Author Topic: Back on the Nobler bash... (Read 36594 times)

wwwarbird · « **on:** April 23, 2013, 09:48:32 PM »

Well it's time to get back to this ARF Nobler "bash" thing. This one started out as a NIB ARF Nobler. I had set it aside at this stage last year at this time to start on the "Challenger 575" which is now finished. I also just got done patching up the Spitfire wing, and I spent the last week giving the PBY a much needed overall cosmetic fix up/touch up job and mechanical inspection.

Anyway, the others are all ready to go for the season now, so it's back to this...

Mark Scarborough · « **Reply #1 on:** April 23, 2013, 10:25:17 PM »

Its looking a lot like a P-40 on the front end there Wayne,,

perhaps my 109 needs to come play

The cowl treatment looks pretty special so far,,
I think you should quit sleeping and build more,,

all in favor say Aye?

wwwarbird · « **Reply #2 on:** April 23, 2013, 10:40:29 PM »

Yep, P-40-ish is my idea here. My goal is to end up with a sorta "morphed" P-40 thing based on an early model, but with a sleeker and slightly stretched 1940's comic book look overall. We'll see what I end up with...

And yeah, between this one and the Spitfire that '109 better be on the lookout!

Bootlegger · « **Reply #3 on:** April 25, 2013, 03:53:50 AM »

Warbird, I sent ya' a P/M...

wwwarbird · « **Reply #4 on:** April 25, 2013, 10:08:04 PM »

Quote from: Bootlegger on April 25, 2013, 03:53:50 AM

Warbird, I sent ya' a P/M...

Whew, hard to say where to start on the cowl question Bootlegger. I've got a TON of work in the nose and the cowl work on this thing.

I had the "P-40-ish" intention from the beginning, but originally I was just going to replace the crap ARF beams and go from there. It's while I was tearing them out that the large can of worms opened up. In relatively short order I ended up deciding to just chop the entire nose off at the wing L/E. I also took the top fuse sheeting off down to the fuse side seam so I could add an entirely new top block. I made a completely new engine crutch and did it slightly wider too so that I could sneak a 4 ounce clunk tank in. I also mounted the crutch a 1/2" lower in the fuse, closer to the wing centerline. And yes, in the end it would have been much less work to just build a new fuse from scratch. If I had simply done that though, I wouldn't have been able to enjoy all of this "fun"!

I'll try to give you a photographic answer to your question here. Stay tuned on this and I'll eventually show some more pics of the rest of the cowl and how it's mounted.

wwwarbird · « **Reply #5 on:** April 25, 2013, 10:09:44 PM »

...fuse work continued...

Balsa Butcher · « **Reply #6 on:** April 25, 2013, 10:57:52 PM »

You do good work WWWarbird.

wwwarbird · « **Reply #7 on:** April 25, 2013, 11:40:34 PM »

Quote from: Balsa Butcher on April 25, 2013, 10:57:52 PM

You do good work WWWarbird.

Thanks Butcher, I just figger it out as I go.

If nothing else, I'll be able to claim the "World's Most Labor Intensive Nobler".

john e. holliday · « **Reply #8 on:** April 26, 2013, 08:15:11 AM »

Hey, if you are having fun, who cares. Looks good, but I ask, "Did you put a peice of material over the joint where it butts together"?

wwwarbird · « **Reply #9 on:** April 26, 2013, 09:04:27 PM »

Quote from: john e. holliday on April 26, 2013, 08:15:11 AM

Hey, if you are having fun, who cares. Looks good, but I ask, "Did you put a peice of material over the joint where it butts together"?

There is some carbon veil in this model's future Doc, and there will be silkspan on top of that. Internally there is also full height 1/64 ply doublers running from the nose all the way back to the wing T/E. The new super beefy engine crutch runs across that area too. It'll all end up much stronger than the mushy ARF construction.

Howard Rush · « **Reply #10 on:** April 26, 2013, 10:38:20 PM »

You are more tolerant than I. I had an ARF Nobler and couldn't stand it. I worked on it awhile, then gave it to Dave Gardner. I think he sold it at a club meeting.

wwwarbird · « **Reply #11 on:** April 27, 2013, 05:06:29 PM »

I'm not sure "tolerant" is the word for this exercise Howard. "Thick-skulled" may be more appropriate.

