Author Topic: Ready for Finish (Read 3677 times)

Randy Powell · « **on:** September 16, 2007, 09:52:45 PM »

OK, here it is ready to finish. Complete there, it weighs 46oz. That gives me a finishing budget of 14oz. You'd think I could make that. I coated the pipe tunnel and engine compartment along with the cowls with epoxy tonight. Then I can start finishing the beast.

Mark Scarborough · « **Reply #1 on:** September 16, 2007, 10:16:12 PM »

Rancy, its so cute,, snicker,,
looks pretty sweet to bad we have to wait till you finish the updates on teh classic peice. so I guess next weekend we will chat about October

Bill Little · « **Reply #2 on:** September 17, 2007, 07:51:32 AM »

Sir Randy of Powell,

If you do not bring that plane in UNDER 60 oz., RTF, I will personally fly out to Washington State and tear your fanny up!

Randy Powell · « **Reply #3 on:** September 17, 2007, 10:29:37 AM »

Bill,

Yea, you'd hope that I could do a sub-14oz finish. It's ~640 sq.inch. and straight, so, it should be a pretty good unit. It's got a RO-Jett .65 in the nose, but if I end up using this engine, I may detune it a bit. I'm afraid it will be a bit nose heavy and the RO-Jett is a 1/2oz+ lighter than the OS 46VF I had planned to use so I'll probably stick with the RO-Jett. Balances about an inch ahead of the proposed balance point which is about right prior to finish. Guess we'll see what we get.

Mark,

Yea, as soon as the epoxy dries in the pipe tunnel and engine compartment, I'll put it together and stick it in the rack while I resurrect the classic plane. Fun stuff.

Arch Adamisin · « **Reply #4 on:** September 17, 2007, 12:15:35 PM »

Randy,
Outstanding work, you can build for me any time.

Arch

Randy Powell · « **Reply #5 on:** September 17, 2007, 12:30:40 PM »

Arch,

Thanks. And tell Dennis it's all his fault. He was a terrible influence on my sense of aesthetics. Too many hours looking at pictures of the Orange Crate and Eclipse.

I hate to tell you the colors I've chosen. But I think it will look cool.

Ron King · « **Reply #6 on:** September 17, 2007, 02:56:43 PM »

Great looking plane, Randy. IIRC, It's as "futuristic" looking as your last one.

Good luck on the finishing. You should be able to bring it home under 14 ounces. I'll keep my fingers crossed.

Ron

Randy Powell · « **Reply #7 on:** September 17, 2007, 03:38:56 PM »

Hi Ron,

Yea, I've got a plan to keep the finish weight down. Includes lots of sanding. Hey, candy colors don't weigh much, it's the undercoat that gets you.

Dennis Adamisin · « **Reply #8 on:** September 17, 2007, 08:47:02 PM »

Randy
This is just outstanding. It just looks "right". I can hardly wait for the final outcome - and test flights!

BTW I think your finish budget should be adequate but I'd bet that you have enough airframe (and CERTAINLY enough engine) to carry a few more ounces if you have to.

Mark Scarborough · « **Reply #9 on:** September 17, 2007, 11:46:19 PM »

Dennis, Dennis,, come on, dont tell him that NOW, sheesh wait till later when he laments about the 12.5 oz finish being to heavy then get him,, lol,
Randy, so which classic are you resurecting. want me to come over and help so you can get this one done sooner? Really am anxious to see the paint work here.

Bill Little · « **Reply #10 on:** September 18, 2007, 07:17:05 AM »

Quote from: Mark Scarborough on September 17, 2007, 11:46:19 PM

Dennis, Dennis,, come on, dont tell him that NOW, sheesh wait till later when he laments about the 12.5 oz finish being to heavy then get him,, lol,
Randy, so which classic are you resurecting. want me to come over and help so you can get this one done sooner? Really am anxious to see the paint work here.

Right on, Mark! We don't need to give Randy anymore stinkin' excuses!! He has enough already.

Randy, I would have to commit hari cari (wow I can't spell!) if I put a 14.5 oz finish on an airplane! Geez, you're beginning to sound like the West Coast version of Bob *Mr. '69 NATS* Champione Lampione.............

Randy Powell · « **Reply #11 on:** September 18, 2007, 11:44:10 AM »

Mark,

I'm changing out the controls and refinishing the Cobra. I've got it cut up and may get away with just changing the connection for the flap horn on the bellcrank (man, I knew it was too far away from the pivot when I built it). I'm hoping I won't have to cut the elevator horn out. Then I'm stripping it and repainting it. Has to be done now to send with my friend to Tucson in November.

