Author Topic: Queen Bee Building (Read 18945 times)

Richard Grogan · « **on:** December 02, 2006, 04:13:18 PM »

I think this is Mike's and Frank's idea, but here, its started!

Ray,
I looked the kit over for the first time, its a class act! You used some iron on covering on yours, I think I'll do some lite tissue and dope. Did you use a filler on the solid surfaces, or just clear and color? I've already assembled it mentally; should be a very quick build. Great job!
Richard

minnesotamodeler · « **Reply #1 on:** December 02, 2006, 05:52:42 PM »

Hi Richard,

Yes, wings covered with lightweight film, applied over bare wood. The solid wood surfaces I finished in my usual way: 2 coats of Rustoleum primer, most of it sanded back off between coats; 2 coats of Rustoleum color--in the case of the QB, extremely light coats; really just enough to get the color opaque. I had to resist the temptation to put more paint on since it only takes a squirt of two to cover the whole plane! But I was concentrating on keeping it as light as possible.

This should be an interesting thread! I'm looking forward to seeing new methods from you guys.

--Ray

frank carlisle · « **Reply #2 on:** December 03, 2006, 12:07:33 AM »

I'm in. I'll get started about noon Sunday.

Mike Spiess · « **Reply #3 on:** December 03, 2006, 11:31:40 AM »

I've got to clean a project off the bench first but I plan on starting on Sun also.

frank carlisle · « **Reply #4 on:** December 03, 2006, 03:26:43 PM »

Darn!! I got involved with uploading video of Bi-Slob flying. I'll get mine started Monday after work. Let's post pics.

frank carlisle · « **Reply #5 on:** December 04, 2006, 10:02:33 AM »

O.K.!!

I cleared off a space on my bench.
Got the parts spread out.
Looks like an easy build!! Like one evening??

I'm starting tonite. Anybody with me?

Leroy Heikes · « **Reply #6 on:** December 04, 2006, 11:56:52 AM »

I'm going to try and start mine tonight also. I however will have to have delayed photos since I still do not have a digital camera.

Leroy

Richard Grogan · « **Reply #7 on:** December 04, 2006, 12:14:25 PM »

Quote from: frank carlisle on December 04, 2006, 10:02:33 AM

O.K.!!

Looks like an easy build!! Like one evening??

Unless your gonna use Ambroid!

I'm gonna try to tonite also, just need to find a clean flat area on the bench.lets see, I know there was a bench down there somewheres.....

Clancy Arnold · « **Reply #8 on:** December 04, 2006, 12:44:30 PM »

who needs a work bench for a Queen Bee. Just pull out a TV tray.

In place of a Queen Bee I built a IBTW Barnstormer.

Clancy

Richard Grogan · « **Reply #9 on:** December 04, 2006, 12:52:50 PM »

Quote from: Clancy Arnold on December 04, 2006, 12:44:30 PM

who needs a work bench for a Queen Bee. Just pull out a TV tray.

In place of a Queen Bee I built a IBTW Barnstormer.

Clancy

Thats a much better idea Clancy. Will do. Bsides, its cold out there in the shop!!

minnesotamodeler · « **Reply #10 on:** December 04, 2006, 03:33:20 PM »

Quote from: frank carlisle on December 04, 2006, 10:02:33 AM

O.K.!!

I cleared off a space on my bench.
Got the parts spread out.
Looks like an easy build!! Like one evening??

The little booger might surprise you. Ever try to assemble an old watch?

--Ray

Clancy Arnold · « **Reply #11 on:** December 04, 2006, 04:31:51 PM »

Again I suggest a TV tray. The turned up sides keeps the small parts from falling on the floor and getting swallowed up. What length lines are you planning to try.
Clancy

frank carlisle · « **Reply #12 on:** December 04, 2006, 05:11:26 PM »

O.K. it's 7 p.m. here in Detroit. I'm going to go work for an hour. I'll post a picture of what I get done.

Richard Grogan · « **Reply #13 on:** December 04, 2006, 05:35:44 PM »

Quote from: Clancy Arnold on December 04, 2006, 04:31:51 PM

. What length lines are you planning to try.
Clancy

Probably start around 17' and may go shorter...depends on what I hit in the yard!

