View Full Version : Spitfire MK1V Build Kit Bash Greatplanes/Pica
Dusted of the old Spitfire kit which has sat around for some 7 year's. or so..
thus I decided to share my building experiance with all of you!
In this build i will be using different way's to reduce weight to possibly fly this all balsa plane on electric power!
Using light weight material's and glue only...no epoxy.....or ca
Trying only to use balsa in all contruction except gear mount's ect
Making or finding everything lighter in the model
Using an absurd amount of lighting holes and i mean ...allot!!!:)
I honestly figure that this model which they say finishes at 9 lbs
can be made to come in close to 6 lbs with the right tweak.s
I will also be using a 4 stroke engine with concealed exhaust and a pressure balanced fuel system unless I go the electric way
Modifycation's will happen almost all the time that is my nature!!
The addition of flaps will be first on the list
Stay tuned for more! any question's please don't hesitate to ask
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/picabox1.jpg
Above is a look at the box it arrived in
Note: I also am using several contruction detail's from the great Planes kit IE: Tailfeather's as they are more realistic
Below is a look at the kit Content's .......Lot's of balsa!!!
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/Pica20Spit20Contents.jpg
Below is the first part i built two pieces glued together!
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/fuseside14solid.jpg
Here is the same fuselage side after a little lightening!
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/fusesideholes.jpg
:D
Hope to post more photo's shortly......The model is Building reasonably quick
WiLd
Andrew Fernie
2009-01-11, 06:30 PM
Looks like the Pica 1/6 Spitfire kit. I built one about 15 years ago - still have it, and still in flying condition. Flies very nicely, but you need a good approach path - streamlined so it doesn't really slow down very quickly.
Sure is a classic "box of balsa" kit. Lots of carving and sanding.
Mine was finished with 0.6oz fibreglass cloth and painted. Weighs about 8.8lb with an OS61SF for power. I am not a very light builder, and I have probably added a few ounces over the year for repairs - I am sure you can do better.
Andrew
Yes it's a Pica and it requires lot's of sanding
I have built many model's using solid chunk's of balsa and i think i am getting the hang of it
Below the Fuselage takes shape
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/fusebuild2.jpghttp://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/startingfusebuild.jpg
I have been reading alot of other post's in the forum's and have gathered alot of imformation on building the spitfire
One area i am worried about is the heavy tail on this model,hopefully i can avoid adding nose weight
below you can see some of the lightening i have been doing
:)
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/fusebuild3.jpghttp://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/fusebuild5.jpg
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC01437.jpg
trying to get the engine to fit has been frustrating indeed!!
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/osclearance1.jpg
I had to make a hole in the firewall to accept /clear the idle stop screw
After doing that the spinner ended 1/4 " beyond the nose of the aircraft,I had to either move the firewall/modify or lenghten the nose
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/ostrialfit2.jpghttp://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/os70trailfit1.jpg
Above is the nose after adding1/4".....This should help out my weight concern's and not affect the looks of the plane
:D
LAMAHORSE
2009-01-11, 07:49 PM
What a better way to spend the winter then with balsa...
Some great project you've got...
Balsa dust everywhere!!!......my vacuum blew up burnt out!
The cowl presented a unique problem....how to maintain the shape to the spinner........here below is how it turned out!!
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/lowercowlopening1.jpg
Originally i wanted to pipe the exhaust out thru the spitfires stock exhaust
but after making room above the engine for the pipes i gave up due to the fact I would be spewing oil all over the model .......I am going to route it out from underneath the aircraft instead.....:p
:)Started on the wing what a piece of work every angle you can imagine being a eliptical wing every thing is wacky!
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/wing1.jpghttp://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/wing2.jpg
The washout jig was a litttle confusing but the forum's warned me firsthand
I decided to mount the retract air tank in the wing with all the air lines,fitting's,valve,s servo,s
ect to try to keep the weight mass around CG
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/wing3.jpghttp://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC01448.jpg
The extra strong 1/4 aircraft ply gear mounts have been added Heavy ....but very strong!!!
If anyone has noticed I moved the gear location behind the main spar behind CG (OH OH) but it really should be there as the Scale Spitfire,when extended the oleo and wheel actually extend forward 2" or so in front of the CG
The Gear mount is made with 8 ply aircraft grade plywood with a Z shaped assembly gusseted to 1/16 ply to the wing ribs
I have also added a second spar brace in front of the main spar (lower only)10" on each side from the center to help keep the wing together ...I notice it is not in this picture yet...I will have to update or add a photo
I have seen many gear mount's ripped out over the year's but these one's should hold up!
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/wingnosheetlower1.jpg
Above is the upated photo with the main spar brace installed which is basswood
The flap's are a real treat http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/flapsandwingpiecesJPG.jpghttp://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/flapmountpieces.jpg
These are the part's required for assembly
The space to work in is very limited !
Below is a view of the finished mount from the rear
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/flapmountrearview.jpg
Dwight Macdonald
2009-01-21, 06:48 PM
Nice project Hank! How did you cut all the nice lightening holes?
Nice project Hank! How did you cut all the nice lightening holes?
I mapped out the location's freehand and then used different size hole saw's
and dremel bit's some holes were done useing a drill press (Fusealage)
These hole's are only a beginning many more on the way!
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/finmod.jpg
In this picture you can see pencil mark's used for reference
Hank
This view is the flapmount as seen from above
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/flapmount1.jpg
Now I have finally added a flap this view is also from above
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/flapmountupperview1.jpg
I cannot even guess how many hour's I have spent (wasted)on these unit's
but i know it will be worth the work
I dug up a photo from Btw (below the wing) Enjoy!
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/flapmountview2.jpg
For those of you that have noticed I am installing rotarydrive on the flap's as well the aileron's, rudder and elevator's (2)
I have decided after too many servo failure's over the year's to install 2 separate servo's...one for each half of the elevator surface
This system is unique that it is totally hidden inside the aircraft stucture...there are no servo horn's clevises control rod's nyrod's surface control horn's screw's ect
the only drawback is it is not easy to install
I will post pic's of the install shortly after i go through my photo's....I can't believe how many Bad out of focus picture's i take
Hank:D
been working on a location for the battery switch
I have been searching high and low........where is the fullsize location?
This picture is what I am using for a model/example
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/canopy23.jpg
It must be somewhere in the cockpit!......I have cut the canopy so now i will have to make it lock and slide
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/canopyparts.jpg
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/canapyfinelinecut.jpg
finding the exact place to cut was a major decision indeed!
below is a picture of the first step...cutting the fuse to accept the rail's
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/canopyoutlinecut.jpg
And below after the cut
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/canopycut2.jpg
And finally rail installation (testfit)
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/canopytrackinstall.jpg
Many more pic's to follow
Hank:):)
Every...... to be fair almost all writeup's on Spitfire build's seem to run into the problem of tail heavyness
What should I do lookout for planfor?........More lightening holes:D,keeping heavy part's fwd of CG, lighter building material's (composites)Making part's lighter ,using lightweight covering and paint ect ect
I have planned on positioning the fuel cell(Uniflow system held in place with velcro) on rails at CG as this is the main culprit of noseover's during taxing the battery will be behind the firewall as the reciever.
Going way back to the tail ,I was looking for a tailwheel assembly the one in the kit's are to heavy when you add up all the pieces tailwheel steering and all
What I found really amazed me it is dubro weighing in at 1 OZ minus all the hardware which I won't be using
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/th_tailwheelstock.jpg (http://s551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/?action=view¤t=tailwheelstock.jpg)http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/th_tailgearmod.jpg (http://s551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/?action=view¤t=tailgearmod.jpg)http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/th_tailwhellmod.jpg (http://s551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/?action=view¤t=tailwhellmod.jpg)
After a little hole drilling and replacing the stock nut with a small nylon one I was down to 1/2 OZ !
I am going to use the unit this way with a little hole drilled in the backside so I can run a small spring to the rudder for steering!:D
Hank
Before I close up the wing I want to add some shearwebbing..I do not know why they were not used but by being a flat spar D design wing they should have them (Is that why model spit's snap their wing's?) I don't know but I want the assurance of a good strong wing!:)
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC01486.jpg
The aileron's on the MK1V were fabric covered here we go
basic buildup balsa with rib'shttp://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/aileron1.jpg
almostdone lot's of sanding on the leading edge of aileron
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/aileron2.jpg
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/aileronbuild.jpg
Below is the final result before sheeting the wing flap&Aileron home at last
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/aileronflapbottviewnoskin.jpg
I am hesitating on sheeting the bottom of the wing as I have to make sure the washout is correct and even on both side's:D
Good new's I did a weight & balance today the fusalage +servo's and tail complete weight 565 gr I am pleased this mean's that no nose weight will be needed for final CG balancing!
All up weight should be around 7 lbs she is 6.5 lbs now but still requires final sanding covering and paint.
I still want to get a lighter spinner and wheel's
I had a servo glitch today where as the elevator's were (jittering)freaking out
I noticed none of the other servo's were affected so I put a cap on each elevator servo which solved the problem!
:D
mat4real
2009-01-29, 09:14 AM
Looks awesome can't wait to see how it turns out!
Hank, beautiful work, you are natural at building. I'm guessing with all of the lightening holes on the side of the fuselage that you will covering it in Ultracote or the like?
Kevin Rochon
2009-01-29, 01:25 PM
Actually if you're equiped to deal with the smell the lightest covering is silk and dope, and the colors will look very scale.
Kevin
Hank, beautiful work, you are natural at building. I'm guessing with all of the lightening holes on the side of the fuselage that you will covering it in Ultracote or the like?
Thank's for the compliment's:) you are correct I will be using super coverite (white cloth)and then paint.....those silly holes require the use of iron on type covering's !
I found a site www.espritmodel.com that sell's lot's of excellent product's for lightness in mind
I really like their Wheel's and fiberglass spinner's
I am still thinking of which scheme I will choose the nominee's are RAF, RDA(netherland's) and RCAF
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/ley0420Vickers20Spitfire20Mk20IX-1.jpg
Hank
Actually if you're equiped to deal with the smell the lightest covering is silk and dope, and the colors will look very scale.
