The Louvre tool.

When I was building the first Midge, it occurred to me

that there must be a way ( nay, a cheaper way ) of putting

louvres in the engine side panels without resorting to going to 

a machine shop.

My hero, John Cowperthwaite, had a method involving the use of

a chisel to cut the slot and, I think, beating the aluminium over

a steel bar.  This, I couldn't bring myself even to attempt.

The solution was a hardwood former and dowels - soft enough not

to mark the panel.

I ended up with John including the advertisements in the plans he 

sent out.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Many Midge builders will recognize this photograph.

It was suggested in the instructions that people practise first!

I had orders from all over the world and letters of thanks. I was able

to supply formers for a wide range of applications - even doing

some multiple louvres for Lotus Seven copies.

 

Below is a poor quality photograph of the front panel that 

I added later to the Midge.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another view of side panel.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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I was forced to make a new side panel on the new Midge ( for those

of you not paying attention, there will be a test at the end ) and I

now know that it is even possible to use the former with one hand -

just.

The crinkled appearance of the louvres is a fault in the digital photograph caused by -- I don't know what! Resolution perhaps?

 

I have had to make a new valance for the new Midge.  Somehow I 'forgot' to put on a coat of self-etch primer before the undercoat, resulting in paint flaking off.  So while I was at it, I put a set of louvres in.

Now,  given that I had not bought in fine drills nor fine saw blades and I have not really got around to using a cutting compound,  a man on a galloping horse wouldn't notice!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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