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 3

KI-61 Fuselage Construction plan
The fuselage construction is fully detailed on full size 1:1 scale CAD drawings. When we design a model we research the aircraft and pull together existing 3 views, profile illustrations and study 1/48 scale plastic model kits to get an accurate indication of the outline of the aircraft. We then develope our own three view drawings in AutoCAD. Once the three drawing is finished we develope the actual construction drawings over the top of the three view to accurately duplicate the lines of the aircraft in plan, profile and section.

 

The bottom side of the nose after shaping, filling and sanding. The bottom is a removable hatch for easy access to the power system. Note the recessed motor mount/F1 former. Depending on the prop adapter and spinner used, the distance between the motor mount and the back of the spinner can be adjusted.
The fuselage is laid over the plan to check that the sanding and shaping conforms to the plan side view. Next we add the lower radiator scoop to the fuselage and wing.
The bottom of the aft fuselage sides are sanded to a rounded shape. Do not round where the radiator scoop is located. The radiator scoop is made of 1/16" balsa parts glued to the bottom sheeting.
At this point you should either install your motor or something else that will allow you to hold a spinner in place. This is necessary in order to shape the forward fuselage. NOTE: If you use your motor, wrap it in plastic wrap or some other protective material so no balsa dust gets in while sanding and shaping the nose.
The 1/16" top sheeting has been added between F4 and F1M. You need to do this before adding the forward top nose blocks.
A forward view of the nose with the AXI 2212/20 motor in place. The bottom nose part of the fuselage is a removable hatch to allow easy installation and access to the power system.
Glue three layers of 1/4" balsa together to create the top nose block. The laser cut parts include precut blocks. Tack Glue this assembly to the forward part of the fuselage. Wrap tape around your spinner so as not to scratch it during the shaping process.
Use #80 sandpaper to shape the nose and blend it into the spinner shape. This is how it should look after the initial rough shaping. Don't worry about the missing balsa or gaps at the nose ring. Fill this area in with light weight filler like Red Devil "One Time" spackle.
Before adding the filler material and finish sanding, remove the top block and hollow it out some to save some weight. Note the hollow out top block to the right in the photo. After the block has been hollowed out glue it permanently onto the fuselage assembly. Now do your filling with the light weight spackle or other favorite filler material.
The finished nose of the KI-61 after some filling and sanding. Everything should blend smoothly into the spinner. The spinner used is a Dubro 1 3/4". The prop adapter is a collet type for a 3.2 mm dia shaft.