Kevin
One of my building bud's uses it I love the scale finish but I do not have a warm ventilated place to finish it this way
I used to use tissue and dope but that was a long time ago
Hank
The wing is almost complete I will have to finally sheet the bottom
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/wingmechnoskin.jpg
When I make my sheeting i like to make all the opening's first so I don't have to cut them out later
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/th_wingunder4.jpg (http://s551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/?action=view¤t=wingunder4.jpg)
First of all I sheet the center section ( no picture) then I sheet the left and right sides keeping an eye on the washout 1 1/2 degree
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/th_lowersheet1.jpg (http://s551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/?action=view¤t=lowersheet1.jpg)
After sheeting I will have to mount the wing to the fuse adjusting the incidence
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/flapfinishedrear.jpg
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/wingincidence1-1.jpg
Above is a shot of the wing set up to adjust the incidence in relation to the fuse centerline
Below right on the money 1 1/2 degree's
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/wingincedence2.jpg
The next step is one I used to dred now I rather enjoy it!
Drilling for the wing hold down bolt's
I have tryed so many different way's to do this and most failed to date the one method I like to use now is drilling the fuse first then using a wax paper template mount the wing and then drill the wing! (after aligning the wing first)
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/wingholddown1.jpg
The fillet's on the pica kit are only 3/4 length compared to greatplanes
I decided to use them as the GP's were made out of plastic
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/wingmountbolts.jpg
Above you can see how nice the holddown bolt's line up
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/balsafillers.jpg
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/clampfilletrearJPG.jpg
After the fillet is complete I will replace the front and rear wing fairing's with one's made from balsa
Hank
The wing fairing that they give you is made of cheap plastic
A fairing made of wood will fit and look much nicer
To make one out of wood you can make it from block and carve and sand it or make it built up
First of all I made a ribcage smaller than the basic shape and sanded it till I was happy with it http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/fusewingfair1.jpg
Then I take some sheet balsa 3/32" and glue it over the assembly
Below is a picture with the plastic fairing as an example
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/fusewingfairexample.jpg
After it has dryed (it was wet from windex for bending) I will apply some light filler
The rear fairing I will make solid as the wing hold down bolt's go thru it and it is only 1/8" thick!
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/th_wingfuserearfair1.jpg (http://s551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/?action=view¤t=wingfuserearfair1.jpg)
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/fusewingfairside.jpg
beto9
2009-01-30, 09:43 AM
Excellent building thread and you are a very precise and meticulous builder.
I hope to see it flying but I am not sure I want to see the FIRST flight.
My ticker may not be able to take it... I'll bring my camera....
Stephane was building a Spit also but he got distracted by more important matters ("What!? What is more important than the hobby!?")
A couple of post's ago I was sheeting the bottom of the wing I forgot to mention the wing tip's.......The wing tip's are made from solid balsa block
they are cut carved and finally sanded....I find If you draw a reference line all around the outside they are easier to finish evenly ,after you make one side you can make a template for the other side so they end up lokking the same!
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/wingtipfinish.jpg
Excellent building thread and you are a very precise and meticulous builder.
I hope to see it flying but I am not sure I want to see the FIRST flight.
My ticker may not be able to take it... I'll bring my camera....
Stephane was building a Spit also but he got distracted by more important matters ("What!? What is more important than the hobby!?")
I hope to have it flight ready shortly , First flight's maiden or test flight's are no problem I have been doing it for year's!
After a very carefull preflight I will take her up!......and hopefully return to the same field;)
I wanted to post some interesting picture's that relate to previous post's
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/filletoplane.jpg
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/filletrearopenview.jpg
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/filletviewbottrear.jpg
They are all of the wing fillet's Lot's of pleasure to work with
Time to build the light as a feather Tailfeather's!!
I wanted to stay away from the solid 1/4" plank design pica uses and went with the Greatplanes builtup idea hopefully to save weight and to have some place to mount my servo's(more on that later)and also to have a better scale appearance
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/stabbuild1.jpg
We start off with putting down some rib's after they are all down in perfect alignment
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/stabbuild4-1.jpg
we can now add a stab core (which I will lighten later on)to the assembly
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/stabbuild6-1.jpg
I clamp on some leading edge stock 1/8"
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/stabbuild7-1.jpg
After the trailing edge is glued on we can make a skin template I like useing wax paper for this procedure
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/stabskintemplate-1.jpg
Before we sheet the stab holes are drilled!
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/satblightening1.jpg
Now we can sheet the top and bottom of the stab
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/stabskin1.jpg
After it has setup I use the incidence meter again and sand till it fit's perfectly
When you are happy with the measurement's glue it down!
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/finfit1.jpg
Hank
The fin is built just like the stabhttp://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/finlightholes2.jpg
I put a small dowel into the stab for mounting strength and had to glue a small ply brace on the fuse to accept it
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/stabdowelsupportfuse-1.jpg
when ready the fin can be glued on Make sure it is perfect!
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/finfusefit1.jpg
A little filler fin go's between the fuse and stab
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/finfusefit2.jpg
I made a left and right fairing to fill the gap's http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/finfusefit3.jpg
When everything look's good glue and clamp
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/finfusefit4.jpg
Finally done!http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/finfuserighttop.jpg
Now I have to finish the stab to fuse lower section to do this I make a template
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/finfuserearfairingcard.jpg
Cardboard work's great for this ,you can also sand it if need to!
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/tailview1.jpg
Finally finished !!! Time to start the elevator's and rudder first time for a break
See you all shortly!
Hank
On to the elevator's they are built with a leading edge lightened core and a few rib's with solid end pieces to be sanded later
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/elevator2.jpg
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/eletipmod2.jpg
I modified the elevator tip's to look scale
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/eletipmod5.jpg
After a little sanding they are taking shape
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/eletipmod4.jpg
Next I will start the rudder
Hank
Built the same as the elevator's for the rudder you only have to build one
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/rudderbasicJPG.jpg
A little sanding here and there
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/rudderbefore.jpg
And of course a few holes allover
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/rudderlightened.jpg
I now can test fit and do some final sanding
It is starting to look like a spitfire!
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC01957.jpg
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC01948.jpg
Next I will showing some fuel cell and landing gear
Hank
Another day another fuel cell (tank) :)
On this project I want to have a fuel system that is bulletproof ( I mean Dependable) having the engine inverted will not affect the fuel mixture (carburator)however the level of fuel Will change the fuel pressure and thus the mixture in flight this is why I am going to use the Uniflow system
You can read up on it here http://www.fraserker.com/heli/uniflow/how_uniflow_works.htm
I also have decided because the fuel system give's me the choice of fuel cell position to locate the fuel cell at or near CG
To help adjust CG and locate the tank where I want it I will be using a sliding mount with velcro
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/fuelandradipcomp.jpg
It is contructed of Ibeam (balsa)
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/fuelcelltray.jpg
velcro is added to hold the fuel cell in place
Below is a shot with the tank in position it is a sullivan slant tank 12 oz
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/fuelcelltray2.jpg
The component's of the uniflow system are all here ready for assembly
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/fuelbalanceparts-1.jpg
The fuel pickup has 2 lines on it don't worry about them tangling
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/fuelbalancepickup2.jpg
I don't like copper because it is heavy and nitro eat's it up but I will keep an eye on it (i allway's drain fuel after flying is over):)
The landing gear will be next up shortly!
Hank
One of the most important reason's I located the fuel cell at CG has to do with the landing gear position
Let me try to explain....has anyone tried to taxi a scale spit (model) with full fuel load on grass?...you will know what I an talking about
I have tried this idea in a super cub and it work's great!
The Spitfire gear location almost at Cg will make the plane nose over when attemping to taxi on grass ,by having the full fuelcell positioned at CG there is less a tendancy to tip over
When model aircraft are final balanced for flight there is no fuel...add fuel and the aircraft is now nose heavy,now look a aircraft with the fuel cell at CG Almost no change in CG in fact it never changes unless you take fuel slosh into account which will affect it a little
I increased the rake(caster)on my main gear to help out in ground handling
The gear are relocated to scale position when retracted
The unit's I chose are the Centuryjet retract's
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/oleoandwheel.jpg
I lightened them up by drilling out the scissor's
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/oleolighting2.jpg
The wheel's are robart 3" in this next photo you can see the complete layout
everything is here except the rec and battery,I wanted to keep all my airline connection's to a bare mininum
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/wingunder3-1.jpg
The gear door's have been replaced with aluminum one's (they go through the grass nicer)
they also fit easier in the wing and when you have one of those (perfect) landing's you can rebend them easy:D
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/gaerdoorsetup1.jpg
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/gaerdoorsetup4.jpg
I hope you enjoy this stuff as much as I do as soon as I get a Video of the retract's in action I will post it also I am working on a video of the flight surfaces in action which I also will talking about in a later post
Hank
Hank, I certainly do enjoy reading this. I admire what you are doing, you have great skill and patience. Keep the thread going hopefully including a video of the first flight. Your a doing a fantastic job, well done.
mat4real
2009-01-31, 04:10 PM
ive been checking this thread religously everyday, cant wait to see th efinished product!
Burning Head
2009-01-31, 10:35 PM
Great work Hank, one of the best thread to look.With the pic and tips. I salut you :cool:
PaulG-rc
2009-02-01, 10:43 AM
Just taking pictures during the build project adds lots of work to the builder I know that from a fact, but its so much appreciated from all of us, thank you very much and may I say that your building skill is simply a masterpiece. :D
The Spiftire MK1Xc was heavily armed with 2 french design hispano 20mm cannon's also called the M1 by the usa and 8 browning .303 machine guns
Total firing time was 25 second's or 2 perhap's 3 target's
Today's topic will be building these out of balsa
The plan's tell you to use dowel? I can't any find balsa dowel the hobbystore has none ......ohoh ..... here is how I did it
A piece of 3/8 X2 balsa and my trusty drill press
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/drillpressholes.jpg
Inside diameter is 1/4" and the outside 1" Perfect for making cannon's
All I did is take a 1/4" dowel (hardwood that was easy)and stack the separate pieces alltogether with glue
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/cannonmachinegun1.jpg
After they setup I took them out and mounted them on my makeshift lathe (drillpress)
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/cannonsbeforeafter.jpg
After a little time they turned out like this I will install 1/4" aluminum pipe to finish them off and be removable for transport
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC01972.jpg
Ready for the pipe install I will wait till I paint them first the machine guns will be glued on and the cannon's will removable Inserted into 1/4" hole's drilled into the leading edge
Hank
turkana
2009-02-01, 11:24 AM
Very impressive thread, I surley enjoy reading it. Thats real modelbuilding , very nice. Regards Pete
zorba
2009-02-01, 02:45 PM
Same here. Thats what I mean by kit or scratch building. You can do things that ARF's wont allow you to.
