Author Topic: Queen Bee Building (Read 18942 times)

bill marvel · « **Reply #50 on:** December 07, 2006, 08:05:21 PM »

Hey, Richard
I won't be able to start mine until after Christmas. Tell me a bit more about strengthening the 1/16" surfaces with CA. I've never done that.

Looking good! If I still lived in San Antonio, we could fly this weekend. (LOL)

regards
bill marvel

Richard Grogan · « **Reply #51 on:** December 08, 2006, 12:05:40 AM »

Quote from: bill marvel on December 07, 2006, 08:05:21 PM

Hey, Richard
I won't be able to start mine until after Christmas. Tell me a bit more about strengthening the 1/16" surfaces with CA. I've never done that.

Looking good! If I still lived in San Antonio, we could fly this weekend. (LOL)

regards
bill marvel

Hi Bill!
I just sand the LE and TE to the desired airfoiled shape, then hit it with very thin CA and it "smokes it way in like a sponge. It makes the now thin edges more durable and less likely to get dented after finishing. Makes the really soft balsa quiet rigid.

Yes its toobad you moved away. Its a pretty good drive from Houston, but I have my in-laws there in Windcrest, and I get that way more often than most. I doubt I'll get to fly mine til after Christmas either, Im goin on a road trip next week for a week.

All thats left on mine is to cover the wings, stickem on, and put on the motor. The wings were built tonite by themselves, practically!

Richard Grogan · « **Reply #52 on:** December 08, 2006, 11:21:52 AM »

well, it may be butt ugly, but it'll fly!!

At least it wont get lost under a cow paddy.

Whaa..? Doesn't everyone in Texas have a cow in their front yard??

Now I just gotta remember where I left that motor....

frank carlisle · « **Reply #53 on:** December 08, 2006, 01:08:23 PM »

Your Queen Bee looks very good Richard.
I finished that kitchen today and will work on my Queen Bee this weekend.

minnesotamodeler · « **Reply #54 on:** December 08, 2006, 02:45:02 PM »

Very nice. Do you know what it weighs?

--Ray

Richard Grogan · « **Reply #55 on:** December 08, 2006, 02:56:23 PM »

Quote from: frank carlisle on December 08, 2006, 01:08:23 PM

Your Queen Bee looks very good Richard.
I finished that kitchen today and will work on my Queen Bee this weekend.

Thanks Frank! Heres some of my old guys hangin' out with the new kid! I bet you could do the Red White and Blue scheme on your Bee,Frank!

Richard Grogan · « **Reply #56 on:** December 08, 2006, 03:10:32 PM »

Quote from: minnesotamodeler on December 08, 2006, 02:45:02 PM

Very nice. Do you know what it weighs?

--Ray

Ray,

My scales are out in the shop. Its cold!

I'll try to get it later tonite. I think its substantially lighter than the Pitts I've shown here!

I still need some smaller tubing to extend the tank vents/filler to the top. Either that, or start it on its side and hold it like that til launch!

minnesotamodeler · « **Reply #57 on:** December 08, 2006, 03:23:07 PM »

Richard, I'm thinking you could just plug the lower vent after filling, and surface tension would prevent the other from leaking...it would work kinda like a uniflow. Worth a try anyhow.

You did relocate the interior fuel line, right?

--Ray

Richard Grogan · « **Reply #58 on:** December 08, 2006, 04:09:16 PM »

Quote from: minnesotamodeler on December 08, 2006, 03:23:07 PM

You did relocate the interior fuel line, right?

--Ray

Yes, I did when I rotated the tank back.
I was thinking about doing something with some small brass tubing and some silver solder off of the fill lines, or maybe no solder and use short flexible connector line to the brass tubing... Just need to figure a way to support them and secure them from bending; maybe a bracket that straps behind the tank/firewall mount. I have the brass tubing and benders for it. I'll see what happens..

minnesotamodeler · « **Reply #59 on:** December 08, 2006, 04:35:31 PM »

You saw my rig, right? 'Way too complex, I think, but looks cool...kinda like a supercharger, huh?

--Ray

Richard Grogan · « **Reply #60 on:** December 08, 2006, 09:23:12 PM »

Quote from: minnesotamodeler on December 08, 2006, 02:45:02 PM

Very nice. Do you know what it weighs?

--Ray

2.1 oz. (59g) total weight. The little Cox Red Baron is 3.6oz (103g)
I gotta re-shrink that CG covering...

