Author Topic: Electric Crossfire (Read 11297 times)

Bob Hunt · « **on:** June 12, 2011, 07:06:10 AM »

Since I ran out of time to do a proper job on my new "Second Wind" twin and get it ready for the Nats, I decided to finish up the Crossfire that I started last year instead.

Here are a couple of photos of it during the painting process. I've since added the name and numbers using painting stencils that Phil Granderson made for me. They were perfect and incredibly easy to lay on the model. I am using Chroma Base Dupont paints on this one, and this paint covers so well that the edge produced by the stencil is almost imperceptible. I'll try to take a few shots of it just before the clear goes on this week.

This one will have an E-Flite 25 motor and a Phoenix 45 ESC. I'll use Hyperion 4S 4000mAh battery packs and, of course, a Hubin timer. The estimated weight will be 58 to 59 ounces with the battery on board. That is equivalent to a glow model without fuel at 52 to 53 ounces! The wing area is 670 square inches, so this one should be plenty light.

Later - Bob Hunt

john e. holliday · « **Reply #1 on:** June 12, 2011, 07:24:13 AM »

That is awesome.

Bill Little · « **Reply #2 on:** June 12, 2011, 09:41:29 AM »

The "look" is incredible, Bob. I am sure that you will be competitive with this set up!

Bill

Crist Rigotti · « **Reply #3 on:** June 12, 2011, 09:46:40 AM »

Wow, looks good Bob.

Bill Little · « **Reply #4 on:** June 12, 2011, 10:53:26 AM »

Any link to Stevie Ray Vaughn in that "Crossfire" name Bob?

Bill

Mike Scholtes · « **Reply #5 on:** June 12, 2011, 11:09:39 AM »

'Fess up Bob, there's a little SRV in any guitar player!

I don't see any obvious venting on the model; do you have a shot that details your thinking on inlet and outlet venting on this one?

john e. holliday · « **Reply #6 on:** June 20, 2011, 07:41:18 AM »

Bob, I think you have out done yourself on this one. I like it.

Allan Perret · « **Reply #7 on:** June 20, 2011, 09:20:34 AM »

Looks great. What did you use for clear coat, dope or auto 2-part ?

Would like to get a set of the plans as soon as available, the plan will be for a dedicated electric, right ?

Derek Barry · « **Reply #8 on:** June 20, 2011, 09:46:30 AM »

Looks great Bob! However, I am a fan of the no rudder Genesis

Dad built one for Bob Shaw and I got to fly it a few times, it was a lot of fun.

C-ya in Muncie

Derek

Matt Colan · « **Reply #9 on:** June 20, 2011, 10:50:08 AM »

Bob, that is just too cool!!!!!! I really like it!!

Looking foward to seeing it in Muncie!!

John Miller · « **Reply #10 on:** June 20, 2011, 12:10:06 PM »

Sun of a gun, I thought you'd finally run out of Bronze paint, but the clear coat changed the tint.....

Hey, it looks really great. It will fly just as good I'm sure. Don't forget about the twin when you get back from the Nat's though,,,, please.

Allan Perret · « **Reply #11 on:** June 20, 2011, 01:52:59 PM »

Was looking at the first two pictures at top of thread.
Thats really cool the way you faired the struts into the pants.
Would like to see a "How To" on that..

Bill Little · « **Reply #12 on:** June 20, 2011, 02:31:36 PM »

Brother Bob! It does look fantastic, as I would only expect from you. And as such I also expect it to be a great flier. Best of luck at Muncie!

Big Bear

Ward Van Duzer · « **Reply #13 on:** June 20, 2011, 02:35:35 PM »

Bob,

When you are done with this one, just drop it in the mail

I'm sure it'll get to the right address!

W

Crist Rigotti · « **Reply #14 on:** June 20, 2011, 04:27:22 PM »

Glad to see you are entering Open with that one! Sweeet!

An Advanced entrant,

Tom Niebuhr · « **Reply #15 on:** June 20, 2011, 09:35:09 PM »

Bob,
Glad the "Crossedwire" is finished. I see that you made a HUGE change to your paint scheme... you added stripes on the flaps! And you know that I like the rudder.

The CF is certainly up to your usual fantastic standards. I guess you will have to fool Crist and take another FIRST.

Then on to the twin.

wwwarbird · « **Reply #16 on:** June 20, 2011, 09:52:09 PM »

The plane looks awesome Bob, great lines and super sleek. I really like the "non-copper" maroon color too, what is it?

Wynn Robins · « **Reply #17 on:** June 20, 2011, 10:03:17 PM »

the through the fuse venting is COOL! love it.......how did you keep the structure free through the back and still keep it stiff?

kits Bob?

??

