Tristar No. 2 Intake

[MiG31]

I have a partially built L-1011 sitting on the shelf since I've been unable to figure out how to deal with this problem. Possible solutions that come to mind include heat-forming styrene tubing to form the S-duct, and flexible tubing. The former presents the problem of defining the learning curve (how many attempts will yield a good result), while the latter depends on whether the material would be compatible with styrene.

Given the cost I'm not encouraged to buy the Welsh kit, let alone seek an Otaki kit on eBay (assuming they have the S-ducting), but I'd hate to plug the center intake and call it good.

[Atlant]

MIG31,

When I build mine, I faced same problem - did not want to plug intake.

So, I used some metal tubing, angle-cut them in several pieces and tried to solder them together to for curved shape. I failed miserably! My soldering skills is not my forte.

So, for next attempt I tried more workable material - paper.

I took rectangular piece of paper, and made parallel cuts in it from 2 sides. Like here:

Then folding and overlapping flaps I was able at achieve deserved curvature. If you won't like result - start with another piece of paper. I did not get tube, my result was rather channel, but you won't be able to see inside of it anyway.

Here is how it would look (I did it in just 1 minute, so result is far from even good).

Hope, this helps.

Biggest problem with Airfix plastic is incorrect shape of engine-tail fairing. If you would look closely at engine-tail unit of model you would see that it is much thicker, than it should be. It could be fixed with some milliput (or whatewer is your favorite media is).

Good luck with your Tristar!

Leo.

Edited May 16, 2009 by Atlant

[Jcarr162000]

Or failing that I'll solve your problem by taking it off your hands. :)