Neal,
I'm with you...I don't compete and I was thinking of going with the "Koutny stringers" setup (1/32"X1/16") that you sand tapered towards the tail and 1/8" apart.  Just gives those round fuselages the rounder look, plus you don't have to cut notches in the formers! I just wanted any fellows that just join in to realize that those who compete have to adhere to the contest rules.  So guys build for what your building for, have fun, and toss a few in the air if they aren't going to be hanger queens!!!

Neal,
I think that curvature was handled by scrap balsa.  I've covered the fuselage box with stretch wrap and wetted the root rib and clipped it to the fuselage to dry to get them ribs to conform to the fuselage.  Also the rib was canted top edge out to achieve the dihedral.  Lots of tinkering to get the simple shapes to do what you want!!!

Just a note of clarification when it comes to Dime Scale/Pseudo-Dime Scale. They were to be the minimal construction kits.  So if you modify them too much you risk not qualifying for the FAC and other contests if you ever consider using one for a contest.  Just so you know!

Love how you are rounding out the fuse.  Gives me hope with my Monocoupe!

Dan 

"Stuck" the fuselage formers on last night...beginning to take on a little shape.  I've got the Sterling Models Peashooter in-the-box to compare Comet's plan to...and things certainly aren't scale...but it'll do.  If one realizes that the P-26 was delivered to the Army in 1933-34...Comet's model was offered for retail sales in 1935...it's once again a matter of the model designer working off a newspaper or magazine photo.  Not a bad job for eye-balling work!

Now I've got to consider a wing-attachment system...something the Comet folk didn't address in an "exact manner."  Actually, that's pretty standard for model designs of the era.  "No problemo."

I've read that, Alf...Army and Navy used flashy paint schemes on their aircraft for public relations purposes.  Pretty smart...and we're the beneficiaries of it now. 

I might add that I'm pretty much limited to finishing this model with a "blue" fuselage, since my son, in describing his toy airplane from years ago, made a point of declaring that it had "yellow wings and a blue body."  I mean...what can I do...I'm building this for him...or...am I building it for me?  I'm building it for US. 

Neal

The fuselage looks great so far.  Well done.  I'm with AK the box structure is always a challange to get it straight.  I too often have a bit of a banana!

Got the fuselage box completed...isn't that the most labor-intensive step?    Very delicate work...all 1/16" strip wood...1.1g.  Added some diagonals here and there to help things keep their shape...as well as moving the motor peg location forward from that of the original design.

Now...as long as I don't sneeze...fumble the assembly...then attempt to catch it in mid-flight...we'll proceed. 

Neal

Some years ago during a family gathering, I was sitting out on the deck talking with my "middle" son while holding a model Fokker DVII.  Suddenly my son's talking about the Fokker I was holding!  I thought...wow!, he's finally discovered aviation history!  I asked, "How do you know this is a Fokker DVII?"  His response deflated me in an instant, "Dad, it's on the side of the model...."  What a let-down. 

Same son sent me an email with a photo attachment the other day...a Boeing P-26 Peashooter.

" This is my favorite plane. I’m not sure why. I had a toy of it you gave me when I was very young.

I’d like to either help or watch you make one. If you’re willing.

Bry "

All is not lost, after all, although I will explain to him the differences between a "plane" and an "airplane!"    And so...by special request...for my boy (he's 43 years old now)...a Comet Models 1935 Boeing P-26A Peashooter.  I don't normally build models simultaneously (also constructing a Fairchild 22 in another category...folder), but can't pass this opportunity by. 

Neal