Crist Rigotti · « **Reply #18 on:** June 21, 2011, 06:18:27 AM »

Quote from: Bob Hunt on June 20, 2011, 09:04:48 PM

Crist: What makes you think I'm not going to fly in Advanced? I haven't been to a Nats in years. Don't I get to start over in Advanced?

I laughed out loud on that one Bob!

Tom Niebuhr · « **Reply #19 on:** June 21, 2011, 03:36:09 PM »

Bob,
That is one fine looking airplane. As to the talk about advanced. Yes , you are an advanced Expert! Crist has a lot to fear.

Tom Niebuhr · « **Reply #20 on:** June 21, 2011, 03:38:48 PM »

Bob,
Your RC Crossfire had anhedral tail surfaces. Is there any reason that you did not use that on the CL Crossfire?

wwwarbird · « **Reply #21 on:** June 21, 2011, 05:47:29 PM »

Quote from: Bob Hunt on June 21, 2011, 05:04:31 AM

Hi Wayne:

The "Maroon" color you are seeing in the photos is actually a dark metallic brown that contains a lot of red flake in it. Later - Bob

So then, in a way, you could call it another shade of copper.

John Miller · « **Reply #22 on:** June 21, 2011, 07:23:36 PM »

DOH!!!!!

WhittleN · « **Reply #23 on:** June 22, 2011, 09:21:30 AM »

Bob
Having built 3 purpose build electric stunters now I can really appreciate your efforts in a clean electronics bay construction. Your approach is very good. I would like to see if you refined your battery mounting. I have been practicing 6 flights (I have 6 batteries) back to back. I really don’t have a system that:
1. Doesn’t require tools to change the battery
2. That keys the batter into an exact position every time.
Norm

WhittleN · « **Reply #24 on:** June 22, 2011, 10:55:01 AM »

Thanks for the pictures Bob. I would like to remove the hatch and the battery without tools but you have added some good ideas to my collection.
I will send you an e-mail about the project. I'm quite far along on it.

Norm

Dean Pappas · « **Reply #25 on:** June 22, 2011, 07:57:42 PM »

Hello Norm,
You need to look at the belly-pan latches that the Japanese hardware outfits sell to the Pattern guys. I'll go look for pictures and sources.
I dummied up a cheap copy for one of my E-RC ships, and it can be made to look very tidy.
Regards,
Dean

Wynn Robins · « **Reply #26 on:** June 22, 2011, 08:45:42 PM »

Quote from: WhittleN on June 22, 2011, 10:55:01 AM

Thanks for the pictures Bob. I would like to remove the hatch and the battery without tools but you have added some good ideas to my collection.
I will send you an e-mail about the project. I'm quite far along on it.

Norm

hey Norm - here is my take on Bobs design - no need to unscrew anything and it works a treat

http://stunthanger.com/smf/index.php?topic=20144.0

Tom Niebuhr · « **Reply #27 on:** June 22, 2011, 09:56:16 PM »

Bob,
Do you have a means to move the battery forward or aft for CG adjustment?

Allan Perret · « **Reply #28 on:** June 23, 2011, 07:27:55 AM »

On the Crossfire, did you still use the rear motor support like you did in the Genesis ?

WhittleN · « **Reply #29 on:** June 23, 2011, 08:54:14 AM »

Oh Bob! you're killing me with that no Velcro stuff. I like a little grass on my Velcro. But I must admit you are correct. I didn’t realize you built a frame for each battery – this could expedite the battery change out process.

Wynn copied your pictures to my idea folder they are certainly worth considering. Thanks.

Dean I will hunt the electric Pattern forum for the latch pictures but if you run across them please post.

Jose Luis Oterino has some good ideas on his MG 10 stunter. I like the car pin hold down and the use of circuit board material.
http://stunthanger.com/smf/index.php?topic=21161.0

Norm

WhittleN · « **Reply #30 on:** June 23, 2011, 01:22:12 PM »

Guys
I too have removed the rear bearing support and now have 87 flights on Sultan-e #2. No problems so far. I must admit every once in a while I do worry about the bearing going out.
One side benefit of having a rear bearing mount is that you can use threaded rod ¼ -20 and a ply plate to act as a paint stand rod holder.
Norm

Dean Pappas · « **Reply #31 on:** June 24, 2011, 08:14:06 PM »

Hi Norm,
Here are a few, but still not the one I was thinking of when I lsat wrote.
Dean
http://www.centralhobbies.com/building_materials/hatch%20acc/hatchacct.html

Mark Scarborough · « **Reply #32 on:** June 24, 2011, 10:58:32 PM »

here is another option
http://www.3dhobbyshop.com/Canopy-Latch-for-40-72-ARF-Kits_p_15453.html
Bob, I likethe Crossfire, RC Pattern version as well.
did you ever do formal plans for that one?

