[DeTomaso] Balsa bumper front!!!

[GW]

I build model airplanes from balsa. I cut every stick in this thing. 
Notice the skid marks on the pavement in the back ground for size reference:

http://www.rc-tech.net/per/gear/firstb.jpg
http://www.rc-tech.net/per/gear/firsta.jpg
http://www.rc-tech.net/per/gear/f2b.jpg
http://www.rc-tech.net/per/gear/lowpass.jpg

The construction of these airplanes are a mix of Ply, spruce and balsa. 
Balsa being the external sheeting. Once the balsa is smoothed it is 
fiberglassed then painted. These models don't spend much time in the sun 
but over time imperfections grow with balsa shrinkage. Within a year 
what once was smooth you can begin to see the grain again. If you so 
much as sneeze you will ding the surface. These models have lifting 
areas so you don't damage them. I watched a guy drop a Coke can 
accidentally on his 100" B-25 and destroyed the top deck as he grasp to 
breath!

Airplanes such as this P-51 and the pattern airplane has a fiberglass 
Fuselage, is lighter and stronger:

http://www.rc-tech.net/per/trailer/load.jpg

If you have to tell people not to rest on your bumpers because they are 
as weak as foam....on a car....I gues I don't get it. Why put bumpers on 
at all?

Gary


I am all for new ideas but if the bumper is balsa why even have one?





Erik L wrote:
> Well, they made the plane in balsa, and kontiki, so I guess bumpers
> will du fine, but tho be honest I don't understad why he are ligten
> the car so much.. If you got so much HP in a pantera, why bother with
> a kilo or 10....
>
> Erik