I've just read Clive's piece on his Pup. It's remarkable how similar our approaches were to this particular model. We both used a Flair Puppeteer kit for the basic structure (I had to pay full price for mine) and made many of the same modifications to bring it to a reasonable scale appearance. This didn't present too many difficulties excepting in the nose area. Unlike Clive who opted to go the electric way, I powered my model with an OS 48FS as originally intended by Flair. Shoehorning an engine and tank into a much reduced volume was quite taxing. Also, building in a duct to permit engine cooling didn't help matters.
A further major change - not connected with scale - was the wing mounting. Having had a good look at the strut arrangement on the real thing I decided to make the lower wing in one piece - main load bearing - and the top wing in three pieces - a centre section and two outers. This, I felt, would ease assembly and in fact has worked out quite well. Having completed the framework, the next question was how much detail to incorporate?
Looking at many Pup photographs, I noticed a few had engine turned cowls and much against my better judgement,I decided to try my hand and pretty my model with the same. After much experimentation and many disappointments I finally got the result I was looking for. Scotchbrite in a 3/8" holder mounted in a flexible drill shaft did the trick.Try it on scrap metal first if you are tempted to have a go!
Metal panelling at the front end seemed a must and again like Clive I used Litho plate. Cardboard templates were made for each piece to ensure a good fit and they were stuck in place with contact adhesive. I must confess I got one on wrong and nearly dumped the whole lot in frustration trying to get it off - once on, that stuff really sticks! (Great buy from IN EXCESS near Stanpit / Christchurch roundabout at 95p a tin ) Rivets were punched in on the panels from the reverse side before mounting. Access covers, also of litho plate, were stuck on last.
Covering was in dark green Solartex on the upper surfaces and antique on the lower ones. Flair decals were used. These were self adhesive types, were glossy and were the devil's own job to stick down, particularly over the wing ribs. The only solution was to use a moderately hot iron covered with a thin cloth and gently "stroke" them down.
The Pup has yet to take to the air. I don't anticipate any problems - the dry weight is 6lbs and the c.g. is where it should be despite reducing the nose length. I look forward to flying the dawn patrol in formation with Clive's Pup - The Eindekker won't stand a chance!