Balsa sheets

[ashley needhamParticipant @ashleyneedham69188]

I seem to remember a post from the late departed DM saying that it wasn’t actually balsa inside lite-ply at all, but something else.

It does have its uses, but the grain takes a LOT of filling if using it on the outside of a model and as Colin says, it does not cut very cleanly. I would use superglue to stick it together as the superglue soaks in to firm a joint up nicely.

I have a subscription, just saying.

Ashley

[Colin BishopModerator @colinbishop34627]

Actually Ashley is right. It is generally assumed that the core of liteply is balsa but that isn't necessarily the case. SLEC sell liteply with both Ceibo wood and Poplar cores. Ceibo is apparently similar to balsa while Poplar is heavier so it is sort of 'notsoliteply'. In bigger thicknesses you can buy lightweight ply in th DiY emporiums – not sure what core they use though.

It also seems that there was a genuine Balsa ply produced by Mantua models but it is not listed on thewir website, just the medium weight Poplar variety

All this is explained in a topic on our sister magazine RCME forum:

**LINK**

Colin

[Richard SimpsonModerator @richardsimpson88330]

I received my latest copy of the magazine today. Again I am surprised at not just the wide range of build articles, from a massive scratch build Yamato right down to a quick build beginner's trawler kit, but also the range of supporting articles. There really is something in it for everyone again this month from the beginner to the high end modeller, with even another experimental offering from Ashley thrown in.

I think in the current economic climate where the magazine is relying on an editor that really was thrown in at the deep end and a handful of contributors who are doing it far more for the love than the money, the magazine can very rightly hold its head up high at the moment. It was also good to see a new contributor this month so the editor really is doing everything she can to attract new blood.

All we have to do here is be seen to support the magazine and offer our extensive experience to help it along the way. I for one would hate to see the magazine fold so I'm happy to do my bit to keep things moving along. I do think its a shame when there are some who have a wealth of experience to share but choose not to do so just when the magazine could well do with it.

One thing that the editor is particularly keen on including are articles aimed at beginner's in an attempt to try to generate interest from newcomers. With this in mind I put together a couple of beginner's articles on washes and dry brushing. I would estimate they both took me around a couple of hours each. I have no doubt that every regular contributor to this forum could do the same. Let's face it the amount of time we spend writing on here in a week could easily be redirected into a decent beginner's article.

[Stephen Paterson 2Participant @stephenpaterson2]

My bad, was only going on the info given on their site. Thank you fortaking the time though to check that…. and saving me money! Winner all round! 😎

I've drew the plans, and before I start the superstructure I'm going to attempt making a mould. I've made them in the past for rally car light pods. They require a lot less precision though 😂🙉🙈

[Colin BishopModerator @colinbishop34627]

I think we've all learned something Stephen, good luck with the project.

Colin

[Chris FellowsParticipant @chrisfellows72943]

There's usually something I find interesting each month and even if there wasn't I'd still subscribe (magazine & digital) because as with other mags. I get, albeit as part of club membership, which I often just skim through, I think it reminds me of my interest even when I'm doing other things. It's swings and roundabouts and some copies have a number of interesting, for me, articles, especially how to articles. I'm still a beginner in some areas and have yet to paint, detail and wire up any boat.

Thanks must go to Richard's and Ashleys efforts over recent times as without their contributions I'm sure the mag. would have really struggled for content. Also thanks to Colin for his behind the scenes work and his and Ray's previous builds.

It is good to see a new contributer. The previous ed. did ask me if I was interested in submitting a build article, which as a relative beginner, I was chuffed about. But whilst I did have something suitable (a Fairey of course!) planned for the future, it was some way off and my current speed of builds (though I'm building a number at once) and the fact I was asked not to do a build blog meant it never happened. Maybe do something in the future?

Chris

[Stephen Paterson 2Participant @stephenpaterson2]

The magazine is very good value for money, and I always enjoy I'd say all of it. I've also tinkered with rc flight over the years….. Many broken balsa structures to show for it!

My father subscribes (for me which I pay for him, not because he can't bur more to keep him interested in something other than Bronze age settlements that are not accessoble to him 😂 At 73 with failing health he doesn't have the steady hand required anymore. He did build a lovely perkasa and a PT-15 albeit it was from the Tamaiya kit (probably 30 yrs back now!) And got me my first kit Thames barge ….. still not fully complete 😂🙉🙈 (I cannot get the rigging to the required length of string properly)

It always amazes me in forums such as this how overall helpfull people are and while there can be little comments, Gulity as charged! Everyone really has a team spirit.
I struggle with confidence in certain things and taking my creations to the local pond and local club here in Ayr is sadly one of them. I enjoy croticism of anything I do as it serves to push the quality of anything I create.
Really must thank everyone here who posts in the forums for that.

stevie.

[Colin BishopModerator @colinbishop34627]

Stevie,

Which Bronze age settlements are your Father interested in? My interest is in the Minoans and Mycenaeans and we have spent a lot of time in Greece and Crete. Still hope to get there again this year but driving abroad has its problems when you get older, I'm the same age as your Dad.

Colin

[ashley needhamParticipant @ashleyneedham69188]

I have a hardboard age settlement at the bottom of my garden where I build the boats.

Ashley

[Stephen Paterson 2Participant @stephenpaterson2]

Posted by Colin Bishop on 19/03/2022 17:48:24:

Stevie,

Which Bronze age settlements are your Father interested in? My interest is in the Minoans and Mycenaeans and we have spent a lot of time in Greece and Crete. Still hope to get there again this year but driving abroad has its problems when you get older, I'm the same age as your Dad.

Colin

he's studied them various locations through the UK mostly here in the South West Scotland though. We have a very good mix of various aged settlements reasonably local to us. This weekend My father, Paige (my youngest daughter) and I are headed to Housesteads for a look. Dad and I have been years ago to probably almost every known Roman site as well as standing stone, castles etc in Scotland and Northern England. Paige has developed am interest in the Roman occupation, at 14 I'm keen to encourage anything like that 😂😂

I'd like to visit Greece and Crete fascinating places.

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