Richard Grogan · « **Reply #14 on:** December 04, 2006, 06:02:57 PM »

Ok, So far I've noticed a second groove in the LE will have to be cut in for the center section to match the TE double grooves. No big deal...I can see the best way to get this thing right is to do your painting up front on the fuse before the control system/tail can be completed. I see what you mean about the old clock Ray!!

frank carlisle · « **Reply #15 on:** December 04, 2006, 06:52:34 PM »

I ran into the same situation with my wing Richard. No problem I am a modeler.
Anyway I don't want to turn this into a race.....it's too nice a model and it's snowing outside anyway. However I do have the wings done!!
I set up a jig to assemble them on. It didn't take too long but I didn't have any 3/32 stock for the jig so I stuck a piece of 1/32 onto a piece of 1/16.

My dog is being a pain in the butt!! He keeps wanting to go outside and it's because I always give him a milkbone when he comes back in. So he's trying to get extra treats by going in and out!! Hey!! I'm the master..................right???

Here are pix of the jig and the wings. I think I'll stop here for today.

#1 is jig....simple but dandy
#2 wing in jig
#3 wings

Richard Grogan · « **Reply #16 on:** December 04, 2006, 07:16:18 PM »

Nice job Frank. Looks like you did use Ambroid!
I haven't got that far yet. I am going to preshape the LE and TE a bit before it gets assembled. I pre-fit the fuse/MM together and have the hinges gluing for the elevator. I will most likely assemble the wings last. I will have all painting done before the final assemblies are done.You might have to open up the belcrank slot in the fuse a little before you paint/finish it.Its pretty close right now naked!
No foot race here either, just a leisure stroll in the ___________.

frank carlisle · « **Reply #17 on:** December 04, 2006, 07:22:31 PM »

Thanks for the heads up on the bellcrank mount Richard.
I guess tomorrow I'll get to work on the fuse and stab/elevator assembly.

If I can find that pack of jap tissue I'll cover my plane with that. I'm thinking wite wings and a yellow and black striped fuselage like a bumble bee.

Am I the only one here with a camera??
And where are the other guys??

Mike Spiess · « **Reply #18 on:** December 04, 2006, 07:39:58 PM »

Had to run a new cad5 cable for my computer tonight so I had to put off working on it . Tommorrow

!!!!!!

frank carlisle · « **Reply #19 on:** December 04, 2006, 07:59:32 PM »

There you are Mike!!!
Glad you're still on board with us.
It looks like it'll be about a two week build here at my house. Build definition is from start to having a model RTF.

I figure we should all just take our time.
So far the Queen Bee is a nice building little model. I guess an hour or two an evening should be easy enuff for me.

minnesotamodeler · « **Reply #20 on:** December 04, 2006, 09:50:15 PM »

Uh huh...so much for the "one-evening build" expectation! "Told ya so..." O, did I really say that?

Looks like a real good start. Did I leave out a slot in some of the LEs? Sorry...

--Ray

minnesotamodeler · « **Reply #21 on:** December 05, 2006, 01:21:56 AM »

Re: the bellcrank slot...don't open it up much, if any; it's supposed to be a close fit. The idea is that the 1/32" spacers on the bellcrank will be in near-contact with the edges of the slot, to guide the bellcrank and help keep it straight (level). If it "leans" very much it could hang up on the fuselage. Of course, you don't want a tight fit that drags, either.

Hope that's clear, doesn't seem so to me when I re-read it!

--Ray

Mike Spiess · « **Reply #22 on:** December 05, 2006, 05:37:07 AM »

I got it Ray.

Leroy Heikes · « **Reply #23 on:** December 05, 2006, 06:53:58 AM »

I spent all night trying to watch Frank's Bi-slob video, but it didn't work. So I didn't get started last night.

Leroy

frank carlisle · « **Reply #24 on:** December 05, 2006, 07:14:49 AM »

Don't worry we aren't moving too fast on the build Leroy.

You should put that digital camera on your Christmas list!!

Here is a link to all of the vids....Let me know how you like them.

http://www.putfile.com/frankcarlisle

Leroy Heikes · « **Reply #25 on:** December 05, 2006, 08:11:32 AM »

They just wont play on my machine at home, and putfile is blocked here. Maybe you could email them to me.

Leroy

frank carlisle · « **Reply #26 on:** December 05, 2006, 01:28:09 PM »

O.K. I can email them.

I won't be building on the Queen Bee tonite. Our model club is having elections and I'm going to attend the meeting.

Richard Grogan · « **Reply #27 on:** December 05, 2006, 02:50:09 PM »

Quote from: minnesotamodeler on December 05, 2006, 01:21:56 AM

Re: the bellcrank slot...don't open it up much, if any; it's supposed to be a close fit. The idea is that the 1/32" spacers on the bellcrank will be in near-contact with the edges of the slot, to guide the bellcrank and help keep it straight (level). If it "leans" very much it could hang up on the fuselage. Of course, you don't want a tight fit that drags, either.

