The B-17

[wwwarbird]

 This just never gets old...

 

[Gary Dowler]

Its amazing what the right guy, a 6' wing and 4-15FP's can accomplish!

Gary

[Clint Ormosen]

What’s there left to do after you’ve won every major stunt contest multiple times and then enter a 4 engine bomber in world competition???

[Paul Walker]

And, it has been converted to electric. Awaiting ESC's from over the pond. It will have the next generation timer in it  which likely will make it fly better. Hope to fly it this fall.

[Paul Walker]

The real question will be if my 23 year older body can still handle the line tension.

[M Spencer]

Thanks ,
good to know its still ' operational ' .

Did the halifix & chickened out at a Profile , got 8 old OS max .15s , but I'll only use Four . 



Its all primed out in silver , fins to fit & landing gear & tanks to do . A STIRLING WING accomanies it here ,






Id thrown out a old battlescarrred Spit. fuse Id meant to keep for MOULDING SHELLS on .The B-17 could be got pretty light , maybe ? . Stressed Skin & Carbon Viel or f' Glass , whatever the Yatesenkos run ?
for cover .
 
Brian Eather uses Estapol 7008 on BARE WOOD , s f a else . Both sides , inside & Out , It'd give enourmose shell strength for V little weight . Maybe spiral bound 1/32 x 1/8 ' formers ' were required . bit like' Al's ' .

[M Spencer]

The B - 17 fuselage is similarly shaped to a MOSQUITO's , so V Similar ' load bearing characteristics ' . Essentially 3 dimesional curves give enoumous strength per weight . Wood is as strong as steel . Per Weight .



Heres some australians building big control line B - 17 fuselages . Er , Mosquitos . Only about 3/8 thick , in that size .



https://www.peoplesmosquito.org.uk/2015/11/25/the-mosquito-at-75/

Another advantage iof Timber , is it lets the bullets out . 

[Tim Wescott]

And, it has been converted to electric. Awaiting ESC's from over the pond. It will have the next generation timer in it  which likely will make it fly better. Hope to fly it this fall.

Oh cool.  I was going to point out that this sort of thing should be easier with electrics -- I guess we can ask you when it flies if that's actually the case.

[kevin king]

 Ummm. I uuh. I built a Flite Streak one time.

[Clint Ormosen]

The real question will be if my 23 year older body can still handle the line tension.

Will the overall weight stay about the same?

[Paul Walker]

Oh cool.  I was going to point out that this sort of thing should be easier with electrics -- I guess we can ask you when it flies if that's actually the case.

I tested the motors on the first B-17 a few years ago
 Batteries, ESC and timers in each nacelle. Batteries not big enough for full flight. It proved the motors were clearly big enough.

[Paul Walker]

Will the overall weight stay about the same?

Surprisingly, it should be close even with the battery installed.

[Rick_Huff]

Paul,
What ESC's are you going to use?

Thanks,
Rick

[Sean McEntee]

   I remember seeing it at the '01 Nat's; it was impressive to even a snotty-nosed kid who didn't "get it" yet

   I imagine, if one were to start with a blank sheet of paper, engineer and build one specifically for an electric setup, that there might be at least a bit of weight saved, and therefore not quite as much of a bear to fly?  Not that I would wish such a thing on anyone...

[Clint Ormosen]

   I remember seeing it at the '01 Nat's; it was impressive to even a snotty-nosed kid who didn't "get it" yet

Yeah I remember watching him fly one at the ‘95? (Pasco, WA) NATS. I just don’t know if it’s the same B17.
That’s when I was first getting into stunt and I was in my early 20’s. I didn’t know a damn thing!

[Tim Wescott]

   I remember seeing it at the '01 Nat's; it was impressive to even a snotty-nosed kid who didn't "get it" yet

   I imagine, if one were to start with a blank sheet of paper, engineer and build one specifically for an electric setup, that there might be at least a bit of weight saved, and therefore not quite as much of a bear to fly?  Not that I would wish such a thing on anyone...

One thing one could do for starters is to go smaller.  In '95 using .15's would have been pushing the low-displacement end of the reliability envelope -- today you could use "10-sized" motors or smaller without loss of reliability.

