Author Topic: New build (Read 103870 times)

Randy Powell · « **Reply #250 on:** April 22, 2013, 04:48:42 PM »

Robert,

I'd like to, but I didn't leave enough room. If I run the arming switch and start button out the side, I won't be able to get the battery out. Next time, I'm going to figure out a way to run it out the said behind the battery compartment. Would have done that this time, but my brain wasn't engaged at the time.

Live and learn.

George Buzel · « **Reply #251 on:** April 23, 2013, 09:32:52 AM »

Randy,

Looks like you did quite a bit of Engineering, I would believe there would be a market for custom stunt carbon battery mounts, switched, cables, and the like for the electric setups. The ship looks great,,,are you planning to change your finishing techniques?

Randy Powell · « **Reply #252 on:** April 23, 2013, 01:38:26 PM »

This is going to be a pretty standard dope finish. Top coat is, as yet, undecided. Might be dope or could be catalyzed polyurethane. I haven't decided yet. Since it's electric, I may go with DuPont acrylic clear (only very marginally fuel resistent) since it gives such a nice shine. We'll see.

Tim Wescott · « **Reply #253 on:** April 23, 2013, 01:41:55 PM »

Quote from: Randy Powell on April 23, 2013, 01:38:26 PM

This is going to be a pretty standard dope finish. Top coat is, as yet, undecided. Might be dope or could be catalyzed polyurethane. I haven't decided yet. Since it's electric, I may go with DuPont acrylic clear (only very marginally fuel resistent) since it gives such a nice shine. We'll see.

I would make sure to use something that'll stand up to your slime-powered neighbor splashing or squirting some raw fuel on your plane by accident. At least use something that'll be unmarked, or leave an easily-repaired spot.

Mark Scarborough · « **Reply #254 on:** April 23, 2013, 02:27:06 PM »

Tim,
if you would be more carefull in the pits,, we would not have to worry about it as much,,

just sayin
buddy,, LOL

Tim Wescott · « **Reply #255 on:** April 23, 2013, 02:31:54 PM »

Quote from: Mark Scarborough on April 23, 2013, 02:27:06 PM

Tim,
if you would be more careful in the pits,, we would not have to worry about it as much,,

It wasn't me!

Randy Powell · « **Reply #256 on:** April 23, 2013, 03:42:09 PM »

Come on, Tim. No one would do that. Well, Mark, maybe, but he'd be the only one. Or maybe Howard. But that's it, I'm sure.Well, of course there's Scott and.....

john e. holliday · « **Reply #257 on:** April 24, 2013, 03:59:08 PM »

And DOC, Leo, Steve and others.

Randy Powell · « **Reply #258 on:** April 27, 2013, 08:56:47 PM »

Ya know, sometimes I'm smarter that other times. I suddenly realized that if I just open the nose a bit, I can mount the motor from the front. Had i figured this out awhile back, well, let's say the nose layout would have been different. Now I'm trying to figure out if I can alter the nose at this late stage. I'll probably just stick with what I have and learn for the next one.

I've got primer on the cockpit and the flaps are just about done. Finish those up tomorrow and start on the gear along with installing some kind of cockpit. At least I have a pilot.

wwwarbird · « **Reply #259 on:** April 27, 2013, 09:10:46 PM »

Quote from: Randy Powell on April 27, 2013, 08:56:47 PM

Ya know, sometimes I'm smarter that other times. I suddenly realized that if I just open the nose a bit, I can mount the motor from the front. Had i figured this out awhile back, well, let's say the nose layout would have been different. Now I'm trying to figure out if I can alter the nose at this late stage. I'll probably just stick with what I have and learn for the next one.

I've found that part of this game we builders play is that every time I finish a model I see at least a few things I'd do differently if I was to do the same model again. Every once in a while you "figger it out" during the build, but then you usually just continue because of the already invested time and effort. This might be one of the reasons I'm always hungry to start on a new model, so I can do it "right" the next time. It's a really nice thought, but then the cycle starts all over again...

Randy Powell · « **Reply #260 on:** April 27, 2013, 09:19:18 PM »

In this case it's more that I've never built an electric before. Some of it's different. Like the fact that you don't really need a big nose ring or that you can actually just bolt the motor to a mount without use the included mount. I probably already knew that but it took to now to connect. At least I solved another problem. But been nice if I had thought of this earlier.

I hope to have the plane ready for finish in the next couple of days. It won't be ready for the Regionals, but maybe my the August contest. Unfortunately, I'm going to be sitting on a beach a long way from here during the Stunt-A-Thon. Oh well.

