Author Topic: More Bones (with more pics) (Read 3842 times)

Randy Powell · « **on:** September 07, 2009, 07:34:23 PM »

I thought the other topic was getting a bit long so I'll start a new thread.

So, here is the beast mostly together. Still need a landing gear and control surfaces. The cowl is roughed in along with some other odds and ends. Weight as it sits there (with engine and spinner but that's all) is 36oz. No lightweight, but not too bad. Still on the target weight of 50oz. Please, no comment on the silly cowl. I'm still not convinced I shouldn't just cut the little tongue off, but it looks sorta cool, so I'll think about it.

Steve Helmick · « **Reply #1 on:** September 07, 2009, 07:59:48 PM »

That little doodad on the cowl reminds me of a "widow's peak". That where the natural hairline forms a point in the center of the forehead. Not real common. It also reminds me of the little thing at the nape of the neck that was popular in the '50's, which we called a "duck's butt", but I'm not sure what the correct name was. But I kinda like it, too.

The new plane looks good! The one thing I didn't like about the Slider was the blunt edge of the air intake into the cowl. This looks narrower...narrower yet would be my suggestion. I'll look forward to seeing it out at the circle.

Steve

Leo Mehl · « **Reply #2 on:** September 07, 2009, 08:03:38 PM »

Quote from: Steve Helmick on September 07, 2009, 07:59:48 PM

That little doodad on the cowl reminds me of a "widow's peak". That where the natural hairline forms a point in the center of the forehead. Not real common. It also reminds me of the little thing at the nape of the neck that was popular in the '50's, which we called a "duck's butt", but I'm not sure what the correct name was. But I kinda like it, too.

The new plane looks good! The one thing I didn't like about the Slider was the blunt edge of the air intake into the cowl. This looks narrower...narrower yet would be my suggestion. I'll look forward to seeing it out at the circle. Steve

At least he is building, what are you doing?

Randy Powell · « **Reply #3 on:** September 07, 2009, 11:04:18 PM »

Steve,

The idea was to restrict the air going in. But I agree, it's looked kinda stupid. So this one has they same thing but it's internal.

Claudio Chacon · « **Reply #4 on:** September 08, 2009, 11:49:12 PM »

Quote from: Randy Powell on September 07, 2009, 07:34:23 PM

I thought the other topic was getting a bit long so I'll start a new thread.

So, here is the beast mostly together. Still need a landing gear and control surfaces. The cowl is roughed in along with some other odds and ends. Weight as it sits there (with engine and spinner but that's all) is 36oz. No lightweight, but not too bad. Still on the target weight of 50oz. Please, no comment on the silly cowl. I'm still not convinced I shouldn't just cut the little tongue off, but it looks sorta cool, so I'll think about it.

Randy,
Do not even think about cutting that tongue off or it will ruin all that inspired and beautiful carving job. I like it a lot.
When painted, that cowl will be an eye catcher...I enjoy when I see this kind of special details in a stunter.
That's the way I see it...

Randy Powell · « **Reply #5 on:** September 09, 2009, 10:16:53 AM »

Hi Claudio,

It's growing on me. It's not quite what I envisioned. Had to compromise to get the engine to fit. but overall, it's pretty slick looking.

John Miller · « **Reply #6 on:** September 09, 2009, 10:42:20 AM »

I believe the cowl carving resembles a Polynesian War face I've seen pictured somewhere.

I'll bet you dreamed it up after you returned from Hawaii

Dennis Adamisin · « **Reply #7 on:** September 09, 2009, 11:12:04 AM »

THe cowl is COOL and shall inspire the name:

MING THE MERCILESS

Mark Scarborough · « **Reply #8 on:** September 09, 2009, 12:34:58 PM »

Randy,
those pesky engines always get in the way,, I mean really, think about all the awesome cooling vents and intakes you could whittle up if you didnt have to worry about that pesky cylindar head sticking out !
Go ELECTRIC,, your kid doesnt need to finish school,,, lol,,

serious, I do like the cowl, its different,,

Randy Powell · « **Reply #9 on:** September 09, 2009, 01:18:17 PM »

>>I'll bet you dreamed it up after you returned from Hawaii<<

Actually, I think I dreamed it up after watching the movie, The 300.

Maybe I'll call it Thermopylae.

Matt Colan · « **Reply #10 on:** September 09, 2009, 01:44:40 PM »

First off Randy, leave that cowl alone. Second, that plane looks absolutely great from the front. Did you have any sort of inspiration from a prievious jet styled plane designed. It looks sooooo cool!

Randy Powell · « **Reply #11 on:** September 09, 2009, 04:04:15 PM »

Matt,

Below is a pic of the predecessor. This one is a bit smaller and slimmer than the one below. The aerodynamics are the same as the Ringmaster Deluxe I built (another will be on the way soon - with a better control system). But the looks were derived from the Slider 3.0.

