jablackwell

All,
 
Thank you so much for such kind words and thoughts.  You make this the wonderful community that it is. 
 
Specifics to the build: Yes, the gun barrels, are definitely on the list of things to complete. They need boring and they need blackening. Concerning the ailerons: In theory they will work as they should. The cables are rigged in such a way so that they should work when the stick is moved side to side. The rudder works with the motion of the pedals, and the elevator works with the stick. I have yet to permanently connect the aileron cables. Getting there ;-)
 
~john
 

Hi John,
 
Sorry about your father, I lost mine a few years back and he was like yours in that he support me both through my hobby and my career. 
I have been following your detailed build log  because I have love of bi planes and am planning on building possibly a 1/4 or 1/6 scale Sopwith in a few years.  I see you share your workshop with a set of Ludwigs. I also share mine with a Ludwig Standard and just purchased a complete set of Pearl Sessions.
To your build, I am amazed how strait everything came out without the use of jigs.  Since all the rigging is so detailed, maybe I missed it, but do the ailerons operate?

the Sopwith is coming along great John!   amazing bit of rigging....and yes......it does look tedious      very well done!
 
sorry to hear about your dad...my condolences to you and your family.

Really sorry to hear your dad passed away, my sincere condolences.
 
About the Camel...one thing you might consider: 
It will look really nice when you drill open the gun muzzles a bit.
These things are such a focal point and it's a small effort to do.
 
Robin

Condolences to you!

Good afternoon, all.  It has been a while since my last posting. The light is at the end of the tunnel for the Sopwith build, but I was held short by some upsetting news. My dad passed away on the 22nd (Sept) after a prolonged and horrible battle against cancer. He was 82. He lived in Houston to make matters even more complicated. Houston is a mess as they rebuild and clean up all the debris from the flooding. There are a lot of displaced people. Dad's service was very nice. I'll post a shot of him here.... This build is for him, the guy who marveled at all the ship building and airplanes throughout the years, and supported them all, from the first model to getting all my pilot ratings. He was a good guy. 
 
The Sopwith: I have completed the cable runs for the ailerons, though not tied them to the control stick just yet. I need to let the cable stretch out more before committing to the final tie-off. Talking about a having a single point of failure.... the cable is ONE run from stick to lower right wing pulley to bottom right aileron to top right aileron to right front wing pulley through the entire top wing's front, to the left pulley to the left top aileron to the bottom left aileron to the front left pulley along the front of the left wing and to the stick. YIKES.  Images attached:
Running the aileron cable through the front of the lower right wing using tweezers.
A view from under the cockpit of the plane at all the control cables getting to the stick. The aileron cables are unattached and pulled off to the side.
Detail of the aileron cable coming from the wing's leading edge to the pulley that redirects it to the aileron horn and attachment point.
A view of the whole plane held in place so I can get to the underside of the cabling. Looks precarious!!!  
 
Best to All,
~john
 
 
 

I have made some progress, though slowly: classes have started up again, and I am back into the full swing of teaching for the fall term. That said, the top wing is in place as are the inter-wing struts and some of the cabling. It's tedious, slow and very rewarding. I also have the pitot tube installed as well as the air pump for the gas tank (odd flying machine!).  I am also in the middle of my biennial flight review (FAA requirement) as a pilot, and have been blocked from flying due to the remnants of storm Jose. Phew! Lots going on!  Some pics:
 
~john
 
 

Good afternoon, all.  It has been a while since my last posting. The light is at the end of the tunnel for the Sopwith build, but I was held short by some upsetting news. My dad passed away on the 22nd (Sept) after a prolonged and horrible battle against cancer. He was 82. He lived in Houston to make matters even more complicated. Houston is a mess as they rebuild and clean up all the debris from the flooding. There are a lot of displaced people. Dad's service was very nice. I'll post a shot of him here.... This build is for him, the guy who marveled at all the ship building and airplanes throughout the years, and supported them all, from the first model to getting all my pilot ratings. He was a good guy. 
 
The Sopwith: I have completed the cable runs for the ailerons, though not tied them to the control stick just yet. I need to let the cable stretch out more before committing to the final tie-off. Talking about a having a single point of failure.... the cable is ONE run from stick to lower right wing pulley to bottom right aileron to top right aileron to right front wing pulley through the entire top wing's front, to the left pulley to the left top aileron to the bottom left aileron to the front left pulley along the front of the left wing and to the stick. YIKES.  Images attached:
Running the aileron cable through the front of the lower right wing using tweezers.
A view from under the cockpit of the plane at all the control cables getting to the stick. The aileron cables are unattached and pulled off to the side.
Detail of the aileron cable coming from the wing's leading edge to the pulley that redirects it to the aileron horn and attachment point.
A view of the whole plane held in place so I can get to the underside of the cabling. Looks precarious!!!  
 
