Author Topic: Starting construction on the 2 Bits Bipe (Read 21508 times)

John Miller · « **Reply #50 on:** May 31, 2011, 08:29:11 PM »

I reinstalled the wings to get a total weight for where I'm at currently. Turns out it all weighs in at 29.10 Oz's as it sits in the pictures I've attached.

john e. holliday · « **Reply #51 on:** June 01, 2011, 06:25:29 AM »

You are not ready for paint yet?

Hey it is looking great. Also you are further ahead than I am on my project.

John Miller · « **Reply #52 on:** June 02, 2011, 10:05:41 PM »

It sure is nice being able to take the plane apart to work on specific areas. It's especially nice when working on the fuselage.

I'm still awaitung the control horns, so I cannot close it up, but I can work on the nose area. I installed the top nose blocks, and the cowl. After shaping, they look pretty good, and the plane is starting to look like the design on the plans.

As it sits assembled with the engine, tank, and muffler, the weight is 49 oz's, but no hollowing has been done on the nose blocks, and cowl. I still feel good shooting for the mid 60's with this plane.

john e. holliday · « **Reply #53 on:** June 03, 2011, 08:14:34 AM »

Still looking great. I also like the nice work area. I don't feel so bad about my area now.

John Miller · « **Reply #54 on:** June 03, 2011, 09:07:51 AM »

Quote from: john e. holliday on June 03, 2011, 08:14:34 AM

Still looking great. I also like the nice work area. I don't feel so bad about my area now.

I have a rule, I only clean the building board once during a build. That's after the plane is framed up, before I start the finish.

OK. OK. I looked at the pictures, and it's hard to see the details amongst the mess. So, I cleaned the bench some, (Moved things so they're out of the shot.) and took 3 more pics. Hope this shows the plane better.

Randy Powell · « **Reply #55 on:** June 03, 2011, 10:44:24 AM »

Maybe it's just the photo, but it looks like there is a bit of positive AOA on the lower wing in that side shot. Could be the angle.

Looks good, John. I suspect it will be fun to fly.

John Miller · « **Reply #56 on:** June 03, 2011, 11:15:17 AM »

Thanks Randy, it does appear that way doesn't it? I haven't yet set the incidences yet, so it may be so.

I'm hoping that it will indeed be fun to fly.

I just checked with the incidence meters. There is about 1.5 degrees of positive incidence currently. I will set the wings at 0-0 before I fly the plane, and then work from there. Interestingly enough, many of the published Biplane stunters had different incidences in the wings. I may have to go re-read those articals.

Clint Ormosen · « **Reply #57 on:** June 03, 2011, 01:53:49 PM »

Quote from: Randy Powell on June 03, 2011, 10:44:24 AM

Maybe it's just the photo, but it looks like there is a bit of positive AOA on the lower wing in that side shot. Could be the angle.

Funny, I was going to mention the same thing.

This plane looks great, John! I love the wing shape and the fuse lines. Can't wait to see it at a contest. Maybe Golden State?

John Miller · « **Reply #58 on:** June 03, 2011, 09:48:21 PM »

Today was one of those days where it seemed the phone was either ringing, or I had to go somewhere with some one. So, I didn't get as much done as I hoped.

I did get the Applecheeks done, and mounted. I think they add character to the design.

Tomorrow, I plan on making a canopy plug so I can mold the one I need for this plane.

John Miller · « **Reply #59 on:** June 04, 2011, 09:06:33 PM »

Another day like yesterday, lot's of stuff going on, but, I did get the canopy plug made. I'll likely pull the canopy tomorrow.

Randy Powell · « **Reply #60 on:** June 05, 2011, 01:44:23 PM »

How did you prep the plug?

John Miller · « **Reply #61 on:** June 05, 2011, 05:19:52 PM »

A thorough sanding with 320, and cleaning it with a tack rag. Since I will only pull one canopy (?) I won't seal the wood. If I wind up pulling more, I'll seal the wood with epoxy, the kind that dries hard, and smooth.

I wound up spending most of the day visiting Gordan, so the canopy may not get finished until tomorrow.

