Author Topic: Tight Schedule (Read 5578 times)

Bill Gruby · « **on:** March 11, 2010, 05:31:31 PM »

The "Double Eagle" is well under way now. Should be done on time. Lots of midnight oil burnt so far. 180 hours plus. these are two early shots.

"Billy G"

Pix added of upper fuselage molds

Mark Scarborough · « **Reply #1 on:** March 11, 2010, 05:57:27 PM »

Its loking mighty fine G-man,, keep on keepin on buddy!

Paul Taylor · « **Reply #2 on:** March 12, 2010, 06:43:52 AM »

Glad to see you can build something on a normal scale.

WOW and those are some very nice looking jigs!!!!

Paul

Tom Niebuhr · « **Reply #3 on:** March 12, 2010, 08:44:28 AM »

Bill,

Looking good.. but it will be a stretch to call it a "Ringmaster" for the roundup.

Scott Hartford · « **Reply #4 on:** March 12, 2010, 11:54:01 AM »

Those jigs look nicer than my planes......

Bill Gruby · « **Reply #5 on:** March 12, 2010, 03:39:50 PM »

Paul;

We can build anything any size.

The wing jig is probably 20 years old now and still going. The Fuselage jig however is brand new. Took over 70 hrs on and off to build. It was built specifically for the "Double Eagle" Fuselage. The fuselage has more curves than Scarlet Johanson.

Tom;

They have a special event for what I build. It's the Non S1 event. Anything goes as long as the Ringmaster Lines are there. I have won that event for two years running now. Not this year though as I will not be able to attend.

Scott;

You already know when and how the jigs came to be.

Mark;

Without your little add ons and how tos I don't think this plane would be where it is today. Your input has been invaluable. Thanx.

"Billy G"

Paul Taylor · « **Reply #6 on:** March 12, 2010, 10:01:58 PM »

Hey G-Man.... you going to bring it to Brodaks?

Bill Gruby · « **Reply #7 on:** March 13, 2010, 02:57:00 AM »

I hope to Paul but time is creeping up fast. We will see. There are still a lot of little things to button up before the main parts can go together. Ran into a big snag today in the control area. It gets overcrowded in there because of the front jig rod. First time it ever got in the way. I will get past the glitch today though.

This plane is a little more complicated than others I have done. More components had to be jigged up or molded. I had to fabricate the stuff to do it all. That takes away from building time.

. Gotta go get some sleep, it's been a long day.

"G-Man"

dennis lipsett · « **Reply #8 on:** March 13, 2010, 03:57:19 AM »

I well remember the days when I strip planked those types of fuselages.If nothing else, done right and you had a Louisville slugger.
dennis

Bill Gruby · « **Reply #9 on:** March 13, 2010, 05:49:49 AM »

Hi Dennis;

I remember those days well. I did a Berkeley Wildcat or was a it a Hellcat, anyway, it was strip planked with 1/8X1/4 strips. Was hours and hours doing that one.

"Billy G"

john e. holliday · « **Reply #10 on:** March 15, 2010, 08:47:45 AM »

Bill G. that is awesome. Looks like more work on the jigs than the plane. As someone has already stated, "Keep it coming".

Bill Gruby · « **Reply #11 on:** March 16, 2010, 05:38:26 AM »

Hi Doc;

You are correct, about 1/3 of the build time was spent on the jigs and molds. It was worth it though as the weight so far is real light. Target weight is 55-60 ozs. We are not half way there yet and that includes the engines. Here are a couple more.

"Billy G"

Leo Mehl · « **Reply #12 on:** March 20, 2010, 10:51:42 AM »

I love it and only you would take on this project. NICE GOIN!

wwwarbird · « **Reply #13 on:** March 21, 2010, 12:26:38 AM »

Um, what's a Double Eagle? (never heard of that one) $:-\$

Bill Gruby · « **Reply #14 on:** March 21, 2010, 05:56:53 AM »

Wayne;

I had Pat Johnston design it for me. When I saw it I named it the Double Eagle. It's a twin engined Ringmaster. Yes Ty I'm in a rut, but I love it here. LOL

Leo -- nice hearing from you on this one. Your encouragement is always appreciated.

"Billy G"

Matt Colan · « **Reply #15 on:** March 21, 2010, 06:17:22 AM »

Lookin good Bill! What are you powering it with?

Bill Gruby · « **Reply #16 on:** March 21, 2010, 06:21:36 AM »

Hi Matt;

Power will be two OS .25LA-S's. The weight is comming out right where we want it and the OS's should be more than enough to make her go. The next one will be an electric twin, but not like most electrics

. It has been on the drawing board for about a year no. Larry Marx is doing the CAD for me. I hope it is next seasons build. We started the Double Eagle in January, a little late, but a couple of more marathon sessions will see it ready for finish. Retirement is a wonderful thing. LOL I hope to get it ready for the Brodak Bash, see you there.

"Billy G"

john e. holliday · « **Reply #17 on:** March 21, 2010, 02:54:24 PM »

Okay Billy G., where do I get a set of plans. They look better than the real plane.

But, I guess you will hog it for your self.

Just kidding as both the build and plans are great looking, so I want one.

