stunthanger.com
Building Tips and technical articles. => Paint and finishing => Topic started by: Randy Powell on September 11, 2015, 09:56:40 PM
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So, after flying the old Slider in the last contest (and getting a pretty good score despite a bit of hunting), I decided to refinish it and fix some problems. New flaps and elevators (the elevators being a large part of the hunting issue) and am not stripping it, but just sanding into the color and repainting. I will post some pictures later if anyone is interested.
This was a very light plane that flew really well and seems to be even better as an electric. I think it will be killer when some issues are corrected.
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nope,, nobody wants to see you sand off one of your cool paintjobs man,, sheesh
glad its going to prove to be a solid airframe,, in case the tedmobile doesnt pan out
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Sounds like a plan, just don't use "lead" paint. ;D
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Mark, it's pretty beat up. I could have tried to "fix" the finish but truth is, it had a lot of problems. So, I'll sand it down, fix some issues like refitting the cowl and closing in the pipe tunnel and some other stuff and put a new, killer paint job. And keep it light. No lead paint.
I'll post some pics at some point. Right now I'm fixing all the things that Paul pointed out to me on the Tedmobile. I'd like to get it done for the Fall Follies.
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sounds good,, I am hoping to get some serious flying in,, now that I sorted the issue on the Impact/Prey
charging batteries tomorrow,, as long as it doesnt rain, Or blow,,
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Randy, what is the clear top coat you mentioned that flowed out so well? Marc, what did you shoot on your green Nats plane?
John
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Randy, what is the clear top coat you mentioned that flowed out so well? Marc, what did you shoot on your green Nats plane?
John
It has one coat of PPG 2021 clear,, ( Urethane),,
and now it sports a lovely contrasting band of glass cloth around its waist LOL
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Mark,
At least it has a belt now. Might keep it's pants up this time.
John,
House of Kolor UC-35 Kosmic Klear with KU150 Kustom Catalyst. I used some pPg urethane reducer though you are supposed to use their RU311 reducer. But mine worked fine. This is their show car clear coat. I sure liked it but it's a bit pricey.
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Thanks boys.
John
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Here it is so far. The new flaps and elevators are built but need shaping. Only have about half the fuse sanded with a lot to go including wet sanding.
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Looking good!
Nice font.
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Charles,
The font is called BadaBoom.
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Only have about half the fuse sanded with a lot to go including wet sanding.
Just curious, what grit paper did you start out with on the fuse?
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Wayne,
Used 220 Sandblaster paper to cut through the clear then am switching to some 320 Sandblaster. Once done, I will go to 320 wet/dry and wet sand it down. Touch up any areas that need it the shoot base color. So far, it's going fine. Got new control surfaces done and am hinging them now. I also have to refit the spinner.
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Thanks Randy. ;D
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This was a very very cool airplane,, the color scheme actually was very effective,, but it kind of hid the lines of the airframe,, This needs a pearl and candy finish :)
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Ty,
This had experimental elevators (a failed experiment). the were quite a bit thicker than the stab and very airfoiled. There was zero slop in the system. The idea was got give a good flow from the stab to elevator when deflected and that worked awesome. But it also put the elevators in the airflow all the time and created a lot of turbulence that in turn contributed to the hunting issues. By killing those and going to a more standard elevator I hope to reduce the issues ... and hope I don't kill the awesome flight characteristics.
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But it also put the elevators in the airflow all the time and created a lot of turbulence that in turn contributed to the hunting issues.
How's that?
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Howard,
One of my aerodynamically able friends mentioned it. The fact that the elevators were quite a bit thicker than the stab was said to be an issue and turbulence was noted as an outcome (among others). Hey, I'm an aerodynamic idiot. I just try dumb stuff to see what happens. Sometimes it works. But I do listen to you guys that know stuff after one my idiot ideas fails. I try to correct.
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The new control surfaces are done and the main airframe is about half sanded. Very tedious work. And I keep having to patch areas of sand through. Sigh....
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And I keep having to patch areas of sand through. Sigh....
That's part of why I asked what paper you started in with. The sandpaper "burn throughs" down to the wood are a pain in the a-- to fix.
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Wayne,
This is more edges of open bays that were probably a bit thin when ti was first painted. Only had problems in a couple of areas but it has delayed the process. But I'll keep plugging away at it. I will shoot a pic with it's ready to paint again.
