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Chapter 9 - Beautiful Navy “Goshawk”

Despite the fact that the highly detailed beauty-event winners at most contests are generally considered to be glorified sport models, there are several points to be considered when selecting a candidate for a future beauty model.

Excellent handling qualities are naturally desired in models of this type. It would be foolhardy to spend the tremendous time and effort required on super-detailed models only to risk a crash because of over-sensitive controls or a poor force arrangement, especially when these characteristics are within the builder's control when he selects his model. These good handling qualities automatically cause the model to fulfill the sport-model requirements.

Color plays a major role of importance on any model, especially one designed for aesthetic appeal. In view of the fact that scale, authentic color schemes must be used on replicas, it is wise to select a model that requires an attractive array of color. This does not mean that single-color planes cannot win beauty contests; as a matter of fact, they often do. However, should a model with the same amount of detail and with the same calibre of workmanship be entered in the same contest, it would win if it had a more intricate color scheme.

 "The Lensman" Photo

Many added points can be accumulated at beauty competitions by miscellaneous detail such as instrument panel, navigation lights, hand grips (shown in black), rigging and proper color scheme. Notice the control line lead outs running through the plywood guide cemented to the struts on the left (port) wing. Use sandpaper, painted black, to simulate wing walk on lower wing root, both sides.

Model Airplane News Photo

Red chevron, yellow fuselage stripe, numbers and letter marking plus the rigging and insignia are typical point winning items at beauty contests as illustrated on the author's "Curtiss P-1B" Army fighter (32 inch span).

Air Trails Photo

Although this replica of the famous "Curtiss Falcon" spanned only twenty inches, it contained a fine, detailed paint job and was complete to rigging wires and dummy engine exhaust ports. Most beauty models are much larger than this craft because there is more room to add detail and the job is, therefore, less painstaking.

It is the combination of the small obscure details that creates the realism sought after in these craft. Biplanes (aircraft with two wings) and planes built before 1939 generally possess more exterior detail for the enthusiast to reproduce. Items such as machine guns, brace wires, struts, radio masts and antenna, and externally mounted bombs all contribute to make a successful beauty model. Here, again, the model with more detail will win over the plain craft even if both are colorfully painted.

During the years immediately preceding World War II, the U. S. Navy used a very colorful and attractive color scheme on its airplanes; this included such combinations as grey, yellow, green, white, blue, red, black and silver, all on one airplane.  The Navy plane we selected is a very famous fighter and dive bomber of the middle thirties. The Curtiss "Goshawk" F11C-2 was considered one of the finest military planes in the world and was copied by and exported to numerous foreign governments. This trim biplane was closely related to the equally famous Army Hawks of that era.

Air Trails Photo

Despite the fact that this model of Frank Hawks "Mystery Ship" only had two colors, red and white, it was the interesting striping and detail in the "Texaco" insignia that placed it among beauty winners. This is an unusual example of how attractive a two-colored model can be if properly selected.  Long tail moment arm is clearly evident.

Generally considered to be the world's first real dive bomber, the top speed of the "Goshawk" at 8,000 feet was 202 miles per hour. Cruising range was 522 miles, and the absolute ceiling was 26,300 feet. Power for this fighter consisted of a nine-cylinder, air-cooled, radial engine fitted with a supercharger in order to attain its 650 horsepower. Gross weight of the plane was 4,132 pounds.

Operating from aircraft carriers or shore bases, the many Curtiss F11C-2 squadrons presented a threat to any potential aggressor and served their country well, although never called upon to fire a shot in its defense.

Mechanix  Illustrated   Photo

On some rare occasions even a black and white color scheme can present an attractive appearance. This model of James Haizlips "Wedell Williams" racer was considered very beautiful by observers but would not be able to compete against colorful craft in a beauty contest.

When completed, our model will be to a scale of ¾" to the foot and can be powered by any engine from .099 to .19 cubic inch displacement. Some engines that fall into this category are O.K. .099" and .14", McCoy .09" and .19", Fox .19", K & B .19", and Ohlsson .19".

Select a medium-soft balsa block from which to carve the fuselage. It may be pointed out that a few small blocks can be assembled in order to obtain the correct thickness. The wood should, however, not be pieced together to obtain the fuselage length. Fuselage construction is identical with that of the Vickers "Wellesley" in Chapter Six.