This plane, while it looks quite a bit like it's predecessor, is really quite a departure. The areas, moments and airfoil are completely different. Hope it flies as well as the Ring did.

Randy Powell · « **Reply #12 on:** September 09, 2009, 11:16:37 PM »

Finished the details on the cowl and bottom block tonight (I feel more like a sculptor than a builder tonight) and am putting some vents in for the pipe. I made a list of what has to be done. This is a good idea in general. A sort of project completion list. Keeps you from suddenly realizing while you're getting ready to shoot the first trim color that you forgot to cut a hole in the cowl for the needle or put in vents for the tank or whatever. Things like that.

So, I started building the control surfaces tonight. For me this is always a long process. Nothing screws up a plane quicker than a warped flap. Should have just kept the flaps from the Ringmaster. It's the same wing. Oh well. Based on current progess, I should be ready to start slopping dope on in a week or so. Still have a gear layout to come up with.

Shultzie · « **Reply #13 on:** September 11, 2009, 03:02:22 PM »

Gads Randy.....
I love that inverted shot!!!! Great lookin' side view and the cowling you have on this model is awesome from this side view.
Truly AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHTICISTICAL IN EVERY SENSE OF THE WORD!

Randy Powell · « **Reply #14 on:** September 11, 2009, 06:22:34 PM »

Shultzie,

Uh, thanks. I think.

Steve Helmick · « **Reply #15 on:** September 11, 2009, 08:16:33 PM »

Quote from: Randy Powell on September 09, 2009, 01:18:17 PM

>>I'll bet you dreamed it up after you returned from Hawaii<<

Actually, I think I dreamed it up after watching the movie, The 300.

Maybe I'll call it Thermopylae.

Careful with the spraygun, or you'd soon be calling it the "Thermopile". We (your friends) probably would anyway, no matter how light it turns out. So think of another name for it! "Manhatten Project" comes to mind. Free.

Steve

Randy Powell · « **Reply #16 on:** September 12, 2009, 12:22:37 AM »

Steve,

I actually already have a name. But I'm keeping it to myself.

Mark Scarborough · « **Reply #17 on:** September 12, 2009, 09:05:27 AM »

Steve, I heard its going to be electric powered too, but only when your judging,,

Randy Powell · « **Reply #18 on:** September 12, 2009, 12:19:32 PM »

Steve isn't judging anymore. He's a competitor now. I'm going to judge.

Steve Helmick · « **Reply #19 on:** September 16, 2009, 08:34:58 PM »

Quote from: Randy Powell on September 12, 2009, 12:22:37 AM

Steve,

I actually already have a name. But I'm keeping it to myself.

Good plan! You always come up with cool names. We'll modify them as needed, of course.

Steve

Randy Powell · « **Reply #20 on:** September 17, 2009, 02:53:16 PM »

I was considering:

Steve's Folly
Anti-Toad
Evil, Wicked, Mean and Nasty.

Steve Helmick · « **Reply #21 on:** September 17, 2009, 09:29:23 PM »

Something from a ZZ Top song would be mo' betta...

Steve

Randy Powell · « **Reply #22 on:** September 18, 2009, 01:42:06 PM »

Steve,

Well, I'm sure I'll come up with something drastic.

Finished the elevators last night. Need to hinge them then finish the flaps. They are framed up but need to be peeled down and sheeted.

Edit

OK, the elevators are done and on. The flaps about half done or a bit more. Should finish that up this weekend and get the fairings and such completed. Then the gear and tank and I can start finishing. WooHoo!

Randy Powell · « **Reply #23 on:** September 19, 2009, 08:30:54 PM »

OK, The control surfaces are finally done. man, that took longer than I thought it would. The flaps have an internal frame and are sheeted.

Oh, BTW---

GO HUSKIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Greg L Bahrman · « **Reply #24 on:** September 19, 2009, 11:05:39 PM »

Really, Really nice Randy. I don't care what you call it. It's beautiful.

Randy Powell · « **Reply #25 on:** September 20, 2009, 12:38:14 AM »

Greg,

I'm pretty happy with it so far. It's mid-range in weight, straight, aligned and even looks kinda cool. Based on where it is right now, I expect the final weight to be around or just under 50 oz. It's only about 595 square inches, but that should be in the ballpark. Just need to do the fairings and the landing gear and it will be ready for finish. Probably get the first coats of dope on by Monday or so.

Matt Colan · « **Reply #26 on:** September 20, 2009, 06:06:52 AM »

Looking great Randy! The wood work is top notch!

John Miller · « **Reply #27 on:** September 20, 2009, 10:00:13 AM »

Randy, it's looking good. In the snake theme you've used before, how about Slither for a name? It sort of goes with the previous Slider.

I'm most interested in your tip weight device. Could you show some pictures?

