Roden
1/72 C-123B
The engine assembly sequence, like the fuselage interior,
is poorly set forth in the instructions. It was necessary to remove the
locating ridge for the firewall from the cowls and thin down the
inside of the depression for the exhaust pipe before the engines could
slide into the cowl. The firewall was too far forward and not
perpendicular to the thrust line. In the end the engines ended
up in the right place, but I would suggest a better way. When
assembling the engines, do not attach the firewall to the engine
during engine assembly. Do not install the exhaust
stubs. Replace the accessory section
that fits into the back of the engine with plastic or brass tubing
that fits in the hole in the firewall. The accessory section is not
molded well enough for the accuracy of fit needed. When the
engines are complete and painted, assemble the cowl, nose bowl, and
oil cooler duct. Next put the engines in the cowl as far forward
as they will go and slip the firewall into the back of the cowl and
over the tube that replaced the accessory section and glue it up
against the locating ridge in the cowl. Installing the propeller
will help in positioning the engines in the center of the cowl and at
the proper distance from the front of the cowl. Tack glue the
tube to the firewall and check the engine alignment as the glue sets.
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