At the end very impressive model that everyone can admire.
Cheers
beto9
2009-02-01, 03:32 PM
There is only one Freudian problem with scratch built compared to ARF's.
Loosing one is devastating.
My last crash was my Tiger 60, scratch built. But since I flew it for 8 years was like loosing a friend and not a child!
Hank, your thread si so interesting that I would ask our Webmeister to create a category: Gold threads, and induct yours there. Or maybe, the Scratch building Hall of Fame.
I am relieved to find out you are in Brampton and I will NOT HAVE to go see the first flight. I prefer to bury my head in the sand in those occassions... But I demand a video....
Thank you all so very much ......I have been thinking of doing a maiden flight at your field in Quebec later in the summer!
I used to live in Pincourt(1969) not far away at all
For your entertainment I have a Video for you I have no experiance in video's so please bear with me It show's basic gear operation and flight surfaces including speed brakes (flaps)
Enjoy!!
Spitfire video 1 video by wildwing0 - Photobucket
Hank
The engine I am using on this project is an old (10 flight's) one taken off a cub that has been retired.......It has been taken apart inspected cleaned and reassembled with care it is a OS FS 70 4 stroke
The exhaust header has been cut and tig welded to help hide it and the muffler within the cowl !
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/mufflerhide1.jpg
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/mufflerhide2.jpg
Above is a view from the side to show you how hidden it is
Below is the header after welding
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC01969.jpg
Hank
zorba
2009-02-02, 08:59 PM
Very nice I must say.
Only one thing worries me, How are you planning to cool the engine?
It looks pretty much closed in.
Cheers
Very nice I must say.
Only one thing worries me, How are you planning to cool the engine?
It looks pretty much closed in.
Cheers
The cylinder and head are exposed to the front plus I have the prop pushing air thru these holes
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC01978.jpg
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/bb_spinner2n.jpg
They are 1/4" holes this relates to .78 of 1 square inch This should be good even at idle
I lost one half of my control yoke down the sink while cleaning it (not a joke)
and had to retrieve it or make a new one I ended up making one!
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC01968-1.jpg
I am going to start all the electrical stuff next servo's ect ect
Hank
Before I go on with the electrical stuff I would like to show you some mod's I have done to the rear window
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/rearwindow1-1.jpg
Above is what the rear window looked like before not very scale looking at all and to place two separate window panel's would be a nightmare the scale version is one piece and wrap's around the top of the fusalage also some equipment like O2 cylinder's and radio's were located there
After the cutting was complete I made a template for the floor
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/rearwindowtemplate.jpg
A floor was made from 1/16" balsa and glued in place
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/rearwindowfloor.jpg
Next I made a template for the new rear window
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC01926.jpg
Finally I transfered the template to sheet sterene plastic and cut it
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC01927.jpg
After cutting it out I heated it so it comformed to the fusalage shape
Finally done I am also going to add a 1/8" CF rod between the front and rear of the window opening (at the top )
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/rearwindowform.jpg
Hank
Burning Head
2009-02-04, 02:57 PM
great work Hank:cool: but sade for the USS enteprise:D:D hope the plastic model is till ok;)
finnegan
2009-02-04, 06:11 PM
It's worse than that.........he's dead Jim.:rolleyes:
Burning Head
2009-02-05, 11:20 AM
Oups, I dont think now this is a USS Entreprise box. Sorry Hank I was just kidding:cool:
Oups, I dont think now this is a USS Entreprise box. Sorry Hank I was just kidding:cool:
LoL :) It happened to be an old box for star trek decal's! Had to recycle
Hank
On to the nitty gritty electronic stuff I can talk forever about the servo setup that I have used exclusively on this project or you can read it here
http://augiemckibben.tripod.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/A6_rotary_drive_system.pdf
The servo's that I have used are 2 Jr sm22's for the elevator's( split for one on each side for redundancy) 22 OZ x 2 each as explained in the above document
The aileron's,flap's and rudder all use hitec HS-81 clones one for each surface and finally the retract and throttle use esky micro's
All the servo's except the throttle and retract are mounted with silicone
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC01970-1.jpg
The elevator servo's have a capacitor installed into each one to prevent radio interference
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/jrsm22cap2.jpg
Using this system makes for a very clean aircraft having no exterior part's!
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC01957.jpg
The battery will be a 6v 5 cell with JR HD switch
Hank
Burning Head
2009-02-05, 09:12 PM
I am stun chief, how did you fix the capacitor to the servo wire Hank. Soudure or silicone or both:cool:
I am stun chief, how did you fix the capacitor to the servo wire Hank. Soudure or silicone or both:cool:
LOL :) I should have explained that better First I opened the Signal and ground wire to accept the cap then I soldered it with heatshrink in place and finally sealed it with some silicone
Hank
For those of you that viewed my previous video here are some interesting fact's
The wheels of the Spitfire are slightly “toed in” to optimise performance from grass fields, this feature increases tire wear when operating from paved runways.
The undercarriage retraction is not ‘sequenced’ but will frequently retract partially one at a time, this is due to fact that both legs are operated from a common hydraulic system and the leg requiring the least pressure (the one with less operating friction) will go first, full system pressure is not achieved until both are up and locked, unless something is preventing normal travel.
The flaps are pneumatically operated, and have two positions, up and full down. This caused some concern when it was necessary to fly Spitfires from small British aircraft carriers to reinforce Malta. The first group took off with no flap since full flap is high drag, all the pilots agreed that the procedure would be more comfortable with a “take off” position. Subsequent groups had wooden blocks held in place by deck hands while the pilot selected flaps down and when the blocks were in place the pilot selected “up” trapping the blocks. Once safely airborne they selected flaps down and the block fell out and then flaps up. This caused me to wonder if the flap system was modified for the Seafire which was a navalised version of the Spitfire, having arrester hooks and the later versions having folding wings. Rather than redesign the system it was considered necessary only to add a permanent spring loaded, cast swinging stop bracket to achieve what the wooden blocks had done earlier.
The photo reconnaissance Spitfire PR Mk X1 cruising at 30,000 ft at 350 mph air speed achieved 11.6 miles per gallon! And had enough fuel to fly from London to Naples and back without refuelling, 2,100 miles! Because these planes were unarmed the pilots were trained in special tactics to avoid combat and were better than the average pilot, and the extreme range was achieved by removing guns and armour protection to make room for fuel.
I am working on the O2 cylinder's for the rear window right now when I get my camera working I will post an update
If anyone knows where I can purchase FS paint for the spitfire it would be really helpfull I also want polyuretane not enamel.... clark industries sells ony enamel I need something fuelproof water thinable and odorless:D:D
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/antennaJPG.jpg
Above is the spits antenna I have routed a tube for it from the radio compartment to the turtledeck pic's will follow
Hank
If you look down way down you can see the plastic antenna guide tube!It goes from the radio compartment to the top of the turtledeck(behind the rear window)the black carbon fiber tube is for the rudder drive system
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC01989.jpg
Below is the control yoke and the oxygen bottles they are being treated with a mixture of weldbond glue and water 25/75 I use this on all balsa to be painted after it dries I give it a light sanding
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC01990.jpg
After they dry (24hrs) they look like this before sanding
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC01996.jpg
The machine guns and cannons are also treated here are the machine guns freshly coated!
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC01997.jpg
The radiators (the MX 1V has 2)are also treated the process actualy harden's the balsa and primes it for painting (bonus is it is light weight and does'nt smell )
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC01991.jpg
The gear door's will be painted also along with the antenna wing fillet's gun's and radiator's
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC01993.jpg
I am almost at that point to start covering ...final sanding to 400 grit ,I am waiting on a new 3 blade propeller and spinner just to make sure that it fit's the final contour of the nose before I start
Covering models is my favorite aspect of building and I hope you will enjoy that part of the build
:D
Hank
Burning Head
2009-02-08, 07:18 PM
Go a head chief,waiting for the nex act:cool:
beto9
2009-02-09, 09:43 AM
Hank, be careful about routing the antenna near carbon fiber... What I read is that CF is a conductive material and dampens radio signals...
Hank, be careful about routing the antenna near carbon fiber... What I read is that CF is a conductive material and dampens radio signals...
Thank,s I have been keeping an eye on that .........by that i mean not routing the antenna alongside or thru the carbon fiber!
Hank
Ronald Longtin
2009-02-09, 10:50 AM
I've never used this but it appears to be popular for nitro powered scale model
http://www.nelsonhobby.com/paint.html
I've never used this but it appears to be popular for nitro powered scale model
http://www.nelsonhobby.com/paint.html
Great thank's !!...I have emailed them them to see if they ship to Canada ...dangerous good's are hard to ship I hear
Hank
bob forest
2009-02-09, 05:36 PM
If you are close to a border, enquire about the Freeport receiving. They are usually near a border. you have the goods shipped there and the charge is usually about 3 to 5 dollars for holding your goods. You pick it up, stop at the cdn border, and go and declare wht you bought, pay the taxes and go home. easy as that. otherwise they might ship it UPS and they use a broker and it will cost you more that the gooods.
mat4real
2009-02-09, 08:14 PM
freeport shipping is fantastic, i bought my winter tires from a company in the states and picked them up at a place like this in syracuse. best part is you only have to pay GST at the border so you easily end up paying less.
luisjove
2009-02-10, 03:05 AM
Hi Hank,
a magnificent job.
A few days ago, that I keep your job, but I do not speak English, I translated each paragraph to go with the google translator, and I was very slow.
You've done plenty of holes to lighten the weight and the result has been very good because you have achieved a saving of 33% in weight, I'm in the same circumstances, then seek, in every possible way to ease my Be - 12, but I am sure that in the end not getting as much reduction.
