Hardened aircrafts :-)

[50cal]

Decided to replace, based on unfounded concerns, seemingly fragile metal parts (struts & landing gears) with bent paper clips. Planes can take a drop or 2 now. Bring it on :-)

[milcoll73]

i did this with a couple valum se5as i put together awhile ago. didnt trust the thin brass.

[50cal]

Just curious how the default parts stand up to rough handling. White metals seem soft especially the thin parts.

[zenlizard]

Don't know if the metal needed replacing, but I do like the rigging work on the Eindekker!

[Flying Helmut]

Just curious how the default parts stand up to rough handling. White metals seem soft especially the thin parts.

Define "rough"!

My various 'Valoms' have had no problems at all - the one that I dropped once sprung a wheel, but that was easily glued back on. The finished models are so lightweight that there are only tiny stresses on them during regular gameplay.
The photoetch brass parts are easily strong enough for game use; it's the joint between the PE and the plastic of the model that is questionable, particularly if you use "superglue". All CR Acrylate glues are brittle, and fracture across the plane of the joint under stress. I use epoxy resin glue ('Araldite' or similar) which has a degree of elasticity when cured, and will not fracture.

I HAVE replaced the thin metal struts on my 'Reviresco' Sopwith 1 1/2 Strutter and my 'Red Eagle' BE2, since both completed models were much too heavy for the struts to withstand any handling. I used paper clip substitutes for the interplane struts.
These struts were so strong that I was able to use the thin white metal cabane struts included with the kits, since there was no residual loading on them.

[50cal]

Hey thanks for the info. I'm using Reviresco and these planes are quite hefty. I like the weight but was unsure of the thin parts 'just in case' i drop it during excited gameplay. Nothing like a bent strut to get triggered :-o
It takes a bit of tries to bend clips in the right lengths as I always use 1 piece wires where possible. The AEG engine assembly was a nightmare. Oh and I use Araldite too. Cryo glue is too brittle. Epoxy Resin is more elastic.



I guess the supplied wheel assemblies would be ok. Anyway 4 more planes to go. Completed the 13 in my fleet already.

[Naharaht]

Good work, Raf!

[50cal]

Thanks,

Old habits die hard. Decided to finish the rest the same way. A few paper clips wasted on the central struts. Been trying to assemble from 1 piece paper clip.