If I had cool tissue, I would re-do it instead of using this iron on crap..oh well...

minnesotamodeler · « **Reply #61 on:** December 09, 2006, 07:08:04 AM »

Very nice...mine came out at 2 oz. just about exactly, RTF. Considering the little engine weighs 1 oz., that ain't bad!

Re-shrink carefully; these little wings warp at a cross-eyed look.

--Ray

Richard Grogan · « **Reply #62 on:** December 09, 2006, 03:51:01 PM »

Quote from: minnesotamodeler on December 09, 2006, 07:08:04 AM

Re-shrink carefully; these little wings warp at a cross-eyed look.

--Ray

No kiddin!!I was cross-eyed

til today!!Just one of those things..

When I covered the wings it was like trying to cover a slab of rubber!

It was a constant battle with the shrinking.

Tissue and dope would make a better covering for sure, but would get too heavy if it wasnt pre-colored and you wanted a painted design lke this..I guess I'll just deal with it..fly it and shut-up!

Hey Frank, Leroy and Mike! Any progress on yours yet? Bills got an excuse so he'll be around later on. We hope to get some new/ fresh ideas from you fellows!!

Mike Spiess · « **Reply #63 on:** December 09, 2006, 04:05:56 PM »

What you say Where am I OHHHH What's that wonderful smell

I'm putting on some dope. Yes I'm sanding the wing. reminds me of building stabs for freeflight. Actually some were alot bigger.

Mike Spiess · « **Reply #64 on:** December 09, 2006, 04:07:48 PM »

Cool we have our own thread

minnesotamodeler · « **Reply #65 on:** December 09, 2006, 06:41:47 PM »

You don't suppose Robert's trying to shuffle us off in an out-of-the-way corner, do you?

--Ray

Richard Grogan · « **Reply #66 on:** December 09, 2006, 07:39:48 PM »

Quote from: minnesotamodeler on December 09, 2006, 06:41:47 PM

You don't suppose Robert's trying to shuffle us off in an out-of-the-way corner, do you?

--Ray

Feel the Love!!!!!!

minnesotamodeler · « **Reply #67 on:** December 09, 2006, 08:12:01 PM »

If we can just get Mike's head out of the dope can...and where'd Frank go?

frank carlisle · « **Reply #68 on:** December 10, 2006, 05:08:25 AM »

Frank's right here Ray. I've been looking for that package of Jap tissue I bought some time ago. It doesn't seem to want to be found.
I'm working on the Bee today.

RC Storick · « **Reply #69 on:** December 10, 2006, 07:47:50 AM »

Quote from: minnesotamodeler on December 09, 2006, 06:41:47 PM

You don't suppose Robert's trying to shuffle us off in an out-of-the-way corner, do you?

--Ray

I try to make everyone happy. You now have a place to post 1/2a stuff and arf stuff. The things I am setting up for the open building forum are things like the bell crank thread.

Richard Grogan · « **Reply #70 on:** December 10, 2006, 08:25:57 AM »

Quote from: Robert Storick on December 10, 2006, 07:47:50 AM

I try to make everyone happy. You now have a place to post 1/2a stuff and arf stuff. The things I am setting up for the open building forum are things like the bell crank thread.

If we can get everyone to start their threads in the appropriate catagory will be the true challenge!! I think its a great idea what your doing,old habits are hard to break though..My desktop shortcut goes directly to the general Open Forum, so thats where I've posted the most. I have created a new shortcut to the forum index list
and will re-train my method of madness of my first look-see!

minnesotamodeler · « **Reply #71 on:** December 10, 2006, 12:56:36 PM »

I wasn't complaining, Robert...just teasing. Maybe I need to learn to use those goofy emoticons. Thanks for the dedicated space.

--Ray

Richard Grogan · « **Reply #72 on:** December 10, 2006, 04:14:16 PM »

Quote from: frank carlisle on December 10, 2006, 05:08:25 AM

Frank's right here Ray. I've been looking for that package of Jap tissue I bought some time ago. It doesn't seem to want to be found.
I'm working on the Bee today.

Hey Frank!
I was looking for that pack of jap tissue too! Could'nt find it either!! had some cool Goldberg shrink so thats what I used.Big mistake

If you do tissue, I bet it ends up being the nicest one here so far

frank carlisle · « **Reply #73 on:** December 10, 2006, 04:57:13 PM »

Richard,
I can't find the darn tissue. I'll have to visit the LHS tomorrow.

