Author Topic: Drop Nose Crossfire XL (Read 8654 times)

Tom Luciano · « **on:** September 18, 2016, 07:20:03 PM »

Hey All,
  I wanted to share my first real stunter with you!

   In October of 2014 Bob Hunt invited me to his home and pulled a bunch of plans out and asked what I was interested in building. I had mentioned I liked the Crossfire. He said he had a variant that he drew. When he unrolled it, I just fell in love with the look! First and foremost I want to thank Bob for his help and patience in building this. I have been building models since 8 years of age but I never built anything like this. Bob walked me through his techniques of building. It was a very enlightening experience. So, after a year of heading to Bobs on Saturday mornings I had finished the wood work. Early May I finally brought it home to start the finish. I elected to go with a Dope finish due mostly to my inexperience with painting a model. I figured I had a little more breathing room in the case I got a little trigger happy with the spray gun. I will say, I have a new respect for you gentlemen who put out 18+ airplanes. It is a tremendous amount of work to put that kind of finish on a plane and keep the weight down. BIG KUDOS!!

  As she sits right now it weighs 48.8oz. less battery, ESC, and Timer. I will start with a FM-9 timer and move on to a Igor system over the winter. Right now it has an Igor 11 inch propeller. I project a 64oz. ready to fly model.

  Still needs some finish on the wheel pants and some color on gear plates and tip box cover. For my first full blown finish I am very pleased with how it came out. I will credit Windy and his tapes, Sparky videos, and a bunch of guys here for the help on getting me through the finish process. All the answers are here if your willing to look and learn!

  Hope you like it. I just love the look of this plane

Tom Luciano · « **Reply #1 on:** September 18, 2016, 07:21:40 PM »

Tom Luciano · « **Reply #2 on:** September 18, 2016, 07:23:04 PM »

Tom Luciano · « **Reply #3 on:** September 18, 2016, 07:23:58 PM »

Tom Luciano · « **Reply #4 on:** September 18, 2016, 07:25:08 PM »

Tom Luciano · « **Reply #5 on:** September 18, 2016, 07:26:06 PM »

Frank Imbriaco · « **Reply #6 on:** September 18, 2016, 07:36:40 PM »

A real beauty ! Can't wait to see it fly !

Chris Cox · « **Reply #7 on:** September 18, 2016, 07:47:47 PM »

Nice job Tom. If it flies half as well as my Crossfires, you are going to be very pleased!

Crist Rigotti · « **Reply #8 on:** September 18, 2016, 09:31:54 PM »

Nice! Really like the paint scheme!

Joseph Daly · « **Reply #9 on:** September 19, 2016, 06:00:32 AM »

Very nice Tom! It looks very good and I cant wait to see it fly. Good luck with it.

Joe

jfv · « **Reply #10 on:** September 19, 2016, 07:47:39 AM »

Very nice. I like what you did to the nose.

Tom Niebuhr · « **Reply #11 on:** September 19, 2016, 08:03:45 AM »

Tom,
Looks like a 20 pointer to me!!!

Randy Cuberly · « **Reply #12 on:** September 19, 2016, 11:27:24 AM »

Wow, I would say you're right up there with the guys that do those 18-20 point finishes!

Tremendous work!

Randy Cuberly

Vincent Judd · « **Reply #13 on:** September 19, 2016, 05:08:35 PM »

Tom, what a nice job. Your paint job is beautiful. I really like the Thunderbird theme. Congrats. Can't wait to hear a flight report. Funny story, I started building a drop nose Crossfire just around the same time as you.

I am "stuffing" my Crossfire right now and to be honest, it's giving me fits. Kind of like the old "10 pounds of poop in a 5 pound bag" kind of thing. I was curious how and where you mounted all of your electronics. Did you use Bob's battery tray? Where did you put your ESC, timer, arming plug, starting button, stuff like that? If it's not too much trouble, can you please give us a look "under the hood"? A couple of interior fuselage pictures would be greatly appreciated and would help me greatly.

I actually built a cowl on the bottom of my fuselage to make it easier to get access to all of the electronics. Like I said, it's driving me insane.

Did you choose a Cobra motor or something else?