John Miller · « **Reply #62 on:** June 05, 2011, 08:11:38 PM »

I couldn't help myself. It took a few minutes, but here's my ex soda bottle canopy, sitting in place.

wwwarbird · « **Reply #63 on:** June 05, 2011, 10:17:35 PM »

We've got to get you some clear bottles John.

Randy Powell · « **Reply #64 on:** June 05, 2011, 10:36:58 PM »

Wayne,

I was thinking the same thing.

Steve Helmick · « **Reply #65 on:** June 05, 2011, 11:42:00 PM »

John, how is Gordan's hearing? He said it went out while driving to Eugene. I saw a Viagra ad on TV that said if Gordan's hearing or vision is affected, he should stop taking that stuff! Tell him I said hi, and that it was nice to see his flying is better than his walking. My walking isn't so good either, but then neither is my flying.

Steve

John Miller · « **Reply #66 on:** June 06, 2011, 07:01:01 AM »

What, they make clear bottles?

Since the trim scheme includes transparent green, I thought the green canopy would be appropriate. I've got to pull another one because I failed to notice where the fine printing on the bottle was, and wound up with them prominently displayed on top of the canopy. I'm sure no one else has done this though, another one of my many "firsts'.

Gordan did not mention anything about hearing loss. Probably couldn't equalize the air pressure as he descended to lower altitude.

His foot problem seems to plague him a lot. He made the observation yesterday, that he's "finally learning to fly good, and now everything is falling apart".

Gordan Delaney · « **Reply #67 on:** June 06, 2011, 07:42:24 AM »

Hi Steve,

I heard that. But didn`t see a thing.

Gordy

John Miller · « **Reply #68 on:** June 09, 2011, 12:10:19 PM »

I took the almost framed up model to Gordan's house over the past weekend, and during discussions, we discovered that the Stab and Elevator were rather small. A bit of quick figuring gave us a percentage of wing area equalling about 16%.

I decided that based on all the talk, I should build a new one of about 20-24%. Ye4sterday, I built the new tail feathers, and thought it might be interesting to see what the difference of 16% and 22% look like.

I've yet to build the landing gear, wheel pants, install the controls, and make a bunch of incidence changes, before I can close it up.

I did temporarily install the rest of the top block, so I could fit the canopy.

Derek Barry · « **Reply #69 on:** June 09, 2011, 12:39:46 PM »

I am glad you did that. That was my only question when looking at the plans "is that tail big enough?"

Are you going to finish them both for flight test?

I love this plane. Maybe I will get started on mine after the Nats.

Derek

John Miller · « **Reply #70 on:** June 09, 2011, 01:37:23 PM »

Yeah, I'm also glad I did it. I nprobably will finish them both up. It'll be useful beinbg able to compare the two I think.

I'm really happy I designed in all the removable, and adjustable features. We've already figured how to build and fit more wing area to easily compare different wing loadings.

When you do decide to start yours, give me a shout, I've made several changes, with a few more coming based on what I've discovered with this build. Let me replace the set of plans you have, with a new set with the changes gleaned from building this one.

Will Hinton · « **Reply #71 on:** June 09, 2011, 01:47:56 PM »

John,
Are you going to make the final plans available for sale? I'd sure order a set if you do.

John Miller · « **Reply #72 on:** June 09, 2011, 04:14:21 PM »

Yes indeed, I hope to have the finished plans, complete with pattern sheets, and possibly a laser cut short kit available in the future. Thank you for asking Will.

Derek Barry · « **Reply #73 on:** June 10, 2011, 04:51:43 AM »

Quote from: John Miller on June 09, 2011, 01:37:23 PM

Yeah, I'm also glad I did it. I nprobably will finish them both up. It'll be useful beinbg able to compare the two I think.

I'm really happy I designed in all the removable, and adjustable features. We've already figured how to build and fit more wing area to easily compare different wing loadings.

When you do decide to start yours, give me a shout, I've made several changes, with a few more coming based on what I've discovered with this build. Let me replace the set of plans you have, with a new set with the changes gleaned from building this one.

I certainly will. I cant wait for flight reports......

john e. holliday · « **Reply #74 on:** June 10, 2011, 07:19:39 AM »

Looks like a big difference in the stab/elevator areas. Tell Gordon growing old sucks. I get one thing fixed and something else happens. I tell the doctor I think he is just moving the pains around to stay in business. The right knee was killing me while driving as you can not use cruise control pulling a trailer.

