Author Topic: Update from the "Aeroworks": Next in line, "Challenger .15" (Read 3366 times)

wwwarbird · « **on:** March 30, 2011, 06:36:32 PM »

I'm getting close to done with the Super Combat Streak, so in between clearcoats I got antsy and started framing up a new wing. It's for a great flying .15 size plane called the "Challenger .15", an original design by Keith Sandberg.

This design flies amazingly well and will do great patterns all day long with any good running .15. Our group has flown many of them with LA's, FP's, Enyas etc., all with excellent results. Seriously, I'd say you'd be quite hard pressed to find a better flying, more capable design in this size. Slowed down slightly it can make an excellent Stunt trainer or beginner plane too.

Laser cut rib sets with plans are available from Walter Umland. As soon as they became available, I bought two sets from Walter and am just now getting around to putting one together. I'm planning on putting on a new Brodak .15. To date, I've got no experience with the Brodak .15. If it performs as well as the .40 does for it's size though, this plane will be one hot little ship.

If you'd like a simple, low hassle, easy to transport model that's a blast to fly, this is it.

The blue plane in the attached photo here is a finished example of the design.

http://www.builtrightflyright.com/New_Web_Pgs/kits/challenger_ribs/challenger.htm

Leester · « **Reply #1 on:** April 05, 2011, 04:56:09 PM »

That aughta look really kewl when your finished Wayne. Where'd ya get that spinner

and what size is it ??

wwwarbird · « **Reply #2 on:** April 05, 2011, 06:21:27 PM »

It's a Brodak spinner, either 1-1/2" or 1-3/4", I'd have to check.

I've used a few of them on stuff now. Overall they are pretty nice, but I've found that the threads in the adapter nuts usually need a little cleaning up. Also, on the ones I've dealt with the included nut and spinner screw have been of very soft aluminum so you want to be careful with the initial fitting. They are a decent price though, so the extra few minutes spent getting them ready for use is no big deal.

wwwarbird · « **Reply #3 on:** May 09, 2011, 09:20:01 PM »

Well the 'Streak is all finished so now I'm back to work on the Challenger .15. I had gotten the wing framed up and the L/E sheeted while I was in the early finishing stages on the 'Streak. Tonight I cut out all of the rest of the parts except for the fixed flaps. As usual for me, I've got the paint job figured out already.

This will be a fun and easy build that doesn't tax the "melon" too much.

wwwarbird · « **Reply #4 on:** May 12, 2011, 10:19:22 PM »

Making some more progress on the Challenger...

wwwarbird · « **Reply #5 on:** October 07, 2011, 11:41:44 PM »

Well, after butting in line with "Agromaster" and the "Manx Cat" resto project, actually doing some flying the past couple of months, and attending the St. Louis contest recently, I blew off the dust and got back to work on the Sandberg "Challenger .15" tonight.

I'm planning to finish it up while I try and decide which larger project on "The List" to tackle when the winter building season hits, which will be too soon in these parts. I've got at least half a dozen projects that have risen the top of that list and are currently fighting for it. I'm gonna half to just close the eyes and throw a dart soon I guess.

Tonight I finished adding structure to the wingtips and tomorrow night I'll be hosting a capstripping party.

I'll get some more pics going soon too.

EddyR · « **Reply #6 on:** October 08, 2011, 05:54:53 PM »

Regarding the Brodak spinners mentioned above the soft washer that the spinner nut goes into have given me problems. Even after squaring the surface and making it smooth they would lock together making dissasembly very diffucult. I drilled out some of my steel washers to fit the nut and the problem went away. I used old Fox washers as they have a rough face that goes against the prop and they hold the carbon props with out adding sandpaper washers. The 2" spinners seem to be the worst.
Ed

wwwarbird · « **Reply #7 on:** October 08, 2011, 06:51:44 PM »

I haven't had a noticable problem with the washers but I have noticed the prop nut/spinner adapter in the Brodak spinners is very soft. It's not a problem if you're careful with them, but you do have to watch it a bit to avoid issue. I still like and will use them, I just consider it a "get what you pay for" thing since they are cheaper than most other aluminum spinners.

wwwarbird · « **Reply #8 on:** October 09, 2011, 10:25:42 PM »

...just a few minutes more sanding and the wing will ready to cover. I didn't follow the plans on the all of the wingtip bracing, I just kind of did my own thing .