One of the things that Bob was concerned with because of the drop nose was the prop clearance. I ended up going with a 3 bladed prop. I'm guessing you just made your gear long enough to give you the clearance that you need.

Very nice.

Thanks

Vince

Tom Luciano · « **Reply #14 on:** September 19, 2016, 08:30:42 PM »

Guys,
Thank you so much for the positive responses. This finish had its challenges and flaws. I can't express enough what a nice feeling it is to have some appreciate the effort that goes into this stuff. Like I said I have a new respect for those guys who are constantly at or near the front row.

Vince,
I just started laying out the tray for all the gear. I will post something when I have something to show. I made the gear long enough to go to a 12" prop if I need to. Yes, I went with the Cobra. I also need to make grass gear for it. My practice facility is all grass.

Thanks again,
Tom

Matt Colan · « **Reply #15 on:** September 20, 2016, 09:51:56 PM »

Beautiful job Tom! I love it!

Randy Powell · « **Reply #16 on:** September 21, 2016, 04:49:49 PM »

My, that's pretty.

jfv · « **Reply #17 on:** September 21, 2016, 06:30:55 PM »

Tom:

Is the graphic on the rudder a decal that you made?

wwwarbird · « **Reply #18 on:** September 21, 2016, 06:37:41 PM »

That looks GREAT!

Tom Luciano · « **Reply #19 on:** September 21, 2016, 07:03:56 PM »

Wow! Thanks Guys!
Jim,
Rudder is all paint. The plane has 4 waterslide decals on it. The two International flags, the American flag, and the small name plate with my AMA,FAA numbers. In hindsite I would have painted the American flag as well. Colors would have been more vibrant. Not sure if I would have been able to make a mask with that small of stars.

Tom

Tom Luciano · « **Reply #20 on:** September 22, 2016, 04:37:53 AM »

I found a better angle of the front end. Looks tough!

Tom

Andre Ming · « **Reply #21 on:** September 22, 2016, 04:42:02 AM »

That is a beautiful airplane and your craftsmanship comes shining through! Love the scheme.

Shame about the electric part.

Andre

Avaiojet · « **Reply #22 on:** September 22, 2016, 01:36:17 PM »

The model looks flawless, you did a tremendous job with it.

Ya gotta love those international flags, bet we'll be seeing more of them.

OUTSTANDING!!

Charles

George Albo · « **Reply #23 on:** September 22, 2016, 02:21:16 PM »

That is an awesome aircraft and an equally awesome finish. Impeccable workmanship. How did you finish it? What did you put on it? Did you really think you were going to make a post of such an amazing plane and not get a bunch of questions??? Great job!!!!

I should be so competent.
George

john e. holliday · « **Reply #24 on:** September 22, 2016, 03:09:29 PM »

That last picture of the gorgeous plane make me think that it is thinking, "Get out of my way, I mean business". Would love to see it in person.

Shug Emery · « **Reply #25 on:** September 22, 2016, 04:26:29 PM »

Stunning and shiny! Did you use silkspan of polyspan? Is the wing a foam wing?
Can't wait for a flight report.
Whooooooo Buddy)))))))
Shug

Tom Luciano · « **Reply #26 on:** September 22, 2016, 07:28:15 PM »

Andre,
Pssst, shhh, don't tell the stunt guys I'm a silk and dope, castor sniffing, Nitro breathing, vintage combat plane guy!

George,
It's all Randolph Dope except the red, which is sig.

Shug,
Bob Hunt foam wing which is perfect.
Whole structure was covered in Carbon Veil.

My finishing method is a combination of everything I learned from reading here, from Powell, Scarborough, Sparky, PTG, Hunt, Windy, etc.

The Pictures are definitely flattering.

Again, thanks for the support. It was a long haul!

Thanks,
Tom

Bob Hunt · « **Reply #27 on:** September 23, 2016, 03:39:30 AM »

Quote from: Tom Luciano on September 22, 2016, 04:37:53 AM

I found a better angle of the front end. Looks tough!

Tom

Yikes, Tom, clean your shop!

Bob Hunt

Robby Hunt · « **Reply #28 on:** September 23, 2016, 06:36:23 AM »

Quote from: Bob Hunt on September 23, 2016, 03:39:30 AM

Yikes, Tom, clean your shop!