Hope that's clear, doesn't seem so to me when I re-read it!

--Ray

The reason I suggest opening up the slot a little is that it already is too tight naked, and with the addition of primer/ paint- even sanded, it will drag. Maybe open it up and add a thin nylon washer on top and below to give it more guidance and stability from leaning. I noticed if you push the both MM triangles all the way back in their slots, it will lean and lock up; just have to work it til' all is clear then nail them down.Or cut the top slots rear out 1/32 or so and they will center up the dowel perfectly with no dragging...Its nothing a good modeler can't figure out though!

minnesotamodeler · « **Reply #28 on:** December 05, 2006, 03:04:46 PM »

Famous (infamous?) instructions: "Trim to fit."

Your're right, the triangular braces have to be adjusted "ever so slightly" fore-&-aft until the bellcrank pivot is vertical.

The smaller the model, the closer the tolerances.

--Ray

Richard Grogan · « **Reply #29 on:** December 05, 2006, 10:15:09 PM »

Well, I got the fuse ready for priming and painting. All of the finished edges such as rudder and stab/elevator LE and TEs are reinforced with thin CA due to the soft wood.I was thinking of doing the same thing with the fuse, as it is so tall and wants to flex with the grain. Some CF veil would come in handy about right now. If I can find some Jap tissue, I might hit it before the primer/paint. Images below are pre-sanding and pre primer stages.

Richard Grogan · « **Reply #30 on:** December 06, 2006, 04:38:03 PM »

Sanded off first primer, letting second coat dry. Will paint tonite, and build wing later. Thinking about beefing up the wing a little with a small dowel for a spar. Thinking of $kote on the wings..the weight might slow it a bit!

minnesotamodeler · « **Reply #31 on:** December 06, 2006, 06:11:10 PM »

Yes, watch the weight closely...I think you'll find the wings sufficiently rigid when linked together, without the addition of a spar. Only 11" span after all. Fuselage assy. looking good.

Say, I just noticed: How you gonna get the pushrod installed? I built mine around it. .031 wire, pretty flexible, I suppose it can be flexed around enough to get it in after the fact, but it's liable to be a struggle. Or maybe you can do a 3-piece with a wooden dowel and wire ends, and assemble it in place. Or if you're good with a soldering iron, a 2-piece wire. Or...sorry, I'll let you figure it out.

--Ray

Richard Grogan · « **Reply #32 on:** December 06, 2006, 06:42:18 PM »

it(the stab) wasnt glued in for the photo. It was easier to prime and sand without it attached. Its now all together and painted, paints drying as we write. All thats left is the wings, mounting the engine, and flying it!

minnesotamodeler · « **Reply #33 on:** December 06, 2006, 07:14:19 PM »

Cool. And I suppose in Houston, you still have flying weather. The world isn't fair...

--Ray

frank carlisle · « **Reply #34 on:** December 06, 2006, 07:17:47 PM »

Guys..........I'm sorry. I feel like I've punked out on you with this build.
I've been doing a kitchen makeover at a clients house for the past few weeks. I started the floor today and I'm just too tired when I get home to do anything but eat and go to bed.
I have to be out of there by 3 p.m. Friday, so I've been putting in some serious effort. My hands and legs ache like mad. The job is coming out seriously nice and I'm almost finished.
I'll try to get back to work on the Bee this weekend.

Richard your plane is looking very nice. You're quite a craftsman. You're doing us proud.

Ray your posts are great. By the time I get back to work on mine, you will already have posted detailed construction tips. How great it is to get a kit and then get tutoring from the guy that made it. Priceless.

Mike Spiess · « **Reply #35 on:** December 06, 2006, 08:29:29 PM »

Hey guys I've been at it tonight. I don't build that fast.

Mike Spiess · « **Reply #36 on:** December 06, 2006, 08:32:29 PM »

Her Ray what did you use for leadouts?

?

Richard Grogan · « **Reply #37 on:** December 06, 2006, 09:20:15 PM »

Lookin nice Mike! I think Ray is using Spyderwire tied straight to the BC. Thats what I intend to do anyway. This is kinda like a little box of candy; you eat a littlebit and try to close it, but taste so good, you gotta open it back up anbd get another piece, ect.....

Oh, I dont know whats happening with the colors of these files, but the color is actually a candy apple red, not the pukey orange-red Im getting here!

minnesotamodeler · « **Reply #38 on:** December 07, 2006, 12:48:24 AM »

Say Richard, that's quite a paint stand you've got there...and I love the pink!