Best to All,
~john
 
 
 

John, 
Sorry to hear about your Dad. Your entire family has all our prayers.
You can just tell from the smile of your Dad in the picture that he was one of those guys that everyone gravitates towards.
You said it perfectly....."A good guy". 
 
Loving the build!
But take your time. Family always come first.
 
Tom E

John, my sincere condolences for your loss.  He's in my prayers.

Good afternoon, all.  It has been a while since my last posting. The light is at the end of the tunnel for the Sopwith build, but I was held short by some upsetting news. My dad passed away on the 22nd (Sept) after a prolonged and horrible battle against cancer. He was 82. He lived in Houston to make matters even more complicated. Houston is a mess as they rebuild and clean up all the debris from the flooding. There are a lot of displaced people. Dad's service was very nice. I'll post a shot of him here.... This build is for him, the guy who marveled at all the ship building and airplanes throughout the years, and supported them all, from the first model to getting all my pilot ratings. He was a good guy. 
 
The Sopwith: I have completed the cable runs for the ailerons, though not tied them to the control stick just yet. I need to let the cable stretch out more before committing to the final tie-off. Talking about a having a single point of failure.... the cable is ONE run from stick to lower right wing pulley to bottom right aileron to top right aileron to right front wing pulley through the entire top wing's front, to the left pulley to the left top aileron to the bottom left aileron to the front left pulley along the front of the left wing and to the stick. YIKES.  Images attached:
Running the aileron cable through the front of the lower right wing using tweezers.
A view from under the cockpit of the plane at all the control cables getting to the stick. The aileron cables are unattached and pulled off to the side.
Detail of the aileron cable coming from the wing's leading edge to the pulley that redirects it to the aileron horn and attachment point.
A view of the whole plane held in place so I can get to the underside of the cabling. Looks precarious!!!  
 
Best to All,
~john
 
 
 

Good afternoon, all.  It has been a while since my last posting. The light is at the end of the tunnel for the Sopwith build, but I was held short by some upsetting news. My dad passed away on the 22nd (Sept) after a prolonged and horrible battle against cancer. He was 82. He lived in Houston to make matters even more complicated. Houston is a mess as they rebuild and clean up all the debris from the flooding. There are a lot of displaced people. Dad's service was very nice. I'll post a shot of him here.... This build is for him, the guy who marveled at all the ship building and airplanes throughout the years, and supported them all, from the first model to getting all my pilot ratings. He was a good guy. 
 
The Sopwith: I have completed the cable runs for the ailerons, though not tied them to the control stick just yet. I need to let the cable stretch out more before committing to the final tie-off. Talking about a having a single point of failure.... the cable is ONE run from stick to lower right wing pulley to bottom right aileron to top right aileron to right front wing pulley through the entire top wing's front, to the left pulley to the left top aileron to the bottom left aileron to the front left pulley along the front of the left wing and to the stick. YIKES.  Images attached:
Running the aileron cable through the front of the lower right wing using tweezers.
A view from under the cockpit of the plane at all the control cables getting to the stick. The aileron cables are unattached and pulled off to the side.
Detail of the aileron cable coming from the wing's leading edge to the pulley that redirects it to the aileron horn and attachment point.
A view of the whole plane held in place so I can get to the underside of the cabling. Looks precarious!!!  
 
Best to All,
~john
 
 
 

I have made some progress, though slowly: classes have started up again, and I am back into the full swing of teaching for the fall term. That said, the top wing is in place as are the inter-wing struts and some of the cabling. It's tedious, slow and very rewarding. I also have the pitot tube installed as well as the air pump for the gas tank (odd flying machine!).  I am also in the middle of my biennial flight review (FAA requirement) as a pilot, and have been blocked from flying due to the remnants of storm Jose. Phew! Lots going on!  Some pics:
 
~john
 
 

Attaching the rudder and horizontal stabilizer is one thing.... getting all the control cables from the cockpit to the empennage is a whole other story! My goodness, this was a taxing effort, but well worth the patience. Using a pair of tweezers, toothpicks with cyanoacrylate glue and a ton of time, I have the rudder pedals moving the rudder and the control stick moving the elevators, and all in the proper directions! Phew.  I have provided a closeup image of the fuselage which shows the control cables running back to the control surfaces. I also could not resist an image of the engine in place.... just to see what it's going to look like in the end. 
 
Having finished the empennage, it was then time to work on the lower wing and undercarriage assembly. This was straightforward enough. The wing actually needed little adjustment to be level and square to the fuselage.... I was happy with that! The undercarriage frame and axle are in place. I am beginning work on the cabane struts for the upper wing. The wheels are also being painted a nice OD green... ready for their day in the light. 
 