MarcusCordeiro · « **Reply #12 on:** April 28, 2013, 12:49:00 AM »

I'd say who hasn't??

I'm currently working on my son's ARF Nobler and had to build a new crutch and nose, basically.
The "weak" nose is definetely this model's achile's heel.
Fix it and you have a great flying machine... It's a Nober after all, isn't it??

Wayne, great work!!

Marcus

wwwarbird · « **Reply #13 on:** November 08, 2014, 03:07:28 PM »

Well, building season has officially returned to the upper Midwest so I've dug this project back out...again. This thing has been an on and off project for a couple of years already, getting shoved aside for a couple of other builds in between. Over the past few weeks I've been puttering around with it again and I now have all of the tail surfaces built up and roughed out. I got the wing covered a couple of nights ago too. The only other airframe parts that I haven't built yet are the new flaps. I hope to follow through until it's done this time because I've got some new ideas for the paint scheme that I'm anxious to try out.

Leester · « **Reply #14 on:** November 09, 2014, 08:49:23 AM »

Hey Wayne, did I miss it or ?? what landing gear style ?? Wing gear would be cool !!!

wwwarbird · « **Reply #15 on:** November 09, 2014, 11:19:16 AM »

Quote from: Leester on November 09, 2014, 08:49:23 AM

Hey Wayne, did I miss it or ?? what landing gear style ?? Wing gear would be cool !!!

Yep, it will have wing mounted gear too.

Avaiojet · « **Reply #16 on:** November 09, 2014, 11:45:43 AM »

Wayne,

Looking good!

Did you see Robert's gear mounts on his Coninental? He only went from one rib to the next?

I have in the past used three ribs as you have, but Robert now has me thinking.

Now I'm thinking just rib to rib like Robert, but with an added center rib?

Leester · « **Reply #17 on:** November 10, 2014, 12:20:06 PM »

Looks great Wayne !!!

wwwarbird · « **Reply #18 on:** November 10, 2014, 08:53:51 PM »

Here's some current pics, all the big parts are coming together, s-l-o-w-l-y. The wing and tail surfaces are not attached yet, this is just setting things together to see how things are working out. The head scratching continues...

wwwarbird · « **Reply #19 on:** November 10, 2014, 08:55:04 PM »

The profile...

wwwarbird · « **Reply #20 on:** November 10, 2014, 08:57:11 PM »

The new inboard wingtip, many parts...

wwwarbird · « **Reply #21 on:** November 10, 2014, 09:50:00 PM »

For anyone who may be interested, this is the link to the original post on this kit bash project. It's got more pics and covers a few details that don't show up in this thread.

http://stunthanger.com/smf/index.php/topic,25407.0.html

Avaiojet · « **Reply #22 on:** November 10, 2014, 10:05:21 PM »

Wayne,

Thanks for that link.

I remember those photos.

Especially the one with that killer Tornado 3-blade prop. Did we talk about that?

I would jump through fire hoops for a prop or two like that.

Or, pay good money.

I believe that type of prop, wide as it is, which is great BTW, may no longer be available?

You would think someone would be making a chubbie?

Nice work, model is comming along and looks great.

Edited for SP.

Shug Emery · « **Reply #23 on:** November 14, 2014, 08:11:49 AM »

I am inspired))))))
Time to go out and give some building a go.
Love seeing your laboratory.
Shug

MikeyPratt · « **Reply #24 on:** November 19, 2014, 06:09:40 PM »

Quote from: Avaiojet on November 10, 2014, 10:05:21 PM

Wayne,

Thanks for that link.

I remember those photos.

Especially the one with that killer Tornado 3-blade prop. Did we talk about that?

I would jump through fire hoops for a prop or two like that.

Or, pay good money.

I believe that type of prop, wide as it is, which is great BTW, may no longer be available?

You would think someone would be making a chubbie?

Nice work, model is comming along and looks great.

Steve Wilk in Minnesota makes C/F three blade props. He copied the Grish three blade.

