Cox P-40 Clone Project - I just can’t leave well enough alone.

Hye Flyer Tue Aug 27, 2024 11:16 am

Two days ago I began drawing the parts for a balsa version of the Cox P-40 Warhawk (which I was able to borrow from a fellow modeler). This was my second Cox plane as a kid (1972-ish) with the first being the Cox PT-19. With the successful semi-clone kitting of that plane, I jumped onto the P-40 and found it to be much more challenging to “clone”.

I decided to keep it simple so it is designed around a .049 with the tank. Simple 1/8” ply firewall and 1/16” sheeting on the fuselage. Not sure about the best way to reproduce the windshield… maybe vacuum-formed or clear cast resin. The wing will be made from 3/16 solid sheet with 1”x 3/16 glued underneath to form the leading edge. Never done this so it will be fun to see what happens on the maiden flight.

Cox P-40 Clone Project - I just can’t leave well enough alone. Img_0911

Cox P-40 Clone Project - I just can’t leave well enough alone. Img_0912

Cox P-40 Clone Project - I just can’t leave well enough alone. Img_0910

Hye Flyer Tue Aug 27, 2024 11:21 am

Seriously a “design as I” go project.

Cox P-40 Clone Project - I just can’t leave well enough alone. Img_0915

Cox P-40 Clone Project - I just can’t leave well enough alone. Img_0917

Cox P-40 Clone Project - I just can’t leave well enough alone. Img_0916

akjgardner Tue Aug 27, 2024 12:02 pm

Awesome

rsv1cox Tue Aug 27, 2024 6:06 pm

Seriously a “design as I” go project.

I love it. The satisfaction of doing it yourself. So nicely done too!! Laser cut parts?

Bob

**944_Jim** Tue Aug 27, 2024 8:21 pm

I saw this one on FB this morning...my jaw hit the floor. I'm subscribed to the finish point. Thanks for sharing over here too!

duaneh Tue Aug 27, 2024 10:12 pm

What a great project!
And laser cutting your own parts! I'm envious.
Are you going to use a sheet wing or built-up?

Hye Flyer Tue Aug 27, 2024 10:28 pm

Appreciate the interest. I will be using 3/16 sheet for main wing, plan on 1” x 3/16” on leading edge and see what that produces. Laser cut parts (thats my side gig resurrecting obsolete kits and such). Will be sure to post updates here as well as on the FB pages. I purchased new cox .049 and I’m thinking of using it on this.

Cox P-40 Clone Project - I just can’t leave well enough alone. Img_1010

Cox P-40 Clone Project - I just can’t leave well enough alone. Img_1011

Hye Flyer Tue Aug 27, 2024 10:35 pm

Today I redid the nose. It was the wrong shape and was not strong enough. Also needed clearance for accessing engine mounting screws. After I was satisfied with nose/radiator, i cut and installed the 1/16 balsa sheeting. Once installed, this little craft feels tough as nails. Very excited to get it in the air.

Cox P-40 Clone Project - I just can’t leave well enough alone. Img_1013

Cox P-40 Clone Project - I just can’t leave well enough alone. Img_1012

Cox P-40 Clone Project - I just can’t leave well enough alone. Img_1014

Hye Flyer Tue Aug 27, 2024 10:36 pm

Hye Flyer Wed Aug 28, 2024 12:51 am

In keeping with the ideal of semi-clone replica, I chose to use 3/16” for the wing. Might glue another 3/16” x 1” strip under the front of the wing and shape it to form a leading edge. It is an experiment after all. Smile

Cox P-40 Clone Project - I just can’t leave well enough alone. Img_1018

Cox P-40 Clone Project - I just can’t leave well enough alone. Img_1017

TD ABUSER Wed Aug 28, 2024 1:24 am

WOW...!!
Almost always with these tiny projects a choice has to be made between scale looks and functionality....but I think you're going to achieve both with this one.

The P -40 would be a tough bird to copy at any scale.

getback Wed Aug 28, 2024 5:34 am

Looking Good !! Very Happy

Hye Flyer Wed Aug 28, 2024 10:15 am

Decided to glue the 3/16” strip along the underside of the leading edge on one side of the wing. Will shape and see what develops later today

Cox P-40 Clone Project - I just can’t leave well enough alone. Img_1019

Cox P-40 Clone Project - I just can’t leave well enough alone. Img_1020

getback Thu Aug 29, 2024 7:40 am

Thats interesting , since the Sig airfoil is out of stock and from what Bob said of his last order it just don't have the shape as it use to . Popcorn

Hye Flyer Thu Aug 29, 2024 9:37 am

Wing halves shaped and sanded

Cox P-40 Clone Project - I just can’t leave well enough alone. Img_1022

Cox P-40 Clone Project - I just can’t leave well enough alone. Img_1021

Cox P-40 Clone Project - I just can’t leave well enough alone. Img_1023

Cox P-40 Clone Project - I just can’t leave well enough alone. Img_1025

Cox P-40 Clone Project - I just can’t leave well enough alone. Img_1024

Kim Thu Aug 29, 2024 10:50 am

YEAH BOY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Looking forward to seeing this pup fly!

Great Work!!!!!

Hye Flyer Fri Sep 06, 2024 1:17 am

I decided to go with a flat 3/16” wing for now anyway. Just easier fitting everything together. May ad some material to the leading edge later on.

Worked on landing gear today. Also redrew all the parts that needed holes, reliefs and resized the nose former.

Getting closer. I have laser cut a second iteration as the changes were made….as this first model is truly “design as we go” scratch build.