Airacobra · « **Reply #33 on:** June 25, 2011, 08:59:32 AM »

Bob, the plane looks just awesome. I hope to see it fly in Muncie. Sign me up for the plans as well, great looking bird and love all the new technology. Keith

john e. holliday · « **Reply #34 on:** June 25, 2011, 06:59:51 PM »

That is still one awesome looking plane. It looks like it means business. Have fun at the NATS and tell everybody the DOC says hi.

Ward Van Duzer · « **Reply #35 on:** June 27, 2011, 08:25:21 AM »

Bob,

How about some details on your super kool (per Uncle Dean-o) arming switch?

W.

Tom Niebuhr · « **Reply #36 on:** June 27, 2011, 08:33:25 AM »

The Crossfire was scheduled to fly yesterday. I am looking forward to a flight report. It is less than a week now until Bob's drive to Muncie.

Tom Niebuhr · « **Reply #37 on:** June 27, 2011, 03:24:10 PM »

Bob,
Ouch! Sorry that you have to burn more midnight oil. The pants are part of the "look", but I am sure that it will still look great. Of course the best news is that it flies great. I still predict that you will be in the top 3 or better. Good luck and have a good time at the Nats.

Matt Colan · « **Reply #38 on:** June 27, 2011, 08:32:54 PM »

That's a bummer Bob, but it's good to know you got a handle on things.

And I look foward to seeing that plane in a few days, sounds like it will be awesome!!

Mike Ferguson · « **Reply #39 on:** July 01, 2011, 05:35:55 PM »

Looks great, Bob, and glad to hear that it's flying great too.

Good luck with it at the Nats - and hope to catch up with you in person not too long after that!

FLOYD CARTER · « **Reply #40 on:** July 08, 2011, 11:42:43 AM »

Bob: Crossfire has a very attractive rudder. Sort of retro-- like the Top Flite Taurus?

Floyd

Mark Scarborough · « **Reply #41 on:** July 11, 2011, 08:16:21 AM »

Well flown Bob, well flown

WhittleN · « **Reply #42 on:** July 11, 2011, 08:59:09 AM »

Bob
Congratulations on your excellent placing at the NATS after years of layoff. I really admire your tenacity too. I noticed you said you will be building two more of the same Stunters. I now also have 3 Sultans and I am amazed how similar they fly. I attribute this repeatability to the electric power system.
Regards
Norm Whittle

Keith Renecle · « **Reply #43 on:** July 11, 2011, 11:04:45 AM »

Mr Hunt Sir..........you did a great job! I don't think that anyone could have doubted your flying ability, but when you consider the short time that had with Crossfire, plus the stream of problems that hit you, I would say that you did an awesome job. Losing out of the top 5 by .25 of a point is disappointing for sure, but pat yourself on the back. Well done Bob!

If you say that it flies at 5.6 to 5.8 sec lap times, then that's simply amazing. I hope that publishing the plans does not take too long.

Keith R

Allan Perret · « **Reply #44 on:** July 11, 2011, 11:36:41 AM »

Great Nats story Bob.
You done good..

Do you know what made that wheel pant "explode" ? That sounds strange.

I too will be anxious to get a set of plans.

Tom Niebuhr · « **Reply #45 on:** July 11, 2011, 04:00:14 PM »

Bob,
Congrats on a major effort and overcoming major obstacles. Losing out of the top 5 by 00.25 certainly hurt. But also being a friend of Richard's has got me thinking that with Richard's lead out breaking, that 5th place this year was snake bit.

I am repeating that I also would like the Crossfire Extreme plans. Aside from Classics, it will the first airplane not of my own design, that I will build in over 35 years.

Wynn Robins · « **Reply #46 on:** July 11, 2011, 06:07:16 PM »

plans........NAH - get In touch with Mike Griffon at Stunt Supply and get him to kit it!!!! we need a REAL electric kit out there on the market

Tom Niebuhr · « **Reply #47 on:** July 11, 2011, 07:07:39 PM »

Wynn,

Are you forgetting that I run Blue Sky Models and make laser kits? I have several new items, including electrics, that will be introduced very soon.

Wynn Robins · « **Reply #48 on:** July 11, 2011, 11:27:20 PM »

not at all Tom - I have just been ribbing Mike about doing one..

I could also include Eric Rule - or even Brodak for kitting this thing........I think a cottage guy is more likely to do it tho..

Do you have any electric specific Precision Aerobatics kits coming out? not the HOBO!

sorry Bob for hijacking.....

Tom Niebuhr · « **Reply #49 on:** July 12, 2011, 06:57:54 AM »

Wynn,
Working on it. No specifics to talk about now, but the Skunk Works is very active.

A little off the topic but I am also doing custom graphics.