~john
 
 

Finished stringers on the fuselage. I learned, again, and again, to read the instructions before diving into things, having glued some cables into place only to find out that the glue clogged holes I needed for future cabling down the road. D'Oh! .. and finished the fuselage for now.  With wings and empennage completed, it is time to assemble all the parts together with control cabling..... 
~john
 

Oil tank, ammunition cans and instrument panel in place along with the rear gun mounts. Now working on the frame stringers along the fuselage.
~john
 

All,
Back home from the eclipse data collecting trip. If interested, feel free to peruse my blog on this and other topics: http://www.regulusastro.com/ 
- And now to work... and to work on the Sopwith. Not much to report. Status:
 
- Working on all the cockpit connections for air, oil and fuel lines. It is a rather convoluted bit of artistry with little in the way of help in mapping it all out. I have been trying to rely on various images and plans found online and in books, but a good set of blueprints would be best.  
 
Images attached:   The makings of the instrument panel, the interior of the cockpit looking down and from the side, and the finished panel. You'll see the throttle assembly and the control "stick" assembly are now in place. 
 
~john

Thanks, Mike. It is a fun model. The kit? Well, it has its good points and its not so good points, like all kits, I imagine. Like ship building, I have found that reading ahead really helps! I am also not such a fan of Britannia castings.... With some effort, filing, cutting, drilling and sanding, then some primer and paint, it can look pretty good. 
 
Continued progress on the front end of the Sopwith. The engine mount is in place along with the rear supports and engine accessories. On many modern planes, this stuff is in front of the firewall with the engine, but not here. Behind the firewall is the carburetor, the magnetos, the starter (manual), and pumps. The brass tubing going out to both sides of the fuselage are air intakes that go right to the carburetor. THAT assembly literally rests right at the pilot's legs, just in front of the control stick. Talking about exposed!... a fuel tank behind you, and the engine right in front....
 
~john
 

The fuselage is complete: phew!  The front gun mount is in place (the rear mount waits until the engine accessories are installed). The seat and gas tank support rails are also installed. 
 
Now onto the engine accessories before tackling the cockpit, panel and controls. 
The hangar and shipyard will have to close for the upcoming eclipse: headed out to see mom in Denver then onto Wyoming for the eclipse itself. I'll post some pics assuming we have clear skies. 
 
~john

Good afternoon, all.  It has been a while since my last posting. The light is at the end of the tunnel for the Sopwith build, but I was held short by some upsetting news. My dad passed away on the 22nd (Sept) after a prolonged and horrible battle against cancer. He was 82. He lived in Houston to make matters even more complicated. Houston is a mess as they rebuild and clean up all the debris from the flooding. There are a lot of displaced people. Dad's service was very nice. I'll post a shot of him here.... This build is for him, the guy who marveled at all the ship building and airplanes throughout the years, and supported them all, from the first model to getting all my pilot ratings. He was a good guy. 
 
The Sopwith: I have completed the cable runs for the ailerons, though not tied them to the control stick just yet. I need to let the cable stretch out more before committing to the final tie-off. Talking about a having a single point of failure.... the cable is ONE run from stick to lower right wing pulley to bottom right aileron to top right aileron to right front wing pulley through the entire top wing's front, to the left pulley to the left top aileron to the bottom left aileron to the front left pulley along the front of the left wing and to the stick. YIKES.  Images attached:
Running the aileron cable through the front of the lower right wing using tweezers.
A view from under the cockpit of the plane at all the control cables getting to the stick. The aileron cables are unattached and pulled off to the side.
Detail of the aileron cable coming from the wing's leading edge to the pulley that redirects it to the aileron horn and attachment point.
A view of the whole plane held in place so I can get to the underside of the cabling. Looks precarious!!!  
 
Best to All,
~john
 
 
 

Good afternoon, all.  It has been a while since my last posting. The light is at the end of the tunnel for the Sopwith build, but I was held short by some upsetting news. My dad passed away on the 22nd (Sept) after a prolonged and horrible battle against cancer. He was 82. He lived in Houston to make matters even more complicated. Houston is a mess as they rebuild and clean up all the debris from the flooding. There are a lot of displaced people. Dad's service was very nice. I'll post a shot of him here.... This build is for him, the guy who marveled at all the ship building and airplanes throughout the years, and supported them all, from the first model to getting all my pilot ratings. He was a good guy. 
 
The Sopwith: I have completed the cable runs for the ailerons, though not tied them to the control stick just yet. I need to let the cable stretch out more before committing to the final tie-off. Talking about a having a single point of failure.... the cable is ONE run from stick to lower right wing pulley to bottom right aileron to top right aileron to right front wing pulley through the entire top wing's front, to the left pulley to the left top aileron to the bottom left aileron to the front left pulley along the front of the left wing and to the stick. YIKES.  Images attached:
Running the aileron cable through the front of the lower right wing using tweezers.
A view from under the cockpit of the plane at all the control cables getting to the stick. The aileron cables are unattached and pulled off to the side.
Detail of the aileron cable coming from the wing's leading edge to the pulley that redirects it to the aileron horn and attachment point.
A view of the whole plane held in place so I can get to the underside of the cabling. Looks precarious!!!  
 
