Author Topic: New A-7 (Read 7196 times)

Mike McHenry · « **on:** January 28, 2012, 05:47:05 PM »

I'm finally getting around to finishing a completely new rendition of my father's A-7 Corsair II design. The wing was sheeted a couple of years ago and had too many things in front of it to complete. So, I made it my goal this winter to complete the plane and hopefully have ready for this years Nats. It is now completely assembled with 2 coats of clear and I applied the fillets this evening. I've attached pics of it before the applying of the clear. Now, on to deciding the paint scheme!!

Bill Hummel · « **Reply #1 on:** January 28, 2012, 06:06:32 PM »

Mike, looks really good, glad you're doing another one. The original looked super, and I'm told it flew very well. Looking forward to seeing the final product!

wwwarbird · « **Reply #2 on:** January 28, 2012, 07:08:54 PM »

Very cool, looks great!

Can we see a close up of how the nose gear is designed for the two wheel setup? I've often wondered about how to design a clean and simple way to do one.

Randy Powell · « **Reply #3 on:** January 28, 2012, 09:59:09 PM »

I like that, Mike. Nice cowl.

Mark Scarborough · « **Reply #4 on:** January 29, 2012, 10:31:50 AM »

Thats awesome,, I liike it

James Mills · « **Reply #5 on:** January 29, 2012, 01:54:24 PM »

Mike,

Looks awesome, look forward to seeing it at the Nats this summer.

James

Bill Little · « **Reply #6 on:** January 29, 2012, 02:11:24 PM »

Hi Mike,

Looking real sweet. Making me want to shuffle around the schedule and build one, too!

BIG Bear
RNMM/AMM

wwwarbird · « **Reply #7 on:** January 30, 2012, 01:49:47 PM »

Are there plans available for this one? What is the wingspan?

Mike McHenry · « **Reply #8 on:** January 31, 2012, 04:35:26 AM »

Yes, I have plans for it. Although right now they basically my father's drawings that I have added some detail to. But, they are good enough to build with. I also have some pictures that can be used to help withthe little things like cowl detail. I will also get you some pics of the nose gear for you. We use basically a 3 piece set-up. I'm sure there is a better way, I just use what's on the plans. When I built the 60 size version I had to create a completely different gear to get around the pipe. Thanks for your interest!!

PS, Bill I would love to see you get started on one!

proparc · « **Reply #9 on:** January 31, 2012, 04:13:19 PM »

Mike,
You would make Vic Macaluso proud with this one. Everyone one of your ships, seem to get better and better. Amazing work

Randy Powell · « **Reply #10 on:** January 31, 2012, 06:46:26 PM »

Should be a fun plane. Get that sucker painted and bring it to VSC!

wwwarbird · « **Reply #11 on:** January 31, 2012, 07:48:21 PM »

What's in there for motorvation?

Dennis Adamisin · « **Reply #12 on:** February 01, 2012, 06:16:39 AM »

VERY NICE Mike!

Lots of USAF & USN paint schemes to choose from - any should really "pop" on that airframe. See ya at the field!

john e. holliday · « **Reply #13 on:** February 01, 2012, 08:47:41 AM »

That looks so gorgeous in bare wood, but I know it will look even better when painted.

Airacobra · « **Reply #14 on:** February 02, 2012, 08:52:17 AM »

Looks great Mike, can't wait to see it painted. Going with a Navy scheme???

Bill Little · « **Reply #15 on:** February 02, 2012, 11:51:25 AM »

On the paint scheme, I vote for the 4 color Vietnam era USAF version. Green/Green/Brown/Brown/Gray.

BIG Bear
RNMM/AMM

Bill Little · « **Reply #16 on:** February 20, 2012, 05:22:36 PM »

Hi Mike!

Been a couple weeks, anything new?

Bill

Mike McHenry · « **Reply #17 on:** February 22, 2012, 08:34:37 AM »

Yep,

Been to 2 weekend volleyball tournaments, 7 middle school basketball games, 8 volleyball practices and one trip to WPAFB. In my freetime I was able to get the plane covered in carbon veil. Now, on to doping.

Thanks Bill!