So -- you could start drawing up plans for a 'lectric B36 stunter.

[wwwarbird]

And, it has been converted to electric.

 I was honestly hoping not to hear that, but also figured it would come up. Functionality and ease of operation way up I suppose, but cool factor way down, JMO. Still one of the coolest and most impressive C/L models ever built though. 

[Paul Walker]

Paul,
What ESC's are you going to use?

Thanks,
Rick

Jeti spin 20's

[Paul Walker]

I was honestly hoping not to hear that, but also figured it would come up. Functionality and ease of operation way up I suppose, but cool factor way down, JMO. Still one of the coolest and most impressive C/L models ever built though. 

And that is a good part of the reason it has not  flown since 02
 I wanted to maintain the 4 15's.. As such, either would likely never have flown again.

But the urge to see it/them fly again led to the electric option. The first (used at the 95 Nats) was converted such that nothing was cut or removed so it could fly with slimers in it again. The second has had some critical pieces removed to make room fir one big battery. The wing is still useable either way but I swore I woukd never use that pressure fuel system again.

Tim, I have already designed a 700 in^2 version with 4 smaller electric motors. Expected weight was 65ish ounces. But, I am doing this (using a previous B-17) to see one fly again, and to get it out of my system, so I can concentrate on my next WW2 project. That one is likely a two year build....

[wwwarbird]

That one is likely a two year build....

 A B-36? It would be easy with electric power. 

[Paul Walker]

A B-36? It would be easy with electric power. 

I don't want to step on Jim Aron's toes....

[wwwarbird]

I don't want to step on Jim Aron's toes....

 Right, I remember seeing some wing construction photos of that one on his website a long time ago. Never saw a finished product though.

[Brett Buck]

Right, I remember seeing some wing construction photos of that one on his website a long time ago. Never saw a finished product though.

   That was of the first one, intended for 6 061s, he has another one with 6xelectric.

     Brett

[Gary Dowler]

And, it has been converted to electric. Awaiting ESC's from over the pond. It will have the next generation timer in it  which likely will make it fly better. Hope to fly it this fall.

Id come help mow your field for the chance to watch!

[Uncle Jimby]

   That was of the first one, intended for 6 061s, he has another one with 6xelectric.

     Brett

Here are a few pix.  It currently is forlornly sitting in a corner of the workshop awaiting my attention.  Fuse and tailfeathers in primer ready for final assembly.........someday!

[john e. holliday]

Paul and Jim, I do hope you both get the B-17 and B-36 flying. while the Old DOC cab still read about them.

[Matt Colan]

Jim, I will only be impressed if you add 4 EDF’s in the engine nacelles…only then will I be impressed

Just kidding! That’s wild stuff! Love it!!

[M Spencer]

How much does the ENTIRE B - 17 electrickery weigh ?

are you looking at doing a follow up dedicated version ?

thanks .

[GallopingGhostler]

This just never gets old...

So true! That was very fine piloting and the aircraft is amazing, with all 4 turning, and scale at that. Inside and outside loops. square loops, inverted, 8's, square 8's, did it all, wow! Also thought it amazing that he had all 4 engines quit the same time. He also hung on to it as though it had normal pull, but it must have had some tug on it.

Thanks for sharing that! Thoroughly enjoyed watching it! 

[Brett Buck]

He also hung on to it as though it had normal pull, but it must have had some tug on it.

    Even launching it is a real strain, it pulls hard on the ground, and the span of the stab is so big that you have to sort of stretch out over horizontally to hold it, so it's like holding weights with your arms fully extended. Normally you want to launch any airplane by holding the wing near the fuselage, and that is A LONG WAY from where you have to squat.

     Brett

[wwwarbird]

Here are a few pix.  It currently is forlornly sitting in a corner of the workshop awaiting my attention.  Fuse and tailfeathers in primer ready for final assembly.........someday!

 That "someday" is here Jim, that thing is too cool to not get finished. 

 Did the .061 version ever get finished?

[Uncle Jimby]

That "someday" is here Jim, that thing is too cool to not get finished. 