While the fuselage halves are apart, the landing gear should be bent to shape and installed, sandwiched between two pieces of plywood. Apply cement and "Plastic Wood" to the landing-gear connection.  Install the fuel tank; this is followed by the control system. The latter is firmly cemented to the fuselage sides; the after end of the control rod is left protruding from the fuselage rear side. Cement the two fuselage sides firmly to each other and sand well.

Model Airplane News Photo

This photo of the "Curtiss Helldiver" is another example of Navy coloring. The first number on the fuselage is the squadron number while the letter within the color band is the tactical use of the aircraft such as fighting (F), bombing (B) or scouting (S). The last number is the plane number (up to eighteen).   Note the "ram" squadron insignia.

The empennage (tail surface) is cut at this time and the elevator assembled to the stabilizer. Cement in place and connect the control rod to the control horn.

Carefully saw off the nose in order to attach the plywood bulkhead in place. The exact location of this bulkhead is governed by the engine used. Use plenty of cement in attaching the bulkhead. Hollow the nose to clear the engine by at least ⅛" and spot cement onto the front of the bulkhead.   Sand smooth.   Add the balsa headrest.

The lower wing is made in the same manner as the wing in Chapter Six. This is also cemented to the fuselage in the same manner, i.e.; by cutting a slot for the plywood joiner. Fillet the wing and tail joints at this time with several coats of cement.

Add the landing strut fairing of scrap balsa. Cut the wheel pant from sheet balsa and assemble as shown. Carve and sand to a streamline shape and cement and fillet to the strut.

"The   Lensman"   Photo

This underside photo of the F11C-2 clearly shows the auxiliary fuel tank, which is optional, and the dummy nine cylinder engine inside the cowl which adds much to the appearance of the plane. Special attention should be paid to the streamline shape of the wheel pants. Propeller is painted silver.   Note rudder offset.

The upper wing is constructed in the same fashion as the lower wing, except that the spar joiner is not required and the center section is constructed integral with the outer panels. Sand smooth, cover, water, and dope. It is advisable to paint the model before the upper wing is attached.

In models of this type, it is imperative that a superior finish be obtained, not for speed, but for appearance. At least five coats of clear dope should be applied to the "Silk-span" and a minimum of eight coats of "Sanding Sealer" should be brushed onto all exposed wood parts. Sand well with fine sandpaper between coats. When the surfaces are very smooth and free from blemishes, we are ready to apply the color.

As mentioned previously, the Navy color scheme was most attractive. All surfaces were colored silver or aluminum except metal-covered areas, which were colored gray. In order to ease the task of locating downed aircraft at sea the upper surface of the upper wing was painted chrome yellow. These were the standard colors plus, of course, the star and red-ball insignia of pre-war United States aircraft.

G.  A.   Page—Curtiss  Photo

During construction of your model much attention must be paid to these photographs of the model and full scale "Goshawk". A considerable amount of information can be obtained from these photographs that is impossible to gather from plans. Tailwheel, telescopic gun sight and rigging are clearly shown in this photo.

Air Trails Photo

Despite the drab dark green top and grey bottom of the Messerschmitt 109 fighter, the authentic markings such as white wing tips and fuselage band, and red and white number and chevron helped to "dress up" the craft enough to place it among the winners at a local contest. This craft makes a rather fast sport model.

G.  A.   Page—Curtiss  Photo

The two bombs carried by the real "Goshawk" were of the 250 pound fragmentation type. Some of the Navy planes had red, white and blue propeller tips as shown here. Note the radial nine cylinder engine and wing rigging wires. It is interesting to see that even the full size F11C-2 had the landing gear strut split in order to allow the landing gear to flex when landing.  Duplicate this on your model.

All aircraft carriers and some naval air stations used a specific color code to identify the airplanes which operated from these points. This color encompassed the entire tail area, elevator, stabilizer, fin and rudder. Colors were either red, white, blue, green, yellow, or black, depending upon the carrier or station.