Bill Gruby · « **Reply #18 on:** March 21, 2010, 03:26:23 PM »

Quote from: john e. holliday on March 21, 2010, 02:54:24 PM

Okay Billy G., where do I get a set of plans. They look better than the real plane. But, I guess you will hog it for your self. Just kidding as both the build and plans are great looking, so I want one.

Pat Johnston has the plans Doc. I will get the email for you. pjohnston at idahopower dot com That will get you directly to him Doc.

"Billy G"

Garf · « **Reply #19 on:** March 21, 2010, 03:44:19 PM »

Starting 2 inverted engines is not my idea of fun.

Bill Gruby · « **Reply #20 on:** March 21, 2010, 03:54:29 PM »

Quote from: Garf on March 21, 2010, 03:44:19 PM

Starting 2 inverted engines is not my idea of fun.

You ever hear of turning the plane over and starting them upright?

"Billy G"

wwwarbird · « **Reply #21 on:** March 21, 2010, 04:38:58 PM »

That's pretty cool Bill! Shouldn't it be a taildragger though?

Starting two engines together quickly, even inverted, is really no big deal at all if you run a pressure setup. Just plug the muffler with your finger or thumb and hit it with the starter 'til it fires, simple as that. The fuel will automatically get there when you have the muffler plugged and are spinning the motor over.

Some may argue, but we've proven this twin procedure works up here in 'ol Minn-e-sota: It is best with a twin to start up and set/tune each engine separately and then shut them off. Refuel, then fire them up and launch without any more fiddling. Resist that urge and they will sync up in a lap or two.

Keep us posted Bill!

Bill Gruby · « **Reply #22 on:** March 21, 2010, 07:30:20 PM »

The wing is finished and ready to mount. It will be set aside and we will get back to the fuslage. Nacelles will be buttoned up this week hopefully.

"Billy G"

john e. holliday · « **Reply #23 on:** March 22, 2010, 11:07:14 AM »

Thanks Bill.

wwwarbird · « **Reply #24 on:** March 22, 2010, 12:27:02 PM »

Maybe I missed it, what's the span and area Bill?

Bill Gruby · « **Reply #25 on:** March 22, 2010, 04:37:09 PM »

Sorry Wayne I forgot to put that in there. It is 60 inches tip to tip 650 in²

"Billy G"

EddyR · « **Reply #26 on:** March 22, 2010, 05:14:58 PM »

Bill When I was a kid in Binghamton NY in the 50's there was a guy named Waldorf and he built Ringmasters with flaps. He built them in to the wing as yours are. They were about half span. His stock Ringmasters with the flaps flew much better than all the ones built by us kids. He owner the local hobby shop and was in his late 30's. He was a old guy to us.
Ed

Bill Gruby · « **Reply #27 on:** March 22, 2010, 05:23:31 PM »

Hi Ed;

Thanks for sharing that with us. That man was way ahead of us.

Started the Nacelles today. Hope to have both finished by Wednesday.

"Billy G"

Bill Gruby · « **Reply #28 on:** March 23, 2010, 04:15:40 PM »

Movin along, faster than a speeding turtle.

"Billy G"

Bill Little · « **Reply #29 on:** March 23, 2010, 08:40:31 PM »

Hi Billy G,

That is really coming together nicely, as always!

I hope you get her ready before Brodak's.

Seen that Fox engine lately?

Billy Boy

Bill Gruby · « **Reply #30 on:** April 02, 2010, 07:40:23 AM »

For those interested we are now way ahead of schedule. I pulled a couple of super long days. As you see it here it is 28.4 ozs. Yes Paul we will make Brodaks with it at this rate, I expect to be ready to paint in another week.

"Billy G"

Warren Leadbeatter · « **Reply #31 on:** April 02, 2010, 08:30:20 AM »

Lookin good Billy G!

Paul Taylor · « **Reply #32 on:** April 02, 2010, 04:15:16 PM »

Quote from: Bill Gruby on April 02, 2010, 07:40:23 AM

For those interested we are now way ahead of schedule. I pulled a couple of super long days. As you see it here it is 28.4 ozs. Yes Paul we will make Brodaks with it at this rate, I expect to be ready to paint in another week.

"Billy G"

WOW that is a great looking Twin G-Man. Can't wait to see it at Brodaks!!!

Bill Little · « **Reply #33 on:** April 03, 2010, 05:54:56 PM »

Hi Billy G,

I hope to make it to Brodak's. It is an iffy proposition right now. But I will keep my fingers crossed!

The twin is looking great.

Billy Boy

Paul Taylor · « **Reply #34 on:** April 03, 2010, 07:06:30 PM »

Quote from: Bill Little on April 03, 2010, 05:54:56 PM

Hi Billy G,

I hope to make it to Brodak's. It is an iffy proposition right now. But I will keep my fingers crossed!

The twin is looking great.

Billy Boy

iffy??? You best be there Big Bear!

Bill Gruby · « **Reply #35 on:** April 04, 2010, 05:53:41 AM »

Paul;

If I can figure out how to get them in or on the Tahoe somehow, I hope to have 4381 in² of Ringmasters at Brodaks. And that's only 5 Ringmasters.

"Billy G"

Paul Taylor · « **Reply #36 on:** April 04, 2010, 06:50:46 AM »

Hey G,
Sounds like you need a big rig for all your RM's.
Or at least 3 guys and a truck.