Author Topic: Well, it's coming along. (Read 4271 times)

Randy Powell · « **on:** July 15, 2007, 10:40:11 PM »

Well, I'm at the slow part. This plane is probably overcomplicated in some ways. But it should be easy to service. I've got the rear cowl mostly fitted. Next up is the from cowl then the belly scoop.

Mike Palko · « **Reply #1 on:** July 16, 2007, 09:07:50 PM »

Excellent wood work!! I would have considered the majority of what I see the slow part.

Mike

Randy Powell · « **Reply #2 on:** July 16, 2007, 11:04:08 PM »

Hi Mike,

This is the part where I get to use artistic license. I spent about 4 hours tonight doing balsa sculpture. The cool pipe tunnel exit vent is just the start. It doesn't cost any weight and can be pretty neat looking if done right. And there's the rub. I came up with what I thought was a very slick method for increasing the pipe tunnel exhaust area, but it just didn't do it for me, so I need to cogitate a bit on it. I did come up with a pretty cool belly scoop. This was mostly necessitated by the need to increase the depth a bit, but hey, you get lemons, make lemonaide I guess.

Ted Fancher is a very bad influence on me. The cowling on this thing should be, ah, a point of interest.

Dennis Adamisin · « **Reply #3 on:** July 17, 2007, 04:16:04 PM »

Randy:
This is really WAY cool. Looks like it will just float away too. KEEP POSTING!

minnesotamodeler · « **Reply #4 on:** July 17, 2007, 04:29:44 PM »

That really is quite a piece of work, looks as complex as a watch. I've been watching, and admiring it, ever since you started posting. Gonna be a shame to cover up all that intricacy.

--Ray

Randy Powell · « **Reply #5 on:** July 17, 2007, 06:43:46 PM »

Yea, one of these days I need to really do a good aesthetic job on the internal structure and do some sort of transparent covering. This particular plane doesn't have "prettied up" internals. The fits are pretty good, but it's not flawless. I suspect at some point I'll do that.

Douglas Babb · « **Reply #6 on:** July 18, 2007, 12:13:37 AM »

By the looks of the wing were you into competition free flight at one time. I think I saw that wing on a geodetic galaxie or the like. Lotsa pieces

.

Randy Powell · « **Reply #7 on:** July 18, 2007, 09:00:30 AM »

Douglas,

Nope. I just hung around free flight guys a lot. I did buld a lot of HLG and one P-30. Oh, and lots of Comet models as a kid. Hmm, perhaps some connection.

I'm writing a blurb for Stunt News on why I build the way I do.

Peter Nevai · « **Reply #8 on:** July 18, 2007, 06:42:14 PM »

You can do what I did on my vector 40 kit I built. Of course it requires that you perfect the multi layer precision cut film application method. You cover the ugly parts with opaque film and use transparent panels to create windows into the internal structure. The leading/triling/root and tip sections of the wing and stab were a pearl blue monokote with transparent blue senter panels to sow off the internal rib structure. Of course the covering has to be cut very precise and identical for all panels. This can be accomplished by creating card board templates and a sharpie marker to mark the panel cutouts. Not reccomended for beginners using film. Applying and sealing large panels of film that have holes in them almost the size of the wing half is not for the feint of heart. But you do not have to makel large panel length windows you can just make accent stripes or color seperation stripes transparent, say a white leading edge to quarter span, transparent red color seperation stripe or graphic going to maroon or other red for 1/3rd span. Just show what you want.

Mark Scarborough · « **Reply #9 on:** July 18, 2007, 08:01:29 PM »

Hmmm Randy and Monokote,, well,,,,,,,,,,

I get your point Peter,, and I would love to see picts of your Vector,,,

Randy Powell · « **Reply #10 on:** July 18, 2007, 10:06:24 PM »

Yea, historically, me and film don't get along. I've done a few planes in Monokote and they have been sort of presentable. But it's not my choice in coverings. Not because there's anything wrong with it, but I don't do it well. Hey, we all have our talents and deficits.

