Flory Models Aircraft building jig

[BarryW]

I have managed to get one of these newly released jigs designed and distributed by Phil Flory of Flory Models.

I have not actually used it yet but I can say that it has some features that I have not seen on jigs before that I just love with a lot of options to position and secure your model.

It is 3D printed and made from high quality materials at a cost of £30.

The parts


Assembled with one 'low' tail piece left off in favour of a piece that is designed to hold the stabilisers.



Now what I love about this is that it's designed to hold the model at an angle to enable easy access to the sides of the aircraft. I show it here with my current 1/32 Hurricane build in position. It involves holding the model on what is otherwise the wing supports, with the tail piece removed.



The angle is adjustable and if you place it on a 'lazy Susan' you can raise the base creating room to have a more acute angle.

Anyway that's just my introduction once I have used it for decalling the current build I will provide some more pictures and commentary.

 

[BarryW]

I have now used it for the first time when decalling my Hurricane

The model, pictured below, is held quite securely.
You can the rear section below.


It is very easy to adjust the sizing and there are gradients that can help when required.

The different uprights gives it a lot of flexibility for positioning and I expect to improve my grasp of how to get the best out of this jig over time. Indeed I suspect how it's best used will change from model to model.

Below the model is set at an angle to be able to work more easily on the side. A more acute angle can be achieved by placing the jig on a raised platform and the angle is restricted by the wing.

Positioning of the good quality bands needs to be thought through so they don't interfere with your work. There were times when I needed to lift the model, while attached to the jig, to make adjustments.






All in all this is the best jig I have used offering a lot of flexibility. I personally consider this to be my detailing jig and will keep on using my other as my painting jig.

9/10 well worth getting.

 

[BarryW]

I recommend this for all 1/32 scale WW2 fighters. It will also be good for some twin engined aircraft but won't work for 1/32 four engined bombers.

It will also be good for most 1/48 models but I am not sure whether it's any use with 1/72.

 

[Edbert]

Nice job on the Hurri and great write-up Barry!

I think you are right about the 1/72 too, maybe if it is a B-52 or C-5, LOL.

 

[Tommergun]

Swing the posts around and it might. My jig is a 1/32 but if you swing the posts around you can bring them in tighter for 1/72, possibly even a 1/144.

 

[Chuck Beemans]

Often wondered the same thing. The few shops around here don't carry any of their non-beginner kits and perusing their selection on Amazon is frustrating because they don't provide any pictures aside from the front of the box. I came across a video on YouTube of some online modelers getting a tour of their facility in the UK which was kind of neat. All I know is they have an immense selection of spitfires to choose from and I've heard good things about the Lancaster