Tuesday, October 16, 2007 - 06:45 AM UTC
Ever wanted to build a multi wing aircraft model but feared adding the top wing or are you after an easier way to do it? Aeroclub have the answer.
Seen at the Newark and Lincoln model show on 14th October was this fabulous device created by John Adams of Aeroclub fame. It is a jig for locating the wings and undercarriage on multi wing aircraft models. As I first glimpsed this wonderful innovation I was immediately transported back to when I fixed the top wing to my first WW 1 aircraft, Eduard’s Fokker D.VII. It wasn’t ultra difficult but I had to have the model upside down, and fabricate a jig from various pieces of MDF that I had hanging around. I didn’t check things like wing stagger, or any other variables, I just trusted to Eduard’s excellent engineering. Luckily the kit proved to be good enough. Having enjoyed building my first WW1 kit I purchased a couple more. One of the reasons that I haven’t started one yet is the fact that I know that I will have to make some sort of jig, and a different one for each model. I’m sure that many experienced WW 1 aircraft builders use tins of beans or pots of paint to jig up their master pieces but having seen and heard, from John Adams, how this works and what it is capable of I feel that this is a must have tool for the avid builder of multi wing aircraft.

It is etched from 28 gauge brass (I think that that is about 1.2-1.5 mm thick) so it isn’t possible to bend in your Hold and Fold, or other PE bending device, and would require a bending brake. There are also some items to be soldered. Because of this the tool will come pre-formed and soldered, which will, of course put the price up a little. However I did ask John if he would supply it un-formed or soldered and he said that he would to those who have the necessary tools and skill. I use this material and solder quite a bit, at work, so this would be my choice. I think that there are 2 different sets (I will confirm this) and John did give me a price for the main one, I won’t repeat that here as it may change. Judging by the way the PE bending devices seem to sell this is a sure fire winner.

This very neat device has been 2 years in the planning and designing and I reckon that John has thought about every aspect of what is required to get the wings and undercarriage correctly aligned on multi winged aircraft. It is due for release at Scale Modelworld 10-11th November 2007 and I can now see not only my WW1 aircraft getting built but the Swordfish and Walrus that I have had waiting, obviously for John to finish developing this “Biplane Jig”.

If you do go to Scale Modelworld and you are planning on building any multi wing aircraft models then do yourself a favour and check this out. If you can’t make Scale Modelworld to see this then believe me it is well worth having and will become one of your best loved purchases. Thank you John for taking the time to develop this, I was sold the moment I saw it.
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