AS-350B"A-Star" On-line support build-up. Page 12.
Click image for kit info.
Scale step plates/extra details: How to
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Start with bending the desired shape out
of solid brass wire 3/32" , take your time as two are needed and they
should match. Then get a piece of wood to serve
as a soldering jig. I drilled the wood at the right angle needed
to predetermine the angle of the step in relation
to the body surface. Small washers are used to make mounting
pads and aligator clips hold the step at the
correct angle. Flux the parts so the solder will stick and use a 40 watt
soldering gun to keep the heat controllable.
Shim wood is used to space the plate in the right spot. It also helps
to sand the parts with 400 paper for better stick
when soldering. Later the backside/inside of body will get some
epoxy to hold the lugs of the step to the body.
BVM epoxy is best for this.
.......
Here they are test fit and looking pretty
good. When all paint work is done these will be installed. they are painted
off the model and will get some 220 grit paper
contact glued to them for the final effect. Now to finish the lower
steps on the skid tips.
.......
I decided to make up some wire cutters
using ABS scrap sheet this time.I made a tin template for scribing onto
the plastic and made two outers, one inner (slightly
larger for blade) and two doubler plates and one mounting flange.
With a little time, the results come out quite
nicely using thin CA to bond the ABS sheets together. One more
will be made for the belly area and rivets will
get added after primer but before paint.
.......
Here are the finished wire cutters and cockpit
ready for final install after paint.
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Skid step plates completed (scale for this version)
and made from 3/32" plywood. CA glued into place and backed
up with BVM epoxy , then primered with special
ecthing primer (SEM brand) for alu which is available from better
auto-body supply houses in a spray can. Here
I also added the E.G.T. tubes for the final touch to the exhaust.
......
Ok, here it is almost ready for
paint! I sanded the entire fuselage with red-scotch brite pads (approx
250 grit),
then primered with high quality primer that is
urethane compatible.The inside wood and visable fuse area is painted
with a brush for ease using urethane two part
system for automotive use. This procedure fuel proofs the wood and
surrounding glass and also lends to a more pleasing
look to cockpit area. The fuse will now be wet sanded with
600 grit paper in final prep for painting . I
like to tape off the windows from the inside to avoid a mess during this
stage, then it will get taped again with clean
tape for final painting stages. We are using three part urethane system
for color work. Windows go in last after paint
along with other final details.
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