Mike

Bill Little · « **Reply #18 on:** February 22, 2012, 11:29:03 AM »

Quote from: Mike McHenry on February 22, 2012, 08:34:37 AM

Yep,

Been to 2 weekend volleyball tournaments, 7 middle school basketball games, 8 volleyball practices and one trip to WPAFB. In my freetime I was able to get the plane covered in carbon veil. Now, on to doping.

Thanks Bill!

Mike

Hi Mike,

Great news! Hopefully, this summer.........

Now, help out this feeble minded old cancer patient.............. what is WPAFB?

Thanks!
Bill

afml · « **Reply #19 on:** February 22, 2012, 12:26:10 PM »

"what is WPAFB? Huh"

Wright Patterson Air Force Base.....
The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.

AWESOME PLACE!!!!

"Tight Lines!"

Wes

P.S.: If ya wanna DVD of pics from previous visits....
Lemme know!

Bill Little · « **Reply #20 on:** February 22, 2012, 01:31:07 PM »

Quote from: afml on February 22, 2012, 12:26:10 PM

"what is WPAFB? Huh"

Wright Patterson Air Force Base.....
The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.

AWESOME PLACE!!!!

"Tight Lines!"

Wes

P.S.: If ya wanna DVD of pics from previous visits....
Lemme know!

OK, so obvious I missed it........
My BAD!

BIG Bear
RNMM/AMM

wwwarbird · « **Reply #21 on:** March 20, 2012, 10:23:29 PM »

What's the latest on this one Mike?

Mike McHenry · « **Reply #22 on:** March 22, 2012, 08:01:18 AM »

The latest update:
I am in the process of sanding off the primer (and fixing all the those little issues).
The paint scheme has been selected, hopeful to have the base coat on sometime in the next 10 days. It's a slow process while chasing my daughter around with all her activities.
Thanks for your interest!

wwwarbird · « **Reply #23 on:** March 22, 2012, 09:20:30 PM »

Please keep us posted Mike, and with some pics too!

Mike McHenry · « **Reply #24 on:** April 08, 2012, 05:36:14 PM »

I was able to put a white on where needed. I've attached a pic taken just before paint. Hopefully will have the gray on in the next week or son. I will attach a shot when that has been completed. Thanks for your alls interest!

Bill Little · « **Reply #25 on:** April 08, 2012, 06:37:01 PM »

Looking real good so far, Mike.

I am still suffering a bit too much to do any building, plus I still have some really annoying numbness in my hands........ all will get better and the A-7 is in the build list.

Bill

Randy Powell · « **Reply #26 on:** April 08, 2012, 09:17:19 PM »

Looks very good. Can't wait to see this progress.

wwwarbird · « **Reply #27 on:** April 09, 2012, 11:52:45 AM »

I really like this plane. If someone kitted it with a built-up wing I would build one.

Mike McHenry · « **Reply #28 on:** April 09, 2012, 04:59:16 PM »

Wayne, thanks for the comments! While there is no kit available for it, I can tell you that the airfoil is a Mackey Lark stretched. I'm pretty sure Eric Rule has laser cut rib sets for the Lark. And I would be happy to send you a set of plans and some photos if you would like to build one. Let me know if you are interested. Thanks again!

Wynn Robins · « **Reply #29 on:** April 09, 2012, 09:23:02 PM »

hey Mike - I'm keen for some plans if you are into sending them - the A7 is my all time favourite Jet - BTW I have oer 30,000 plans on file - so can send you swaps via e-mail if you like

wwwarbird · « **Reply #30 on:** April 09, 2012, 10:22:10 PM »

Thanks Mike, I'll keep that all in mind.

For now I just need to focus on the Nobler kit-bash that I'm trudging through. In the meantime I'll enjoy watching your A-7 progress.

I would be interested in getting a copy of the plans to look over though. No rush, but if you do get a copy made I'll take them. Just let me know what you need.

John Sunderland · « **Reply #31 on:** April 09, 2012, 10:40:43 PM »

Nice work!

Good to see you do this one again.

Mike McHenry · « **Reply #32 on:** July 05, 2012, 06:38:18 PM »

Well i's finally done. Not completely satisfied, but if it flies good it won't matter. Hopefully will get some test flights in this weekend, Have to try and get as much handle time as possible between my kid's sports seasons. I have attached a few pis of the ship through some finishing stages.

proparc · « **Reply #33 on:** July 05, 2012, 07:15:12 PM »

Absolutely amazing.

