Author Topic: Infant All-American (Read 4248 times)

minnesotamodeler · « **on:** October 20, 2008, 06:57:48 PM »

Here's my new project--an "Infant All-American" from a set of plans drawn up in England. 24.5" span, about120-130 squares? I plan to power it with a Cox production engine since it's so small--just about "Snapper"-size. It builds up just about like a big one, sheeted LE, capstripped ribs, formed alum. gear. Oughtta be cute.

I don't normally start the wing with the spars, but without a TE notch in the ribs I couldn't figure a way to insure they were aligned exactly fore-and-aft. Now I can drop the ribs onto the TE and glue 'em where they lay.

LARRY RICE · « **Reply #1 on:** October 20, 2008, 07:57:46 PM »

Ray, it is good to have you back.
Larry

minnesotamodeler · « **Reply #2 on:** October 21, 2008, 01:30:59 AM »

Thank you, Larry...not my old self yet for awhile, but getting there--maybe by Spring.

frank carlisle · « **Reply #3 on:** October 21, 2008, 05:59:22 AM »

It's great to see you back building Ray. It's a good sign.

Here is a picture of a building bar I use to put together cap stripped wings it works very well.

minnesotamodeler · « **Reply #4 on:** October 21, 2008, 08:49:22 AM »

My methods are a little more crude, but here's how I insure a square wing anyhow. A carpenter's square at the wingtip; a credit card aligned with the TE at the interior ribs. (Credit cards are reliably 90d. corners. I use the "sample" cards that come unsolicited in the mail. So they're good for something!)

Bill Adair · « **Reply #5 on:** October 21, 2008, 11:58:07 AM »

Ray,

Glad to hear you are doing better.

The All American is a real classic design, and I've always liked the looks. Hope your little version performs great!

Are plans available?

Bill

minnesotamodeler · « **Reply #6 on:** October 21, 2008, 01:31:51 PM »

Bill, I borrowed the plans from another modeller, at the moment I can't recall who--I'll have to go back through some threads/emails to find out. They were in the form of a removable center section of an old English magazine. I copied them and sent them back. All the dimensions/wood sizes are in mm, which makes it kind of an adventure in converting to REAL dimensions. I took a few liberties with it too, all in construction methods/wood sizes. I put a firewall for a Cox where the plans showed beam mounts. And I did put a little outboard offset into the engine mount that the plans don't show. And will probably add more tip weight, knowing about the designs penchant for coming in on takeoff. I left the considerable asymmetry in the wing since that's part of the charm of the design.

Ah...I believe it was Robert McHam down in Nebraska that was the source of the plans.

Bill Adair · « **Reply #7 on:** October 21, 2008, 02:46:14 PM »

Ray,

Thanks for the info.

I'd like to build one of those some day, but always thought the asymmetrical wing was a bit much for good ground handling.

Looking forward to your build progress!

Bill

frank carlisle · « **Reply #8 on:** October 21, 2008, 03:17:50 PM »

Please consider the sample credit card idea as stolen by myself. Thank you very much.

minnesotamodeler · « **Reply #9 on:** October 21, 2008, 06:20:49 PM »

You're most welcome. I'll pass along your gratitude to the fella I stole it from.

frank carlisle · « **Reply #10 on:** October 21, 2008, 06:35:36 PM »

While you're at it see if he has anything else worth stealing.

minnesotamodeler · « **Reply #11 on:** October 22, 2008, 04:19:31 AM »

Always.

frank carlisle · « **Reply #12 on:** October 22, 2008, 05:23:56 AM »

Just like Ali Baba's Cave Ray.
The model's nose sure looks like the Snapper's nose.

minnesotamodeler · « **Reply #13 on:** October 22, 2008, 08:52:44 AM »

Yep, several design points are common to both...this one uses an upright engine though, with planking on the bottom all the way out to the nose--sort of the Snapper turned upside down. I know the fuse looks inverted in the pics but it isn't, you're looking at the top.

minnesotamodeler · « **Reply #14 on:** October 22, 2008, 10:02:03 AM »

The wing, with TE, and half the LE sheeting. Controls go in next.

frank carlisle · « **Reply #15 on:** October 22, 2008, 03:41:19 PM »

Ahh.....I'm looking at the top!! That makes it a different plane for me. Thanks Ray. Nice work by the way.

minnesotamodeler · « **Reply #16 on:** October 27, 2008, 09:54:52 AM »

Completed wing, ready for insertion into the fuselage.