I'm not really worried about the finish weight on the new plane. It should easily be under 60oz. Anything near 60 is fine. Even a couple ounces over would be fine, but that shouldn't be the case. I've got red and blue HOK candy color with some HOK metalflake candy base in two colors (to make 4 trim colors) as an undercoat (just under the trim colors, it's too heavy for a main color) and white and black for primary base colors. Should be pretty.

Mark Scarborough · « **Reply #12 on:** September 18, 2007, 11:51:24 AM »

"Should be pretty."
Randy, of that I have NO doubt.

Randy Powell · « **Reply #13 on:** September 19, 2007, 06:10:04 PM »

Hmm, I posted earlier, but it seems it has disappeared. Sigh..

Mark,

Just noted that it doesn't look like I will have to tear out the control system after all. I'm going to assume that the 2 to 3 hookup in this thing is a good idea and leave it alone. I discovered that the pushrod location on the bellcrank was like an inch out from the pivot. Made the controls way too fast. So I cut in, drilled and tapped a new hole at about .65" from the pivot and screwed the ball link back in. Still have the 2 to 3 hookup, but now I actually get some serious travel in the leadouts. That in conjunction with a change in the hookup at the flap horn (moving both pushrods up a hole) should slow things down enough to return some control feel.

I also found out the the stripper I got works really, really, really well. Took off everything. Right down to the wood (but doesn't seem to hurt the wood at all). I had hoped to just take it down to the silkspan, but this will allow me to use heavier silkspan, so not a bad thing. The thing was originally covered with "OO" silkspan and I've already had a disaster with that and an I-Beam. So I will recover with SGM and probably be happier.

Mark Scarborough · « **Reply #14 on:** September 19, 2007, 07:09:06 PM »

Randy, with regards the SGM, at least happy longer right? no worries about flexi fliers.
two days till Seattle,, wo hoo,,

Randy Powell · « **Reply #15 on:** September 20, 2007, 08:51:30 AM »

Mark,

And the revised weather report is looking better. Perhaps some sprinkles on Saturday, but partly sunny and no rain Sunday. Woohoo indeed.

Bill Little · « **Reply #16 on:** September 20, 2007, 11:06:32 AM »

Hi Randy, ol' pal, ol' buddy........

SGM is a MUCH better choice on the wings.

Randy Powell · « **Reply #17 on:** September 20, 2007, 11:24:07 AM »

Bill,

Hmm, ya think?

Randy (former USA-1 owner)

Mark Scarborough · « **Reply #18 on:** September 20, 2007, 12:21:32 PM »

Randy,
intentional hijack here,,,,
Pat and I are planning on friday arrival, I have a new quiver of props to try on the Oreintal based upon last weekends education with the Vector,, should prove fun. Also swapping the 465 from the p-40 into the GB , its more steady, the other needs more break in I think?
retrun now to YOUR post,,

Bill Little · « **Reply #19 on:** September 20, 2007, 01:33:27 PM »

Quote from: Randy Powell on September 20, 2007, 11:24:07 AM

Bill,

Hmm, ya think?

Randy (former USA-1 owner)

Hmmmmmm.............. could be!

Randy Powell · « **Reply #20 on:** September 20, 2007, 02:40:34 PM »

Mark,

I'll be there Saturday morning. Hope to not have to leave early. Duty calls!

But I get to play all day on Sunday! The paint should be dry on the repairs to the PA plane today. No expert profile, but I'll probably bring the QED as a backup. I'd like to get a flight on it with my engine and such.

Man, I really want to start finishing the new PA plane. It should be a great stick, but I'll keep plugging away on the classic for now.

Randy Powell · « **Reply #21 on:** October 21, 2007, 01:11:29 AM »

Well, the Cobra is in primer. Hopefully I can get back to this soon.

Bill Little · « **Reply #22 on:** October 22, 2007, 12:23:23 AM »

Hi Randy,

Have I ever asked if you have used Polyspan?? Curious....

Randy Powell · « **Reply #23 on:** October 22, 2007, 11:43:09 AM »

Bill,

I've never used it. I may this next time around. I've heard good things.

Bill Little · « **Reply #24 on:** October 22, 2007, 12:42:46 PM »

Quote from: Randy Powell on October 22, 2007, 11:43:09 AM

Bill,

I've never used it. I may this next time around. I've heard good things.