Bill Little · « **Reply #34 on:** July 05, 2012, 07:51:51 PM »

Hi Mike,

I love it! Man you really are making me want to gt back to building! (I have about 1/2 the normal feeling back in my hands!) Looks sweet and should fly great!

Bill

wwwarbird · « **Reply #35 on:** July 05, 2012, 09:04:56 PM »

WOW!!! That looks AWESOME Mike!

I've really got to try and get the nerve to start doing panel lines on some of my stuff. Yours look great here, it really completes this model. What did you use for them?

Matt Colan · « **Reply #36 on:** July 05, 2012, 10:34:18 PM »

Looks great from here Mike!!!!

john e. holliday · « **Reply #37 on:** July 06, 2012, 08:22:39 AM »

Mike, that is totally awesome. You have way more patience than I have. That is a work of art.

Airacobra · « **Reply #38 on:** July 06, 2012, 08:29:24 AM »

I love it Mike, nice job on the SLUF!

Dennis Adamisin · « **Reply #39 on:** July 06, 2012, 09:44:10 PM »

WTG Mike, that turned out great!

Jeff Traxler · « **Reply #40 on:** July 08, 2012, 11:40:56 AM »

Hi Mike,Sure is a beautiful ship!!!I'll be in Muncie in a few days,Can't wait to see it.Jeff

Bill Little · « **Reply #41 on:** July 08, 2012, 12:32:19 PM »

Hi Mike,

I have re-read every post on this thread and missed what you are using for power........ What is it and what is that three blade prop?

Thanks and good luck!
Bill

Mike McHenry · « **Reply #42 on:** July 08, 2012, 01:05:09 PM »

Hi Bill,

The power is an Aero Tiger 36. The prop is a Bill Lee 12 x 4.25 cut to 11". Wish I could get ahold of another one since it's the only one I have and works better than any other I have tried.

For warbird;s question; I mostlt use Rapid-o-graph pens for the panel lines. The ink doesn't fade over time. The only drawback is it smears easily so you really have to watch your work.

I was able to get a few flights in over this weekend before it got too hot. I believe it to have potential. It already is better than the old one, so now it's to a few trim issues and practice.

Thanks for all the positive comments, they are greatly appreciated. Look forward to seeing all who are coming to the Nats!

Mike

proparc · « **Reply #43 on:** July 08, 2012, 02:39:53 PM »

Quote from: Mike McHenry on July 08, 2012, 01:05:09 PM

Hi Bill,

The power is an Aero Tiger 36. The prop is a Bill Lee 12 x 4.25 cut to 11".
Mike

Mike, how big is the ship? In the pictures, it looks like a 60 size ship!!

Mike McHenry · « **Reply #44 on:** July 08, 2012, 06:01:18 PM »

Hi Milton,

The wingspan for the Corsair is 51 1/2. Probably the big rudder makes it look a little bigger. And after flying the Zero, there is no comparison in size.

Mike

Will Hinton · « **Reply #45 on:** July 08, 2012, 08:53:26 PM »

Ya done us proud again, Mike! Glad you picked the Navy scheme! (No, I'm not partial!)
See ya in a few days!!!!!

wwwarbird · « **Reply #46 on:** July 08, 2012, 09:05:26 PM »

Quote from: wwwarbird on January 28, 2012, 07:08:54 PM

Can we see a close up of how the nose gear is designed for the two wheel setup? I've often wondered about how to design a clean and simple way to do one.

Bill Little · « **Reply #47 on:** July 25, 2012, 01:39:29 PM »

HI Mike,

From the pictures of the NATS, looks like you flew it in Classic. How did it go?

Thanks
Bill

Mike McHenry · « **Reply #48 on:** July 25, 2012, 02:35:16 PM »

Hi Bill,

I finished 5th with it in Classic. The plane flies very well, just need more time and trim. I was also very honored by the pilots as they chose it as "Best Appearing" and was also chosen for the "Spirit of 64" award. Needless to say that more than made up for not qualifing in Open. Actually, that's probably been the neatest thing thats happened to me since I started flying. Only wish Dad could have made it long enough to have seen it!

Bill Little · « **Reply #49 on:** July 25, 2012, 03:07:47 PM »

Congratulations, Mike! Feel sure that Dad was looking down on it all.

Wasn't the original powered by a McCoy .40?

Thanks!
Bill