For as good a job, you need as a top, a RAF pilot scale to 1 / 6 as for the image you attached.
http://www.scaleaircrewsupplies.co.uk/raf_pilot.htm
http://www.aikensairplanes.com/blue%20box/bbi_21092.htm
Greetings, from Gijon in Asturias,
Luis.
Hi Hank,
a magnificent job.
A few days ago, that I keep your job, but I do not speak English, I translated each paragraph to go with the google translator, and I was very slow.
You've done plenty of holes to lighten the weight and the result has been very good because you have achieved a saving of 33% in weight, I'm in the same circumstances, then seek, in every possible way to ease my Be - 12, but I am sure that in the end not getting as much reduction.
For as good a job, you need as a top, a RAF pilot scale to 1 / 6 as for the image you attached.
http://www.scaleaircrewsupplies.co.uk/raf_pilot.htm
http://www.aikensairplanes.com/blue%20box/bbi_21092.htm
Greetings, from Gijon in Asturias,
Luis.
Thank-you luis!
I will definitly search for one to compliment the spitfire.....I noticed your pilot is helping you build your's allready! :)Very nice craftmanship I am looking forward to your progress and updates
As for the weight saving's I am going to do a final Weight and balance check today before I start the covering and paint
Hank
If you are close to a border, enquire about the Freeport receiving. They are usually near a border. you have the goods shipped there and the charge is usually about 3 to 5 dollars for holding your goods. You pick it up, stop at the cdn border, and go and declare wht you bought, pay the taxes and go home. easy as that. otherwise they might ship it UPS and they use a broker and it will cost you more that the gooods.
Thank's again everyone on the help , Nelson hobbies only charge $16.50 to ship to Canada and their paint is unbelievable!!
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02001.jpg
Hank
Good Morning it is Wednesday Februrary 11 2009 Remember it is Valentine's Day Saturday!:) Please don't forget that Special Person.
I am Happy to report the Spitfire weighed in at 3200 Gram's or 7 Lbs (less covering and paint )
On the box they say 7-8 Lbs with retract's? I figured I saved more Oh well
The CG really surprised me!......It was really Nose Heavy!....the Battery was as far forward as possible and the spinner was a heavy aluminum one
I am waiting on a lightweight Spinner and backplate and the battery can be moved around,after it is covered , painted and decaled.
lateral balance (leftside Vs Rightside )was Ok
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02013.jpg
Above I have all the cockpit interior pieces jammed loosly inside for weight check+any other loose pieces.
After I cover and paint the spitfire i will be showing the canopy mod's and installation....below are the screw's I found for the install from an old camera!
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02008.jpg
I predrilled all the gun mount's in the wing making sure everything stayed aligned
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02000-1.jpg
When I install my engines I allway's insist on a Air Filter ! You can increase your engines life 10 fold by placing one of these on your engine Dust,grass,bug's all wear out your engines internal part's fast.
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/th_DSC02004.jpg (http://s551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/?action=view¤t=DSC02004.jpg)http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/th_DSC02005.jpg (http://s551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/?action=view¤t=DSC02005.jpg)http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/th_DSC02006.jpg (http://s551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/?action=view¤t=DSC02006.jpg)
Here is a view of the fuel cell and lines ,the red/orange line is for the vent
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02007.jpg
That's all for now :)
Hank
Hello everyone!
Close up picture of the air filter( note : )A couple of shim's for engine alignment
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02021.jpg
Before I begin the covering sequence the Antenna base still has to be created
I start out by drilling alignment holes into the fusealage,you can also see the antenna exit
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02022.jpg
Once the pilot hole's are drilled out the slot is cut
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02023.jpg
The antenna mast is installed
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02024.jpg
Perfect alignment!
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02025.jpg
More shortly!:)
Hank
The old Spinner and backplate weighted 150 gram's 1/4 lbs WoW!!!:D:D
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02020-1.jpg
You would not no how hard it was to remove the backplate .....this is how I got it off
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02019-1.jpg
A heat gun and a couple scraper's it was off!
Hank
In preparation to covering we need to make sure everything will fit....one area to be concerned about is the gap's between the control surface's
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02033.jpg
All balance panel's (gap between control surface)must be beveled to allow for covering material
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02034.jpg
A 45 degree bevel is what we need to allow for the covering
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02035.jpg
Below please note the shape of the rudder!
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02031-1.jpg
The robart hinges can be also lightened!
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02027.jpg
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02030.jpg
It may not weight much but it weight's something!
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02029.jpg
One barb is all you really need everything extra only add's weight!
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02028.jpg
Lot's More!:)shortly!
Hank
A really good final sanding is necessary followed by vacuuming and compressed air
A good set of sander's are made by Greatplanes I love them ,I have had them over 15 year's or so!:)
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02036.jpg
A work of art arrived today !!!
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02037.jpg
Compared to the old spinner it is more correct
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02038.jpg
It also only weigh's 60 Gram's! half the weight of the aluminum one
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02039.jpg
Hank
Hello Everyone!!
I was not satisfied with the wheel well's so I have been busy changing them
They were going to be a pain to cover and paint and were not scale like!!
:):):):):):)
I will post updates tommorow!
Cheer's:D
Hank
When I was building the wheel well's I never put much thought into how I was going to finish them off
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02040.jpg
As you can see there is alot of (unfinished work ) to deal with
I ended up removing all the old balsa structure and formed a new one
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02042.jpg
It was not a big deal and look's much more scale like
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02044.jpg
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02046.jpg
Now I can simply paint them inside and continue on to the covering
After a final sanding and commpressed air I can begin the covering
See you all soon;)
Hank
Did a slight mod to the wheel well I closed it in a little more ( more scale)
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02047.jpg
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02048.jpg
Final sanded the wing till soft as a baby's @%@!:)
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02049.jpg
:)
I will be starting the covering shortly:D:D
Hank
I sanded and test checked all component's and ended sanding some more
Had to make a filler between the fuse and wing .....and have to make sure the wing will fit after covering ! It changes because of the covering thickness
I double checked all gap's and everything is looking good!:)
covering will commence shortly:)
Talk to you all soon;)
Hank
Chris Bowes
2009-02-18, 08:14 PM
Hank, thankyou for a great build thread, although i've been quiet i'm following with great interest, especially the next part.
Cheers
Hank, thankyou for a great build thread, although i've been quiet i'm following with great interest, especially the next part.
Cheers
Thank's Chris!:)
I am Happy to hear from you as all the other member's!
My Schedule for the next week is busy So I may not have any time to spare to work on the covering till next week.........or so
Here is some shot's of the fuse & wing filler's I had to make
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02052.jpg
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02051.jpg
That's all for now~
Hank
On the great planes kit they use 2 dowel's for the front wing mount and on the pica they use 1 5/16" dowel ?
I have only used 1 for these reason's the dowel goes into 4 laminated rib's VS leading edge stock only and to save weight
I know these Pica model's have a habit of snapping their wing's however they usally snap in the middle (spar's and shear web's)
I keep on telling myself I should add some more ( a fellow modeler also has a pica spit with 2 dowel's) dowels even if it is only in the leading edge
The way I look at it (after many crash investigation's) if any thing is going to let go it will be the forward former first !
Come to think of it I have never seen a Dowel failure! Ever
If anyone has any insite on this please let me know before I cover :D
Thank's;)
Hank
I am going to delay Covering till Wednesday when I have a full day off and I pickup new batteries for my Camera!:D
I am finding little thing's to do in the meantime like the tail wheel steering
It is made up of a tailwheel and a small spring! Simple:cool:
The hardest part was to drill a small hole into the tailwheel
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02062.jpg
I used one of a set of 20 numbered drill bits some are so small I can't see them:D(just kidding )
Carefully I drilled a hole into the tailwheel If you look closley you can barely see it!:)
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02063.jpg
After the drilling operation......I was scared I was going to break off the bit in the tailwheel.....I checked the spring for fit
It will be removed for covering and paint and when installed it will be Jb welded (epoxy) into the tailwheel and bent and pushed into another hole in the rudder with Ca
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02064.jpg
Have a Good Weekend!:)
Hank
I have to before I forget to show you some of the tool's I will be using
Tape measure (tailor's) for round object's,Sharp scissor's X-acto ect,
Flexible ruler
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02068.jpg
A couple of sealing iron's and heat gun (not around where is it:))
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02070.jpg
I also use (please don't tell wife) a terrycloth towel on my workbench to avoid ding's while working on various piece's
:)
Hank
When preparing for the covering All the open surfaces IE rudder ,Elevator's ,Aileron's(Little wing's)ect....Must have a place for the gases to vent If you don't create a (vent) the covering will bubble !(unless your using unpainted fabric)
Solid surfaces can benefit from using a (wood pecker) or drilling tiny holes all over
When you are applying the covering the glue when it melt's form's gases which expand and Bubble up your work!
I am in the process of making some template's for the covering and should be posting update's shorly
Cheer's :)
Hank
Burning Head
2009-02-25, 04:41 PM
Keep going Hank,:cool:
Keep going Hank,:cool:
Thank-you Richard!:)
On the table I have some wax (shipping paper ) for making a few template's
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02078.jpg
I traced the wing on the paper to make a template I will require 2 Top's and Reversed 2 Bottom's
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02079.jpg
The wing half's are 16" x 33" I am trying to use 1 roll for covering the wing
the roll is 27" x 72"
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02080.jpg
I allow 2" around the wing for pulling in this case I shortened it to 1"
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02081.jpg
The bottom covering will done in 4 pieces the front and rear fairing's will be covered separatly!
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02082.jpg
The front and rear fairing's will be covered first followed by the bottom wing covering then the top wing covering will be done
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02083.jpg
Hank
Here is a shot of the fairing template's
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02085.jpg
Going to take a break now .....I will be back shortly!
Hank
Burning Head
2009-02-25, 11:13 PM
I hope at the end of the work,maybe Greg coud clear all the reply (hope no offence bro:o)for a streat kit thread:cool:
I hope at the end of the work,maybe Greg coud clear all the reply (hope no offence bro:o)for a streat kit thread:cool:
Why not !:cool: If you have been noticing I have been cleaning up some un revelant stuff
Hank:D
The covering is supposed to be 6' long it turned out to be 7' 4'
I made two upper wing half's and two lower plus front and rear fairing's
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02089.jpg
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02090.jpg
The wing covering weight's almost 200 gram's! Wow
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02091.jpg
I started out covering the front of the fairing and the transition's
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02092.jpg
Followed by the rear fairing and transition's
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02093.jpg
The end's where the aileron's fit are also precovered
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02097.jpg
I precovered the wing holddown hole's
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02094.jpg
4 separate application's of covering were applied!:angry:
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02098.jpg
Next will be the Top &Bottom Wing Covering's which I will do Tomorrow!
