Author Topic: T-6 Update: 21 March (Read 6003 times)

Sean McEntee · « **on:** March 21, 2015, 11:08:10 PM »

Back from the National Training Center out at Ft Irwin. Long story short: Cold, wet, windy, and the Shadow platoon that I covered didnt quite make the honor roll if you know what I mean.

First day back in the shop was a good one. Got the red paint on as well as the canopy. I brushed on silver dope for the canopy, and I think I got the effect that I was looking for. Also got the decals in from Callie Graphics, and was very pleased with her work. She didnt go too overboard with the sponsorship markings--just enough to give the idea. Also did some ink work on the flaps, elevator and rudder. Got a good BOI (Block of Instruction) from Paul Taylor before I left and the results look pretty good. Hoping to have it flying by the end of April. That sounds easily obtainable to most but things are going to get really busy around here. May have a Platoon Sergeant position coming my way...

kenneth cook · « **Reply #1 on:** March 22, 2015, 02:49:43 AM »

Sean, that certainly looks good. I really like your canopy. Ken

scott v. · « **Reply #2 on:** March 22, 2015, 11:45:33 AM »

Nice job, and good luck !

Randy Cuberly · « **Reply #3 on:** March 22, 2015, 01:10:22 PM »

Lookin' good Sean.

Platoon Sgt, Wow...toughest job in the Army in my opinion. Certainly a lot of things have changed in the Army since I got out in the early 1970's, but I seriously doubt the responsibilities of a Platoon Sgt have changed. A lot of folks talk about the "Backbone" of the Army...that job truly is it, especially in combat conditions. Best of luck with it!

Randy Cuberly
Major, 1st SOG Vietnam
US Army Special Forces
1961-1971

Bill Little · « **Reply #4 on:** March 22, 2015, 02:51:22 PM »

Great looking build, Sean. Can't wait to see it finished and flying!

BIG Bear
RNMM/AMM

Dan McEntee · « **Reply #5 on:** March 22, 2015, 04:01:47 PM »

Lookin' good Bub. Put up a picture of the graphics sheet you got. I would like to see how they come and so would others, I'm sure. Might mean more business for Cali Graphics!
Type at you later,
Dad

Paul Taylor · « **Reply #6 on:** March 22, 2015, 04:52:45 PM »

Hey Sean
Looking good! Hope to get to see it this summer. WKSI maybe?

Not sure I provided much intel. But hope I gave some food for thought so to speak.

Please keep the pictures coming.

And thanks for all you do for us. Your on our Honor Roll!👍

Sean McEntee · « **Reply #7 on:** March 22, 2015, 05:51:04 PM »

Quote from: Dan McEntee on March 22, 2015, 04:01:47 PM

Lookin' good Bub. Put up a picture of the graphics sheet you got. I would like to see how they come and so would others, I'm sure. Might mean more business for Cali Graphics!
Type at you later,
Dad

Sure thing! I was steered to her website via Don Deloach for doing AMA numbers for Free Flight models. That should give you an idea how light they are. I use 4.5" chrome numbers on my discus gliders (chrome to help aid in visibility and recovery), and might add a couple grams or so. For lettering she'll print out any color or font you want ranging from 1/4" up to 5" i think. I think I paid 20 bucks for 10 sets of 3" numbers and 10 sets of 5" numbers

Also used her for the graphics for my Frisky Pete. I put allot of unit emblems on it so I sent her the images and gave her the size i needed.

For the T-6, I didnt need to do much at all. I gave her the wingspan which is used to determine the scale, and added that since its a profile, that the fuselage decals need to be about 1/3 the size of the ones on the wings. $28 for the set. Sent her payment on Monday, shipped on Wednesday, and got them on Saturday. She has allot of files--more than whats listed on her website--for scale warbirds and does allot of business on aftermarket decal sets for the Parkzone warbird line. I've been emailing her with alot of "do you have a file for..." questions and I always get good answers.

Very nice lady and great to do business with!
http://www.callie-graphics.com

Paul: Got everything I needed. Thanks again for your help!

