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 1

KI-61 Fuselage Construction plan
The fuselage construction is fully detailed on full size 1:1 scale CAD drawings. The fuselage is constructed of all balsa and plywood. If you purchase a short kit all of the parts for building the model are laser cut and and etched for easy assembly.

 

This photo shows all of the major fuselage parts laid out for assembly as they come out of the laser cut sheets. The fuselage sides are cut to shape and etched on the internal side for easy alignment of the bulkheads.
Another close up photo of the fuselage parts laid out on the 1:1 plans. The vertical and horizontal stabilizer are 1/8" sheet balsa. The formers are either 1/16" plywood or 1/16" balsa. The first step in fuselage construction is to apply 1/16" doublers to the inside of the fuselage sides. Align these to the etched (or marked) lines allowing space for the formers where shown. Also add 1/4" triangular stock along the bottom edge of the aft fuselage sides.
The next step is to glue the three primary formers F2, F3 and F6 to the right-hand fuselage side. The formers should fit between the "slots" created by the 1/16" doubler pieces. Make sure these formers are perpendicular to the fuselage side.
Add the left-hand fuselage side to the right-hand assembly. Make sure the formers fit into the "slots" on the left-hand side and the fuselage is square to the building board.
Once the left-hand side is glued in place you can stand the fuselage assembly upright and contemplate adding the aft formers F7, F8, F9 and F10. Align the fuselage to the top view, pull the tail together and install 1/16" plywood former F10.
After adding the tail former F10, continue working over the top view. Slip in formers F9, F8 and F7, aligning them to the marks on the inside of the fuselage. This photos shows the fuselage assembly after installing the aft fuselage formers and Top former F4.
Add the 1/8" square balsa stringer to the notch at the top of the fuselage formers. In this photo you can see former F1M, F1 (the motor mount) and the 1/4" balsa prop adapter spacer. These parts will be added in a later step.

| Fuselage Construction Part 1 | Fuselage Construction Part 2 |