I am building the old Monogram kit. It will be all closed up, without the “Working” parts. I plan to just install a small section of the rear tail-pipe in the Tail section. My question is, before I close everyhing up, does anyone know how much nose weight it will take to sit properly ? Thanks for any help.
John …
For that very kit … no, I don’t know the exact amount of weight you will need to place in the nose to cause the a/c to sit properly. It is always trial and error … better to error on the slightly heavy side than just under … when you button one up with just enough weight in the nose … everytime someone bumps the display case that the a/c is sitting in … the little bugger plops back on its tail.
What I do is tape the major parts together and try weight taped to the nose … until the a/c tips forward on the main gear so that the nose is resting on the bench. That is the approximate amount of weight needed to keep the nose down after the a/c is built.
Keep after it … you will get sort of a feel for it. Good luck and always have fun!
With the engine installed in my F-80 it took 3/4 oz weight to balance it. Without the engine installed it took 2/3 oz of weight. But like FreedomEagle1953 said, double check your own prior to gluing everything together. As my Father always said, " measure twice, cut once".
Thanks guys !
Because the fuselage is in so many parts, compared to most models, I was having a hard time figuring out a way to test fit, but the tape idea sounds great & the weight guidelines should give me a starting point. Also, as I am a wood-worker also, I am very familiar with the measure twice, cut once rule, & whenever I try to evade it, it usually bites me.
[:D] I just wanted to thank the guys that helped me on this. Both ideas for the nose weight problem worked really well. However, I have to say this is one of the most frustrating kits I’ve ever worked with. It has the most brittle plastic I’ve ever seen. Everytime I try to cut or reshape, something breaks. Also, the joints just won’t stay joined. I’ve used all kinds of glues, & everytime I apply any pressure, such as applying masking, the seams all open up again. I don’t know if it’s the age of the kit, or if this early realease was made of really brittle plastic.
Anyway, I think I’v finally got it to stay together, I’ve primed it & am ready to metalize now. Wish me Luck.