Mikey

wwwarbird · « **Reply #25 on:** November 19, 2014, 07:06:12 PM »

Quote from: MikeyPratt on November 19, 2014, 06:09:40 PM

Steve Wilk in Minnesota makes C/F three blade props. He copied the Grish three blade.

Mikey

Thanks Mike, we'll see if this conglomeration ends up being "worthy".

MikeyPratt · « **Reply #26 on:** November 23, 2014, 08:05:20 PM »

Quote from: wwwarbird on November 19, 2014, 07:06:12 PM

Thanks Mike, we'll see if this conglomeration ends up being "worthy".
[/quote

Looking good so far.
Later,
Mikey

Dan McEntee · « **Reply #27 on:** November 23, 2014, 09:17:25 PM »

Hey Mikey! How you doin'? Did you ever get to see Wayne's kit bashed ARF Nobler he turned into Suhkoi? (really unsure of spelling!) Really nice job. Wayne has a great vision for seeing what he wants in a project and making it happen. He showed me a neat profile Hughes Racer one time that started out as a SIG Buster or Shoestring Goodyear kit. The dude can build and finish!

Good to hear from you, stop in more often!
Type at you later,
Dan McEntee

Mike Keville · « **Reply #28 on:** November 23, 2014, 09:25:25 PM »

Mikey: We miss you here in Arizona (aka North Sonora). When are you gonna' come visit again? Soon, we hope!

Randy Powell · « **Reply #29 on:** November 25, 2014, 03:06:10 PM »

I like it. I like it a lot.

wwwarbird · « **Reply #30 on:** November 25, 2014, 06:24:44 PM »

Quote from: Randy Powell on November 25, 2014, 03:06:10 PM

I like it. I like it a lot.

Thanks Randy. What's going on in the "Powellworks" lately?

Randy Powell · « **Reply #31 on:** November 26, 2014, 01:37:45 PM »

Wayne,

Just about done fixing the Avenger. And I have a new project getting ready for finish.

FLOYD CARTER · « **Reply #32 on:** November 26, 2014, 05:21:07 PM »

Starting with an ARF, there is a whole bunch of work just to get it converted into a decent and long-lasting stunter. I know. I went through the same thing "bashing" a P-40 ARF. Would have been not much more work to start from scratch!

You are doing a nice job.

F.C.

wwwarbird · « **Reply #33 on:** November 26, 2014, 05:51:39 PM »

Quote from: Randy Powell on November 26, 2014, 01:37:45 PM

And I have a new project getting ready for finish.

And that is...?

Randy Powell · « **Reply #34 on:** November 26, 2014, 09:15:29 PM »

No pics till it's done. This is a super-secret project.

Mark Scarborough · « **Reply #35 on:** November 26, 2014, 10:59:23 PM »

snicker,,
well its secret for SOME of you,,
some of us know,, muah hahahah

john e. holliday · « **Reply #36 on:** November 27, 2014, 09:33:16 AM »

I know the Nobler bash will fly, but will the secret plane fly as good as expected?

RC Storick · « **Reply #37 on:** November 27, 2014, 07:26:09 PM »

What I dont get is why no pilot and if your going that far and do that much work you have the skill to build the whole thing why the ARF

wwwarbird · « **Reply #38 on:** November 27, 2014, 09:01:45 PM »

Quote from: Robert Storick on November 27, 2014, 07:26:09 PM

What I dont get is why no pilot and if your going that far and do that much work you have the skill to build the whole thing why the ARF

Loaded question Sparky, but I'll answer it anyway.

This whole thing is just an idea I had a long time ago and I decided to give it a whirl, kind of a side project to mess with in between other builds. I knew going in that some things would be a challenge, I don't know, maybe that was part of the attraction. Starting out I was somewhat ahead of the game by not having to build the main wing, but the entire control installation (long story) proved to be a large pain in the a--. I did quite a bit of butchering to get the bellcrank assembly in and working to satisfaction. The fuselage, in hindsight, definitely would have been easier done from scratch. Other than the main wing section and the rear half of the fuselage, everything else is completely designed by eyeball and built from scratch. Overall, the whole airplane probably would have been less work starting from scratch, but then I wouldn't be able to call it a Nobler bash, not that that really matters.