Peter Nevai · « **Reply #11 on:** July 19, 2007, 05:46:11 PM »

Hey Mark this was my Vector 40, ran into serious financial troubles a while back so I sold it as you see it on ebay. Came in at 39 ounces with a LA40. Finally starting back on our financial feet and because of work I am in a hobbit hole of a apt in Bohemia LI in New York, everything is in Fla at the primary residence with the wife or in storage. So No plane, no engines, no flight kit no nothing right now. Paying back slowly everyone we borrowed from so no roundy round up and down for me for the next year at least. Kinda sucks though, the apt is only a few streets from work, which has me travelling often enough so no car. So with no car it gets BOOOOOOOOORRRRRRRRRRING. Having something to out up in the air and someone to hook up with to go fly would certainly be a plus right about now. Oh well ceste la vie or something like that.

OH the entire plane is done in Kote. BTW all super mono no trim sheets. See I did not have the cash to buy fresh colors except the transparent blue. But I had a bunch of leftovers from prior projects but not enough of any one to cover the entire plane, so the scheme was designed around the pieces I had on hand at the time.

frank carlisle · « **Reply #12 on:** July 19, 2007, 06:01:17 PM »

That's mighty nice sculpting you're doing there Randy. I've been following along whenever I'm not engrossed in my own stuff and I like what you're doing. I'm going to keep the picture of your fancy woodwork in mind when I start my next plane.

Dennis Adamisin · « **Reply #13 on:** July 19, 2007, 06:08:24 PM »

Hmmm, and here I thought Frank was going to suggest adding a second motor...

Randy Powell · « **Reply #14 on:** July 19, 2007, 06:11:08 PM »

Thanks, Guys. I ran into a problem with the cowl. Have to wait on some stuff I ordered. Stuff I thought I had. sigh... Oh well, a couple of days.

frank carlisle · « **Reply #15 on:** July 19, 2007, 07:22:32 PM »

While you're waiting on stuff Randy how about posting pix of the cowl and belly scoop.

Randy Powell · « **Reply #16 on:** July 19, 2007, 10:11:07 PM »

Frank,

Well here's a pic, but I may change it. I'm not happy with it yet. Not only that, it's pretty rough. Don't you just love the creative process.

I can't decide if I just want to cut the thing off and try again, or modify it. Whatever, it ain't right yet.

proparc · « **Reply #17 on:** July 20, 2007, 09:37:02 AM »

Man oh man, this is not building, this is sculpting!

Randy Powell · « **Reply #18 on:** July 20, 2007, 09:52:55 AM »

Milton,

Yea, the trick is not to get carried away. You can add a ton of weight with this sort of thing if you're not careful. Actually, Mark Scarborough made a suggestion that I'm working on. I've already cut the belly scoop you see off and am carving a new one. He had a good idea that I'm taking. I'll post a picture when it's on.

frank carlisle · « **Reply #19 on:** July 20, 2007, 03:14:25 PM »

I was going to say cut that belly scoop off but I see you beat me to it. Now we'll see what Mark had in mind.
Consider the nose stolen.

frank carlisle · « **Reply #20 on:** July 20, 2007, 03:15:13 PM »

And the tail..............

Randy Powell · « **Reply #21 on:** July 20, 2007, 03:26:10 PM »

Frankie!

And just to make matters worse, I think I may have found a canopy that could work. It almost drops on with the exact outline of the carved version. Hmmm...

Yea, Mark had an idea for the belly that looks like it could work. Unfortunately, it has to have one of some type. The header and pipe a just a touch to low to clear the bottom of the block without some sort of blister. I figured that I might as well turn a problem into an asset. And with Mark's idea, I think it will be pretty cool.

I used that general nose shape before, the tail is new. Sorta.

Wait till you see the gear.

Randy Powell · « **Reply #22 on:** July 20, 2007, 10:27:36 PM »

Well, I got the parts and have the new scoop cut out. Oh yea, this is better. A lot better.