Mike, the original called for lines directly to the BC, no leadouts at all. I tried several different approaches to using leadouts ahd wasn't happy with any of them, so I left this unchanged. It's partly the weight issue, and partly the LO guide arrangement--it's the only way a single guide (the loop inthe wire) would work without the lines interfering with each other. No connectors to snag each other, you see. So you just roll the lines up on the handle and rubber-band the whole thing to the wing after every flying session. Not an elegant solution but it works.

--Ray

Leroy Heikes · « **Reply #39 on:** December 07, 2006, 05:55:41 AM »

I'm still here readying, I'm in the middle of finishing Christmas presents, and have not started yet. I hope to this weekend. I have eleven nieces and nephews, and they all like stuff I build them. The boys are all getting little flight boxes and the girls treasure boxes. I have been busy staining and varnishing each one is finished differently and has there name on it.

Leroy

minnesotamodeler · « **Reply #40 on:** December 07, 2006, 09:02:37 AM »

Very cool...the plane will still be there (and we will be, too) when you're ready to start it. First things first.

--Ray

Richard Grogan · « **Reply #41 on:** December 07, 2006, 09:08:01 AM »

Quote from: minnesotamodeler on December 07, 2006, 12:48:24 AM

Say Richard, that's quite a paint stand you've got there...and I love the pink!

--Ray

Hey, its screwed to the motor mount just like the big boys! Its just a handheld version....

Uncle Leroy,
My hats off to you guy! I had an uncle that did for me as you are doing for yours; thats pretty special what your doing! The kit will be there when you get there.

RG

minnesotamodeler · « **Reply #42 on:** December 07, 2006, 09:16:00 AM »

Richard,

You do realize that hole your paint-stand screw is in, is meant for those little 1/16" dia. dowels--drill the holes through the balsa wedges, glue in the dowels, and the MM will be bulletproof.

Or, it could double as a paint-stand holder...

--Ray

Richard Grogan · « **Reply #43 on:** December 07, 2006, 11:31:14 AM »

Quote from: minnesotamodeler on December 07, 2006, 09:16:00 AM

Richard,

You do realize that hole your paint-stand screw is in, is meant for those little 1/16" dia. dowels--drill the holes through the balsa wedges, glue in the dowels, and the MM will be bulletproof.

Or, it could double as a paint-stand holder...

--Ray

Yep, I saw that on the notes sheet. I was gonna do it when I mount the motor, coat'em with epoxy. I made (sorta)triangular stock for the MM-to-fuse for primary rigidity of the mount. I will use the dowel pins as a second measure of safety.

I was thinking of selling these paint stands, whatdaya think??

Mike Spiess · « **Reply #44 on:** December 07, 2006, 02:00:45 PM »

I aready have a hundreds of them paint stands

Got it on the leadouts. Thanks guys.

minnesotamodeler · « **Reply #45 on:** December 07, 2006, 02:39:54 PM »

Betcha yours ain't pink, though.

Mike Spiess · « **Reply #46 on:** December 07, 2006, 04:13:35 PM »

Look at the tissue I found in my stash.

Mike Spiess · « **Reply #47 on:** December 07, 2006, 04:19:46 PM »

The tissue is ging on the wings. I used spider wire for the hinges it just workes better for me. Ray this kit fits so well its realy fun. And sharing it online makes it even more fun.

Richard Grogan · « **Reply #48 on:** December 07, 2006, 05:00:25 PM »

Quote from: Mike Spiess on December 07, 2006, 04:19:46 PM

The tissue is ging on the wings. I used spider wire for the hinges it just workes better for me. Ray this kit fits so well its realy fun. And sharing it online makes it even more fun.

You must be Speedy Gonzalles Mike! Looking really nice. Are you conna apply the tissue as checkerboard, or as diamonds?..

Oh, and do you need one of my new, custom finished handheld painting stands? I was going to try and make a deal with Ray to include one in each kit, but it would drive the price of the kits up too much!!

minnesotamodeler · « **Reply #49 on:** December 07, 2006, 05:42:05 PM »

Mike, I actually used sewn hinges on mine too. I just figured it was easier to include cloth hinges than a needle and thread in each kit!

I like the tissue too. You are going to shape those leading and trailing edges a little first?

Hmmmm...thought you could see the sewn hinges in this pic but I guess not. Well, take my word for it.

Richard, I think you probably need to establish a franchise system to market that paint stand...my little operation would just hold you back.

--Ray