Randy: Tell me about it! I have a little bit of PSG time under my belt--mostly keeping house while the boss is at doctors appointments or meetings or whatever, and its quite a different realm from my current station as a squad leader. Our current PSG is dropping his retirement packet in December, and our Commander selected me to replace him so its time to start training up. The REALLY good news is, with a potential deployment to Kuwait looming in Spring 2016, I'll have combat time as a PSG. I think SFC McEntee has a nice ring to it

Balsa Butcher · « **Reply #8 on:** March 22, 2015, 06:51:41 PM »

That looks outstanding Sean. And congrats on the promotion. Did you get a chance to make it to Whittier Narrows?

Mike Keville · « **Reply #9 on:** March 22, 2015, 08:05:54 PM »

Quote from: Sean McEntee on March 22, 2015, 05:51:04 PM

. . . I think SFC McEntee has a nice ring to it

==========================================

Hope you make it, pal. Just a couple more steps to CSM McEntee!

Sean McEntee · « **Reply #10 on:** March 22, 2015, 08:07:46 PM »

Quote from: Balsa Butcher on March 22, 2015, 06:51:41 PM

That looks outstanding Sean. And congrats on the promotion. Did you get a chance to make it to Whittier Narrows?

Hey Pete,

Yeah it took a 5-mile uphill hike to the front gate but Chris McMillin came and got me for the weekend. Nothing motivates quite like watching other people fly their airplanes! Linked up with Jerry McMillin, Bill Byles and Dave Passannante and it made for a relaxing weekend before the show started.

Sean McEntee · « **Reply #11 on:** March 22, 2015, 08:11:35 PM »

Quote from: Mike Keville on March 22, 2015, 08:05:54 PM

==========================================

Hope you make it, pal. Just a couple more steps to CSM McEntee!

lol no way! There are no 15W CSMs, and its a struggle to even make MSG. There's allot more competition in Aviation then there was in MI. Besides that, theres too much politics at that level. Warrant Officer is still a plan but I'm waiting a few more years for strategic purposes.

Mike Keville · « **Reply #12 on:** March 22, 2015, 08:25:58 PM »

On the other hand, SFC retirement pay ain't too shabby.....should help keep you in glow plugs anyway.

Shug Emery · « **Reply #13 on:** March 22, 2015, 08:53:30 PM »

I like it....I like it a lot.

Shug

wwwarbird · « **Reply #14 on:** March 22, 2015, 09:20:18 PM »

HOLY SMOKES, that's looking AWESOME Sean!

The canopy work looks great too, an important detail to get right and not many do.

I've heard of the Callie stuff but I'm not familiar, are they vinyl, waterslide, or...?

Sean McEntee · « **Reply #15 on:** March 23, 2015, 09:39:02 AM »

Quote from: wwwarbird on March 22, 2015, 09:20:18 PM

HOLY SMOKES, that's looking AWESOME Sean! The canopy work looks great too, an important detail to get right and not many do.

I've heard of the Callie stuff but I'm not familiar, are they vinyl, waterslide, or...?

Thanks Wayne! Not a 20 pointer but it is sort of a "catch-up" build--trying to learn all of the serious modeling kung-fu, specifically the finishing end, that most models at my level already possess. Its even getting rubbed out and polished, again not to try for a front row airplane but to just learn how to do it.

Callie lists them as vinyl but the are almost too light. Vinyl is pretty heavy and like I said I have used them on free flight models with almost no weight impact. They stay stuck and take clear dope pretty well too.

Don Hutchinson AMA5402 · « **Reply #16 on:** March 23, 2015, 02:50:16 PM »

Looking real good Sean. Will be a great addition to the warbird event at baton Rouge this year. There is also an SB2C Helldiver about ready for finishing in Distrct 8 as well.
Don

Mike Griffin · « **Reply #17 on:** March 23, 2015, 03:02:22 PM »

Sean just wanted to say excellent job on that Texan. Also congratulations from this old SSGT.