Hank
I managed to finish the covering on the wing's underside only......I had a lot of chores to do!:)
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02099.jpg
Above the cutout's for the fairing's
The lower covering was joined in the middle over a 1/2" overlap piece
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02100.jpg
The front fairing has been pre covered where it meet's the fuse
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02101.jpg
Please note the shrinking on low heat 225 F! no hi heat used !
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02102.jpg
The covering is slowly being pulled and shrinked into place
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02103.jpg
View of the covering tucked into the flap pocket's
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02104.jpg
Starting to look good!
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02106.jpg
The wingtip's were tricky to seal they requiredl lot's of heat and pulling!
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02109.jpg
The quality and finish of the 21 century fabric covering is unbelivable!
It's a shame It will be sanded and painted!
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02110.jpg
The top will be scheduled for Saturday!
Hank
For the top of the wing covering I started out with a 3/4" joiner strip
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02111.jpg
The two panel's were cut square to fit the joiner strip, all the edge's were tacked at low heat including the tip's
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02112.jpg
and the trailing edge's
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02113.jpg
The aileron pocket's were trimmed and sealed!
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02115.jpg
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02114.jpg
I find that a very sharp pair a scissor's work very well in trimming the covering!
On the edges that have very little overlap I use Ca to secure it(If you look very closely at the bottom edge)
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02117.jpg
The aileron's are covered with a single piece starting at the trailing edge and trimmed to meet the countour
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02123.jpg
Hank
Once the covering is trimmed it is carefully sealed along the trailing edge
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02122.jpg
Fast forward the finished product
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02124.jpg
The wheel well's were covered up and had to be opened!
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02118.jpg
And carefully finished off Final shrinking is still required at high heat!
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02119.jpg
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02120.jpg
I will be working on the flap's next then heading of to the fusealage and tail feather's
:)
Till Later
Hank
major alvega
2009-02-28, 09:07 PM
Once the covering is trimmed it is carefully sealed along the trailing edge
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02122.jpg
Fast forward the finished product
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02124.jpg
The wheel well's were covered up and had to be opened!
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02118.jpg
And carefully finished off Final shrinking is still required at high heat!
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02119.jpg
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02120.jpg
I will be working on the flap's next then heading of to the fusealage and tail feather's
:)
Till Later
Hank
Great job,amazing Hank..what kind of material you are using to cover your spitfire?:):):)
Hello John!
Welcome to the Spitfire build!..The covering is Coverite 21 century fabric (white) soon to be painted to look like your avatar!LOL:)
Hank
After the aileron's were covered the hinge slot's were opened up!
Ready for installation
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02125.jpg
laying the flap down on the covering i can measure and trim before tacking with low heat
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02127.jpg
All the edge's are tacked carefully
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02130.jpg
Then finally high heat sealed and shrinked!
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02133.jpg
Hank
On to the rudder there are many compound curve's on this piece and it show's
the top part has been pre covered
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02134.jpg
I tried (failed) to cover it with one piece ...needless to say This one require's 2 piece's
Once I had one side tacked on I wanted to (center) the second piece
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02135.jpg
It was tacked all around slowly stretching the covering all the time
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02136.jpg
Finally it is ready for final trimming and shrinking!
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02137.jpg
Hank
Lot's of high heat and the rudder is shaping up !
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02139.jpg
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02140.jpg
It's hard to see the woven finish in these pictures but I tell you It is beautiful!:)
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02141.jpg
I am pleased with the Rudder and will move on to the fusealage tommorow!
:)
Hank
Looking at the lower cowl I will have to paint the area where the exhaust (muffler) is
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02142.jpg
A couple of 3/8" starter fillet's are made up
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02143.jpg
Going around the leading edge is tricky .....trying to make the covering(turn)
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02148.jpg
I had to make a couple (cheater) strip's to handle the corner
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02150.jpg
It turned out as follow's
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02149.jpg
You can see all the covering scrap's in the garbage(box)
From the top everything is fine!
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02151.jpg
Next I will be covering the tail surfaces bottom's first then top's starboard then port fin followed by the fuse working forward all the time
The reason for working forward is to end up with all the overlap's faceing rearward (hopefully ) preventing fuel ,dirt ,wind ect from collecting (lifting)in the seam
Hank:)
I have made up template's for the stab only for the reason to line the covering up with the fillet strip's....the fin was also done that way
I have to work tomorrow so I won't be back till Friday!
See you all shortly!:)
Hank
:)I will start off with the port fin covering
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02152.jpg
The Covering has been stress relieved to comform to the cornering
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02153.jpg
After tacking it look's like this!
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02156.jpg
The front end's are trimmed evenly!
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02162.jpg
Never cut into the balsa allway's (lift) the knife to make the cut's!
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02161.jpg
The Fin is looking good!
I covered the bottom's then the top's
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02164.jpg
Finally a finished tail section!!
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02169.jpg
Next I plan to cover the rear bottom section from the trailing edge of the wing to the tail!
Lot's more work tommorow!
:)
Hank
PaulG-rc
2009-03-06, 07:25 PM
This is very very impressive covering work, its going to look amazing :D
This is very very impressive covering work, its going to look amazing :D
Thank's Paul I hope it will fly as good as it may look
I started work on the turtledeck covering and decided to cover it with one (1)
piece.....one more template on the way!
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02173.jpg
I used the tape measure to calculate the size of covering to use
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02176.jpg
The final template is very close to what I need
Before I install the turtledeck covering I have to build up around the tailwheel
This is the piece I installed to go around the tailwheel assembly
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02172.jpg
A small overlap piece was installed first
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02171.jpg
I made the fillet cutout's as I am going to paint the fillet's as they are near impossible to cover(convex shape)
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02179.jpg
After a final trim and fit check
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02177.jpg
It was all tacked and shrinked to fit Voila!
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02182.jpg
Tomorrow I will attempt the forward fuse section followed by the cowling
:)
Hank
:)While I was not happy with the front fuse turnout it will have to do!
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02191.jpg
The cowl was also done as the elevator's
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02194.jpg
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02186.jpg
Here is a pic of how the covering is (tucked in) finished
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02185.jpg
That's all for now
:)
Hank
finnegan
2009-03-09, 07:25 PM
Hank,
Please tell us that you're going to put it on display and not risk an accident!
I would not be able to fly it without strssing to the max.
Great work so far!(for a "plane" guy:D)
That first (test/trim) flight is allway's hard .......some times I get someone else to take it up while I help out trimming/ shouting ect:D
In the year's I have taken many maiden flight's (all 100% sucessfull)
I have another (new Diablo 3D) one that I will take up first
After the heart slow's down and the knee's stop skaking it's only another plane
Hank
I talked to jerry nelson this morning ,he advised me the paint was mixed and ready for shipment!
After I install the flight surfaces and finish the cockpit I will be ready for the painting I still have'nt decided to either spray it or use a foam brush It all depend's on the outside temp
Hank
bob forest
2009-03-09, 10:56 PM
Hi, love your post, many things to learn. One thing I know from a friend of mine that has flown that model, it seems the cg on the plans are wrong. I suggest you look up on RC universe about it. You have to make sure the cg is correct otherwise it will snap on take off. My friend who is a well known scale builder mentioned this to me. So I am passing it on to you. Hope you find more info on the cg of this model. Good luck. Can't wait to see the finished product.
Thank's Bob I have been looking around and I am going to use this CG calculator http://www.scaleaero.com/CG_Calculator.htm to find the correct CG
That is all you need a snap at low altitude! :D after all that work
Hank
Burning Head
2009-03-10, 09:53 AM
Cool link chief,Q: Can I trust the CG on any manual of ARF craft...not sure anymore:cool:
This is the best Calculator available
http://www.geistware.com/rcmodeling/cg_super_calc.htm
It confimed I was right on the money ( as per plan's)
All my end seam's have been sealed
with thick Ca (to prevent slippage)
I covered the inside of the wheel well's to make them look nicer
Pic's will follow shortly !
:)
Hank
bob forest
2009-03-10, 03:40 PM
Yes, somehow the plans cg when you calculate is right, but at that cg the fellows many of them had a terrible first flight. most after when more nose heavy, in other words moved the cg a little forward. See if you can find any comments on RC universe about it.
beto9
2009-03-11, 05:31 PM
OK Hank. you finished the "elegant" part of your build. From now on you will be getting down and dirty.... paint... AUGH!
Please post your progress to see how you do it without getting your eyebrows camouflaged....
Thank's Albert
Painting is actually my favorite part!
The Cg was by Bob's advise out about 1/4 " tail heavy Thank's Bob!
Here is a shot of the cg!
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02196-1.jpg
It is not very clear I will have to repost........
I did not want to mention it but the front fuse covering was a disaster!
lot's of wrinkle's wow:D The covering loves to be stretched but only shrink's a little reason being the front fuse has many contour's
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02198.jpg
I removed a bad section and grafted in a new piece
Since the covering has a weave the filler seem's to be uneven actually the filler is in tiny hole's unaffected by painting later on!
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02200.jpg
The control surface's are almost ready to glue! I don't have word's to decribe how they look:)
While the fuse may look rough believe me it is as smooth as can be!
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02201.jpg
The entire fuse was wet sanded with 600
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02199.jpg
I also added some heat shielding to the cowl area to avoid burning
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02203.jpg
I used 500 mph speed tape to fill the area
lot's more shortly.....I have to work again ...I will be back Sunday!
Hank
I have another shot of the cowl showing the speed tape
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02204.jpg
Here is an interesting shot of the washout incorporated into the wing's trailing edge viewed from behind and slightly Above ...the tip's as you can see have also been modifyied (raked like a 777)
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02205.jpg
I tested the flap's and aileron's for fit berfore I glue them
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02206.jpg
A note regarding the coverite fabric....I used approx 7 blades on on this stuff it is extremely strong!
