Glue the 1/4" thick balsa cap to the top of the aft fuselage assembly. Mark the line of the proposed rounded contour on the front and rear of the cap to aid in shaping. Also draw a centerline on the top. Then shape the top cap with #80 sandpaper to blend into the fuselage sides as shown on the plan cross sections. At this point you also add the 1/16" cockpit floor piece.
At this point you should have your motor mount (F1) drilled and fitted for your proposed brushless motor. The motor mount on the plans is marked for either a Mega 16/15/5 or AXI 22120/20 brushless motor. Both use the same mounting hole spacing. Block up the fuselage side to keep it level and gently pull the sides together with a C-clamp to hold F1 in place. NOTE: You may need to wet the sides of the forward fuselage if your wood is hard. While the fuselage is aligned to the top plan view glue the motor mount/F1 in place with fast setting thin Ca glue.
Next add 1/4" thick balsa blocking between formers F1, F1M and F2. Also add short lengths of 1/4" tri stock as shown on the plans and in these photos. This photo is a bottom view.
A top view of the forward fuselage showing the installation of 1/4" thick balsa blocking and the AXI 2212/20 motor ready to occupy its new home. The 1/4" balsa prop adapter ring will be glued to the front of F1.
A detail view looking at the bottom side of the forward fuselage. The photo shows how the 1/4" balsa blocking and triangular stock is installed. All this material is added for strength and to allow shaping of the forward nose for that distinctive KI-61 look.
Top view of the forward nose section. Note the 1/4" tri stock installed vertical behind former F3.