Randy Powell · « **Reply #28 on:** September 20, 2009, 01:12:00 PM »

John,

I'll show a picture later. It's just a piece of CF tubing, blocked at one end and threaded for a hex head set screw on the other. Mounts parallel to the spar (in the spar, actually) and I have a series of brass tubes that fit snugly in it. They are various weights from a .25 oz up to 1.25 oz. There's enough room on the end so that I can add a few grams when needed.

It's pretty simple and it works. The basic idea was stolen from The Ted.

Mark Scarborough · « **Reply #29 on:** September 20, 2009, 06:06:56 PM »

Randy,
good lookin so far,, to bad its going to be next year before it sees battle!

as for the Huskies,, most impressive win!

and well, how bout them COUGS<<

Randy Powell · « **Reply #30 on:** September 20, 2009, 06:16:05 PM »

Mark,

yea, I should have it done in the next month or so. I'll have the whole winter to trim it out.

Hey, at least the Cougs aren't going to go 0-12. Trust me, it's not pretty.

Edit

well, the gear is bent. Only took me 4 tries to get 2 right. But I'm in there. The fairings are done. Just have to finish up the gear then I can start final sanding to prep for finish. WooHoo!

Randy Powell · « **Reply #31 on:** September 27, 2009, 11:03:51 AM »

Well, it's done and ready for final sanding and paint. But I'm a bit disappointed. It's right on 46oz ready to start finishing (sans final sanding). I wanted to keep it under 60oz and I suspect I can do that. But I really hoped I could keep the final weight nearer to 50oz. that ain't gonna happen. Sigh...

The Ringmaster Deluxe (from which the layout and wing come from) had a final weight at what I thought was a porky 56oz. That plane was built out of the scrap box and I wasn't all that concerned with weight. It could easily have been under 50 if I would have done any real wood selection.

Oh well, I may fly it in clear dope.

John Miller · « **Reply #32 on:** September 27, 2009, 12:11:33 PM »

Don't know what you are planning for power, but my experiences with the Pathfinder L.E. at 65 oz's with about 650 sq inches. Stalker .51, and flying at an altitude of 4600 feet, you should be fine in the low 60's.

Sure looks good. try a little color toner in clear dope, overcoated in a couple of clear coats for a lite weight finish, but, you already knew that. Say "Hi" to Pete for me.

Randy Powell · « **Reply #33 on:** September 27, 2009, 01:36:30 PM »

John,

It should be fine, just not what I hoped for. It's about 600 square inches and as I said, the Ring flew fine at 56oz. I suspect that if I can keep my finger off the paint trigger, this should be fine too.

Matt Colan · « **Reply #34 on:** September 27, 2009, 01:43:34 PM »

Randy, if you're using a RO-Jett 65, that plane should fly just fine around 55 ounces, after all, you say the Ringmaster flew great at 56 ounces, and that was with, if I remember right, a 40 VF, so you got more power. And your Ringmaster has the same aerodynamics as this one.

I'd say don't worry so much about it. 46 ounces now, I'm assuming this is with silkspan, you could do a 4-6 ounce finish with silkspan already on it. My Ares weighed 37 ounces with the silkspan on it, and now it weighs somewhere between 40-42 ounces (38 on one scale).

Randy Powell · « **Reply #35 on:** September 27, 2009, 08:30:19 PM »

Matt,

Nope, no silkspan yet. Truth is, I've done 6oz finishes on planes this sized. It just a matter of laying off the paint. The base (silkspan, dope and filler) can be done for a couple of ounces. It's the color and topcoat that adds the ounces. I do have a plan for a 4 color finish, but it will be mostly a thin coat of white and (small) some trim. I may go with dope topcoat as it's a bit easier to keep the weight down. Just hit the cowl with catalysed polyurethane.

We'll see. Got it ready to start the finish today. I can tell you the fillets will be tiny.

Edit

So, how about white, purple, green, black with a splash of yellow (I've been looking at too many of Granderson's planes).

Matt Colan · « **Reply #36 on:** September 28, 2009, 01:39:54 PM »

Quote from: Randy Powell on September 27, 2009, 08:30:19 PM

So, how about white, purple, green, black with a splash of yellow (I've been looking at too many of Granderson's planes).

The white, purple, black and a little yellow sounds nice, but not so sure where the green is going to fit into that?

Claudio Chacon · « **Reply #37 on:** September 28, 2009, 01:55:44 PM »

Hello Randy,
I can't wait to see your new plane finished...
Concerning the weight, you know that a proper trimmed ship is way more important than a couple of non wanted ounces.
I'm sure it's gonna be a remarkable weapon.
And -as usual- the crowd screams for some pictures!

Cheers,
Claudio.

Randy Powell · « **Reply #38 on:** September 28, 2009, 03:26:44 PM »

Claudio,

Right now it's all taken apart again and undergoing final sanding before finish. I'll take pics somewhere along the way.

Matt,

Actually, I have the paint scheme worked out, just not the colors. I'll come up with something, I'm sure.