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02208.jpg
On Friday the paint arrived after a little more sanding I can start the Paint process
I just found out that one of the colour's was mislabled OhOh :D
I will have to contact them Monday for a replacement I recieved 2 Dark green's Should have been 1 dark green and 1 Ocean grey
Hank
The paint (If you look closely the middle two bottles are the same colour):(
the paint can be used 1 or 2 part's ( 2 part's make it fuel proof )
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02212.jpg
When sanding the aircraft scotchbrite work's very well in tight area's in all other places 220 grit is recommended
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02213.jpg
The weather was so nice today ............Did not get much done
Till tomorrow
:)
Hank
Today I did a little fuel proofing before I start the paint
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02222.jpg
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02221.jpg
The rear window compartment was also painted before final installation of 02 bottle's and the rear glass (sterene plastic)
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02219.jpg
The inside's of the radiator's were given a coat of paint
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02218.jpg
The flap's were pulled of their hinge's slightly and glue was injected into the backside of the hingeblock then they were slid back into final position!(this prevent's the hinges from being glued solid!)
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02215.jpg
I also added a little paint to the wheel well's
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02216.jpg
I phoned Jerry Nelson today and he is sending the missing Ocean grey paint:):)
See u all soon!
Hank
A note on the washout raked wingtip ........I had the picture upside down :crazy2:
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02209.jpg
The bottom of the wing is to the right (the shape of the tip is like a gull's wing)
Hank
I wanted to make the cannon's removeable ....I looked at a real hispano and here is what I came up with
I cut the cannon in two piece's with a tubing cutter
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02223.jpg
Then I inserted a larger aluminum tube into the first part so it can slide into the other part
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02224.jpg
When completed it will be installed
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02225.jpg
A little fuel proofing in the lower cowl area
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02229.jpg
The Rudder and elevator's were glued into position
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02228.jpg
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02227.jpg
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02226.jpg
A final sanding and the paint will begin......I still have to finish the cockpit and rear window area first!
:)
Hank
The dashboard they give you in the kit is less to be desired!
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02235.jpg
First I start out and cut out all the holes!one by one
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02234.jpg
Till they are all cut and trimmed!:)
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02236.jpg
The O2 bottle's are painted flatblack as well http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02232.jpg
Some fineline is added to the economizer then it is painted
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02230.jpg
The fineline is removed and we have a finished product!
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02237.jpg
The right and left interior panel have been painted and are ready
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02239.jpg
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02238.jpg
Next I will mount the 02 Cylinder's and economizer followed by the rear window
The dash and side panel's,ect will also be installed Then I will be ready to lay down the paint!
The Weather has been really good lately and I have been getting all my other planes and heli ready for the summer:)
So my work has been progressing slowly
Hank
Hello Everyone!:)
No paint today perhap's it will arrive Monday?....Meanwhile:angry:
I have been inspecting the gap's between the control surface's ....they are really tight!
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02245.jpg
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02244.jpg
Hopefully with the application of paint I won't have interferance problem's
I did not like the finish on the dash so I sanded it down and tryed again!
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02240.jpg
After painting I made a plastic bezel for the dash!
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02242.jpg
After I installed the guages to the backside
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02243.jpg
The O2 economizer did not look right so I modified It
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02241.jpg
I added all the O2 component's to the rear window area and glued the window in place!
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02247.jpg
After I removed the tape and I will let it dry
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02248.jpg
Tommorow I will finish off the cockpit!
Hank
Today I glued the gun mount's to the wing
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02256.jpg
Filled the end's with glue to make smooth transition's
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02261.jpg
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02266.jpg
Installed the cockpit side panel's with velcro.......good for removing when not needed
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02250.jpg
I glued some 1/4" balsa support to hold the floor in place
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02254.jpg
I flipped it and painted lightly then slid into it's new home
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02258.jpg
Gee it's starting to look like it ready to fly!......If you look closely you can see the on/off switch!
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02259.jpg
In preparation for painting I realized I am going to need lot's of fineline here is a way to get lot's cheap!
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02263.jpg
I take my trusty dubro trim cutter set it up for 3/8"...take a roll of dollar store ulc plastic tape and start cutting away......It only took 5 min!
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02265.jpg
You can make 3 roll's for under a dollar!:D
It is not that i am cheap ........... I like to be thrifty to save for other thing's....Hopefully tomorrow my missing paint will arrive so as I can start painting
I have not been 100% satisfied with the brush application of the paint so I am going to try spraying it ......I will tape it all up and start with the bottom (underside) If all go's well I will continue!
Hank
Burning Head
2009-03-22, 05:40 PM
Great work top scaler:cool:
Well still awaiting my paint!!!!:confused:
Updates as soon as it happen's!
:)
Hank
MCCRACKEN
2009-03-26, 05:27 AM
I really enjoy see the steps you are going through. The build looks great and can't wait to see it finished.
I really enjoy see the steps you are going through. The build looks great and can't wait to see it finished.
Wellcome to the Forum and thank's for the comment's Hope you learn and enjoy!
Hank:)
I found out today my paint has not been shipped yet ...............Should be another week:D:D:D
I still am working with what color's I have .......to keep me busy March break is over so I have to go back to work monday:angry:
:)
Hank
Brushing the paint has been Very time consuming!
If I had the choice I would be spraying .......It would be alot faster Indeed!
After every coat I have to sand to Smooth the surface fINE LINE has been used to mask off all the area's I don't want painted
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02277.jpg
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02284.jpg
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02283.jpg
Here is a shot after the thrid coat
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02285.jpg
The Belly and underside elevator's have already been painted
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02278.jpg
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02280.jpg
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02279.jpg
Hank:)
Well After six coat's of paint sanding between each coat the wing look's like glass!
I will post a pic soon .....looking for batteries!
Oh and I might go flying It is getting warmer outside!:):)
Hank
Here is a shot of the underside of the Wing ...It turned out like glass!!:)
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02286.jpg
The Gear door's
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02288.jpg
And the gun mount's
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02287.jpg
:):):):):):)
Hank
Burning Head
2009-03-27, 11:41 PM
beau travail Hank:cool:
beau travail Hank:cool:
Thankyou Richard!:)
I want to make a note ...While six coat's of paint is heavy and very thick(look around the gun mount's ) After sanding it is more like two coat's
The manufacturer recommended brushing only in one direction with a little help from previous experiances I brushed it on @90 degress each coat sanding between coat's ..what I ended up with was a very dry but smooth finish...all I had to do to get the shine back was to apply a very wet (more h20 added)coat and then take my heat gun and make it dry faster
If you don't take the heat to the paint because it is heavily thinned out it will run on you .......and that is not a good thing:D
Hank:)
Finally the paint arrived!:):)
After a little prep work I will begin!
:)
Hank
I have been sanding and tapeing everything !
I also moded my HVLP Spray Gun!
Since the paint I am using is in small amount's I have to have a small paint cup!
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02301.jpg
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02302.jpg
The Cannon's have been painted!
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02298.jpg
The fusalage has been taped
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02292.jpg
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02293.jpg
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02294.jpg
Everything I don't want painted have been masked off!
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02299.jpg
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02300.jpg
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02297.jpg
As soon as it warm's up I will be spraying!!!!!:)
Hank
zorba
2009-04-03, 07:03 PM
Nice work. Word of cuation. Don't leave the tape on there too long. It will leave glue residue on the surface.. Ask me how I know..LOL
Cheers
Nice work. Word of cuation. Don't leave the tape on there too long. It will leave glue residue on the surface.. Ask me how I know..LOL
Cheers
I wondered where all that sticky stuff was from!:confused:
The 3M brand is very good for not leaving residue but the home made is not
I have been (Baking) the painted part's and that really releases the glue as well
I decided on spraying as this is the only way to create (fogging/blending) from one colour to the next
Hank:)
beto9
2009-04-05, 01:56 PM
If I had spend all that time in making that beautiful model I can assure you that in the field it will not take off. It will just stand there, being pretty.
Unless somebody ties me to a post with just my thumbs free, diapers, etc.
Xavier
2009-04-05, 09:12 PM
Hey Albert, maybe you should do plastic models if you are scare to fly :-)
beto9
2009-04-06, 09:01 AM
It crossed my mind... but... ah! the smell of glow in the morning!
To fly a new plane is the thrill of victory.....to crash it is the agony of defeat!
:D
I have built many plane's over the year's only one I sold and all the rest flew.....
Flying them after all that building is the most rewarding experiance
Hank
I have been not taking much photo's as the painting process takes a lot of time however here are a few shot's of my progress
#1 Cannon's finished!
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02307.jpg
First coat of ocean on the wing
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02303.jpg
This pic is of the 5th coat 1 more to go!
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02305.jpg
This shot is the fuse sanded after 2 coat's
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02304.jpg
:)
Hank
Wayne
2009-04-13, 05:03 PM
Hi, just came across this build thread.
I too am completing a Pica Spitfire at the moment. It was a 3/4 built kit that a friends late son had started some years ago. Unfortunately there were some issues that took some real thinking about to sort, for example the wing was bult and sheeted without washout. This held me up for a long time. The only way I could see to fix it was to cut a slot through the top sheeting and ribs, wet the bottom sheeting then weigh it down and glue it with PVA (white wb glue). Was a lot of work, but its got washout now.
I am fitting an ASP91fs to mine, only going to that size because of the weight i expect it be when completed.
I also have fitted split flaps, again I was worried about weight and landing speed.
I have just completed covering it with 1/2oz glass cloth, using waterbased varnish (new to me, but giving it a go.
Must say you are putting me to shame as far as detail, though I have now spured on to lift the standard.
Because the retracts (spring air) were already fitted I have stayed with the non-scale placement, which I'm a little frustrated with, but I do know about Spitfires with original type undercarts and mine will have to fly off grass, so its probably best that way.
cheers
Wayne Marshall
Hi Wayne!
You are really better off having the landing gear at the non scale position
I am worried I may have to hanger mine due to taxing performance I shall find out soon !
The painting is completed and i will post a few pic's shortly
:)
Hank
Wayne
2009-04-14, 01:12 AM
Look forward to seeing them.
