Not Quite Scratch Bfc-2

[PipesCS]

Before I start, I do realize this is not in the proper area and would hope that the manager of the "Zone" would move it into an area more aptly called "ARF BASHING".

I have found there are not as many scratch builders out there as I once thought and I dreamed up this project after kicking the Idea around for a few years of scratch building a Navy fighter from the 1930 period called the F11C-2 or the later version the BFC-2 which was a fighter bomber version.

Deciding I did not need a super detailed scale reproduction but simply a Sunday flier that was to be more of a knock around bird I decided to Bash vice build.

The project I am diving into is to convert a Great Planes Army Air Corps P6-E Hawk into the Navy Version which had a radial engine instead of a V-12.

While the G.P. ARf is not to Scale it is close enough to fit the bill.

[PipesCS]

The ARF is a 76 inch wingspan Stand off scale sport flier.

[PipesCS]

I had worked this out a few months ago talking with another modeler but could not bring myself to spend the 469.00 plus shipping that everyone wanted for the Great Planes P-6.

It recently went on sale for around 269.00 so I jumped in. I friend first purchased it up in Maryland while I was there. In the process of helping him with his I decided to buy one and tear it down to start over.

Having opened the box on Bobs model I knew it would be hard to tear all the coving off as it is a well done model.

So now I am commited or as some friends say, should be.

[PipesCS]

Finding a lot of photos of the BFC-2

[PipesCS]

One of the things that really stood out on the Great Planes P-6 was its extremlly light wing loading.

After striping the fabric off you can see why.

[PipesCS]

The Great Planes P-6 is as I said earlier a stand off scale at best. In checking the fuselage I am finding the tail is streched 3 inches. I am sure they did this to make a better flier and to improve the ground handling.

As I am building a sport flier I am not planning on getting rapped around the axle on things such as total scale. Planning on using the "That Looks About Right" engineering concept

I am breaking up the project into modifications on the:

Main Landing Gear. The initial plan is to replace the glass assemblies that came with the P-6 with balsa and plywood fairings built up around the aluminum gear using the six and a half inch Williams Bro. Golden age wheels.

Tail wheel will be a total fabrication from scrap rod and aluminum plate with the rudder assembly simply being cut away at the bottom to clear it. Tail wheel steering is going to be push pull wires from a extra servo up front.


Turtle Back Modification. I don't have good drawings to cover this but will simply scale up the photos I have been able to find using auto cad and add to the existing turtle back.

cowl along with radial (Largest amount of work) Plan is to shape pink foam and glassover prior to melting the foam out. I will do the cowl ring as on my Gee Bee Y which is in this forum group but it will be almost 12 inch in diameter.

Upper Wingtip and aileron shape change using balsa blocks.

Recovering and Markings. Plans are to use Solar Tex covering with marking to be cut by Caligraphics.

[PipesCS]

Still stripping fabric (Monocote) from the wings and fuselage.

One thing about the quality of the Great Planes is the plywood inserts into the balsa skin at the points were the struts fasten down.