What I found is that it is stronger than silkspan for wings, fills easy, and doesn't puncture! Only thing is to make REAL SURE you have the edges sealed with dope when you start sanding. The fuzzies come if not, and I have found that thin CA is about the only way to get rid of them once they appear. Put it on both top and bottom taut then start shrink with heat top then bottom then top/bottom moving from each panel to the next. I have come to really like it, and it is as light, if not lighter than silkspan.

Randy Powell · « **Reply #25 on:** October 22, 2007, 03:49:26 PM »

Bill,

Where does one aquire such a magical material? I looked on the Starline web site, but there does not appear to be an easy way to order it.

Bill Little · « **Reply #26 on:** October 22, 2007, 04:31:48 PM »

Quote from: Randy Powell on October 22, 2007, 03:49:26 PM

Bill,

Where does one aquire such a magical material? I looked on the Starline web site, but there does not appear to be an easy way to order it.

Hi Randy,

Tom Morris is where I get all of mine. Jim Snelson should also have it since Tom started marketing it for CLPA use. Price wise I *think* it is about the same as silkspan. I have gotten use to it (it's really easy) since it applies dry with dope but shrinks by (light) heat. The first I saw, Tom had used it on a plane with very tough to cover tips. He used silkspan on the tips, but I have not had the need, so far.

Larry Wong · « **Reply #27 on:** October 22, 2007, 06:47:58 PM »

Randy try http://www.modelresearchlabs.com/pricelist.htm
are you coming to the Golden State Stunt Championship at Gilroy
Oct. 27-28

Randy Powell · « **Reply #28 on:** October 22, 2007, 09:44:49 PM »

Larry,

Unfortunately not. I had planned to attend with another guy from around here, but instead, had to pay my property taxes. And those guys (women, actually) have not sense of humor at all.

Hopefully, I can make it next year. At least the kid will be out of college by then ... I hope.

Mark Scarborough · « **Reply #29 on:** October 22, 2007, 09:51:48 PM »

Randy,
I bought a rather goodly quantity from Mike Haverly, not sure he may have more to disperse? I think he bought a large quantity and was portioning it off. If not, or if you want I can wheel you off what you need for your beastie. Let me know

temporary hijacking, 109 is almost ready to start makin dust on, plans 90 percent, just formilizing the final shape of the belly and its bout ready to go. balsa on order, should be here soon,, thanks for the link today, lots of good inspiration there! I happened to think, when I have them done, I can email you a pdf of them if your interested to see what my evil mind hath wrought!
we now return you to the proper direction of this thread

Leo Mehl · « **Reply #30 on:** October 23, 2007, 10:00:49 AM »

Quote from: Randy Powell on September 16, 2007, 09:52:45 PM

OK, here it is ready to finish. Complete there, it weighs 46oz. That gives me a finishing budget of 14oz. You'd think I could make that. I coated the pipe tunnel and engine compartment along with the cowls with epoxy tonight. Then I can start finishing the beast.

Looking good Randy,You need to build more plans,no wonder you look tired every time I see you. I have a project for you as soon as my Grinder plans are finished I will send you a copy and you can build one for each of us. You need more projects.

Randy Powell · « **Reply #31 on:** October 23, 2007, 11:45:12 AM »

Mark,

I'll talk to you later about the polyspan. I may try it.

Send me the .pdf. I'd love to see it.

Leo,

Doug Moon · « **Reply #32 on:** October 23, 2007, 06:43:39 PM »

Randy,

If and when you ever try P-span remember you cannot sand into it like you can SS. It is different in that regard. It is polyester base material. I use it all the time and I love it. I dont sand on it ever with anything more than 600 and that is too just knock off dope fuzz right before filler coats. Once filler is on it, like thinned auto primer, you can sand away but watch out so you dont sand into it if you go through the primer. The cool thing I like about it is you dont wet it and then apply with dope and wait for it to dry out.

This is pretty much how it goes for me. I always apply a couple of coats of 50/50 dope to the wood surface and prep the seams and get it all nice like normal. Then lay on the P-span and apply 90% thinner and 10% dope to it around the edge of the area being covered. The thinner kicks the dope below and grabs it. let it sit for about 10 minutes. Then shrink the dry areas with a heat gun. All wrinkles disappear. Then apply 90/10 to the rest and move to the next panel. Once they are done. I come back the day with the 50/50 mix and dope it a couple of coats. Then lightly sand off with 600 I mean just barely whisk it takes about 5 minutes to do a wing. Then trim all the edges and over hang with a straight blade. Then dope the edges. Then the next day final sand off the edges and start the fill. Works pretty good and it is really strong.

