John, you ask an interesting question. It is a molded balsa tube and the primary function is to add aft fuselage area and complicate the whole building process. Somehow I decided that molded tubes, cheek cowls, fuse tops, wing tips and wheel pants are fun so I just look for different things to do with them.
Here are a couple of building pics. Still wondering how I got from there to the finished plane. As I look at the excellent detailed chronicles from Bob Hunt, Christ Rigotti and others I am chagrined and apologetic for my meager contribution to this electric forum of Sparky's world.
American Pi is the result of a marathon build that started in late January. There are some notable differences between Pi and Elroy. The most notable are longer tail moment, increased stab area with lower aspect ratio, different root airfoil and more aft fuselage area.
Quick specs:
610 sq.
Plettenberg 20-12 motor
48 oz. all electric components no battery
Ice 50 Lite
Hubin FM-9
Max Products arming switch
Also, used automotive low VOC lacquer for all color. Mixed results this time out but think I got it figured out. After 55 years of dope fumes it is becoming more difficult for me to work with the stuff due to allergic reactions. Still use it for base though.
At this point I'm totally exhausted but hope to do maiden flight later this week if weather and wind will cooperate.
Topic: Elroy does his math (Read 2709 times)