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Now I'm a bit concerned with the control system. I'm looking down the leadouts and it seems that the bellcrank is very slightly rocking. I'm thinking, as long as I'm here, I may cut it out and put another in. Hmmm....
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Hey I saw a really sturdy bellcrank somewhere in Salem,,, hmm I think it was on the tarmac or something surrounded by a disturbing accumulation of red white and blue balsa,, Just do NOT use that pilot guy he worries me,,
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Mark,
That one is reserved for something else. I have another carbon bellcrank that may see service. The pilot is on the shelf contemplating his misdeeds. I'm considering boiling him in oil.
I may leave it alone. It is solid, just seems to tilt. But I will decide this weekend if surgery is required.
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I may leave it alone. It is solid, just seems to tilt. But I will decide this weekend if surgery is required.
Aw heck, what's the worst that could happen? :##
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Aw heck, what's the worst that could happen? :##
DONT EVER SAY THAT,,
that was the last sentance I uttered before my official at the Nats,, After a very trying morning,, I was ready to fly,, told Chris Cox,, " well I got the drama out of the way,, so now whats the worst that can happen",, or something along those lines,, and then,, sigh,,
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I'm more worried about the effect on tracking. I'm not concerned that it will fail so much as it is effecting the plane's ability to track.
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Isn't it better to fix before than after?
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Doc, of course. That's why I'm looking at it now.
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So, in spite of spending much of my day on horses (with the spouse), got most of a new bellcrank made. Will finish that up and cut in there tomorrow. Joy.
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OK, I've never changed out a bellcrank in a plane before, but I have to say that it is no fun. I managed to get the old one out without damaging stuff to much.
but getting a new one in should be just a treat.
Hey, at least the sanding is mostly done. I'll post a pic tomorrow.
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Here are a couple of pics.
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Well, I have the new bellcrank set up about ready. It's, ah, different. Never tried a bellcrank setup with bearing before.
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So, the new control system is in. Smooth doesn't really say it. Now, on the the next issues. This is turning into a lot bigger project than I first envisioned. But it's going to be awesome.
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This is turning into a lot bigger project than I first envisioned.
Kinda seems like it always does, all part of the fun. :)
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Hi Wayne,
Yea. But I'd rather have something that flies well. And this airframe is about 8 years old so there are a lot of dings, dents and issues to repair. And some minor mods to do. But I think it will be a great plane when I'm done.
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I would note that when inspected the plane, the original bellcrank was rocking around. A lot. So I cut in and discovered that the bearing was shot. Really shot. It was a poor design originally and just didn't work all that well. Lateral pressure was put on the bearing and 300 or so flights pretty much did for it. So, I cut in from the bottom, removing a section of the fuselage and the planking on the wing over the bellcrank. cut the leadouts, cut out the bellcrank mount, disconnected the pushrod and managed to maneuver the bellcrank out. Akin to building a ship in a bottle as I cut a fairly small hole (see picture above). I used some music wire to thread back into the wing, attached new leadouts with Brett Buck style ends and drag them back through the wing and out the leadout slider. Getting the new bellcrank in along with the new mounts (with integral bearings) was nightmarish, but was eventually done. Attaching the leadout to the bellcrank wasn't too bad but rotating the bellcrank in the wing to reattach the pushrod was just not fun. Had to disconnect and reconnect it 4 times as I had to adjust the pushrod length (the bellcrank didn't go back exactly in the spot as the original - close but not exactly) to recenter the horns and bellcrank together. Then I reinforced the area , put in new ribs and bridged the edges of the sheeting, put in new sheeting and replaced the section of fuse that was removed.
Hopefully, I bridged the area well enough that the thing won't fly apart when I fly it. This was a really light plane and I don't want to add significant weight to it. Now I just have to grind down the filler put in the areas were I cut the fuse, modify the elevator horn to allow a bit more adjustment, refit the spinner area then I can finally get on to painting.
It was a great flying plane before (despite it's tracking issues which are hopefully now fixed).
Ain't life grand.
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Do you think that the wear of the bellcrank bearing had anything to do with the tracking issue?
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Wayne,
Almost certainly. With it rocking around like the, I'm surprised I could get it to track at all.
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So, the base color is on. Finally. This ended up being a lot more involved than I had planned.