The fuse is all glued up with the engine mounts drilled, tapped, and ready to go. There are T-nuts hiding inside the nose tripler too. Next will be drilling the J-bolt holes for the fuel tank, setting the spacing for the spinner, and then sanding it all to shape. Ahh progress...

wwwarbird · « **Reply #9 on:** October 26, 2011, 10:19:29 PM »

Well progress has been kind of slow lately but I've got all of the Challenger bits sanded, fit and ready for covering. The wing will get Polyspan and everything else will get covered with medium silkspan. Here are some pics of the final test fitting...

john e. holliday · « **Reply #10 on:** October 28, 2011, 06:35:34 PM »

That is looking great. Now where does one get a set of plans??

wwwarbird · « **Reply #11 on:** October 28, 2011, 09:03:31 PM »

Quote from: john e. holliday on October 28, 2011, 06:35:34 PM

That is looking great. Now where does one get a set of plans??

Doc,

You can get plans and laser cut rib sets from Walter Umland. Go ahead and build one, you won't be disappointed.

john e. holliday · « **Reply #12 on:** October 30, 2011, 12:40:58 PM »

Thanks, I should have remembered that. I blame it on old age.

wwwarbird · « **Reply #13 on:** November 29, 2011, 09:59:49 PM »

Well after waaay too long of a hiatus, I've finally gotten back to work on the Challenger the past couple of evenings. Tonight I covered the main part of the wing with Polyspan and also got the stab and elevator silkspanned. Tomorrow night I'll get out the heat gun and shrink the Polyspan, then give it a couple coats of clear and hopefully get it glued into the fuse. Fa-la-la-la...

wwwarbird · « **Reply #14 on:** December 03, 2011, 09:31:54 PM »

Made a little progress the past few days. Just now glued the wing in and am watching the epoxy cure...

Neal Beekman · « **Reply #15 on:** December 06, 2011, 01:30:02 PM »

This is my Challenger15, thank's to Sina. Flies great on 52' lines and has a LA 15. also wing landing gear , my added change.

wwwarbird · « **Reply #16 on:** December 06, 2011, 07:47:14 PM »

Very cool Neal, I had heard about one out there done up with wing mounted gear. Thanks for the pics!

wwwarbird · « **Reply #17 on:** January 09, 2012, 09:16:11 PM »

I put some more clear on tonight, really.

Balsa Butcher · « **Reply #18 on:** January 09, 2012, 11:50:04 PM »

Very neat work...I'm impressed.

wwwarbird · « **Reply #19 on:** January 12, 2012, 07:54:17 PM »

Finally! I just finished getting the first coat of white on tonight, it's about time.

john e. holliday · « **Reply #20 on:** January 13, 2012, 09:24:12 AM »

Looking good.

wwwarbird · « **Reply #21 on:** January 17, 2012, 08:26:56 PM »

When I shot that first coat of white the other night I ran out after just barely getting the plane covered. That's what I get for not checking "inventory" ahead of time.

I called Brodak Friday morning and received more white today, regular shipping, great service. So with that I was able to solidly finish the basecoat tonight and now the "canvas" is ready.

...for those interested, the next post on the Challenger .15 will be in the Painting and Finishing section. See ya there!

Randy Powell · « **Reply #22 on:** January 17, 2012, 09:15:33 PM »

After all the work, this is the fun part.

wwwarbird · « **Reply #23 on:** January 17, 2012, 09:37:29 PM »

I agree.