Bob Hunt

30+ plus years ago I believe there was a similar shop scene with a "thunderbird" the result, right Bubba?

Avaiojet · « **Reply #29 on:** September 23, 2016, 06:58:23 AM »

Tom,

There's so much detail, you even have removable wheel pant halves so you can service and change tires. Great!

I really would have liked to seen a build on this particular model.

Flying art.

Double outstanding!

Charles

Tom Luciano · « **Reply #30 on:** September 23, 2016, 09:28:05 AM »

Ya know, I tried to get the best angle to not show the disaster in the shop! I won't work on the plane until it's clean. If I don't you know I'll put a dent in it. Right now the benches have Vintage Combat planes and engine's scattered about. Probably take me a week to get the shop in order. So first flight is probably 2 weeks away if winter doesn't come early.

T

Tom Luciano · « **Reply #31 on:** September 23, 2016, 02:00:04 PM »

Thanks Charles.
The split wheel pants was a Hunt idea. He really has the building aspect down. Between jigs for alignment and the tru-fit fuselage system, I left there each week saying to myself that these techniques were easy, logical and removed the TLAR
Thanks,
T

Skip Chernoff · « **Reply #32 on:** September 23, 2016, 08:01:47 PM »

Very nice plane! Congrats on a fine build....PhillySkip

Bob Hunt · « **Reply #33 on:** September 24, 2016, 06:51:16 AM »

Quote from: Robby Hunt on September 23, 2016, 06:36:23 AM

30+ plus years ago I believe there was a similar shop scene with a "thunderbird" the result, right Bubba?

I have no idea what you are talking about, Rob. Just remember, you stand to inherit lot of fantastic balsa and tools, so think twice before dropping the dime on anyone...

Dad

Mark Scarborough · « **Reply #34 on:** September 24, 2016, 11:36:14 AM »

Quote from: Bob Hunt on September 24, 2016, 06:51:16 AM

I have no idea what you are talking about, Rob. Just remember, you stand to inherit lot of fantastic balsa and tools, so think twice before dropping the dime on anyone...

Dad

Hey BOb,
if the lad does not show proper respect, I can fill in, and my house is on the way to his, so just drop the stuf off here where it will be treasured,,
If you do I promise to not be the last one to get my column in?

Robby Hunt · « **Reply #35 on:** September 24, 2016, 12:18:16 PM »

Quote from: Mark Scarborough on September 24, 2016, 11:36:14 AM

Hey BOb,
if the lad does not show proper respect, I can fill in, and my house is on the way to his, so just drop the stuf off here where it will be treasured,,
If you do I promise to not be the last one to get my column in?

"You just keep thinkin' Butch, that's what you're good at."
-The Sundance Kid

Larry Wong · « **Reply #36 on:** September 24, 2016, 12:30:28 PM »

What's the difference between XL and Drop nose? I've built 2 and one had wing gears and the other was tricycle both flew great you will love it , I like your color scheme T-Bird

RC Storick · « **Reply #37 on:** September 24, 2016, 01:14:41 PM »

Great job! I didn't comment before because I thought it was Bob's plane. Nice color scheme.

Tom Luciano · « **Reply #38 on:** September 24, 2016, 02:18:00 PM »

Thanks Guys!

I'm sure Bob will chime in but this is what I know. Taking the original glow version out of the equation. I don't know if that is the same as his first electric version.

electric version Number 1 was the ship that Bob had in 2011 and 12 with different paint schemes due to a incident at the Nats.

He then came out with the XLTC version. The XL had a longer wing and nose moment, not sure of tail. The TC was for the Tricycle landing gear.

The version that I have is the XL size and the thrust line has been dropped to 1/4" of the wing centerline.

Tom

Steve Helmick · « **Reply #39 on:** September 24, 2016, 03:17:54 PM »

Tom, it looks wonderful! I love the Thunderbird paint scheme...reminds me of Mike Haverly's "Freedom 45s"...plural because he built two of them, and is still plagued with one of 'em.

I'm wondering if Bubba could post a picture of the TC version. I'd like to see that. IMO, jet-styled stunters need trike gears. But maybe that's just me?