Mike

Sean McEntee · « **Reply #18 on:** March 23, 2015, 04:44:56 PM »

Quote from: Don Hutchinson AMA5402 on March 23, 2015, 02:50:16 PM

Looking real good Sean. Will be a great addition to the warbird event at baton Rouge this year. There is also an SB2C Helldiver about ready for finishing in Distrct 8 as well.
Don

Thanks Don. when is that?

wwwarbird · « **Reply #19 on:** March 23, 2015, 05:00:27 PM »

Quote from: Sean McEntee on March 23, 2015, 09:39:02 AM

Callie lists them as vinyl but the are almost too light. Vinyl is pretty heavy and like I said I have used them on free flight models with almost no weight impact. They stay stuck and take clear dope pretty well too.

Thanks for the info Sean. I was wondering if they would take clear ok too, I would definitely be wanting to coat over them so that's good. This looks like it might be a great product, I think I'll have to see if she'll send me a sample, I'd like to get a good look.

Are the multi colored logos printed or are they layered vinyl? Maybe they're printed and then have a thin clear vinyl over them?

Mike Griffin · « **Reply #20 on:** March 23, 2015, 08:53:59 PM »

Sean the Baton Rouge contest is held the middle of October every year.

Mike

James Mills · « **Reply #21 on:** March 23, 2015, 09:35:25 PM »

Sean,

Looks nice. Congrats on the promotion, proud of you brother.

James

big ron · « **Reply #22 on:** March 23, 2015, 09:38:55 PM »

Baton Rouge is October 17&18 listed in events section as 2015 Charlie Meloncon contest

Sean McEntee · « **Reply #23 on:** March 25, 2015, 07:39:34 PM »

I have real data on the weight of these graphics. I added the big ""Aeroshell" decals on the bottom. I weight them before I put them on and then weight all the paper that they came on, the difference being the weight of just the decals. 4g/.13 oz. for 3.5" lettering so all of the decals total MIGHT add an ounce? Not to bad me thinks...

dave siegler · « **Reply #24 on:** March 25, 2015, 08:09:11 PM »

Bring it to OSH and get a picture with the real thing!

Sean McEntee · « **Reply #25 on:** March 25, 2015, 08:16:07 PM »

Hoping to Dave!

Joe Bowman · « **Reply #26 on:** March 25, 2015, 08:38:47 PM »

Sean, I like your T-6. If it flies like Joe Gibert's it will be killer. I have flown Don's Dauntless and Joe's T-6 both are great flyers. I have The SB2C that Don did last year. It is about ready to finish. I just can't stay hooked up to the work bench long enough to get it done. You really need to plan on the Baton Rouge contest in Oct. You won't be disappointed. Not to hijack your thread but posting a picture of the Helldiver. As shown weight is 21.5 ounces. Look forward to seeing you at the contest this year.

wwwarbird · « **Reply #27 on:** March 25, 2015, 09:21:08 PM »

Joe,

The Helldiver looks great so far, how about a post with more details on it in the Building Section?

Sean,

I was thinking the same thing the other day, you have to bring the T-6 to Oshkosh.

Sean McEntee · « **Reply #28 on:** March 26, 2015, 11:22:11 AM »

Joe: Looks great!! Keep us posted. I judged profile last September in Dallas and watched Joe fly his T-6. It was hard to concentrate and write scores down--it flew that well. He let me fly it at the end of the day and I was sold. Started cutting ribs the following week. I was reading the contest flyer for the Baton Rouge contest. There was a section in the rules about military color schemes. No "racing or fancy airshow color schemes allowed" Maybe someone from that area will jump on here and touch on that.

Wayne: I agree completely! Well have to see if I can make it.

wwwarbird · « **Reply #29 on:** March 26, 2015, 08:59:49 PM »

Quote from: Sean McEntee on March 26, 2015, 11:22:11 AM

I was reading the contest flyer for the Baton Rouge contest. There was a section in the rules about military color schemes. No "racing or fancy airshow color schemes allowed" Maybe someone from that area will jump on here and touch on that.

What'da?

Sean McEntee · « **Reply #30 on:** March 26, 2015, 09:45:10 PM »

Quote from: wwwarbird on March 26, 2015, 08:59:49 PM

What'da?

Yeah it's on the contest thread in the events section.