The naval squadrons were comprised of eighteen aircraft, numbers "1" to "18", of six flights (three planes to each flight). Plane numbers "1", "4", "7", "10", "13", and "16" were the flight leaders. Only these leaders possessed fuselage bands and chevrons and colored cowls to distinguish them from other planes. The chevron, cowl, and band were the same color, and these colors ranged from red on plane "No. 1" through black on plane "No. 16", in the same order as the tail colors given above. Leader of flight No. 1 was also the Squadron Leader. These colored stripes and bands often had white or black outlines purely for decorative purposes.

Several crack squadrons were allowed to sport their own insignia. This varied from a "Top Hat" to "Felix The Cat" and "Boxing Mosquitoes."

The reason for the chevron atop the leader's wing was to aid the two other planes in his flight in aligning themselves during "V" formation flying. It is evident that all this color on naval aircraft was both functional and decorative.

"Scientific" Photo

The inexperienced builder can turn out an attractive model. This 18" Curtiss "Hawk" P-6e is a "Scientific" kit prepared by the author and is very easy to construct. Many pre-war Army planes are excellent beauty candidates. This plant is a cousin of the "Goshawk" and is painted yellow, white, black, red, olive drab and blue. The author does not consider pilots to be part of the airplane although they are generally accepted as such.

The first color to be applied on our model should be the silver. Apply at least four coats. Each successive coat should be thinned slightly. When thoroughly dry, it should be well rubbed with rubbing compound. If it is found that additional coats of paint are required after rubbing, do not apply the dope until all the wax from the compound has been removed from the model. Use carbon tetrachloride ("Carbona") or benzine to remove this wax.

Mask off the silver and apply the yellow on the upper wing. Follow with the red, green, etc. Colors should be always applied in the order of their shade; light colors first. Always use masking tape. The white striping, insignia, and numbers are added only after the entire plane is hand rubbed to a smooth glass-like finish. These should be carefully cut from "Wondur-cal".

Mechanix  Illustrated  Photo

Considered by many experts as one of the most attractive scale models they have even seen, author's replica of Major Al William's Grumman "Gulfhawk' was complete to a full cockpit with sliding hatch, illuminated instrument panel, seat, belt, rudder pedals, etc. Color of this plane is orange with blue and white sunburst and striping. Outstanding criticism was that model did not have a retractable landing gear!

The dummy engine can add much to the appearance of this model. Make each cylinder as shown. Paint black and cement to the nose piece. The cowl can be turned on a lathe from hardwood or carved, using the balsa-ring method described in Chapter Six. It may be found that some hobby shops have a metal cowl ring that will fit this model. Paint the ring red.

All struts should be painted before assembly. These can be sanded streamline and the finish applied while the strips are in long lengths. This can then be cut to the desired size. Be sure to use hardwood for the struts.

Attach the cabin and interplane struts to the fuselage and lower wing by forcing the sharpened ends into the wood structure and applying liberal quantities of cement in several applications. When this is dry, the upper wing can be fitted without cement, and when the fit is satisfactory, plenty of cement can be added. Wings must be parallel.

Touch up any paint spots that require it and apply one coat of fuel proofer to the entire model. Remove the nose piece and screw the engine in place. Replace the nose piece, using droplets of fuel-proof cement. Add the wheels and solder washers to the axles. Be certain to slice the landing gear strut fairing to allow the strut to flex during landing.

Outstanding among beauty candidates are pre-war U. S. Navy aircraft. As proof of this, we present a typical color scheme used by these planes. This "Grumnian F3F-2" fighter can be enlarged by photostating and constructed in identical fashion as our Curtiss "Goshawk" presented in this chapter.

Flying Models Photo

When it comes to colorful airplanes, the German aircraft used during World War I rate high on the list. Most of the Aces at that time were allowed to color their planes according to their desires and, therefore, many vivid schemes were used. This "Albatros D-5a" was colored red, yellow, white and black and won a second prize for the author. Long tail moment arm produced easy flying.

Carpet thread can be used for the rigging wires. These can be fastened with a droplet of cement at one end; when this is thoroughly dry, the other end is wound once or twice around a ½″ straight pin and this pin is forced into the structure. A droplet of cement will hold it in place. It is good practice to study the photographs during construction, especially during the addition of the details. Instrument panel and seat and controls can be added at this time.

Flying is the same as for sport procedure. Thirty-foot lines of .008" wire can be successfully used. For safety's sake, do not fly on windy days.

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