Steve

Bob Hunt · « **Reply #40 on:** September 24, 2016, 04:10:11 PM »

Quote from: Steve Helmick on September 24, 2016, 03:17:54 PM

Tom, it looks wonderful! I love the Thunderbird paint scheme...reminds me of Mike Haverly's "Freedom 45s"...plural because he built two of them, and is still plagued with one of 'em.

I'm wondering if Bubba could post a picture of the TC version. I'd like to see that. IMO, jet-styled stunters need trike gears. But maybe that's just me? Steve

What! Use this as an excuse to show off one of my planes! Hey, no problem! Bubba

Steve Helmick · « **Reply #41 on:** September 24, 2016, 04:23:32 PM »

Thanks, Bubba! I likey! And no bronze paint?

Steve

Bob Hunt · « **Reply #42 on:** September 25, 2016, 07:06:56 AM »

Quote from: Steve Helmick on September 24, 2016, 04:23:32 PM

Thanks, Bubba! I likey! And no bronze paint? Steve

Hi Steve:

Yeah, I've put the bronze paint away for a while. I intend to paint my planes red, white, and blue until our country gets back on a path I can support. I hope to be able to get the bronze out again soon...

Here are a few more images of the XLTC variant. By the way, plans for the Crossfire are available from me.

Later - Bob

Bob Hunt · « **Reply #43 on:** September 25, 2016, 07:17:28 AM »

By the way, I've been remiss in congratulating Tom Luciano for an amazing effort in building his first "serious" CL Stunt model. It is gorgeous, and more importantly, it's light! It should fly very well, and I'm looking forward to the trimming sessions.

Tom was a great guy to have in the shop over last winter. He absorbs information at a staggering rate and applies what he learns immediately. He also brought great coffee to every session!

Attached are a couple of shots of the first electric Crossfire in its second finish scheme.

Later - Bob Hunt

Bob Hunt · « **Reply #44 on:** September 25, 2016, 07:32:14 AM »

Here are couple of shots of the first electric Crossfire in its first trim scheme...

Bob

Shawn Lenci · « **Reply #45 on:** September 25, 2016, 10:45:51 AM »

Quote from: Bob Hunt on September 25, 2016, 07:06:56 AM

Yeah, I've put the bronze paint away for a while. I intend to paint my planes red, white, and blue until our country gets back on a path I can support. I hope to be able to get the bronze out again soon...

Bob...that sounds like a lot better way of making your point about the condition of our country than the J@(&@$$ quarterback we have out here in California. I wish your airplanes could have as much influence on our nation as a 3rd rate, spoiled brat, chip on his shoulder, NFL football player.

Shawn

RC Storick · « **Reply #46 on:** September 25, 2016, 11:57:49 AM »

Quote from: Shawn Lenci on September 25, 2016, 10:45:51 AM

Bob...that sounds like a lot better way of making your point about the condition of our country than the J@(&@$$ quarterback we have out here in California. I wish your airplanes could have as much influence on our nation as a 3rd rate, spoiled brat, chip on his shoulder, NFL football player.

Shawn

Easy solution to the NFL is refuse to watch or support games until they stand.

Here is a resized picture of Tom's plane

Avaiojet · « **Reply #47 on:** September 25, 2016, 02:17:56 PM »

Ohhhhhhhhhh My Gosh!

Am I missing out. I could be building a great Crossfire instead of the junk I'm working on.

Tom,

Here's a color improvement on Robert's enlarged photo.

WOW! What a model!

Gerald Arana · « **Reply #48 on:** September 25, 2016, 04:14:12 PM »

Quote from: Shawn Lenci on September 25, 2016, 10:45:51 AM

Bob...that sounds like a lot better way of making your point about the condition of our country than the J@(&@$$ quarterback we have out here in California. I wish your airplanes could have as much influence on our nation as a 3rd rate, spoiled brat, chip on his shoulder, NFL football player.

Shawn

I couldn't agree with you more Shawn! And you're right Sparky; don't watch the games where players disrespect our country...........which by the way was/is the reason they can play FB and become "RICH" in the process. Can you name another country where they "get rich" playing a game?

Neither can I.

OBTW Shawn, you're too kind! LOL!

See you at GS, GA

john e. holliday · « **Reply #49 on:** September 25, 2016, 04:24:23 PM »

Bobby you can post pictures of the flying stable for the old DOC any time.