SPA Modeler

I'm surprised that explosive rivets were used in such high stress areas, usually they are only used in lower stress areas.

Well this is from Wikipedia, not necessarily the most official source:

The new straight-edged wing was a source of much of the savings; after building the first wings, Otto Butter reported that the reduction in complexity and rivet count (along with the Butter brothers' own explosive rivet system) saved an astonishing 1,150 man hours per wing.

I could see it for wing skins, but not primary load structures like spar caps or wing attach fittings.

This backs up your point, John, thank you for correcting me.

From “Heinkel He 100: World Record and Propaganda Aircraft,” Hans-Peter Dabrowski, author



What I see are large fasteners at the engine exhaust mounts and wing roots. Whatever these are, they will be visible in 1/72, and I will most likely drill out openings.

Bruce, I can't say for sure but those look similar to Dzus fasteners, used on parts that are frequently removed.

Really fun following your guys builds here. Learning some new techniques as well.

jeaton01 wrote:Bruce, I can't say for sure but those look similar to Dzus fasteners, used on parts that are frequently removed.

I love the internet. Crash materials comparing US and German made Dzus found at crash sites. I added the text to make the comparison clear:

keavdog wrote:Really fun following your guys builds here. Learning some new techniques as well.

Thanks and likewise this is all about learning not only the technical and historical but the techniques. Thank you so much for your words.

Well—

A package arrived from Germany today.

That is some nice looking exhaust

Those exhausts are a definite improvement! The brass strip will be good if the real aircraft had such a feature.