Wayne
Wayne
2009-04-14, 08:39 AM
Keep looking at your built up tailplane and rudder and I think I might go that way too. My originals were glassed just yesterday and are ready to fit, but yours look so much better. What is the depth of your ribs? I don't suppose you can copy the profile and either post here or email me with?
cheers
Wayne
:)Keep looking at your built up tailplane and rudder and I think I might go that way too. My originals were glassed just yesterday and are ready to fit, but yours look so much better. What is the depth of your ribs? I don't suppose you can copy the profile and either post here or email me with?
cheers
Wayne
Sure I can send you some original templates I will eventually throw out PM me your mail address and I will gladly get them out!
I seem to be having battery prob's in my camera so pic's will be delayed and also if anyone know's where you can purchase M.e.k I really need some bad for rubbing out the paint I have tried lowe's ,home depot ,Automotive paint supplyers to no avail?:(
:)
Hank
I have not wet sanded the paint ridges or rubbed out the paint yet ..here are a few pic's of my painting process...all the paint was done by brush
This is the wing on it's final sanding with 320 grit ...I can almost see houses down there LOL:)
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02309.jpg
The wing finally done!
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02315.jpg
When I mask for the canopy I use painters Tape and trace the outline with a pencil then transfer it over to a mirror for cutting with an x-acto
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02312.jpg
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02311.jpg
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02317.jpg
I installed the tailwheel and springhttp://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02318.jpg
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02319.jpg
The fuel tank and reciever were also added, I will wait till the paint is rubbed out before I install the engine
Hank
Wayne
2009-04-14, 11:52 PM
Thanks Hank, but I'm in New Zealand and not really a big deal as I can use your pics to get a reasonable idea.
Model is looking great with the paint.
I have been considering finishing mine as a Photo Recon, just to be different (and its only grey/blue
cheers
Wayne
Burning Head
2009-04-15, 08:16 AM
Ca c'est un vrais chef-d'oeuvre Hank. Ca fassais longtemp que je patientais pour des nouvelle photo:D
Denis Cloutier
2009-04-15, 09:28 AM
Nice paint job, look like a killer.
The rubbing out of the paint is not fun ...so I will skip it I will use polishing compound instead..then I will add the decal's
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02327.jpg
above is a shot of the engine lock nut's
Here is the emmission hoses!
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02325.jpg
And another view!
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02324.jpg
Here is the front cowl!
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02322.jpg
:):)
Hank
Found some mek today at a paint&wallpaper store?
I rubbed out the paint which seemed like a waste of time ...It looks the same
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02340.jpg
Notice all the (dry) area's were the sanding has been done I will polish and buff these out later
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02339.jpg
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02338.jpg
I am going to use maquire's show car polishing glaze to bring back the luster
Will post pic's later today.......BBQ season is back!!:)
Hank
LOL :pissedoff: The polishing compound did nothing........I called Jerry Nelson In TX today he advised me that I need to use a polishing compound specific to polyurethane paint's
I will try a Automotive paint supply store tommorow!
:)
Hank
Wayne
2009-04-24, 06:49 PM
Frustrating stuff Hank.
I'm going through some drama's of my own. i have covered my Spit with 1/2oz cloth with waterbased varnish (this is a first for me) and am having problems with it. When I try sanding an overlap it just rubs up and goes all furry.
Also I'm really concerned of the added weight of the primer etc for a nice finish and though you have pointed out that it has been difficult to cover the fuselage etc with iron on film I may sand mine back and do the same as I think it will be much lighter than the track I have been going down.
Here are a couple of pics of it as it is today
Guess I am getting a little despondent with it as you well know these are quite a big build and there always seems to be things to do. I thought I would have it primed a week ago, but thats life.
I changed the rear window to a similar type to yours last night and it looks great
Anyhow, good luck with the finishing
Wayne
The polishing worked out really good ........will have to post shortly
The final weight and balance is next followed by taxing test's
Then........................Test Flight!!!!!!!!!!:):):):)
Hank
It's amazing that after all that building there is allway's something else to do
example below where is that dowel?
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02343.jpg
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02341.jpg
Above a view of the wing sanded down ~ halfway:p
The fuse buffed up really nice time for some decal's
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02347.jpg
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02348.jpg
The tail view.......next I will cutting out all the decals and glueing them down
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02346.jpg
I have not balanced it as I am waiting for a propeller once I get that I will also do some taxing test's
Hank
Denis Cloutier
2009-04-26, 10:45 AM
What compound did you use?, did a great job
What compound did you use?, did a great job
I used Farecla G3 Compound Made in the Uk ....nice product smell's like pine-sol cleaner http://www.farecla.com/
Hank
It's almost ready for a pilot
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02352.jpg
I am going to start decaling today .........pic's shortly!:)
Hank
Burning Head
2009-04-29, 05:03 PM
Vraiment réalistique ton cockpits Hank:cool:
This one is for luisjove !
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02355.jpg
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02356.jpg
I am waiting for an update on your project!
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02354.jpg
Back to work see you all soon!!!!!!!!!!:)
Hank
I installed the radiator's today and finished cutting out the decal's........they will be a challenge to figure out where they all go???
Pic's will be upped soon have to work Friday :):)
Hank
Mounted the rad's
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02359.jpg
If the weather is bad I will be gluing the decal's tomorrow!
Hank
got her decaled up tried engine run ..........servo (brand new) Died try try again!!
:):)
Hank
I installed a Jr SM22 servo in the throttle position as the china one lasted 30 second's:eek:
I also found what look's like a leak from the tank but I removed it and submerged it in water under pressure and no bubbles showed?
I reinstalled it and will cross my finger's
My starter battery died what else is going to happen?
Here is a few pic's of the final assembly
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02357.jpg
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02358.jpg
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02351-1.jpg
This mountingtab stuff is what I use to hold thing's
Like the exhaust,interior pieces ,servo connector's(so they don't fall apart)\
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02360.jpg
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02361.jpg
Oh Oh I glued on the wrong Ac # should be EN998
I'll change it later
Hank
Well the engine was spot on!
The rudder Half fell off ...........better glue required!
and get this the fuel tank strap's slipped off (more reinforcement)
and final CG balance tommorrow!:)
Test taxing when weather permit's!!!!!!!!
Hank:)
Wayne
2009-05-04, 09:16 PM
you may find the viscosity of fuel, especially with some nitro that it may have a leak this isn't easy to find. I'm not that 'up to it' with the uniflow, but it may put additional pressure than a regular system with a breather.
models looking great.
Just primed mine last night and now fitting radio etc, prior to finishing the painting..
what brand are your oleo's? I bought some from HobbyKing and I am having to modify them considerably to fit Spring Air retracts
cheers
Wayne
you may find the viscosity of fuel, especially with some nitro that it may have a leak this isn't easy to find. I'm not that 'up to it' with the uniflow, but it may put additional pressure than a regular system with a breather.
models looking great.
Just primed mine last night and now fitting radio etc, prior to finishing the painting..
what brand are your oleo's? I bought some from HobbyKing and I am having to modify them considerably to fit Spring Air retracts
cheers
Wayne
Hi Wayne
The oleo's are Century jet made for the Great Planes Spitfire kit
If I had to do it over again I would use Spring air for peace of mind
Hank:)
The fwd cowl is installed final weight and balance tommorrow
Time for some family BBQ!:)
Hank:)
Wayne
2009-05-06, 07:46 AM
hi hank,
well the only hassle with using Spring Airs is that the legs lay against the ram when they are retracted, so you have to have quite a long upper leg and I'm worried that they will bend on landings as we fly off grass.
anyhow I 'm keen to hear what the model weighs in at
Just another thing i was wondering about is whether the paint you used is fuel proof? or have you fuel proofed over it with some other product?
Its just that I'm not familar with the paint you have used, but noted its water based
cheers
Wayne
Well the time has finally Arrived!........The Spitfire MK1V C is ready for taxi and flight Testing
She Weighed in at 3555 Gram's plus she also needed 200 gram's nose weight to bring her in midway of the CG
That's around 8 Lbs old school! LOL
This part is the last of the building sequence I hope you enjoy it
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02368.jpg
To cut out the prop relief's you start out by marking the prop where the spinner meet's it
Next you make a template to the proper size
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02369.jpg
Tranfer the Jig to the spinner cone and cut out with a dremel
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02370.jpg
To protect the spinner from dremel slippage I run masking tape around the work area
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02371.jpg
After some final sanding install the spinner bolt's with a little Blue Locktite
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02380.jpg
The Nose weight was added using a small plastic ziplock baggie and slowly adding lead pellet's mixed with epoxy(so they won't move around)
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02379.jpg
Here's a photo of the Spinner to cowl clearance WOW!!
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02381.jpg
Hank
Wayne
2009-05-06, 06:05 PM
Hey man, hope you have someone to video trials.
Weight sounds good, I'm scared to think about it with mine yet
good luck
Wayne:)
Chris Bowes
2009-05-06, 06:09 PM
What a great build thread Hank, thanks for sharing it here. Hope all goes well for the maiden!
What a great build thread Hank, thanks for sharing it here. Hope all goes well for the maiden!
Thank's Chris !
May the God's be with me!
It is all ready for Test's and Flight I will post some pic's Hopefully Video Soon!!!!:)
Hank
Hey man, hope you have someone to video trials.
Weight sounds good, I'm scared to think about it with mine yet
good luck
Wayne:)
It's a little heavier than expected but better than average (If it makes any difference)
The paint you were asking about http://www.nelsonhobby.com/
Is water based and Fuel resistent!
IF you want my leftover's let me know ....I have an account with fed-ex
No problem
Hank
Waiting for the weather to break for taxi test's some updates soon
Hank:)
turkana
2009-05-11, 08:46 PM
Godspeed!!! Regards Pete
finnegan
2009-05-11, 10:12 PM
I can't look.:sno:
It was a beautiful Day!..........Not enough rudder authority to overcome Engine torque!.....Engine has way to much torque I will have to mechanically increase the rudder throw..............:rolleyes:
No tipover problem's............... after rudder adjustment testing will resume!!!
Hank:)
turkana
2009-05-12, 08:41 PM
Go go go!!! :D
Go go go!!! :D
Patience my friend .........had to do a little mod to enable proper taxing
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02382.jpg
Above you can see how I lengthend the steering spring to help out with the taxing
Taking her out Monday!:)
Hank
Gold luck with the flight, job well done on the build!
