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3) “Glue” (Working with the contact cement)
a) “Basic
Gluing”
The contact cement will test your patience. I know you’ll be
tempted to stick the pieces together immediately, but don’t be give in.
The 3M-78 will form the strongest bond, if you allow it to dry for AT
LEAST 8 minutes before putting the pieces together, and probably
much longer. Put the glue on BOTH surfaces to be joined. If you’re not
used to contact cement, remember you really only get ONE CHANCE at
putting the pieces together. It really is instant gluing! (except for the
waiting, but that’s already over at that point)
b) “Advanced
Gluing”
The 3M-78 is ideally a spray glue, and there are some instances
where you can actually spray it during this project. You’ll want to make
sure that you carefully mask off any areas where you don’t want the
glue. You can do this by cutting custom shaped glue shields out of
paper, or masking tape. Be sure to test your masking tape on the scrap
foam to make sure that it doesn’t peel the skin off when you remove it.
For the rest of the areas (Like attaching the wings) you’ll want to
brush the glue on. Just spray some on some waxed paper, and use a
scrap of foam, or a disposable brush to paint it right on both surfaces to
be glued.
The 3M-78 has a long working time. After application, the glue can
sit for over half an hour and still make a full-strength bond. If you plan
ahead a little, you can apply the glue to all the fuselage surfaces in the
order that you’ll be assembling them, and the first ones will be ready to
press together by the time that you’re done applying glue to the least.
Then proceed in order, for an exceptionally quick build.
4) “Rolling the Foam”
You’ll be bending the foam to form the airfoil for the wings. You’ll also
need to bend the windshield and Hood parts to conform to their curves.
You need to get a feel for how much pressure the foam will take before
it gives.
a) Wings: Find yourself a section of 2” PVC pipe, (Or a BaseBall Bat,
Rolling Pin, Kitchen Counter, Bathtub edge, etc…) and press the wings
firmly and evenly down onto it to form the airfoil shape. It doesn’t take
too much pressure. The airfoil curves more sharply right near the
leading edge, so you can use smaller diameter pipe (or a Broomhandle
etc.) to add a little more curvature there if you feel it’s necessary. It’s
also acceptable to just use your thumb, and the side of your index finger
to work the leading edge bend a little.
b) Other Parts: Small parts that need rolling can be rolled over a pen, or an
X-Acto knife handle etc. These items generally take very little effort to
bend, but should still be formed over a solid object to avoid wrinkles.