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It's the list of honey-dos that takes all the time.
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So, base color and canopy is on. For once, it actually looks better in person than in the pictures. Go figure.
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Randy,
Really nice canopy lines. H^^
Looking good!
Charles
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6 hours of taping for 15 minutes of painting trim. Joy.
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6 hours of taping for 15 minutes of painting trim. Joy.
And...? #^
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6 hours of taping for 15 minutes of painting trim. Joy.
Typical. And it takes almost as long to remove everything. Especially if there's layers.
Charles
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Yea, I pulled tape late last night. Looks OK. As a couple of places that will need a bit of touchup, but overall, not bad. The colors are pretty cool. Problem is, I'm not sure where to go next. Red maybe, or blue. Perhaps some off beat tonal match. Hmmm.... There will be a bit of black or maybe some checkerboard. We'll see.
I'll post a pic later just for Wayne. Can't have him wondering.
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Here you go, Wayne.
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I'll post a pic later just for Wayne. Can't have him wondering.
HA! Thanks Randy, always curious about what's happening at the Powellworks! y1
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The door to my shop says, "Mocker's Rest". An inside joke.
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The door to my shop says, "Mocker's Rest". An inside joke.
which book is this from
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Mark,
Raymond Feist - Magician.
And no, the next trim color is not going to be green.
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no, it shouldnt be,, use the red next,, then a pinstripe of green to augment it and provide contrast,, or maybe overspray the whole design with green candy,, yeah thats it
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UGH!
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Hmm.
Just got done staring at that paint photo some more. Is that kind of a "butterscotchy" color on there? Man, you got me on what the next color should be. ???
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You'll see. I've figured it out.
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I figured you would. ;D
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its going to be green I just know it,, LL~ H^^
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Mark, wrong.
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it looks pretty sharp so far Randy,, kinda thought there would be more of the second color,, but hey, I trust your taste ,, I am sure you have a plan,,
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,, but hey, I trust your taste ,, I am sure you have a plan,,
Me too, but from here that looks awfully close to pink. S?P :##
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Randy,
Nice!
A third color could really bring those other two to life.
Teal would be my choice. A bit, just a tad darker than those other two.
The model really looks good! H^^
Charles
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Wayne,
Trust me, it's very orange in real life.
Charles,
I have a constitutional disagreement with anything like green. The next color is a dark red. Taping now.
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Wayne,
Trust me, it's very orange in real life.
Charles,
I have a constitutional disagreement with anything like green. The next color is a dark red. Taping now.
Randy,
Yes, I know it's not my model, but, IMHO, I would hold off on the red.
If I can get some sun in FL, we've been overcased for two days, I'll take some photos of a model I just put teal on.
I think it came out nice.
Sun tomorrow, I'll Post tomorrow night.
Charles
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Wayne,
Trust me, it's very orange in real life.
Whew, that's a relief. Thought maybe we were losing you there for a minute, the world doesn't need another Caitlin. ;D
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Nope, not here. Not now. No way.
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Well, for the first time in history, it actually looks better in person than in the pictures. I love the base color.
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Wow, looks great! I like that you went with just a small amount of the red, it's just enough to set off the rest of the scheme. Looks like you still need to add it on the wing though?
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Looks like you still need to add it on the wing though?
Black checkers
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The angle is bad. I thought about checkers. Thought about ghost checkers. We'll see.
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Looks great right now Randy, nice and clean. There's plenty of checkers out there, seems they're always the obvious "fill in". I'd say a little lettering and some ink and call'er good.
BTW, I think this scheme looks much better than the original.
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she looks good Randy,,
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Well, it's painted with pearls. All 4 colors. It's one of the reasons the orange looks sort of salmon in the picture. It's really quite orange in real life but has pearls in it. I suspect I'm just going to go with subtle and as Wayne suggested, graphics, inklines and shoot clear - if the weather cooperates.
The idea with this plane was just to fix the hurts, replace the bellcrank, fix the leadout slider and repaint and go flying. It's not going to be a showpiece. Just a passable finish and a great flying plane. That's what I hope I get.
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Yeah, I'd say it's definitely "passable". ;D
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Again, it actually looks better in person, but here's the graphics.
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HAE IKI PW' ALI?
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Hae iki Pu'ali
Hawaiian phrase. Means, loosely translated, fierce little warrior.