Kind of interesting, capstripping a 1/2A. With 1/8"-wide capstrips. Watchmaking, anyone?

minnesotamodeler · « **Reply #17 on:** October 28, 2008, 04:31:39 PM »

Next, the built-up elevator ready for hinging to the stab.

Also wing and fuse joined.

Last pic, a just-to-see-how-it-looks temporary fit (you do it too, you know you do).

Larry Renger · « **Reply #18 on:** October 28, 2008, 07:42:30 PM »

If you are going to kit this one, put me on the list!!!

minnesotamodeler · « **Reply #19 on:** October 29, 2008, 12:32:21 AM »

No plans to kit it, Larry...sorry.

minnesotamodeler · « **Reply #20 on:** October 30, 2008, 07:30:42 AM »

For Bill Adair,

I finally re-checked my email history and found that I received the plans from Jim Thomerson, not Robt. McHam as previously stated. My apologies to you and especially to Jim for my failing to giver credit where credit was due.

minnesotamodeler · « **Reply #21 on:** November 03, 2008, 10:55:04 AM »

Here's most of the bones, just a little more to it--block at fuse top, and cabin sides/windscreen.

Last picture shows my most extreme variation from the plan: Pushrod was shown exiting the top of wing, inboard of the fuselage. I took it out the bottom of the wing at C/L, thru the fuselage and out the back. A little neater I think.

Larry Renger · « **Reply #22 on:** November 03, 2008, 06:04:37 PM »

Is the elevator only hinged near the tips? I would think a third hinge near the control horn would be needed to prevent excessive flex.

Otherwise, it is a beautiful piece of work, and a realy nifty project! Keep us posted.

minnesotamodeler · « **Reply #23 on:** November 03, 2008, 07:47:46 PM »

Hi Larry, yup only 2 hinges--so far; enough to hold the elev. while I set up the controls. I will add at least 2 more before I'm done! Sewing them, they can be added at any time.

Thanks for the observation, and compliment. It is an interesting little build.

Ward Van Duzer · « **Reply #24 on:** November 04, 2008, 08:09:23 AM »

At 26 inch WS (140 Squares) you get the original Dmeco All American Junior.

Plans readily available.

Ward

minnesotamodeler · « **Reply #25 on:** November 04, 2008, 08:14:54 AM »

This is 23.5" span, around 120 squares, drawn up by some guy in England. Everything's in mms.

It is tiny; planning to use a Cox production engine in it.

Ward Van Duzer · « **Reply #26 on:** November 04, 2008, 08:19:46 AM »

Enjoy!

Mine has a Tee Dee and was a blast to fly. What with all the autographs, I've retired it! (There are 2 dozen or so autographs on the under side of all the top fliers at an older team trials!)

W.

minnesotamodeler · « **Reply #27 on:** November 06, 2008, 07:31:08 PM »

Final bones, ready for covering/finish. 5oz. as it sits, w/engine. Oughtta be able to finish it within another ounce, so weight will be good.

Bill Adair · « **Reply #28 on:** November 06, 2008, 08:28:39 PM »

Ray,

Outstanding!

Hope you get a warm spell soon, so we don't have to wait till next summer for the flying report!

Bill

frank carlisle · « **Reply #29 on:** November 07, 2008, 04:41:04 AM »

Bladder fuel tank Ray?

minnesotamodeler · « **Reply #30 on:** November 07, 2008, 05:49:22 AM »

Frank, Yes, floppy balloon... not very elegant but the things just work too well. I fuel-proofed the tank compartment with Goop before gluing on the top block; now just need to cut the access hole.

Bill, I don't think there's a chance of getting weather for a test flight this late in the year, this far north...we're expecting snow today/tomorrow. I'm operating on the premise that I have all winter to finish it.

minnesotamodeler · « **Reply #31 on:** November 07, 2008, 07:40:02 AM »

Well, it's official...snowing now, and beginning to stick. The official End Of Flying Season for 2008.

frank carlisle · « **Reply #32 on:** November 07, 2008, 07:49:50 AM »

I feel your pain Ray. The weather guy says snow by Sunday for Detroit.