Oh yeah, there's a pilot in there, you just can't see him through the balsa canopy.

wwwarbird · « **Reply #39 on:** November 27, 2014, 09:18:30 PM »

Quote from: Mark Scarborough on November 26, 2014, 10:59:23 PM

snicker,,
well its secret for SOME of you,,
some of us know,, muah hahahah

Hmm, I hope it's not, but I'll bet it's electric. I'll also bet that it's not a German WWII Fighter, they take way too long.

Maybe if I zoom in far enough on Google satellite...? Maybe I do need to buy a Drone???

Steve Helmick · « **Reply #40 on:** November 27, 2014, 10:00:52 PM »

Yes, a drone should do it, Wayne. While your drone is out this way, could you see if it can find that XL .46 I got from you for the crank?

Steve

Avaiojet · « **Reply #41 on:** November 28, 2014, 07:01:44 AM »

Quote

I'll also bet that it's not a German WWII Fighter, they take way too long.

Why do German WWII Fighters take way too long?

Mark Scarborough · « **Reply #42 on:** November 28, 2014, 09:09:08 AM »

Quote from: wwwarbird on November 27, 2014, 09:18:30 PM

Hmm, I hope it's not, but I'll bet it's electric. I'll also bet that it's not a German WWII Fighter, they take way too long.

Maybe if I zoom in far enough on Google satellite...? Maybe I do need to buy a Drone???

Wayne,,
that airframe was on hold as a result of Hitler and Goering haveing a dispute regarding the final design ( hey thats my story and I am sticking to it,,, well for today)

Honestly, I look at the 109 hangning on the ceiling and really like the way it looks,, I may have to revisit it again some time,,
well,, after the Impact,, and the Gypsy,, and maybe the Chipmunk,, and,,, yeah, I wont tell you about it till its done though,, you enjoy busting chops to much,,

Charles,, follow along,, my 109 took several years to complete,, Wayne likes to remind me of that,,,

wwwarbird · « **Reply #43 on:** November 28, 2014, 12:02:13 PM »

Quote from: Mark Scarborough on November 28, 2014, 09:09:08 AM

I wont tell you about it till its done though,, you enjoy busting chops to much,,

Just gotta razz ya Mark!

Randy Powell · « **Reply #44 on:** November 28, 2014, 01:59:19 PM »

Wayne,

That's how I built the first Ringmaster Deluxe. It's why there are really no plans for it, just my templates. Pat did some plans, but they are not the same.

And the new plane is sort of like your Nobler bash. Sort of.

wwwarbird · « **Reply #45 on:** November 28, 2014, 05:17:42 PM »

Whatever you've got in the works Randy, I'm sure will be pretty cool. Hopefully details will surface soon.

Randy Powell · « **Reply #46 on:** November 28, 2014, 08:22:54 PM »

Eventually.

Steve Helmick · « **Reply #47 on:** December 06, 2014, 11:30:48 PM »

I'm hoping it'll be an IMPACT...stock. Three colors, no metalflake, no pearl. Am I close? No, I didn't think so...

Steve

wwwarbird · « **Reply #48 on:** December 22, 2014, 09:31:09 PM »

I have been getting some work done here lately, and making some good progress even, really.

wwwarbird · « **Reply #49 on:** November 23, 2015, 10:27:58 PM »

Well, with last Fridays first snowfall of the season it's officially building season here in Minnesota. Watching Randy finishing up the repaint of his "Slider" has helped me with some added motivation too.

I actually dug this thing back out again a couple of weeks ago and have been working on it, finishing a few nagging details like doing all of the final cowl cutouts and making the P-40 style landing gear fairings. Those silly little fairings were a pain in the a-- to do, cutting, fitting and sanding to shape, silkspanning, mounting and doing fillets around them etc., but they're a detail that just had to be there.

Anyway, I've finally got it all far enough along that I gave the plane a full coat of Sparky's favorite NAPA DC540 primer tonight. I haven't tried the stuff until now but it does seem really good. I test sanded a few areas and it sands easily and powders off very nicely. Tomorrow night it's time to dive deeply in to the "Zen" of sanding.