I just picked up an Accurate Minature P-39 and it didn’t come with any weight for the nose. Does anyone have any idea what size weight I’ll need to keep her from tail sitting. Thanks in advance.
Steve
I think a half an ounce should do it. I usually start CA-ing number 8 bird shot into the nose of a potential tail-sitter until I can’t fit anymore with obstructing fit. It’s usually over-kill, but it never has a seat.
Good luck.
First, dry fit and tape the model together loosely with its legs installed, allowing it to sit back gently on its tail. Ensure you have all the AM parts you’ll be using in place when you do this. Then, get a small plastic baggie and tape it on the nose. Now start adding weight to the bag until the model sits forward properly on the nose gear, ie, balancing forward of the CG. Add a little extra weight for insurance and you’ll have the right weight.
Now, all you have to do is find a place for it all to fit inside.
I cannot remember which one of the P-39 kits gives you an amount of weight to keep the nose down. I’ll look at the research I have gathered for my kit and see If I can find the amount. It may have been in an article, I just do not recall at the moment. I did find a correction kit for the racing P-39 and will also dig that information up if you are interested. I am going to do Tex Johnsons Yellow aircraft. Even if I find an article on the nose weight I plan to dry fit the kit to test the amount necessary to keep the nose down. The correction kit has stiffeners for the rear of the fuselage and resin control surfaces. The added weight (resin parts) necessitates a more precise method of determining the amount of weight. To many time I have used the amount prescribed by the instructions, or other sources, and have had a tail sitter after the kit was finished. Man I hate that! Cheers.
The Eduard kit comes with a noseweight in the box, perhaps someone might be able to weigh it for you. I would, but it’s already sealed up inside.
The Eduard nose weight is .70 ounces.
You could also try this:
First, dry fit and tape the model together loosely with its legs installed, allowing it to sit back gently on its tail. Ensure you have all the AM parts you’ll be using in place when you do this. Then, get a small plastic baggie and tape it on the nose. Now start adding weight to the bag until the model sits forward properly on the nose gear, ie, balancing forward of the CG. Add a little extra weight for insurance and you’ll have the right weight.
I shouldn’t wonder that you’d be done already if you do