When I get it all together, I'll post a picture.

john e. holliday · « **Reply #23 on:** July 21, 2007, 09:27:36 AM »

Randy you are an artist in wood. It looks great. Now is anyone going to help out Peter there in that New York area. Take him flying so he don't get withdrawals. Have fun, DOC Holliday

Randy Powell · « **Reply #24 on:** July 22, 2007, 06:40:36 PM »

Well, it's bonehead time. I got everything put together and sanded down except the nose. I put the engine in and spinner and such, then I realized that the forward mountings for the cowl were directly in the way of the needle valve exit and, of course, the fuel line on the other side. Duh!

So, after messing around with it for way too long trying to figure a way around it, I had to cut the forward portion of the cowl off and recarve it and cut the mounts out. Now I have to figure out another cowl hold down setup. OK, not my brightest moment. So, I'll keep thinking about it. I'm sure I'll come up with something.

Yea, real bright builder. That's me.

minnesotamodeler · « **Reply #25 on:** July 22, 2007, 07:56:55 PM »

Quote from: Randy Powell on July 22, 2007, 06:40:36 PM

Well, it's bonehead time. I got everything put together and sanded down except the nose. I put the engine in and spinner and such, then I realized that the forward mountings for the cowl were directly in the way of the needle valve exit and, of course, the fuel line on the other side. Duh!

So, after messing around with it for way too long trying to figure a way around it, I had to cut the forward portion of the cowl off and recarve it and cut the mounts out. Now I have to figure out another cowl hold down setup. OK, not my brightest moment. So, I'll keep thinking about it. I'm sure I'll come up with something.

Yea, real bright builder. That's me.

Happens to the best of us...I mentioned before my combat-flying friend who was cutting a hole in the center-section planking for a pacifier ball: Cut through the upper planking on the left side (viewed from front), turned the plane over and cut through the lower planking...on the left side (viewed from front)--and found himself looking at the underside of the intact upper planking. Forgot when you turn the plane over the sides switch sides! Took him awhile to live it down. Every time someone looked at the bottom of his plane he had to explain the big 3" circular patch in the inboard planking.

Some guys here might have known this fella so I'll keep his name out of it.

--Ray

--Ray

Bill Little · « **Reply #26 on:** July 22, 2007, 09:04:56 PM »

Hi Ty,

I hope you don't mind, but I always have trouble reading the posts that include the new message in with the quoted one. Just find the [ ] that has /quote in it and start typing after that!

Love ya, guy!

Bill Little · « **Reply #27 on:** July 22, 2007, 09:10:40 PM »

Quote from: Randy Powell on July 22, 2007, 06:40:36 PM

Well, it's bonehead time. I got everything put together and sanded down except the nose. I put the engine in and spinner and such, then I realized that the forward mountings for the cowl were directly in the way of the needle valve exit and, of course, the fuel line on the other side. Duh!

So, after messing around with it for way too long trying to figure a way around it, I had to cut the forward portion of the cowl off and recarve it and cut the mounts out. Now I have to figure out another cowl hold down setup. OK, not my brightest moment. So, I'll keep thinking about it. I'm sure I'll come up with something.

Yea, real bright builder. That's me.

Hi Randy,

I know you have tried the little ply triangles mounted to the rear of the cowl ring and fuselage sides holding blind nuts.. Then a small 1/32 ply plate on the bottom edge of the cowl to stop the 2-56 bolt from going through. Line the holes in the cowl with CF tube, aluminum or something like that. The hold down bolts will be perpendicular to the engine bearers......... sorta.

Randy Powell · « **Reply #28 on:** July 23, 2007, 08:29:22 AM »

Bill,

Well, that's basically what I did. Unfortunately they were, uh, mislocated. I've been thinking about it and I have an idea. Just not sure yet if I'm enough of a machinist to pull it off. We'll see.

Bill Little · « **Reply #29 on:** July 23, 2007, 09:06:10 PM »

Hi Randy,

I mount them in the very front corner against the spinner ring. Never had any problems with them ever being in the way. (??) They are way forward of the NVA and fuel line. I ain't talking about Randy's method......