Randy Powell · « **Reply #261 on:** April 28, 2013, 07:57:58 PM »

OK, couple of new pictures (for the 4 of you following this). The airframe is pretty much done, though I still need to finish fitting the flaps. I ran out of energy. The cockpit is prepped and painted. Some sort of pilot, etc. will be next. Then I can put the canopy on and get the gear done and be ready to finish this thing. I love the look of the elliptical wing, but it's a major pain.

wwwarbird · « **Reply #262 on:** April 28, 2013, 08:36:14 PM »

Man, this thing is per-tee radical, it's taking some time to absorb.

What's the overall wingspan?

Randy Powell · « **Reply #263 on:** April 28, 2013, 08:46:09 PM »

Wayne,

64"

RC Storick · « **Reply #264 on:** April 28, 2013, 08:50:09 PM »

I love it! Maybe I should come be your apprentice for a month.

Randy Powell · « **Reply #265 on:** April 28, 2013, 08:55:37 PM »

It's interesting, anyway.

wwwarbird · « **Reply #266 on:** April 28, 2013, 09:17:53 PM »

Wow, 64" is a BIG airplane. Better get all of your doorways padded up!

Randy Powell · « **Reply #267 on:** April 28, 2013, 10:49:54 PM »

About 660 square inches. It's smaller than the USA one I built.

MarcusCordeiro · « **Reply #268 on:** April 29, 2013, 12:07:36 PM »

can't wait to see it with colors...

Marcus

Randy Powell · « **Reply #269 on:** April 29, 2013, 12:55:00 PM »

Marcus,

The paint scheme I'm going to use will be pretty simple (in that there shouldn't be a ton of taping) and elegant. Not my usual 6 or 7 colors sort of thing.

john e. holliday · « **Reply #270 on:** April 29, 2013, 07:06:25 PM »

Randy, you disappoint me. The plane looks so far out fabulous that it would take at least 12 different colors. I love the design of it.

Randy Powell · « **Reply #271 on:** April 29, 2013, 08:09:00 PM »

Doc,

I've been watching too much Fast 'N Loud, I guess. Trust me, it will be badass.

John Sunderland · « **Reply #272 on:** May 01, 2013, 03:15:24 PM »

I like it simple and elegant rather than busy,...sometimes it is best to let the lines of airplane do the talking and keep the number of colors to a minimum so as not to detract from the form. You have one slick looking design here too!

Tim Wescott · « **Reply #273 on:** May 01, 2013, 04:09:21 PM »

I, too, like simple and elegant. Or perhaps it's more accurate to say that I dislike complexity for complexity's sake. Putting down 12 different colors in a randomly-chosen pattern because last year's concourse winner had 10 colors is a lot worse than a white base with a red stripe and a blue stripe.

With that airframe there to provide lots of "wow" factor you don't want a complicated color scheme that distracts the viewer.

Now, if you find that a trompe l'oeil woodgrain with brass bindings makes for a nice steampunk look that actually accentuates the airframe shape -- go for it.

Mark Scarborough · « **Reply #274 on:** May 01, 2013, 04:16:53 PM »

I thibn body color copper,, with a charcoal on top of the fuse and leading edges, done in a "steampunk" retro sci-fi panels and rivets idea would ROCK, or just watch all the star wars episodes for inspiration,,

Steve Helmick · « **Reply #275 on:** May 01, 2013, 08:12:59 PM »

Quote from: Randy Powell on April 29, 2013, 08:09:00 PM

Doc,

I've been watching too much Fast 'N Loud, I guess. Trust me, it will be badass.

Semi-gloss black? Or maybe something like this? Can you guess what it was when it started out?

Steve

Randy Powell · « **Reply #276 on:** May 01, 2013, 08:25:05 PM »

Amazing what people find attractive. This will be basically white and yellow/amber. A bit of black and red for accent, I think though I may not use the red. Simple lines that accentuate the shapes. That's it. And it will have minimal wheel skirts. No big wheelpants.Though it would look cool with them, my last experience makes me unwilling to chance it.

Randy Powell · « **Reply #277 on:** May 03, 2013, 07:06:15 PM »

I'm wasting time watching baseball instead of heading out to the shop. Sigh...

john e. holliday · « **Reply #278 on:** May 04, 2013, 09:25:05 AM »

My TV and tape player are in the shop. Amazing how much can be done while listening to a broadcast. Or even my old cassettes, 8-tracks and discs.

Randy Powell · « **Reply #279 on:** May 04, 2013, 11:40:27 AM »

I got out to the shop finally. Cockpit is next.

PerttiMe · « **Reply #280 on:** May 05, 2013, 01:49:40 AM »

Quote from: Randy Powell on April 28, 2013, 07:57:58 PM

OK, couple of new pictures (for the 4 of you following this).