The 2 Bits Bipe is getting some character to it. I like the cheek cowls.

John Miller · « **Reply #75 on:** June 10, 2011, 11:19:16 AM »

Thanks John. Yes, growing old does suck, but I believe it's better than the alternative.

I agree on the character, I wasn't sure about a few design items, until they were in place. I especially like the way the curves of the cheeks support and compliment the nose shape. I've added a pilot that somewhat resembles me, but I've got to change the beard to white since mine has lost all color in the last few years.

A few pics to illustrate.

john e. holliday · « **Reply #76 on:** June 11, 2011, 08:42:19 AM »

I see a slight resemblance.

Will Hinton · « **Reply #77 on:** June 11, 2011, 01:18:18 PM »

Let's face it, guys, looking at green shoots of grass is a lot prettier than looking at the dirty roots!

Looking forward to the short kit and plans, John!!

John Miller · « **Reply #78 on:** June 13, 2011, 11:58:36 AM »

While I'm awaiting the arrival of the control system, I'm basically stopped on finishing the fuselage any further. So, I've been working on the finishing of the wings and tail feathers, using 'kote finishes. I've posted pics in the painting and finishing forum as I go.

I did just finished making a forming press so I can lay up my landing gear. I can now make up the gear, which will consist of carbon tow sandwiched between layers of 1/32 birch ply. This will be the first time I've done this for gear, but I did a lot, less the carbon fiber to make snow skis for my planes when I lived in Wisconsin.

I'll post pictures as I go along.

Rather than a new post, I'll attach the first pics of the gear forming to this post.

john e. holliday · « **Reply #79 on:** June 14, 2011, 07:55:27 AM »

Is the gear very rigid?

John Miller · « **Reply #80 on:** June 14, 2011, 08:06:53 AM »

The jury is still out on rigidity. It's plenty strong enough, but there's an initial amount of springiness, then it gets pretty rigid. It's at least as rigid as wire gear thopugh. If it doesn't work out, I can always go to Dural, or straight CF gear.

John Miller · « **Reply #81 on:** June 14, 2011, 01:08:02 PM »

Quote from: John Miller on June 14, 2011, 08:06:53 AM

The jury is still out on rigidity. It's plenty strong enough, but there's an initial amount of springiness, then it gets pretty rigid. It's at least as rigid as wire gear though. If it doesn't work out, I can always go to Dural, or straight CF gear.

I've trimmed gear to shape. The rigidity did not change, even though I took about 1/3 of the material off. It weighs in at 1.5 Oz's. I'm not sure how that compares to CF or Dural gear of the same size, and configuration, but it seems reasonable.

I'll post pictures later as I'm involved in another project at this time.

John Miller · « **Reply #82 on:** June 20, 2011, 09:11:40 AM »

I had Gordan and Jimmy take a look at the hybrid landing gear. We all came to the conclusion that it is plenty stiff enough. So, We made up the control horns so I can finally install the control system, after which, I'll close up the fuselage. I started the wheel pants and have included pics of the parts prior to construction.

proparc · « **Reply #83 on:** June 20, 2011, 11:54:15 AM »

Quote from: John Miller on June 13, 2011, 11:58:36 AM

While I'm awaiting the arrival of the control system, I'm basically stopped on finishing the fuselage any further. So, I've been working on the finishing of the wings and tail feathers, using 'kote finishes. I've posted pics in the painting and finishing forum as I go.

I did just finished making a forming press so I can lay up my landing gear. I can now make up the gear, which will consist of carbon tow sandwiched between layers of 1/32 birch ply. This will be the first time I've done this for gear, but I did a lot, less the carbon fiber to make snow skis for my planes when I lived in Wisconsin.

I'll post pictures as I go along.

John why not straight carbon? What is the advantage of the birch plys with the carbon? I assume using the birch plys would be easier to mold.

