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Building Tips and technical articles. => ARF'S => Topic started by: Ralph Wenzel (d) on June 19, 2008, 03:19:11 AM
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I know Steve has sold a bunch of these. Has anyone actually built (assembled) one and flown it?
Results? Recommendations? Modifications? Weight? Engine choice?
Ralph
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As soon as the shop is finished, maybe. Looked at the parts and it looks great. A lot better than I can/could ever do. DOC Holliday
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For those who have not been fortunate to see one of steve Moons new offering it is a treat. First off is the presence of real maple mounts, a front end that will actually stay together and an open construction that makes it so easy to drop the tank in from the front in a hassle free manner. the cowl is fibreglass and will fit flush with the bottom, not like those ugly T/F cowls. Controls are Tom Morris type with differential horn cranks. Control is not 1:1 though but I don't think that it is very problimatical as my Noblers don't have it either.they consisit of Morris type bellcrank, c/f pushrods, very nice fitting for the rods and Rocket city type ball links, very meaty and have a very good fit to them. Construction is conventional and the wood is very good, most glue joints that I saw were done well, but the glue type is unknown. It is not however, hot glue, as many think that all arf's use it.
I'll be starting mine as soon as the current project gets off the bench. Power will be a Brodak 40 and I'll paint directly over the SLC covering. Oh did I mention that the thing is reasonably light and straight and the wing has weight box and adjustable L/O and the covering on all surfaces was well applied and had no wrinkles anywhere when the box was opened.
I would say that we are looking at a 2nd generation arf. Your inputs are apparently being listened to and changes are being made for the better.
Dennis
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Dennis,
Just a comment and not trying to start the old BOM war, but I thought that "officially" you had to cover the plane for appearance points, not just paint it n~. Could be wrong, or even you might not care.....
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Most places are dropping appearace points from what I see on contest flyers. Some are having pilots choice or concours awards. Besides I think I can make up the few points I might get. Just need to concentrate more on having fun. DOC Holliday
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Dennis,
Just a comment and not trying to start the old BOM war, but I thought that "officially" you had to cover the plane for appearance points, not just paint it n~. Could be wrong, or even you might not care.....
Alan,
Not a problem to me as I have no desire to ever enter a contest at this point of my life.I like the opportunity to try the new toys as they become available without having to ever worry about it's eligibility in any meet.
But I will say this and don't hang me for it, The wind does seem to be shifting with the exception of the nats or other national meets BOM is gradually being relaxed. whether this is a good thing or not is not a concern to me but I do find it interesting.
Dennis
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Just look at some of the contests that are run around the world in other countries using the FAI rules. A lot of great looking planes out there. There are those that can build, those that can finish, those that can design and finally those that can do all three. Me, I just get by. DOC Holliday
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Thanks for the nice comments guys, that's what really makes
this endeavor worthwhile. These things are flying off the shelf,
I only have about 30 left. I'm really looking forward to seeing
some pics of completed ships. Let's see what y'all got out there!
Steve
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Anyone have their GN flying yet? I just unpacked mine in anticipation of getting it started. I'm planning to apply silkspan over the SLC. Upon close inspection I found a few areas ( limited to the flaps and a few locations on the wing) where SLC covering either has trapped air bubble or small wrinkles or has lifted from the wood- has anyone else encountered this? I will need to reseal- but have not worked with SLC covering before-is it easier if I use a hot air gun with a cloth to apply pressure or use the sealing iron? How much heat does SLC need?
Have not decided on engine yet- first choice is B40 - alternate is my great running ceramic P&L Fox35 currently installed in my Smoothie or the new EVO36 ( not yet broken in)
Lyle
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I have an unopened, boxed component UHP Gieseke Nobler for sale. PM me if interested or look in the classifieds.
Chris...
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Where does it balance???
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I just checked the full size plan which came from my unbuilt Top Flight GN kit - CG shows as 12 inch back from the fwd edge of the nose ring. That is also 3'' back from the LE- where the F-9 plywood former / LG mounting bulkead is located.
Lyle
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Thanks Lyle, I didn't see it in the instructions with the component kit.
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I am at the point of making the flap/elevator pushrod.I notice that there is no provision for an adjustable elevator.
How are the rest of you folks handling this or is there something I'm not seeing.
Thanks
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I don't have mine flying yet, but I've got it all together. Went together very nicely. I decided to try covering the SLC that is on the plane with silkspan using Minwax Polycrylic thinned with isopropyl alcohol. Same technique Brad Walker described for applying silkspan over SLC in his T-Rex CLW article and I believe here on one of the threads. I was really happy with how it turned out especially after applying clear dope over it this last weekend. Have to admit to having been a bit nervous about applying the dope over all this since I've never used this finishing method before. Turned out the worry wasn't warranted. After this one, I'm very eager to get some SLC and use this method one some other projects as well.
Now I just need to get the colors and final clear coats on it, go break in the engine - Saito 30 and go have some fun with it.
Mark