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Have you got power out over there, Randy? I could loan you my little Honda genset. It's IC powered, you know. y1 Steve
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Hi Steve,
Seems we are on a Tuesday schedule. The power has gone out the last two Tuesdays. But it's fine now. So far.
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Git'er done yet? D>K
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Wayne,
Awaiting weather to shoot clear. Somehow, I don't think shooting catalyzed polyurethane at 26F is a good idea.
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Aye. y1
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Wayne,
Awaiting weather to shoot clear. Somehow, I don't think shooting catalyzed polyurethane at 26F is a good idea.
Randy...Turn on the heater. Spray. Sneak it into the house after it's dry to the touch. It'll be fuel proof enough for electrons. VD~ Steve
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Yea, that may be what happens.
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dude,, just load it up bring it over,, we can paint it in Als shop,,
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dude,, just load it up bring it over,, we can paint it in Als shop,,
Heck yeah, Mark probably has some extra green paint too. ;D
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Heck yeah, Mark probably has some extra green paint too. ;D
you think I would share my green paint with Randy,, after all the disparaging comments he made towards my beautifull green airplanes,, pffttt,, not likely,,
although if he turned his back to mix up clear,, who knows what might accidently show up on his plane muah hahaha
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NO GREEN!
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LL~
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Pounding rain and wind today. Joy.
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Just think you could have been over at Mark's painting and irritating him. LL~ LL~ LL~
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NO GREEN!
you would lead a guy to think you have something against green,,
now come on
Randy,, my latest green impact is pretty bad ass,,
well except at Salem,, at sunset,, against the trees, in the shadows,,
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I'll finally be shooting some color soon, a shade of green actually.
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Bah!
Well, I did some (extremely minimal) inking and shot some clear over it. Now it's just going to have to sit and wait for weather.
Pulled the plane I'm taking to VSC and worked on it a bit. May convert it to electric.
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I helped build an christmas tree today,,
and further on that topic ,,,,
It was green,,, S?P LL~ LL~ LL~
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:P
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Just think you could have been over at Mark's painting and irritating him. LL~ LL~ LL~
Hey Doc,, pretty sure its me that irritates Randy,,,
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Wayne,
Awaiting weather to shoot clear. Somehow, I don't think shooting catalyzed polyurethane at 26F is a good idea.
Amen to THAT! I had a "rush" (not Howard) job and tried it with the shop only at 50 and had really miserable time fixing the uglies! It did cure, but with crazy litttle white spots under the surface. Local supplier said it was the temp and not any impurities. He really knows his products, so I accept his evaluation.
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Wish I had the weather where I'm at right now at home. 80F, clear as a bell with about 42% humidity. Nice day a long way from home. Oh well, it will clear up eventually and I'll shoot clear.
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So, I shot the clear today. Note to self: If shooting clear, remember to turn the compressor back on after it's charged. Sheesh!
Oh well. Just beat the snow and shot the clear in 29F temps. But it's done. Now I'm going to be doing some sanding and polishing. Joy.
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How's it going here Randy?
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Don't rush him, otherwise may slow down LL~ LL~ LL~
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It's done. Just putting the pieces together. A bit of soldering to do then it will be ready to fly. I'll take a pic and post it in a day or so. Sinus infection slowed me down.
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OK, here's a pic. Just the leadouts to wrap.
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Slick! Looks more like a new plane than a refinish. The only thing better would be if it lost weight and flys better too.
Waiting for the thaw and a flight report next. Congrats Randy.
EricV
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OK, here's a pic. Just the leadouts to wrap.
Looks great, too bad the colors don't come through well here though. I think I like this scheme better than the first. y1
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its pretty sharp Randy, now to make sure she still flies as good as before,,
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Well, it wandered around like a drunken sailor in level flight before. I THINK I found the problem and fixed it. Guess we'll see. It was killer in maneuvers and presented well. So, with the new clothes, hopefully it will go well.
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How does the weight compare to the first go-round?
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I lost about a 1/4oz. Go figure. About 63oz ready to fly with battery.
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Cool, sounds like the effort should pay off then, and a fairly easy way to end up with a "new" airplane.
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Randy, I like the colors and the scheme. You are an artist. H^^
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Thanks, Doc. It will look pretty good in the air and as long as you don't get closer than 5 feet, it will look good on the ground.