John Miller · « **Reply #84 on:** June 20, 2011, 11:56:25 AM »

That didn't take too long. The wheel pants are constructed, and shaped. Of course, it will need some additional sanding, and perhaps some hollowing to remove a little weight. As they are now, the pair, as pictured, with wheels and axles, weigh in at 1.75 Oz's. With the hybrid gear at 1.5Oz's, brings the unfinished complete gear package in at 3.25 Oz's.

John Miller · « **Reply #85 on:** June 20, 2011, 12:02:12 PM »

Quote from: proparc on June 20, 2011, 11:54:15 AM

John why not straight carbon? What is the advantage of the birch plys with the carbon? I assume using the birch plys would be easier to mold.

You've got it. I needed a simple method of using easily obtainable materials to make a custom landing gear set. It may actually be possible to dispense with the CF completly, but I didn't have the nerve, and was able to get ahold of some CF from Gordan. Once the press is made, it's easy to make these type of assemblies, relativly inexpensivly. They should be durable, I know they took a lot of abuse when I made snow skis for my planes. 100's of flights with no sign of problems.

proparc · « **Reply #86 on:** June 20, 2011, 06:42:57 PM »

Quote from: John Miller on June 20, 2011, 12:02:12 PM

They should be durable, I know they took a lot of abuse when I made snow skis for my planes. 100's of flights with no sign of problems.

Sounds like your absolutely right because, you've got yourself a dandy composite. And, we know just how strong they can be.

Allan Perret · « **Reply #87 on:** June 28, 2011, 06:29:28 AM »

Hey John:
What kind of glue did you use to laminate the gear ?

John Miller · « **Reply #88 on:** June 28, 2011, 08:40:03 AM »

Quote from: Allan Perret on June 28, 2011, 06:29:28 AM

Hey John:
What kind of glue did you use to laminate the gear ?

Hi Allen, I used 30 minute epoxy.

Tom Niebuhr · « **Reply #89 on:** June 28, 2011, 03:29:41 PM »

John,
That looks like 3 layers of 1/32 ply and 2 layers of carbon tow. Is that correct?

John Miller · « **Reply #90 on:** June 28, 2011, 07:11:42 PM »

Almost right, only 1 layer of Carbon Tow. I like the idea, it frees me up to different looks as far as the gear goes. I'll likely do this again with slightly different shapes.

John Miller · « **Reply #91 on:** July 02, 2011, 12:02:51 PM »

Last weekend, I went over to Gordan's, where we made the flap and elevator horns. I was busy with another project until Thursday this week, so it wasn't until then that I was able to install the controls.

The flap horn is permanently mounted in the fuselage, with the flaps plugging in as the bottom wing is attached. I was also able to set up the center cabane mount, so the center of the upper wing is now supported.

Soon, I'll have the pushrods complete, and I'll be able to close up[ the fuselage, and begin the finishing process on the fuse.

I'll take some pictures of what I've recently done, and post them later.

John Miller · « **Reply #92 on:** July 03, 2011, 09:23:52 PM »

Been workin' on the controls today. I took a few pictures. It shows the Cabane mounting.( it is removable.) and a few pics of the Bellcrank and pushrods mounting.

Tomorrow, I'll install the tail wheel, and close up the fuselage.

John Miller · « **Reply #93 on:** July 04, 2011, 01:33:07 PM »

Today's chores were to build the tail wheel mount, and install it, close up the fuselage, Set up the controls, and assemble the plane and check out weights.

I used a tail wheel mounting method I've seen Norm Whittle use, that makes the tail wheel removable slick as a whistle. It also makes mounting much easier as well.

The plane was assembled, and with all parts, weighs in at 64 Oz's. A little heavier than I wanted. With just the fuselage left to finish, my goal is to apply the lightest finish I can. I really do not want to go over 70 Oz's.

Randy Powell · « **Reply #94 on:** July 04, 2011, 03:29:55 PM »

Isn't it painted yet?

John Miller · « **Reply #95 on:** July 04, 2011, 04:06:59 PM »

Quote from: Randy Powell on July 04, 2011, 03:29:55 PM

Isn't it painted yet?

I know, I'm falling behind. I hope to have it ready for test flights before the 15th. of July. Bart is visiting Gordy and will be heading back to AZ. after that date. It would be great to have him and Gordy doing the test flying. They can tell things about the plane in flight, a lot easier than I can.