Hi Gregory and thank you!
Here is my jig that I ordered from West Coast Hobbys.
I have added 1" bars to align arms with base and then added
vertical supports at the end of the arms this helps to steady everything.
Square and scribe block aid in set up.
Next I will glue struts to lower wing.

Richard,
Neat Assembly Jig, I bought the Aeroclub version and although it's a "bear" to set up it is worth it's weight in gold.

I used it for the first time on a Roden Albatros DIII, worked wonderfully.

I'll be interested in your views on this tool, not many of the members seemed particularly keen on mine, or maybe I just got the wrong impression; I think they are a great resource. I also note you've enhanced yours with some extra support etc. which will make it even better. Great move on your part, you'll use it more then once or twice for sure!!
Cheers,
Lance

Richard – very nice progress on the tinbanger – looking forward to more as it develops.

Nice selection of jigs – Lance, the m.m. grid paper is a good idea that I'll steal from you – hope you don't mind.

Here's a pic of my own home made jig in progress



Best Regards

Mikael

Hi
Thank you Mikael and Lance!
Mikael good use of Lego!
Lance I will use this jig for many kits to come.
My next step is to mount the jig on a table that I can rotate and tip (Like tables used by wood carvers( Lee Valley in Ottawa may have something)).
The jig is good for 1/72 & 1/48 scale,I will see if I can find a Aeroclub jig for larger scales.
I have 20 struts to install on the Southampton! not sure that I could do this free hand.

Richard,
I corresponded on-line with the Chap at Aeroclub (regretably I don't recall his name and have since changed computers-lost the file) concerning using it for 1:32, he charges a small extra fee to assemble the jig prior to shipping and added longer components to accomodate the larger scales. It works very well so if you need a larger capability I recommend it.It's 44.5 Pounds, Website: www.aeroclub-models.com / or Email at [email protected]
I also use it "unclamped" just to check alignment and also to provide support during some of the rigging process. On the other hand, if you have some Lego laying around Mikael's version has the right price and if you've checked his builds it works better then all!
Cheers,
Lance

Hi Lance.
Checked out web site and bad news:-


AEROCLUB MODELS WEBSITE

8th March 2010

The website will be unavailable until further notice owing to the loss of Mr. Peter Wright (52) of Aeroclub Models who died suddenly this morning while on holiday in France.

We will try and fill any outstanding orders that have been placed in a timely manner but ask that customers be patient during what will no doubt be a difficult few weeks.

As many customers will know, Peter was an integral part of Aeroclub Models and a valued friend and colleague for over 28 years.

He will be sadly missed.

John Adams.
Aeroclub Models.

Richard,
That was from March 2010 and I believe John (Adams) is still scrambling to keep the business going. I had to "try again" by sending him an EMail at the second link. Once we were hooked up all went well. I don't think he's out of business; there's an ad on the inside back cover of the latest 'WINDSOCK wORLDWIDE" in the same place it appears every issue.
Cheers,
Lance

John is still going, but he does all of his sales by e-mail these days. The website is for all intents and purposes defunct.

Thank you Jessica & Lance.
I will try e-mail for info.

Hi all
All struts are in place, next the aileron mechanism.

It's nice that you could build the wing assembly separate from the fuselage. You can get in from all angles to do the rigging : )

Hi Jessica
Yes it is a better way to build!
As this is my first build of this type I have spent a lot of time planing the assembly steps,(not sure i am correct).
The motors frames are being built on a a jig I have made(photo's later).it's like building a ship in a bottle!I will install motors and fuel tank etc after painting.
I will prime and topcoat inner wings then rig and prime /paint out wings.
The hard part will be the rigging/struts of the wings to the hull ,but my wing jig with the hull blocked should do it.

Here is the jig that I built to aid me to glue the left and right motor frame and struts.

It is a very common sense approach to build jigs especially for engine supports on seaplane kits. Even the slightest variation can throw an assembly off.

Hi
Jack this is a nice 1/72 kit,lots of planing though!
I have started to wire the plugs with .005" copper wire.
I have photos of the Napier as a guide.
Hope i get the firing order right! lol.(22 cylinders to go)

Hi
I have worked on the hull this week and given it a coat of primer.
Here are a couple of photos of the Lewis guns and scraff rings
ready to prime.

Very neat detailing – looking good!

Mikael

Thank you Mikael
Next time i may try a larger scale?

Hi All
Tail getting close to final assembly.

Hi
Working on many different areas of the AC this week.
Here are photos of the props ready to install.

You are doing a good job on this finely molded bit of resin. So! You like seaplanes eh? I think I have just the ticket for you.

Have you ever been to sea Billy?

Still working on Southampton + three other models!
Tail on and working on rigging.

No but I have been blown ashore many times Can't seem to get passed the reef! Aaarrrggghh