Struts
The Silver Wings struts take a bit of sorting out since nothing is numbered nor labelled but this is the basic arrangement
To fit the cabane struts I made a simple “jig” with holes drilled accurately to accept the wire inserts on each strut, this enabled me to align everything in each plane.
I had previously fitted the rigging threads and brass tubing to the upper wing, so once the wing was supported on the cabane struts it was a straightforward job to fit the interplane struts.
The Silver Wings rigging diagram however is wrong because it shows a pair of parallel lines running from the top of each cabane strut to the base of the interplane struts, rather than a “Vee” set of lines going from the top aft cabane strut to the base of the forward and aft interplane struts.
In a similar vein, the SW instructions omit the two short rigging lines on the forward tail to fuselage position.
Exhausts
The exhausts which run either side of the fuselage proved particularly challenging to install.
As can be seen the long exhaust pipes are held in place with three sets of brackets which locate onto the fuselage. The kit gives a sheet of PE which includes the brackets but I found these not really usable so I made my own out of thin pieces of brass wire suitably shaped.
It is of course possible to fit the pipes before installing the upper wing and rigging, but I felt that could lead to handling difficulties so I opted for a later fit. It was fiddly, but I got there in the end!
Bruce Anders says
This is excellent Maxwell. Having the kit in my stash, I am following with interest
Bruce
Max Williams says
Thanks Bruce, it’s a lovely kit and pretty straightforward but I’ll be making a couple of changes as you’ll see soon!
Christopher Woolford says
I saw the Demon at Old Warden. Wonderful machine. Watching your build with interest.
Max Williams says
Thanks Chris….fancy seeing you here! Made a start on your Gauntlet yet!?
Tim Haynes says
What a beautiful result Maxwell, excellent work..
Max Williams says
Thanks Tim, much appreciated. The Hawker aircraft of this era are very photogenic both “in the flesh” and as models. I’m very pleased with the result and it spurs me on to tackle the Hart, the Fury and a further Hart modified as a Hind. Watch this space!! :)
Rob Ruscoe says
Lovely job Max. Love this period of aviation.
Max Williams says
Thanks Rob, I have to agree about the beauty and almost magical quality of the 1930s aircraft.