Best to All,
~john
 
 
 

Good afternoon, all.  It has been a while since my last posting. The light is at the end of the tunnel for the Sopwith build, but I was held short by some upsetting news. My dad passed away on the 22nd (Sept) after a prolonged and horrible battle against cancer. He was 82. He lived in Houston to make matters even more complicated. Houston is a mess as they rebuild and clean up all the debris from the flooding. There are a lot of displaced people. Dad's service was very nice. I'll post a shot of him here.... This build is for him, the guy who marveled at all the ship building and airplanes throughout the years, and supported them all, from the first model to getting all my pilot ratings. He was a good guy. 
 
The Sopwith: I have completed the cable runs for the ailerons, though not tied them to the control stick just yet. I need to let the cable stretch out more before committing to the final tie-off. Talking about a having a single point of failure.... the cable is ONE run from stick to lower right wing pulley to bottom right aileron to top right aileron to right front wing pulley through the entire top wing's front, to the left pulley to the left top aileron to the bottom left aileron to the front left pulley along the front of the left wing and to the stick. YIKES.  Images attached:
Running the aileron cable through the front of the lower right wing using tweezers.
A view from under the cockpit of the plane at all the control cables getting to the stick. The aileron cables are unattached and pulled off to the side.
Detail of the aileron cable coming from the wing's leading edge to the pulley that redirects it to the aileron horn and attachment point.
A view of the whole plane held in place so I can get to the underside of the cabling. Looks precarious!!!  
 
Best to All,
~john
 
 
 

My condolences to your on your Dads death.  Congratulations on your fine build.    

Good afternoon, all.  It has been a while since my last posting. The light is at the end of the tunnel for the Sopwith build, but I was held short by some upsetting news. My dad passed away on the 22nd (Sept) after a prolonged and horrible battle against cancer. He was 82. He lived in Houston to make matters even more complicated. Houston is a mess as they rebuild and clean up all the debris from the flooding. There are a lot of displaced people. Dad's service was very nice. I'll post a shot of him here.... This build is for him, the guy who marveled at all the ship building and airplanes throughout the years, and supported them all, from the first model to getting all my pilot ratings. He was a good guy. 
 
The Sopwith: I have completed the cable runs for the ailerons, though not tied them to the control stick just yet. I need to let the cable stretch out more before committing to the final tie-off. Talking about a having a single point of failure.... the cable is ONE run from stick to lower right wing pulley to bottom right aileron to top right aileron to right front wing pulley through the entire top wing's front, to the left pulley to the left top aileron to the bottom left aileron to the front left pulley along the front of the left wing and to the stick. YIKES.  Images attached:
Running the aileron cable through the front of the lower right wing using tweezers.
A view from under the cockpit of the plane at all the control cables getting to the stick. The aileron cables are unattached and pulled off to the side.
Detail of the aileron cable coming from the wing's leading edge to the pulley that redirects it to the aileron horn and attachment point.
A view of the whole plane held in place so I can get to the underside of the cabling. Looks precarious!!!  
 
Best to All,
~john
 
 
 

Good afternoon, all.  It has been a while since my last posting. The light is at the end of the tunnel for the Sopwith build, but I was held short by some upsetting news. My dad passed away on the 22nd (Sept) after a prolonged and horrible battle against cancer. He was 82. He lived in Houston to make matters even more complicated. Houston is a mess as they rebuild and clean up all the debris from the flooding. There are a lot of displaced people. Dad's service was very nice. I'll post a shot of him here.... This build is for him, the guy who marveled at all the ship building and airplanes throughout the years, and supported them all, from the first model to getting all my pilot ratings. He was a good guy. 
 
The Sopwith: I have completed the cable runs for the ailerons, though not tied them to the control stick just yet. I need to let the cable stretch out more before committing to the final tie-off. Talking about a having a single point of failure.... the cable is ONE run from stick to lower right wing pulley to bottom right aileron to top right aileron to right front wing pulley through the entire top wing's front, to the left pulley to the left top aileron to the bottom left aileron to the front left pulley along the front of the left wing and to the stick. YIKES.  Images attached:
Running the aileron cable through the front of the lower right wing using tweezers.
A view from under the cockpit of the plane at all the control cables getting to the stick. The aileron cables are unattached and pulled off to the side.
Detail of the aileron cable coming from the wing's leading edge to the pulley that redirects it to the aileron horn and attachment point.
A view of the whole plane held in place so I can get to the underside of the cabling. Looks precarious!!!  
 
Best to All,
~john