Randy Powell · « **Reply #30 on:** July 23, 2007, 09:39:46 PM »

Bill,

Yea, that was my first thought, but unfortunately, there's not enough room up there due to the overall cowl design. Sigh...
But that's OK. I came up with an idea tonight that looks to work out fine. Looks kinda cool, too. Right now the gap created by all the messing around is full of filler. When it's dry tomorrow, I'll block the whole thing off and put the engine in so I can do the actual nose shaping. It was only rough shaped before. I also have to decide if I really like the trick belly scoop. From a cooling perspective, it's perfect. Just haven't decided if I like the shape yet.

Don't you just love the creative process? Hmm, na, cut it off and try again.

I think the scoop with look good with the landing gear layout I have planed.

Mark Scarborough · « **Reply #31 on:** July 23, 2007, 10:08:48 PM »

Randy, yoru such a tease, you mentioned the new belly scoop, but no pictures,, sheesh, I suppose I have to wait another week to see what you came up with huh!
FINE< I will just go make my OWN balsa dust then,,,, of course mine arent as cool as yours but at least I get to see the darn thing! lol

seriouse, glad your making progress. Im having anxiety attacks because I am bypassing the contest this weekend, sheesh,, Hope the weather here at least lets me fly.

Randy Powell · « **Reply #32 on:** July 23, 2007, 10:12:47 PM »

No tease. It just sort of like seeing someone in surgery. Kinda ugly right now. I'll take some pics later in the week after I get the final nose shaping done and such.

Yea, I'd like to go to Vancouver, but duty calls. I'll make McMinnville. I've never gone to the contest before, but it's a really great site. Can't wait and it's only 3 or so weeks away.

Bill Little · « **Reply #33 on:** July 25, 2007, 12:09:27 AM »

Quote from: Randy Powell on July 23, 2007, 09:39:46 PM

Bill,
(snip)
Don't you just love the creative process? Hmm, na, cut it off and try again.

I think the scoop with look good with the landing gear layout I have planed.

Randy,

I believe it is one of the greatest parts of the hobby! Flying, and being creative, and creating!

Paint schemes are always the VERY TOUGHEST part of my builds!
Only occasionally do I have a clue as to how I want the plane to look. On a Classic plane, I usually clone the original. But on my PAMPA ships, I really have to sweat. Now Aaron, he usually has it all in his head when he starts! The ones I liked the very best of my own schemes was my USA-1 and my Geo Juno. I actually sketched out the Geo Juno, but on the USA-1 I finally gave up, mounted it on the paint stand and started masking. Didn't have a clue when the tape went on the plane to start with! But, you know me, the old " bling hog and acorn theory"............

Can't wait to see this one finished!

Randy Powell · « **Reply #34 on:** July 25, 2007, 10:23:23 AM »

Bill,

Yea, I already have the paint scheme in mind. May have some variation in the final product, but I have the concept.

Randy Powell · « **Reply #35 on:** July 27, 2007, 11:15:41 PM »

Ok, ok. After all the static I got about the first belly scoop not going with the design (it didn't), I have a new one. Man, this thing is starting to look like a shark. Or some sort of predator. Wait till you see the gear.

Any comments?

edit

I should note that the pictures don't really show it well, but it's pretty coke bottle shaped. I still need to grind on it a bit, but it's at least in the general shape.

Mark Scarborough · « **Reply #36 on:** July 28, 2007, 08:47:07 AM »

Randy, now your stylin' I have to say that fits much better. I gotsta build me something mean looking, sigh,, or maybe just keep from having to rebuild then I can play sculpter as well.
looks much more integrated now, stay on it man. Oh wait, you have to go suffer the high mountain lake syndrome this week huh! bummers for you man,,,

Randy Powell · « **Reply #37 on:** July 28, 2007, 09:43:18 AM »

Mark,

Yea, we leave tomorrow on the high mountain trek. Lick Creek here I come.