ISO Fuel tank templates

[Paul Taylor]

I need to make a metal tank.
Does anyone have PDF templates for a 2x2x5 tank?

PM me if you can assist.
Thanks
Paul

[Motorman]

If you have a pair of calipers you can scratch it out right on the tin, that's what I do.

MM

[Tim Wescott]

Paul, what exactly do you need?  Do you need a detailed drawing of the tank, or a design of a tank, or what?

And why do you need an 11 ounce tank for control line?

[Paul Taylor]

Thanks Guys
I guess I don't need a 11oz tank.

Here is my problem

Tank compartment is 2x5.5. A Brodak 5 oz tank is 2x1x5.5 including the Tubes. I am using a PA 40 UL. I think I'm going to need more then 5oz of fuel.

The only other solution I can think of is to cut out the former in front of the wing and have a longer tank that sets back.

All suggestions appreciated.
Thanks.

[Tim Wescott]

What plane?

I've never used a PA 40 before, but an OS 46LA takes 4 ounces of fuel to finish the pattern in my 54 ounce plane, and almost 6 ounces to finish the pattern in my 64 ounce plane -- so plane weight seems to make a difference.

[Tim Wescott]

Two more thoughts:

One: ask in "engine set-up tips" about how much fuel you should expect to use with that engine in your plane.

Two: a 2-inch by 1 1/4 inch by 5 inch tank should be a hair over six ounces -- but it might not cut off nicely.  I've given up on making fixed-tube tanks that cut off nicely, and now I just build metal clunk tanks.  Stupid?  Yes, probably -- but if you don't mind the thing cutting out with no warning, it works splendidly.

[dave siegler]

paul start with this. 


I use it to get the basic shape and size.  It assumes zero thickness metal and no bend radius, so go a smidge bigger to correct for that.

Then you can transfer the dimensions to metal by hand and cut it out.  Try to keep the same ratio of the off the shelf tanks for a good cut out, but a little wider or taller should be ok.

You won't need to make it much bigger. 

[Phil Krankowski]

Some thoughts:
Determine the volume you really need.

A plastic clunk tank might fit in there.  There are re-moldable plastic tank might work too, they get shaped with a heat gun and squished as needed.

http://aeromaniacs.com/Tips.html
At the bottom of this page is an image file for a tank.  One (slightly kludgy yet highly effective) way to use it is to put it into a word processor document and poke and stretch it around till the dimensions are what you need, then print it out.

Another way is to make a wooden plug out of some strong wood like 2x4 that is the shape and size you need, with allowance for metal thickness.  Wrap the metal around the plug to form.  This can be used with the paper cutting template, or instead of making a paper template as you can trace the plug to make a template pretty easily.

Phil

[Gene Martine]

Ask Randy Smith. Matt Colan had a PA40 UL in a Vector & I believe he had a 5 oz. tank in it.
Gene
 

[Larry Fruits]

Paul,
 I run a PA 40 Ultra Lite with a header muffler and use 3-3/4 to 4 ounces of fuel per flight. Launch RPM is 9,300 to 9,500 with an 11 x 5 or 11 x 5-1/2 measured pitch prop. (Rev Up). The plane flies on 61 foot, eye to eye lines.

 Fuel load variation is dependent on nitro % I use,  RPM I use, and weather. I have a 4-1/2 metal tank, (Brodak), in the plane to allow for extra capacity if needed, due to nitro %, RPM chosen, etc.. The tank measures 1 x 2 x 4-1/2. All tubes face forward. From the back of the tank to the front of the tubes it measures 5-1/8 inches. The tubes can be trimmed a bit if needed, since they stick out the front of the tank by nearly 5/8 of an inch.

 Hope this helps.

 Good to see you back.

 Larry