NMPRA

Last year we had the opportunity to purchase an Estrelitta fuselage. The kit didn't have any wings or tail components. There are no molds available for this model and I took the opportunity to turn the fuselage into a plug and make a mold. Ultimately with the plan to build and fly this beautiful airplane at the 100 yr NATs celebration. I will document the process through photos in a series of posts.

Throughout the process my buddy Jim DeYoung provided tons of support and help. Jim, made the mold after I finished the plug and splitter. He also cut the foam wing cores.

The next series of pictures shows how I made the master for the clear canopy. When we received the kit it included a Kaze Killer canopy and was not the correct shape for the Estrelitta. So... I made a mold and sent it off to Keith Sparks and he made a master for clear canopies!

Also shown here is the foam wing cores with a spar and sheeting.

Tail feathers were designed as well as the wing TE and Tips. And the shaping/sanding has begun.

Wing halves are joined, hardpoints installed and wing is mounted.

Cockpit floor and pipe trough plugs are finalized. Gear is potted and the glassing process has begun.

Molds are built and parts are made for the cockpit floor and pipe trough. Glassing continues.

Wing and gear potted. Firewall installed, cowl fitted and pipe trough installed. Tail feathers installed and pilot painted.

Canopy fitted, hinges installed and final assembly.

Primer and Paint

Danny,
The Estrelitta is a beautiful airplane. You did a fantastic job of building it!
Jim

Dan - superb craftsmanship! The plane looks great!

The pictures don't do it justice. It is a beautiful airplane.