Jamara Pitts S2B
- fuselage construction
This page of my Jamara Pitts S2B build follows on from page one of the build log.
The fuselage of the Pitts isn't built over a plan and I found this somewhat odd after all my previous builds being done in the traditional way over a plan. With the Jamara Pitts it's a case of getting all the pieces up together (fuselage sides and formers) and putting them together while keeping a close eye on the rather useless instructions.
In much the same way as one of those 3D wooden puzzle kits goes together, the Pitts fuse does gradually take shape and despite the questionable laser cutting in places the pieces did slot together as they should. The central 'cell' is the first part to go together, according to the instructions, and it's quite a work of art!...
With the cell complete it's then a case of adding a fuselage side, the necessary formers and then the other side before adding the bottom sheeting from the wing seating rearwards. Even though everything went where it should (the laser cutting accuracy was spot on), putting together the fuse without a plan was a bit unnerving! But with very careful eyeing through and a regular use of a small carpenter's square where necessary, and plenty of patience, the fuselage came together eventually without too much drama.
With the tail end sorted, the front formers and bulkhead were added before the longerons.
My initial concern, after building the fuselage cell, was that the model just didn't seem strong enough but I'm happy to report that once all the parts came together with a mix of CA and aliphatic wood glue there was ample strength in the completed assembly, although I suppose a crash will reveal any suspected weaknesses!
With longerons in place it was time to add the top sheeting, a job I'd been dreading because of past bad experiences. The curve on the rear half of the fuselage is quite drastic so I chose to place the balsa sheet (oversize and in need of trimming) in the food steamer for ten minutes or so - worked a treat!
With that awkward job done the front sheeting was an easier task and once dry the balsa nose pieces (2 of) could be glued in place, ready for sanding to shape.
Above: it was a relief to get to this stage of the build!
In addition to the fundamental fuselage construction of the Jamara Pitts, a couple of ply pieces make up a rear servo tray to hold the rudder and elevator servos and there's also the wing retaining captive nuts to put in place, one of which is just visible in the photo above.
There are also two captive nuts for the undercarriage fixing; if you follow the instructions these only fix to a 1/16" ply plate (part of the fuselage cell) which in my opinion is nowhere near strong enough, so I doubled up and glued them in to a second 1/16" ply plate that then glued to the plate in the fuselage - much stronger and worth doing, I think.
The finished fuselage of the Jamara Pitts S2B is a strong box at the end of the day, but time needs to be taken to put it together well. My choice of CA glue and aliphatic wood glue worked well; mostly I used the aliphatic but at times when I needed an instant grab then dribbling CA between the two pieces, where they interlock, worked very well. Adding the top sheeting obviously strengthens everything even more and the final sand results in a very nice finished product!
With the fuse done, it was time to attack the wings..
Follow the Jamara Pitts S2B wings build.