Bill Adair · « **Reply #33 on:** November 07, 2008, 02:57:46 PM »

Ray,

I was walking the dog last night (at almost midnight), and it was so warm outside that I didn't need a sweater or jacket! Unfortunately, the ten day forecast shows overcast every day, with possible rain showers.

We like the relatively mild winters here in the NW, but frequent rain is the price we pay for all this beautiful greenery.

Thanks for the progress report.

I like those stitched hinges. Do you recommend any particular thread?

Bill

minnesotamodeler · « **Reply #34 on:** November 07, 2008, 07:01:28 PM »

Hey Bill, rub it in!!! When I was an Okie in another life, we flew all year round--fewer times in the winter of course, but you could count on a 50-60 d. day occasionally even in Jan. I don't even try, up here.

For 1/2A I use standard sewing thread I steal from my wife's stuff--there's not really any stress to speak of on hinges. I rub glue into them after sewing. Never had one fail. I hear some guys use Spiderwire, dental floss, etc.; always seemed like overkill to me for 1/2As. If I built bigger planes I would use heavier stuff.

Bill Adair · « **Reply #35 on:** November 07, 2008, 09:19:22 PM »

Ray,

No intent to rub it in, as there are times I'd gladly trade some of our rain, for a little of your cold weather.

I'm one of those cautious types, but cotton thread should be durable enough. Nylon is said to be sensitive to sun light, so I'd probably stay away from that.

Bill

Larry Renger · « **Reply #36 on:** November 07, 2008, 09:55:01 PM »

When the plane is finished, send it to me and I will happily test it for you here in sunny So. CA.

minnesotamodeler · « **Reply #37 on:** November 08, 2008, 06:34:17 AM »

Hee hee hee...Actually it's kinda tempting. If only I could fit myself into the box too.

frank carlisle · « **Reply #38 on:** November 08, 2008, 06:39:42 AM »

Maybe Larry Renger and the rest of the guys and me can get together at your place next summer Ray, and fly your planes till they're all broken.

minnesotamodeler · « **Reply #39 on:** November 08, 2008, 07:21:21 AM »

Consider it an open invitation!!!

I have walls full of airplanes, I can't get around to flying them all. Not to mention the "retired" ones in the garage, most still flyable. I can't bring myself to discard a flyable airplane.

See pics; you get the point.

frank carlisle · « **Reply #40 on:** November 08, 2008, 09:10:56 AM »

OMG!!

Wayne Collier · « **Reply #41 on:** November 09, 2008, 07:18:08 AM »

So this is how it works? Long winter/short summer you end up with a shop like Ray's -- stuffed with planes.
Long summer/mild winter, like here, and you end up with a shop stuffed with parts that used to be planes.

john e. holliday · « **Reply #42 on:** November 09, 2008, 08:14:41 AM »

The plane is looking great. I would say bring it to Kansas, but, it is freezing here. By the way how far from Duluth are you? Just a good days drive for me and the grandaughters. Have fun, DOC Holliday

minnesotamodeler · « **Reply #43 on:** November 10, 2008, 05:16:39 AM »

I'm in the Twin Cities area, John, I think about 100 miles from Duluth. I get up there sometimes, it's a great place to visit/vacation, being a Great Lakes port and all.

Wayne, it's even worse than it looks; there's another 15 or so hanging out in the garage, my "mothball fleet". Most of these have engines on them too, so I have engines that haven't been run in (literally) years--just can't get around to them all.

When I was a kid I didn't have this problem...pretty much one plane at a time. Engines too. Even when competing in my teens/20s, my brother and I maintained only 3 engines--a .40 for Rat Race and 2 .35s/.36s for combat. We smeared the .40 all over the asphalt at Lubbock once (left a hole too), so pressed the .36x into service for Rat as well as combat. Then my favorite old Blackhead .35 blew up, so we used that same .36x for all of our 4 entries in Rat/combat, spent all our time between matches/races frantically switching it from one plane to another. Hardest part was re-needling it each time for bladder (combat) or hard tank (Rat). That was one tired engine when we got home. We invested in a few spares after that.

Now I have a can full of engines that have never been run even once. Times do change.