The weather here was warm at 40 degrees and the wind was lite at about 15 mph. so instead of going downstairs and working on my Bee I went out flying.

Leroy Heikes · « **Reply #74 on:** December 11, 2006, 09:12:47 AM »

Hey Guys! I have almost finished the Christmas presents. So I should start mine soon. I'm thinking about using some Hallmark colored tissue. I have used it on a Dakota free flight and it looked good.

Leroy

frank carlisle · « **Reply #75 on:** December 11, 2006, 03:33:37 PM »

I'm working on my Bee tonite and I have a question.

HOW THE HECK DID YOU GUYS GET THE STRUT WIRES ON? AND AT WHAT POINT OF THE CONSTRUCTION DID YOU DO IT? GOT PICTURES?

I just tried pushing a T-Pin through the rib and coulldn't get it straight thru.

minnesotamodeler · « **Reply #76 on:** December 11, 2006, 03:54:02 PM »

Hey Frank,

You'll notice I mentioned that in the building note sheet. I think your T-pin is probably larger diameter than the .03 wire...I used a cut-off piece of the wire, just twisted it back and forth like a drill bit as I worked it through the tip rib. I doubted it would work but it did...and I know I'm no more skilled at building than you are!

As far as what construction stage, I did mine after the wings were covered, in fact after the lower wing was glued in place. You have to kinda watch the angle of the hole, but that can be adjusted after the fact by tweaking the wire itself.

If you think it's sort of a Mickey Mouse arrangement, direct your complaints to Mr. Scarinzi, not me. Me, I'm staying mum about it. I don't criticize other peoples' designs, hoping they'll refrain from criticizing mine in return. I don't think it always works though.

I suppose you could leave off the rounded tips, just leave 'em flat a la BiSlob, and make struts from a narrow strip of 1/32" ply. or something on the end. You might even get by with leaving them off altogether except then you won't have a leadout guide...always complications.

Good luck.

Hmmmmm...I was hoping the strut would show up better than this; best picture I have of it right now. It was done exactly as the original plans show, little bent tabs at the end and all.

--Ray

frank carlisle · « **Reply #77 on:** December 11, 2006, 06:15:59 PM »

Thanks Ray............I'll try "drilling" my way thru with the wire. The pin is about the same size as the wire but maybe the point and pushing it through is where I'm going wrong. Onward and forward.

I went to the Prop Shop today and picked up Japanese Tissue. Working with this stuff kind of puts a whole new light on free flight.

bob branch · « **Reply #78 on:** December 11, 2006, 07:42:51 PM »

Frank

You doing it in yellow so you can see it better after sunset when the wind goes down?

bob

Mike Spiess · « **Reply #79 on:** December 11, 2006, 08:11:13 PM »

Hey Frank is that tissue on there.

frank carlisle · « **Reply #80 on:** December 11, 2006, 08:49:29 PM »

Yes Mike,
That's tissue on there. Is that ok?

Richard Grogan · « **Reply #81 on:** December 11, 2006, 09:36:24 PM »

Nice job sofar Frank!! Are you using the same color tissue for the wings?
I'll be curious just how light it'll comes out at...Fun!

minnesotamodeler · « **Reply #82 on:** December 12, 2006, 01:13:33 AM »

Frank's just following tradition... if it's one of my planes, it has to be yellow.

--Ray

frank carlisle · « **Reply #83 on:** December 12, 2006, 04:12:19 PM »

AAARGH!! Man I don't know how you guys managed to push that strut wire through the end ribs.

I tried all four ribs and screwed up on every one of them. I just can't do it. And I'm tipping my hat to you guys that can.

Here is a picture of what I did to get it to work. It's a cop out for sure but hey.

I'm going to do the wings yellow too. Probably I'll try to get a black or red sunburst on them.

minnesotamodeler · « **Reply #84 on:** December 12, 2006, 09:26:40 PM »

Yup, that'll work fine. I thought about the same fix but opted to go with the original. Now yours will weigh 1/100 oz. more than the others.

--Ray

frank carlisle · « **Reply #85 on:** December 13, 2006, 03:52:12 AM »

Quote from: minnesotamodeler on December 12, 2006, 09:26:40 PM

. Now yours will weigh 1/100 oz. more than the others.

