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Wood to Metal Joints/Junctions for Replica Spitfire

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Tom Kay

Well-Known Member
Joined
Aug 10, 2007
Messages
409
Location
Canada
Hello All;

I have been lurking at another aviation forum, but knew I'd be asking questions here sooner or later.

My goal is to build a 75% scale Spitfire. Over the last few months, this goal has altered itself from an all metal Mk IX to a Mk XIV. I am really struggling with the decision to, perhaps, make this aircraft out of wood, not metal. I REALLY wanted it to be all metal, but it would obviously add some serious complications, new tools, a second person to buck all rivets, perfect shapes of various parts, that aren't adjustable after fabrication, cranked aluminum wing spars, etc. The leading edge skins alone would be a real challenge.

So, at the moment, I will start to take wood more seriously. As well, the 75%wood fuselage mockup I have in my basement was child's play to build, although a lot more care would be taken for the real machine.

One big question I have is about wood-to-metal joints or junctions. How, for example, do you transition from wood longerons to metal engine mounts? If I want try to have detachable wings, like the original Spitfire, how might I end a spar of wood and add a metal "coupler" ? I would probably make the stub spars on Frame 5 (familiar with Spitfire construction?) out of aluminum, like the real thing.

So, any thoughts on wood longeron-to-metal engine mount transitioning?

I'll have lots more as time goes by.

Thanks, Tom Kay, Ottawa Canada.
 
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