Meanwhile we now have checkerboards, landing lights and entry ramps

wwwarbird · « **Reply #31 on:** March 26, 2015, 10:01:07 PM »

Now you just need a red and white Aeroshell team flight suit to wear out in the circle!

Sean McEntee · « **Reply #32 on:** March 26, 2015, 10:50:45 PM »

Quote from: wwwarbird on March 26, 2015, 10:01:07 PM

Now you just need a red and white Aeroshell team flight suit to wear out in the circle!

I wish the team sold shirts. A sport polo would be sweet.

Norm Faith Jr. · « **Reply #33 on:** March 27, 2015, 07:05:33 PM »

Hi Sean, that is an awesome looking ship...the design is hard to beat in a profile match, hell! In the right hands, it will hold its own in any "big time" PA match. BTW...I had the opportunity to get a "close up" of Joe Bowman's ship...it is obscenely light. Hope to see you fly yours in Baton Rouge.

Norm

Sean McEntee · « **Reply #34 on:** March 27, 2015, 09:17:17 PM »

Quote from: Norm Faith Jr. on March 27, 2015, 07:05:33 PM

Hi Sean, that is an awesome looking ship...the design is hard to beat in a profile match, hell! In the right hands, it will hold its own in any "big time" PA match. BTW...I had the opportunity to get a "close up" of Joe Bowman's ship...it is obscenely light. Hope to see you fly yours in Baton Rouge.
Norm

Hiya Norm!

Not familiar with Joes project. What's he building and how light?

Dan McEntee · « **Reply #35 on:** March 27, 2015, 09:50:56 PM »

Quote from: Sean McEntee on March 27, 2015, 09:17:17 PM

Hiya Norm!

Not familiar with Joes project. What's he building and how light?

Uh, pay attention! I think it's the Hell Diver three or four posts up!
Model Looks GREAT!
Dad

Steve Helmick · « **Reply #36 on:** March 27, 2015, 10:12:20 PM »

I'm liking your T-6, Sean...keep up the good work!

Steve

wwwarbird · « **Reply #37 on:** March 27, 2015, 10:45:41 PM »

Quote from: Dan McEntee on March 27, 2015, 09:50:56 PM

I think it's the Hell Diver three or four posts up!
Model Looks GREAT!
Dad

That's what I was thinking too, unless Joe has a T-6 also?

Sean McEntee · « **Reply #38 on:** March 28, 2015, 09:40:27 AM »

Quote from: Dan McEntee on March 27, 2015, 09:50:56 PM

Uh, pay attention! I think it's the Hell Diver three or four posts up!
Model Looks GREAT!
Dad

D'oh....I was writing an NCOER at the same time I posted that lol

Gerald Schamp · « **Reply #39 on:** March 28, 2015, 10:55:40 AM »

Sean, really nice work, I am going to try the decals you show. I'm building Don's T-34 C Turbo Mentor. Its all framed up and ready for hinges and controls. Should be a good one. You mentioned that the decals take dope okay, how careful does have to be. Do you spray on lite coats and let them completely dry? Anyhow really nice work. What are you using for power?

Sean McEntee · « **Reply #40 on:** March 28, 2015, 02:48:17 PM »

Quote from: Gerald Schamp on March 28, 2015, 10:55:40 AM

Sean, really nice work, I am going to try the decals you show. I'm building Don's T-34 C Turbo Mentor. Its all framed up and ready for hinges and controls. Should be a good one. You mentioned that the decals take dope okay, how careful does have to be. Do you spray on lite coats and let them completely dry? Anyhow really nice work. What are you using for power?

Hey Gerald!

Th last time I did this I dusted on couple coats over them to seal them down. I didnt clear the whole model because it was a military color scheme and wanted a more matte finish. Between the dope and the fuel exposure they look just like they did when I put them on. I'll do the same on the T-6 before I start spraying the whole model.

I have a T&L ST51 that is going on it. Power to spare, and its 4oz heavier than the 40FP that it was designed around, and it takes care of the 4oz of nose weight needed to balance it out. Tom Niebuhr put an LA46 on his TBM and said it was plenty of power.

Author Topic: T-6 Update: 21 March (Read 6003 times)

Mike Griffin

Mike Griffin