--Ray

I agonized over that wieght gain. Now it's going to be a porker.
Where do you get spider wire?

Leroy Heikes · « **Reply #86 on:** December 13, 2006, 05:53:50 AM »

Frank;
There is an easy way to get that wire through the end ribs. Drill the hole with pin vice and a micro drill. I have a selection of micro drills from when I was doing N- scale trains. We used to drill small holes so we could put real grab irons on the cars. I had to used a magnifying glass to make the little buggers, and then my cat would tear them off if I left the door open to the train room.

Leroy

frank carlisle · « **Reply #87 on:** December 13, 2006, 06:08:04 AM »

Hi Leroy,
I wish you would have posted that micro-bit tip a couple days ago!! At least you know what you're in for when you start your Bee.
So far that's been the only spot that's given me any real trouble except of course the fact that this whole plane is smaller than the average rudder I build.

minnesotamodeler · « **Reply #88 on:** December 13, 2006, 06:26:18 AM »

Frank,

Spiderwire is fishing line. I get mine at Wal-Mart. There are some other brands/types that work as well, I hear, but don't recall what they are. You want something with minimal "give" or stretch, if a salesman asks.

Leroy, maybe you could start a peripheral cottage industry drilling end-ribs for Queen Bees!

--Ray

Leroy Heikes · « **Reply #89 on:** December 13, 2006, 11:08:23 AM »

Hmmm!

I could be a subcontractor. I'll get my start with Queen Bee tip ribs, and then...

Well anyway there wouldn't be any steelwooling varnish.

Leroy

Mike Spiess · « **Reply #90 on:** December 13, 2006, 05:12:19 PM »

Hey Frank I love tissue on flat balsa parts it looks so neat. I once did it with some colored silk it really looked nice. I've slowed up a bit council meetting, choir and Xmas shopping.

Wow this Queen Bee kit is going to be big business withe paint stands and pre-drilled parts It'll have it's own economic impact.

frank carlisle · « **Reply #91 on:** December 14, 2006, 05:23:55 AM »

I like the tissue too Mike....................................

I have the wings almost ready to cover. The plan is to add somme black tissue paper trim.

Mike Spiess · « **Reply #92 on:** December 14, 2006, 04:36:10 PM »

I'm covering my wings now will paint the fuse this weekend. I have to get some paint for it. It's coming along kinda slow.

frank carlisle · « **Reply #93 on:** December 14, 2006, 06:21:00 PM »

I'm going slow too Mike. Didn't get home from work till 8 P.M. tonite. Looks like the Bee will have to wait till tomorrow. Hey it's winter here in Detroit anyway.

Mike Spiess · « **Reply #94 on:** December 14, 2006, 06:29:17 PM »

I might go flying Sat. forcast is calm winds and 45 for the high. Can't beat that here in Minnesota in Dec. I'll still paint my fuse.

frank carlisle · « **Reply #95 on:** December 14, 2006, 06:41:40 PM »

Flying sounds like a good idea. I went out last Sunday. Took my electric Smoothie the handle and lines and two batteries. It was nice not carting a bunch of gear.
I'm still going to work on my Bee too........BUT!!...........if we have the kind of weather you're expecting .........then ....Fly I must!!

frank carlisle · « **Reply #96 on:** December 16, 2006, 05:32:23 PM »

Well guys................I got a little further alomg with my Queen Bee.
All the parts are covered or painted.
Tomorrow I'm going to dope up the parts and add some black tissue paper stripes. Then it's show time for final assembly.

Working with tissue is a pretty delicate operation.

minnesotamodeler · « **Reply #97 on:** December 16, 2006, 07:39:14 PM »

Comin' right along...looks good. When you asemble it, remember to include the pushrod from the very first step...once you get it together it's too late.

Oh, Frank, I just looked at your "winter" video...pretty funny. No snow here at all, though, and none in sight. Very unusual winter so far. It's probably saving it all up, we'll get 5 feet dumped on us in Jan.!

--Ray

frank carlisle · « **Reply #98 on:** December 16, 2006, 07:48:39 PM »

Push rod first!! Got it...........

frank carlisle · « **Reply #99 on:** December 17, 2006, 05:31:48 PM »

I'm getting close to having my Bee ready for show and tell. I think I like wht I have. At first it seemed like a really bad idea but now that it's closer to being done the scheme is panning out.
It's tempting to post a picture now but it'll be better to show the assembled model.