New Project one week in,,,,

[Mark Scarborough]

Just thought I would post some picts of my newest project. Profile 30's styled air racer look. Since I stole the tail from my ARC P-40, and the fuse was a touch heavy, I decided to build a new plane based around the same numbers but with a different look. I am using the stock P-40 wing. Power to be an LA .46. As pictured she weighs 19 oz, (whoops thats without the gear). Styled around the Gee Bee model Y but not accurate. I elected to locate the wing in a more conventional location for ease of construction and finishing. The goal is to have a decent looking plane that maintains the excellent flight characteristics of the P-40. Of note, the rudder and vert stab, as well as the elevators use laminated "bows" for the perimeter, I had never tried this before and it was really pretty slick and easy. easier than hacking out peices of sheet wood. I feel they are stronger too. She will be covered with Monokote to meet my prime goal, fast and in the air to fly. (thats FAST to build, minimum time invested so to speak)

[Bill Gruby]

Hi Mark;

   Lookin good so far. I got all the time in the world and I ain't that fast------I must be doin something wrong? I haven't seen "Lattice Work" like that in years.


             "Billy G"   

[frank carlisle]

Looking good Mark. I never saw a fuselage done like that before..........nice work .

[Larry Price]

Mark,
          Now that's a really great idea !!!    You get the simplicity of a slab profile, but you can give it a hint of roundness to tease the eye. At the same time keeping the building and finishing to a minimum... I like it... Sweeeeet....

[Randy Powell]

Looking good, Mark. Do you have some acetate for a canopy?   

[Mark Scarborough]

Randy, that is one thing I havent found yet. Its actually kind of a really laiiiiiddddd back windscreen on the drawing I worked from. I have read about using two liter soda bottles and shrink molding. I was thinking of cutting a strip about 2 inchs wide and say 4 inchs long. putting some heavy spring clamps on the ends and draping it over a 1/2" dowel, then using my heat gun to soften it so it would get the shape in it. whatcha think, sound like it might work?, then trim it to shape and cut a sliver from the fuse to inset it. I really havent done much with canopies so its all an experiment. I did do vacuforming long years ago,,
I spent all last night getting the gear where I wanted it, and the shape of the spats right,, whew, what a chore!

[Randy Powell]

Mark,

That will probably work. Just cut up some clear, plastic bottles (soda or water bottles) and start screwing around with them. You'll come up with something usable.

[Mark Scarborough]

Just an update, all surfaces joined aligned and covered. Got the trim color on today it turned out ok for monokote I suppose. The cream is Monokote, and the Sky Blue is actually Ultracote. Incidently, I will say the Ultracote is really nice over the monokote. It is much easier to get it to lay down without bubbles and nonsense. Still to go, build tank, finish wheel spats, rig controls, rig wiggly rudder,,,,,, oh and break in the new LA 46, although the new one is silver, I almost think my blue one would look nicer on here? Right now it is looking VERY promising to be in the low 40 oz range all up. Of course I have been optimistic before,,,

Oh yeah, I still have to do a windscreen too Randy,,,

[john e. holliday]

I like it so far.  Now to see the finished product and hear the flying results.  Have fun,  DOC Holliday

[Leo Mehl]

Hey Mark I think it will fly as soon as you doll it up with flaps and stuff like that. See you there. Leo

[Mark Scarborough]

FLAPS, ah crap now ya tell me, I knew something was missing sheesh. Serious, Its coming out ok, I styled it after the Gee Bee Y model, but really it just kinda captures the flavor so to speak. It will be there in Puyallup, just hinging the flaps tonight, then to build a tank, mount the gear and spats, balance, break in the motor,,,,,,,,,,,,,
well if all else fails, I still have the P-40,

[Bill Little]

Hi Mark,

I forgot to tell ya!  I like it.

It should be a good flying model and it will look great in the air.

[Mark Scarborough]

Well here she is finished, this plane flew AWESOME. probably the best flying plane I have flown. flew it last weekend and fell in love, unfortunatly  hit some turbulance coming out of the second turn of the outside squares(probably turbulance in my brain ) and she smacked inverted, broke of right aft of the cockpit coaming, the hori stab split in the fuse . the wing is perfect, on litle flaw in the covereing. I will be rebuilding as soon as my balsa order comes in. Should be a fairly painless repair. LA 46 ran flawlessly, I used a 12 x 5 prop that started life as a 13x5 and I massaged it. Thanks to Pat Johnston for his help in solving my dilemas, and helping trim it. Incidently trimming consisted of breaking in the new motor, and adding a couple turns of rudder! All that saw it fly in Puyallup Sat commented on how good it was flying, to bad the same cant be said of the knucklehead pilot

[Bill Little]

Hi Mark,

So sorry to hear that you have to repair it so soon (or anytime for that matter!). It's a great looking model.  I have watched Kent Tysor (NATS Adv. Champ a couple years back)  here locally, and he backs up a step with every loop, etc., that he does, and steps back to the center as he exits the maneuvers.  I had been told to do that when it's calm, and I do, but he does it on every flight, regardless of thje conditions.  So far, it works for him because he doesn't suffer any turbulence problems.  I *might* start doing it myself!

[SQ8s]

The plane was and will soonbe a keeper again. Keep us updated on the repair(s)
The pavement was not hurt in anyway.

[Mike Lauerman]

Mark sent this post to me last night. I hadn't logged in for awhile, and missed this one.

What I Missed!!! Got it now...Great post, Mark. Love the fuse, and laminated tail circumference!

[Leo Mehl]

I like the egg crate construction. I see you will not be outdone by me. When are you starting on the third plane? I am doing three this winter.

[Mark Scarborough]

Leo, I am working on the 109, its almost ready for primer,, just basically the fillets left and the lift struts for the tail, minus humps and bumps for the cowlling. The profile 109 I built last year is minus flaps and its ready for finish, and Jessica and I are building a pair of Shark 402s as soon as my bench is cleared of the 109. Then I need to start a new classic plane for this year since my Oriental didnt survive.so,, let see thats 4 I think, the classic is undecided yet, I have several to choose from, an Argus, a Playboy, another Oriental, or a Sheeks 109,, hm decisions

[Bill Sawyer]

Mark,
    I have pieces of Uvex in 30 thousands that is left over from making canopies. I give these away in the Playboy kits for mixing epoxy. The thickness is actually just over 30 thou and holds up to the airflow very well. If you want some to try I will send it to you. Just let me know.

Bill Sawyer