Model Shipways 28 - Manual (Page 25)

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Before skinning over the framework, it
is important to file and sand off any rough
spots and misalignments. Prepare the
sheet aluminum skin by cutting apart an
aluminum soda can and then pulling it,
outer surface down, over a board or table
edge to flatten it. Next, sand the painted
surface with #200 grit paper to provide
sufficient tooth for gluing. When finished,
the inside of the can will be the outside of
the fuel tank. The reason is it is easier to
prepare the outer surface for gluing than
the inner, varnished surface.
Start by Super Gluing a strip of alu-
minum over the arced portion of the main
tank. Cut it as close as possible to the
framework, then use a fine, flat mill bas-
tard file to true the edge right to the frame.
Repeat the process for the two sides, then
finish up with the bottom. File from the
outside toward the inside of the tank to
avoid pushing the skin loose. The saddle
tank(Ni28-103) is covered in the same
way. After the tanks are covered, you can
sand with #400 grit paper to get an even
finish and then buff the tanks with steel
wool. Finally, drill holes for the filler
pipes(Ni28-105) and glue them in place.
Referring to Figure 6/12 drill holes under-
neath the main fuel tank for the plumb-
ing(WP40222SEC) (see previous step).
Glue the main fuel tank against the
inside of former #1, across the upper
longerons. The saddle fuel tank goes
against the right longerons. In the real air-
craft, the tanks were strapped into place.
Make the tank straps(WP0978) out of
1/4” copper tape, folded in half length-
wise, adhesive side in, then trimmed to
3/16” wide. Wrap these around the tanks
and longerons so that the straps appear to
hold the fuel tanks in place, and slip on
the buckles (Ni28-???). Refer to Figure
6/13 and full-size Plans D01 and D03.
Rigging; seat:
Referring to Figure 6/13, connect the
bracing wires(WP1205) to the metal stiff-
enings(Ni28-069,070) and cable brace
plates(Ni28-071), using twelve turnbuck-
les(W042).
Carefully bend the seat back(Ni28-098)
and glue it to the seat(Ni28-100). Paint the
seat back as described in the introduction,
then glue the assembly onto the 1/8 x 1/8
horizontal brace attached to fuselage for-
mer #4. Refer to Figure 5/6.