Latest Project

[Ironbomb]

I have found new motivation since the online build class will be going on soon. I have been working off and on with this airplane since last summer. I did get a few other planes done while this one was waiting its turn. But now, I will have it in dope by the 18th.

I tried something new to me. I made the ribs from 1/4in foam. I did some non scientific bending and breaking tests on the foam and 1/16 balsa. I found that that they both were bendy, and while the foam was less rigid, it would bend lots more before it broke. With the cap strips, upper, lower, leading and trailing edge spars, it seemed strong enough to me. Also, I did not have enough 1/16th to make all the ribs. So I did it like this.

The wing weighs 11.8oz as the pic shows. No dope is applied yet.

The plane partially assembled as shown weighs 21.2 oz

The fues is hollow with 1/32ply as the sides and 1/16 ply as doublers past the trailing edge.

I will have an aluminium pad under the engine to help make the nose a bit more rigid.

I was also going to double up on the silkspan over the control surfaces.

The plane will be finished in Brodak Dope, cause I have enough.

Engine will be my 35FP that was reworked by Len Neuman.

I was hoping to keep it under 40oz, but the wing came out a bit heavier than I hoped. the entire wing weighed just over 7oz before the controls and tips were added.

Even if I go a bit over 40oz, it will still be the lightest big plane I ever built so far.

Its shaping up nicly....

  Greg

[Randy Powell]

Greg,

Any relation to the pitcher?

[Bill Little]

Hi Greg,
That's very interesting.  Good luck and let us know as you procede.

[Ironbomb]

Greg,

Any relation to the pitcher?

Nope, I havn't been asked that for a while, wish I was tho, could have gotten some good seats to some good games...

Greg

[Ironbomb]

Hi Greg,
That's very interesting.  Good luck and let us know as you procede.

Hi Bill, I'll post a couple more times, til its done. I am wondering how the foam ribs will hold up. I think they will work, but wont know til its in the air.

I was just informed that the horizontal will not be strong enough,

I dont want to loose the plane on an oversite, will double silkspan be strong enough over open framework?


Greg

[RC Storick]

This will work as I have seen RC guys do it with good results.

[Bill Little]

Hi Bill, I'll post a couple more times, til its done. I am wondering how the foam ribs will hold up. I think they will work, but wont know til its in the air.

I was just informed that the horizontal will not be strong enough,

I dont want to loose the plane on an oversite, will double silkspan be strong enough over open framework?


Greg     

Hi Greg,

I have to believe that the ribs will be just fine in that wing!  No reason for them NOT to be.

Add a "rib" in the middle of each "V" on your stab to completely triangulate the stab.  Then use double silkspan.  If it's not too late, you can add a strip of CF to the face of the stab's TE, .007 strip should do.

[frank carlisle]

looks good greg.
do what bill says and add that extra rib between the vee's on the stag and elevator.
this summer we can watch the tail real close and see if it bows much in flight.
it looks like you're getting serious about stunt. good. good.

[Ironbomb]

  If it's not too late, you can add a strip of CF to the face of the stab's TE, .007 strip should do.





Hi Bill, I added the rib to the stab as described. I am almost ready to apply the silkspan today, this weekend for sure.

I am not sure what you mean by "the face of the TE" would this be a strip to give the hinges some more meat? 

And thanks Frank, like always, I am having fun building this airplane. I hope my flying skills improves as much as my building skills are.

Greg

[frank carlisle]

greg,
your flying skills will get better, i have no doubt. you went a long way last summer and now you have the foundation. i think while you have your tools out and finishing the card you should put a shelf up somewhere for trophies.

[Ironbomb]

Thanks Frank, I had good coaching last year . And I could not have worked out the trim issues without you and John. I also could not have found the Chinese Buffet without you either. You guys always make it fun.

I think its way to early to think about trophies tho. I need way more practice. I may try a flight tomorrow, I see the snow has melted off my circle. If the mud aint too deep. Cant wait to have you up for a weekend.

I am taking a break from the plane now, wings and tail feathers ready for covering. I am finishing off the engine installation now. I just need to shape the cheek tripler, and prepare that for cover. Tomorrow I make a paint stand and booth.

Happiness is a messy workbench  

Greg

[john e. holliday]

You left out a dirty floor.  Your project looks great.  I remember years ago when one of the RC club members gave a demo on how he built his quarter scale wings.  The ribs were 1/4 in thick foam by 4" by 12" to start.  He had a jig in which the ribs were put.  they were cut to length as they were put in the jig.  Then a emplate was placed on tip and center rib.  His partner would help him cut the airfoil with the custom built foam cutter.  It was custom built as one wing panel was over 4 foot long.  Then when one side was cut, it was turned over so other side could be cut.   Then the wing was finished while in the jig.  I have been wanting to try that with control line, as I can't find any 4 inch thick foam.  More later,  DOC Holliday

PS:All for now, as I hitting the road.