New Treadwell Build

[deathproof]

Thanks for sharing!  Looking forward to seeing progress!

One thing I've learned so far: balsa wood is far too absorbant to just use paint on it. I checked a modelling web site where they recommended a "filler primer". Trying to avoid an extra trip out to the hobby store, I picked up a can of spray-on primer which says it seals porous surfaces so I will try that when I get back from my lunch meeting. Got another perfect day for outdoor spray painting today.


I'm still working out how to do the neck. (or body? I would consider the base to be the body, but semantics - whatever.) I got a couple of pieces of 1" and 1 1/4" PVC. I might grab a couple of larger coupling pieces but first I'm working out how to attach the neck to the base. In a couple of the photos of the actual set-used WED-1577 you can see a "floor flange" at its base:




Although I'm not sure how well the base will handle the weight of the neck and head, I am thinking about bolting this to the base and then screwing a 12" length of 1/2" pipe into it. Then the whole neck and head assembly can sit right over top it. Makes for taking it apart for transportation much easier.

I just wonder if the foam core will be strong enough to support it. I might end up strengthening the base with a couple of pieces of wood.

I want to get the head done first, though. With that benchmark behind me I can put more concentration into the rest of the build.