 Did the .061 version ever get finished?

No.  I realized that I was going to have to add so much weight to the nose to obtain a viable CG that it just wasn't going to work.  Less of a problem with the electric.

[Tim Wescott]

Jim, I will only be impressed if you add 4 EDF’s in the engine nacelles…only then will I be impressed

The very first versions that flew didn't have the jet engines.  So there's a true-to-scale dodge for that.

[Sean McEntee]

The very first versions that flew didn't have the jet engines.  So there's a true-to-scale dodge for that.

Wont be true-to-scale unless one of the engines catches fire

[Tim Wescott]

Wont be true-to-scale unless one of the engines catches fire

Which is why you won't see me building a semi-scale stunt Martin 0-2-0 -- making the wings fall off in mid-flight is just too much trouble.

[wwwarbird]

Wont be true-to-scale unless one of the engines catches fire

 

[Dan McEntee]

Wont be true-to-scale unless one of the engines catches fire

     "Five turnin' and one burnin!"

    Type at you later,
    Dad

[M Spencer]

Speaking of that , the recent hollywood remake of this , theyre more like madona with herepants on fire .



To Quote Miles Trip , Theyed still complain if you pissed on it to put it out . a good Aussie W W I I coloquealism .

A good read. Generally lacking in hysteria. Praise the Lord .

[Uncle Jimby]

The very first versions that flew didn't have the jet engines.  So there's a true-to-scale dodge for that.

Yep.  And the paint scheme will reflect that model, but I have to say, Matt has got me thinking....always dangerous.

[Tim Wescott]

Wont be true-to-scale unless one of the engines catches fire

Surely someone makes a smoke generator for electrics.

[phil c]

Ummm. I uuh. I built a Flite Streak one time.

You can build another one now.  Gotta keep is shape, you know.

You get more points for every plane you build a plane.

Phil Cartier

[Pat Johnston]

Try this one.  B-17G.  595 squares, 46 ounces, four electric 1/2A motors swinging 6-4 props.  Full pattern capable.  Fun.
Pat Johnston
Idaho Skunk Works

[GallopingGhostler]

Try this one.  B-17G.  595 squares, 46 ounces, four electric 1/2A motors swinging 6-4 props.  Full pattern capable.  Fun.

Pat, that is quite a looker, that would be real fun.

[M Spencer]

You can build another one now.  Gotta keep is shape, you know.

You get more points for every plane you build a plane.

Phil Cartier

A FOUR Engined Flite Streak'd gotta be mean .



The little B 17s cool . Dont let someone suck you into haveing a dogfight with them , with it . 

[wwwarbird]

No.  I realized that I was going to have to add so much weight to the nose to obtain a viable CG that it just wasn't going to work.  Less of a problem with the electric.

 Ok, when do we get to see the finished electric version?

[Norm Faith Jr.]

And, it has been converted to electric. Awaiting ESC's from over the pond. It will have the next generation timer in it  which likely will make it fly better. Hope to fly it this fall.

Paul, are you going to use one "large" battery for all four motors? Would that be possible?
Norm

[Norm Faith Jr.]

I had the honor to lead an active duty, Air Force crew out of Eaker AF Base, that assisted in the first restoration of the Memphis Belle, that we moved to Mud Island, Memphis TN. 1987. Got to spend time with the original crew and Marget Polk, the "Memphis Belle" herself. These are the waist gunners Winchell and Nastal and myself.
Norm

[Norm Faith Jr.]

I had the honor to lead an active duty, Air Force crew out of Eaker AF Base, that assisted in the first restoration of the Memphis Belle, that we moved to Mud Island, Memphis TN. 1987. Got to spend time with the original crew and Marget Polk, the "Memphis Belle" herself. These are the waist gunners Winchell and Nastal and myself.
Norm

I'm the "short dude with the shoulder boards. 

[Norm Faith Jr.]

I'm the "short dude with the shoulder boards. 

The Belle's crew.

[Paul Walker]

Paul, are you going to use one "large" battery for all four motors? Would that be possible?
Norm

Yes, one single battery. Only question is the capacity. Made extra room fir a longer battery.