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General control line discussion => Open Forum => Topic started by: Paul Taylor on December 28, 2009, 10:21:44 AM

Title: New Cowl - handle with care ** Pics added.
Post by: Paul Taylor on December 28, 2009, 10:21:44 AM

I am almost done with a new cowl for my SIG (ARC) Akrobat. I will try and figure out if I saved any weight. (You guys know I build heavy) HB~>

I did manage to put a few cracks in it while working with it. No big deal. A little CA fixed it. ( yippee more weight!  HB~>)

Man that is a lot of work, but sure will look better then that big hunk of plastic cowl when I am done. y1

I will try and post some photos with weight savings later tonight.

Title: Re: New Cowl - handle with care
Post by: Bob Reeves on December 28, 2009, 01:50:38 PM

Ya.. Pictures....

Title: Re: New Cowl - handle with care
Post by: Paul Taylor on December 28, 2009, 05:01:23 PM

Here are some photos.
I have a little filler on the cowl that I need to sand off.

I still have a little more meat to remove, but so far I have saved 1 oz in weight.

Still need to figure out were to put more vents in to let the heat out. n~

Title: Re: New Cowl - handle with care ** Pics added.
Post by: Bob Reeves on December 28, 2009, 05:37:00 PM

It looks fine...

Title: Re: New Cowl - handle with care ** Pics added.
Post by: Randy Powell on December 28, 2009, 06:33:29 PM

Paul,

Cowls are something you just get a feel for. Takes practice. this one looks like a good start.

Title: Re: New Cowl - handle with care ** Pics added.
Post by: kenneth cook on December 28, 2009, 07:00:52 PM

          Paul, have you settled on a way to hold it on? I sometimes glue small tabs of 1/32 ply on the inside of the fue protruding down into the cowl approx 1/4" to not only line it up but also to stop side to side movement while picking it up. In addition I have installed a crossmember down inside the fuse with a blind nut in it and I drill a hole through the cowl and use a long screw. Tp prevent the loss of screw I solder a washer on the inside so the screw never falls out. I then use a cut off of arrow shaft as a spacer so that I don't over tighten and crush the cowl. I first drill the through hole in the cowl then glue a piece of ply on the inside of the cowl. I then backdrill the hole this way the screw is seating on the ply and not on the balsa cowl. Looks great good luck. Ken Cook

Title: Re: New Cowl - handle with care ** Pics added.
Post by: Zuriel Armstrong on December 28, 2009, 08:01:20 PM

Paul,

That looks good.  Like I said, next time attatch it first and then sand it to shape.  Work on the tank you want to install and we'll get her together soon.

Title: Re: New Cowl - handle with care ** Pics added.
Post by: Bryan Higgins on December 28, 2009, 08:46:08 PM

Good Job Rootbeard H^^

Title: Re: New Cowl - handle with care ** Pics added.
Post by: john e. holliday on December 29, 2009, 09:01:01 AM

The cowl is a good idea as I remember the plastic as being heavy.  But, looking at your cowl, you might think of closing down the opening a bit.  Like about half as much as you have now.  The out let needs to be at least twice as big as the inlet to create an augmenter effect. 

Title: Re: New Cowl - handle with care ** Pics added.
Post by: Paul Taylor on December 29, 2009, 11:21:57 AM

Thanks guys!

Doc,
Noted, I will try and add a little weight back to the inlet. ;D

I am planning on cutting a few more vents some place to let the heat out.

Title: Re: New Cowl - handle with care ** Pics added.
Post by: Harleyman on December 29, 2009, 12:09:00 PM

Looooking goood! x: