As mentioned I�m having to make a move back to finishing off a number of fittings.
First off the second of the two Head Light illuminator radars. This was very
briefly discussed on page 15 when preparing the first of these two arrays . Now
a little more detailed photo record of how the second phase of the construction
of this fitting was undertaken which was not covered earlier.
Just to recap here is a photo of one of the units aboard Kiev.
A reminder of the parts that had to be constructed prior to moving on to phase
two the assembly of the parts and the soldering of the frame work that holds the
smaller two dishes above the main array.
The main pillar
One of two pannier side boxes
Two of the larger main reflectors .
The support frame work is made up of two sections , back and front. The front
will slope backwards and as such is slightly longer than the back frame .
The general dimensions were lifted from the drawing and using the various
photos the position of the cross members was determined. Also I had the first
Head Light radar as a guide. Some constructional improvements could also be made.
Each of the measurements were marked onto the soldering board and the
respective lengths of 0.31 brass wire cut to size and taped into position so ALL the
joints could be soldered together . As mentioned in previous pages this method worked well .
Soldering being undertaken . Each joint was prepared by cleaning and applying flux .
Each frame was removed from the board ready for cleaning.
Cleaning can be tricky and requires great care . I use medium wet and dry for
the joints { whilst on the board} and a fine tooth brush bathed in a mild cleaning
agent or even washing up liquid will do the job for general cleaning { to remove excess flux } .
The main pillar and side boxes in place
Holes were made in each corner of the side boxes ready to accept the front
and back frames and thankfully they fit. Now the work begins
Dave Wooley more to come