Maybe there's 4 posting comments...
... I'm pretty sure there's more who want to see what you are up to...

edit

Quote from: Steve Helmick on May 01, 2013, 08:12:59 PM

Or maybe something like this? Can you guess what it was when it started out? Steve

Yes, even with a bit of body work and funny painting it still looks like a Volvo.

Frank Sheridan · « **Reply #281 on:** May 05, 2013, 06:48:51 AM »

There's at least 5 of us watching.
Nice bird.

Mark Scarborough · « **Reply #282 on:** May 05, 2013, 12:18:41 PM »

Not me,, I never watch Randy build,, I just drop in to make random posts on his thread and make sure his numbers stay up,,

Bill Little · « **Reply #283 on:** May 05, 2013, 12:20:51 PM »

Brother Randy,

You KNOW I am reading all your posts and following them closely.

BIG Bear
RNMM/AMM

Randy Powell · « **Reply #284 on:** May 05, 2013, 06:40:08 PM »

Gee, thanks for the moral support, Mark.

So, the fairings are on on the elevators (though they still need a bit of attention). The canopy is on. I included a picture because I had to be creative. The canopy shape didn't exactly fit the fuse (though I left it in a sort of mold for a couple of days to try to reshape it). so I worked out a jig to hold it in place while it dried. I'm still dithering over the tail wheel mount. It's on there but I may cut it off. Just not sure I like it. I'll probably wait until gear is built and it's sitting on the wheels to decide.

Mark Scarborough · « **Reply #285 on:** May 05, 2013, 06:49:51 PM »

Randy,,
ahh, come on buddy, you know I got your back ,,

I like it,, but Man, all the details sure take some time dont they?

Will Hinton · « **Reply #286 on:** May 05, 2013, 07:20:44 PM »

Randy, I'm watching closely along with others who may be like me - just too wowed to feel worthy of commenting!

Randy Powell · « **Reply #287 on:** May 05, 2013, 07:32:08 PM »

Yea, it's the fiddly stuff that takes the time.

Randy Powell · « **Reply #288 on:** May 06, 2013, 09:44:49 AM »

Will, you can comment anytime.

MarcusCordeiro · « **Reply #289 on:** May 06, 2013, 11:11:07 AM »

Cool canopy jig.
Doesn't it suck when you glue a canopy only to find out it's 1/1000 to the left or to the right??

Like those flaps...

Marcus

Randy Powell · « **Reply #290 on:** May 06, 2013, 02:28:59 PM »

I marked the canopy fore and aft and then marked the fuse. So I put the jig on and move the canopy until it was lined up to the marks then taped it down. The problem was, the rear of the canopy was a lot wider than the fuse initially. I did some stuff to try to squeeze it down a bit but the jig took the pressure off the pins and let me get it aligned pretty well without deforming it. We'll see when the jig and tape and pins come off tonight.

wwwarbird · « **Reply #291 on:** May 06, 2013, 11:03:14 PM »

Randy,

When you get to filling and blending in the canopy, could we see some step by step closeup pics?

Thanks!

Randy Powell · « **Reply #292 on:** May 07, 2013, 09:42:42 AM »

Wayne,

Well, it's kind of an ugly process. I did the fillet for the canopy last night. I sort of ladled on the SuperFil and it's pretty thick right now. I did a little somethin' somethin' at the back of the canopy that sort of looks like a pile of crap right now but when I get it ground off will be pretty cool, I think. I can take a pic of it with what looks like a pile of goo right now, I guess then take some pics as I grind away. 90% of what's on there right now will end up on the floor but I hate having to go back and put more on so I generally put way more on than needed then just grind away. It's a character flaw, what can I say?

Dave Denison · « **Reply #293 on:** May 07, 2013, 04:45:46 PM »

Randy

Pictures.....please, Wayne and I need to see pictures....Thanks

Dave

Randy Powell · « **Reply #294 on:** May 07, 2013, 04:57:22 PM »

I'll take some when I start grinding.

wwwarbird · « **Reply #295 on:** May 07, 2013, 09:07:55 PM »

Thanks Randy.

john e. holliday · « **Reply #296 on:** May 08, 2013, 08:24:53 AM »

Don't forget the before pics also.

Randy Powell · « **Reply #297 on:** May 08, 2013, 10:27:08 PM »

Worked late the last two nights and so no work. Boo hoo. Maybe tomorrow.

Randy Powell · « **Reply #298 on:** May 10, 2013, 09:13:08 PM »

Here's a before picture for Wayne. Even a closeup.

Mark Scarborough · « **Reply #299 on:** May 10, 2013, 09:23:01 PM »

Randy,
I love the color of your canopy,, and there is like,,, stuff inside it too,, like a real cockpit,, it looks awesome

dontcha just love Superfill,, you can build it up,, and it works down so consistantly,,

Sure wish this was going to be done for REgionals,, I am so looking forward to this one sitting in the sun,,