What if former doesn't fit?

[KenG]

I'm building the Marek BF-109F in 1:50 scale. I've started a few planes in the past but never finished one. I purchased this model thinking it was reasonably simple and I would finish it. Anyway, I'm having trouble with the formers. I end up with a gap on the top. Is this normal or did I do something wrong? As it is, it won't join up with the next section. Should I make a new section and trim the fuselage piece a little along its length so that when it wraps it will fit tighter? Since this is a digital kit, I can print as many as I like, but I'm wondering what would I do if this was a printed kit? I would appreciate any help! Thank you.

[loadmat]

Being you can print a new page, I would take a look to make sure that the former is in the correct position. If it is positioned correctly, hold the fuselage on end on scrap cardstock and trace around the fuselage. Then position the incorrect former over the traced former and compare both to ensure the shape is close. It should turn out ok.

[KenG]

I checked and the former is in the right position. I think my problem might be that I cut too much of the line away. I tried doing what you suggested and it looks like I cut too much of the line away. So, I should always cut to the outside of lines. Thanks!

[bclemens]

Hi, Ken,
Sometimes it's the simple things that mess us up...The former has the letter "E" on it. Is it possible that it's not the one that's supposed to go in that position? Maybe the "E" former is supposed to go in a place further back in the fuselage where the skin circumference is smaller.
...wouldn't be the first time one of us has mixed up parts...
Cheers!
Bruce

Well, I submitted this before reading your last post, Ken, so I demur to you. But is looks like a line width's difference wouldn't account for all that space. I don't know...
Best,
Bruce

[Texman]

Ken,

Don't just use a blanket "cut outside the lines", unless you do that for any of Marek's kits. Some kits are better outside, some inside, and some right in the middle of the line. Hence, the recommended dryfit, dryfit, dryfit, then glue comes into play. A method I use, is since I print a copy of the model on regular paper to use for joining strips, I use the paper former to check where I need to cut it out.

Just what works for me

Ray

[Lex]

If something doesn't fit, there's always the option of trimming the former.

...Scratch above...

[kenlwest]

Some models have tabs on the adjacent fuselage skin sections that the former fits into. In other words, the gap that you are seeing is supposed to be filled with tabs from the next fuselage skin.

Just guessing.

Ken

[rmks2000]

If the former is the correct one for that section, you can add a paper strip around it to enlarge it's circumference.

[KenG]

Originally Posted by kenlwest

Some models have tabs on the adjacent fuselage skin sections that the former fits into. In other words, the gap that you are seeing is supposed to be filled with tabs from the next fuselage skin.

Just guessing.

Ken

This model doesn't have tabs. It has identical formers where fuselage sections meet and the two sections are just glued and butted together. I re-cut the former and section and now the formers fit. I cut the former a little large and dry fit and sanded until it was right.

Thanks to all for the help!

Ken

[Lex]

I think wrapping a paper strip around also makes it much easier to join adjacent sections. Maybe that's what the gap is "for"...

[cgutzmer]

Like Lex just mentioned - I had one of these butt join models once upon a time and man, I couldnt get them the join up nicely. I ended up keeping the formers to shape but a bit smaller (or larger depending on position if needed) and set them in about 1/4 inch or so. Then I joined the sections with paper strips. I dunno - it just worked out a lot better for me. But then we all have our own ways of overcoming the same problems too how about a pic of your progress on the join?
Thanks!
Chris

[KenG]

Well, I got former E sized right and I glued the cockpit and the next section together. I think if I ever do another one with joins like this I'll try what Chris and others have suggested (paper strip and formers in a little). Here's some pics of where I'm at now (built three times to get this far). I still need to clean up and color edges.

[col. kurtz]

looks funny you saying that about the formers ive had problems with a few of mareks formers on some of his kits.i tend to only use them if i have to now if they dont fit i just size em up.looking good so far.keep up the good build

[cgutzmer]

Looks like you have it worked out pretty well
Chris

[bclemens]

Great job, Ken. That's the beauty of paper modeling- The outcome is a synthesis of the model and the modeler. There are techniques and skills that can be applied to solve problems- this is, in my opinion, a much higher form of modeling than just gluing plastic parts together
Keep up the good work- I know this will be one you finish!
Cheers!
Bruce