You can shrink on it any time you want as well if you ave a tough spot. As long as it is before primer. I had one that was killing me on one tiny little spot on a cap stirp and I shrunk on it here and there through the build for about 2 months. Maybe 10 times total. I would just hit it from to time and it would get smaller and smaller. It finally came out all the way and no one ever knew it was there.

Pretty cool stuff. As with anything there is always a learning curve.

dave shirley jr · « **Reply #33 on:** October 23, 2007, 10:32:08 PM »

I'm sure dougs method works great(thats basically how my dad does it)
However i use sig "stix it"
you put two 50 /50 coats on the bare wood that you want it to stick to, edges etc. and let it dry for an hour or more then attatch the polyspan with a monocote iron.it works fantastic. you can easily stretch the material around tips and stick it down and it stays instantly.(im sort of into the instant gratification part).
this method also works with wet or dry silkspan,tissue,mylar,etc.its a great way to cover the bottom of undercambered airfoils. well not that we would fly those on lines anyway!
polyspan is great stuff Randy.
and hey if mark is giving it away grab a bunch and share will ya.

Dave jr.

Mark Scarborough · « **Reply #34 on:** October 23, 2007, 10:56:41 PM »

Dave
dave
dave,,
where did I say I was giving it away, actually I am desperatly trying to make up for all Randy and Pat have done for me, I am so very far behind the equal sign I will never catch up.
Randy, the drawings for the 109 are build ready. I will convert to pdf tomorrow and email em to ya for your "its so cool" rubber stamp. Of course cad does allow one certain lattitudes that pencil doesnt eh? It all looks so good til you start trying to put those parts together,,

Randy Powell · « **Reply #35 on:** October 24, 2007, 12:23:13 PM »

Thanks for the input on Polyspan. I'm sort of with Dave on the instant gradification part.

Mark, you have my "It's Cool" seal of approval. I still say you should go with the desert camo paint scheme.

And you are already on the correct end of the equal sign.

Mark Scarborough · « **Reply #36 on:** October 24, 2007, 12:50:24 PM »

Randy, I fly in Pasco, in the DESERT, think about it!

tan desert camo flying in the desert, that would be like normal camo flying with the trees in the background. NO I think I have enough problems keeping them out of the ground without loosing sight of them. I have a pretty cool scheme located. in fact I think I showed it to you at one time. sheesh there I go again stealing your thread.

Randy Powell · « **Reply #37 on:** October 24, 2007, 03:05:55 PM »

Nothing to steal until I can get back to the thing.

dave shirley jr · « **Reply #38 on:** October 24, 2007, 09:44:06 PM »

hey sorry mark i guess i missunderstood on the free polyspan part (OK, i actually knew you werent giving it away)

Hey randy: i dont think he's listening right now grab a bunch will ya!

my cobra is covered with poly and you know how much i abuse that plane. so it must be good stuff
Dave jr.

MikeyPratt · « **Reply #39 on:** October 25, 2007, 12:04:36 PM »

Quote from: Randy Powell on October 24, 2007, 12:23:13 PM

Thanks for the input on Polyspan. I'm sort of with Dave on the instant gradification part.

Mark, you have my "It's Cool" seal of approval. I still say you should go with the desert camo paint scheme.

And you are already on the correct end of the equal sign.

Hi Randy,
The Polyspan is great stuff! I use it pretty much the same as Doug and others but I had the best luck by never sanding the Polyspan until after you get at least three heavy coats of 50/50 dope on it, and then only with 600 W/D paper and very lightly. You really don’t want to go through the Polyspan. If you do go through the PS, place a small drop of thin CA on the spot and quickly wipe off the excess. When the CA dries you can lightly sand the repaired spot.

Another tip is to double coat all the edges of the Polyspan during each new coat of dope. This adds additional dope to the edges of the seams and allows the seams to disappear with very little sanding.

If the wing tips are really nasty to cover, cover them first with the gain direction of the Polyspan running for & aft.

Later,
Mikey

Randy Powell · « **Reply #40 on:** October 28, 2007, 11:41:57 PM »

OK, here's another pic of the plane. I haven't forgotten about it.