Dimpled Dumpling -Building Hints Wanted

Committed poster

Duncan,

The "GF war" has been run and won over here. It wasn't much of an issue, as most builders want to have something that is going to last the rigours of a season (or more of hectic racing), as well as a good stiff airframe.

Locktite401 can give the full gf history going back to caveman times, and how the first gf clubs were deemed illegal!!

Ray you want to pick up this thread?

Regards

Gold member

Thanks guys. It means alot!!

The model pictured here in the thread is the one we won the Nats this year with, although I think the tank has changed. The engine is one that we have used since we started in around 96-97. It's a good old CS, with new bearings and con-rod, had 2 P/L sets, and a little "Haywood Tuning".

Pres, I can remember that Eify special, went like stink, I really miss racing with JA, he has a presence in the circle!!

Simo, I remember the final you speak of, it was that year you knocked me and Dad out of the final by 1/2 second. Dave's wheel came of the DD they were racing, and it was p**sing it down, JA rolled over and lay in a puddle for the rest of the race.

As for glass cloth......ban em all!!! We want to win again next year!!

Only kidding, I look forward to some Aussies to race with!! If there owt like Duncan it should be fun!!

Gold member

That was the one.

I must admit i have done zero research but i wouldn't be suprised if some of the tooling and precesses used to produce some of the raw materials most teams use in their vintage models are beyond 1950's. For example is the contruction and consistancy of bearings any better because of modern machinary? What about alloys, are some mixtures of aluminium that could be used for vintage model hardware now post 1958 in technology? Also there are fixings and threads used now that were possible to make back then but were never used, isn't this the same situation as glass cloth?
Finally some of the modern epoxy glues and paints are far superior to anything around back in 58, and they are probably used in every single vintage model being raced.

Having said all that it's the best class in my opinion and i would hate to see moulded glass vintage models so getting the balance right must be hard.

Gold member

Obsessive Poster

We could be opening Pandora's box here, the wooden one I hope.
It doesn't matter if glass cloth was invented by the Aztecs it still states in the rules glass cloth may only be used for strengthening local repairs.

It would appear that Terry is refering to a model that appeared at the Nats Flown by John's Hallowell and Duggan. I think it was a Nike.
The actual model that got them into the final and a first place was a Footprint. Mind you the designer Pete Smith thought a little licience had been taken. Mind you a copy of a copy of a copy of a copy of a plan can lose a little of the detail.

I f there is to be some Antipodean interest at our Nats next year other than our Dunc I look forward to it with bated breath.
May the force be with you and may your lines never go slack

VTR Pres

Gold member

Same for ours, NO glass cloth!!

Gold member

It wasn't a Nike, i think it was a Voodoo. There's no need for glass in vintage "A" models but i saw plenty of it when i raced, is it allowed to be used in Barton "B"?

Gold member

Do the rules still say that glass cloth can be used for repairs in VTR? That opens up a (repaired) wooden Pandoras box.

Mega Poster

With regard to modern materials, yes epoxy and PVA glues are much better than some of the garbage available when I was a lad. Durofix, a kind of strong balsa cement, was the best we had, no wonder the bearers came loose. I recall the arrival of Cascamite, a water and casein based glue which was slow setting but it enabled the bearers to stay where you put them. I'm not sure when resin/glass cloth was devised, the first I remember was around '58 when it came out as a car repair medium. It was dear, and the cloth was thick and coarsely woven. Sam Alexander recalled using these kits to make cowls but when I don't know.
I've no objection to the use of modern glues, alloys and bearings but glassing the models would alter the classes completely. As the Prez has shown, silk and dope works very well and is completely in character with the design time.

Gold member

Thanks for the info Terry.
I agree, modern resins certainly allow the builder to make a much tougher and more durable model than was possible in 1957 if used well. There's no need for glass as silk works fine, it just takes longer to cut to shape and get near for a half deecent finish.

Gold member

PS.
Mr Duggan has been in the country for a few weeks now and even turned up to sign pictures and give autographs and the "WINGS OVER CROYDON" meeting last weekend.
Construction of 2 new Dimpled Dumplings started today, i hate making wings!

PPS, i interrogated Mr Duggan and he swears his nationals winning model was covered in a hurry by smearing CA straight on to the wood (no glass)! It was the reserve model and only finished the night before he flew here. I know he's so often full of crap but i for one believe him.

Gold member

By the way, what fuel shut-offs do people use in their V/A models now? I never found anything that was very light or fitted in a small model so used to make my own but 4 or 5 hours on 2 shut-offs just isn't happening nowadays.

Mega Poster

Try Stuart Robinson Craig, he stocks all kinds of shutoffs and other goodies alternatively Tony HIggins does some nice stuff too.

Obsessive Poster

Hi Craig
I use a slightly smaller version of the old 'rat trap' type of shut off shown on Dave Clarkson's Ole Blue B Goodyear plan.
Very simple [ must be if I make them ] all you need is some 16 swg flate steel plate,16swg wire and a couple of 6 ba cap bolts.
VTR Pres.

Gold member

Cheers, i should still have the ability to knock a couple of theose up.