PaulG-rc
2009-05-17, 08:45 AM
Ouf! I got worried there for a minute :D
Go for flight, you should have a good day for it monday.
Ronald Longtin
2009-05-17, 08:55 AM
Good luck for the maiden flight. Thanks for sharing the experience.
Burning Head
2009-05-17, 09:37 AM
We want flight, we want flight... but a safe one Hank, its a masterpiece:cool:
Well went to the field today as luck has it ....the grass won't be cut till Tuesday!
Fri look's good as i have some flight assignment's till then
I also plan on picking up a camcorder to document the first flight
sorry no go today but friday look's good!:)
Hank:)
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02387.jpg
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii455/wildwing0/DSC02386.jpg
Few Pic's at the field.........to bad the grass was to deep !
Friday look's like a go
Hank:)
Xavier
2009-05-19, 10:07 PM
That prop looks really small. What size is it ?
That prop looks really small. What size is it ?
Big spinner 12x7 prop
Hank
Burning Head
2009-05-20, 08:47 AM
nice pic Hank, and great Spit, but is it at the wimac club?
Chris Bowes
2009-05-23, 09:40 AM
Friday look's like a go
So did it fly???!!!??? :confused::D
Friday was nice the clover was thick .........I tried and tried and flipped over once but until i find a good field I will have to wait
I have a gravel runway but it is small and really hard to land on ...That,s what worries me ?
I can takeoff the gravel but landing will be difficult so I will wait
If anyone know's how to rid Clover that would help?
As soon as she fly's I will post + hopefully a video
Hank:)
Wayne
2009-05-23, 08:18 PM
Good idea not carrying on as you have done a wonderful job on the model and I would hate to hear that you pranged it because of poor conditions.
When conditions are perfect, you still have enough to worry about with a model like this.
Don't worry about the paint as I have bought some here and am starting painting this afternoon.
cheers
Wayne
Good idea not carrying on as you have done a wonderful job on the model and I would hate to hear that you pranged it because of poor conditions.
When conditions are perfect, you still have enough to worry about with a model like this.
Don't worry about the paint as I have bought some here and am starting painting this afternoon.
cheers
Wayne
Pranging it would hurt !
found a supply of weedex ?????? the field may improve
Hank:)
Xavier
2009-05-24, 07:33 PM
Come fly it in Lachute Hank. The runway is 650 feet of asphalte and there are not many trees close by.
Xavier
Come fly it in Lachute Hank. The runway is 650 feet of asphalte and there are not many trees close by.
Xavier
WOW:cool: Is there a R/C club at Lachute look,s like an airport
I mapquested it ..It's around a 6 Hour drive
If my present field condition's don't change I may have to
Hank:)
PaulG-rc
2009-05-25, 09:09 AM
You should Hank it really is like a miniature airport and while your here you could visit the guys at WIMAC too :D its a win win deal :D
Xavier
2009-05-25, 11:13 AM
I tought you were in Ottawa. Were are you located ? There must be a field available closer than 6 hours drive :-)
I'm in Brampton 19 Km from the Airport
I might have to include Lachute in my Holiday plan's
In the meantime I will ask around and see if there are any other field's with runway's.......I know of a club an hour or so away that fly's of a sod (grass) farm?
:)
Hank
Wayne
2009-05-27, 02:25 AM
All this waiting around is killing me!!:)
Mine is painted now, just ready to cut the paint and do the final assembly.
Hopefully it will be in the air in the next couple of weeks
cheers
Wayne
Burning Head
2009-05-27, 08:23 AM
We need all pilot steady for brit war:D
LAMAHORSE
2009-05-27, 10:05 AM
Also,
did see the Lachute Rc miniature airport for less then 5 mins.
What a scale place for our scale machines and photoshooting.
picked up a camcorder soon as I find a suitable field she will be off!
Hank:)
beto9
2009-06-21, 10:18 AM
Well.... what happened????
Burning Head
2009-06-21, 11:48 AM
Is it, no news bad news...:cool:
Wayne
2009-06-21, 08:32 PM
The suspence is killing me too
Sorry gentlemen I have not been out to the field lately to even check out the field/grass condition's ,I am currantly on a three day flight assignment and will be off starting Thur's for a week .....Hopefully I can get her In the Air
On a sour note I had her at a fun fly and a sudden gust of wind picked her up from behind and over on her back....broke the antenna that's all ;)
Hank:)
turkana
2009-06-22, 07:04 PM
Sorry about that. The weather and the wind surely SUCK this year! Regards Pete
beto9
2009-07-22, 04:59 PM
I am starting to suspect a crash or jelly knees....
Has the Spitfire seen the air? Has the grass been cut?
After all that suspense you owe us!
Wayne
2009-07-22, 11:58 PM
I'm sitting here biting my nails as well
cheers
Wayne
Sorry Guy,s!
Family Matter,s have prevented me from any R/C Activity
( Wife is in Hospital ) Not life Threatening
However
I will post when all is well
Hope you understand house work is killing me!
Thank,s
Hank:)
Wayne
2009-07-23, 08:30 PM
Sorry to hear about your wife (and the housework, thats nasty) Hank.
My own Spit has been nearly finished for a couple of months now and I havn't been able to get back onto it myself.
There is very little left to do - fit the tank, run the engine, fit receiver/battery and fly.
Its winter here and its been a bad one, especially when you throw in the Swine flu to cap it off.
cheers
Wayne
Burning Head
2009-07-23, 09:26 PM
Sorry too Hank:o, I hope for the best for yours wife
Wayne
2009-10-21, 05:00 AM
Any progress?
cheers
Wayne
Wow It has been a while
Back to the progress of the Spitfire
All charged up and ready to go Next week Mon -Fri I am off Hopefully I can get her into the Air!
Wayne how is your project doing?
Till next week
Hank:)
Wayne
2009-10-24, 06:16 AM
Hi hank,
mines a bit like yours, sitting waiting.
Its all ready to go except for fitting the tank and sorting the tailwheel (and its been that way for a while).
Trouble is that I have spent so much time on it I am a bit reluctant to actually finish it off, as when its finished its time to fly it and I don't want to bend it.
I'll post a couple of pics in the next few days.
I am pretty happy with it and a while ago I took it to a friend that has built a couple of Spits (Brian Taylor ones) and he stated that he would be pretty happy to own it and that really blew me away as he is very fussy and knowledgable about these planes.
cheers
Wayne
beto9
2009-10-24, 10:13 AM
Ah!... that down feeling when the long project nears its end...
Good luck on takeoff guys!
Wayne
2009-11-18, 02:42 AM
Hi,
here is a couple of pics of my Spitfire, as it is now.
Its ready to fly apart from the retracts being operational. I'm missing a T line joiner at this stage and am waiting for one to arrive.
I weighed it and it has come in at 4.2 kgs or 9.25 pounds.
This really worries me as its going to be fast to land.
cheers
Wayne
Burning Head
2009-11-18, 08:02 AM
great work,
Wayne
2009-11-18, 08:38 PM
I still have the guns to finish, but they are removable, same as the aerial.
Just the weight thats worrying me as I am yet to check C of G, so its probably going to get heavier.
Power should be okay as I have a .91 4stroke, but its the landing speed and strength of retracts mounts etc
Where are you at with yours Hank?
cheers
Wayne
Beautiful Finish on your Spit!:):)
I am still without a maiden Flight ?:mad::mad:
The Weather Man and The Local Clover have been a Pain:angry:
I am in Limbo waiting for a window to put her in the Air!!
Once the Grass has frozen I might be in luck
Hank
Wayne
2009-12-14, 05:30 AM
I have now checked the CG and its spot on without any weight needed.
Retracts are all working and I have run up the engine in the model, so I have no excuse not to fly (apart from weather).
My friend that has built a few Spits feels the 9+ pounds weight is okay, so I'm a bit happier
The 91 feels like it has more than enough power
Hopefully it will be in the air this weekend.
nerviously yours
Wayne
David Janashvili
2009-12-15, 11:51 PM
Perfect Finish,
Good luck on maiden Flight:):):)
Wayne
2009-12-26, 11:48 PM
finally a chance to test fly and in it went.
CG set as per plan, but I think its too far back as the model felt tail heavy and it kept snap rolling.
Snapped on take off, but I managed to catch it and get her to a safe height, but every time I did any sort of manuever it would snap again.
Then the engine cut and it appeared to be coming in okay, untill I turned into the wind and it snapped again and in it went.
Damage is not too bad. Fin knocked off, wing mounts ripped out, canopy came off. Wing broke at the join with the centre section.
This model was half built when I got it and after pranging it I now see there is no real strength the the wing to wing centre section join area.
Will repair it and have another go, but it will be the last time and if its not going to be a nice flyer I will clean it up and make a static display model out of it and return it to the freind that gave it to me as it originally belonged to his late son, whom had built the wing and started the fuselage.:(
bob forest
2009-12-27, 08:43 AM
I just aquired a brand new old stock Pica kit which had never been opened. I have all the plans, books and also an article written by RCM product review of this plane. In the product review they talk about the wrong location of the CG. In it I quote "Flight Test of the Second Model, After completing our second model, we balanced it per the revised C.G. Location which is about 1 1/2" forward of the location shown on the plans. To achieve a slightly nose down attitude at this new C.G. location. We had to add over 4lbs of lead to the nose. This brought our ready to fly weight up to about 20lbs. or about the same weight as out first model. With this forward C.G. we had to bend the landing gear forward to prevent the model from nosing over during take off and landing. Unfortunately this kept us from retracting the landing gear on the first flights. This was later corrected for normal gear retraction.
On Take off, our model runs straight and true with little correction needed. Since this is a rather heavy aircarft, be sure to let it build up adeqate speed before liftoff.
The stalls are gentle with no surprises or tendencies to drop a wing.
Basicallly all in all the rest of the article says that it flew very well and that they had many flights with it. it all had to do with the wrong C.G. on the plans. So I will do many of the things they did on the second model, re doing a lot of lightning in the right areas. Plus mine will have a gas engine a 40cc and that will help the nose weight situation.
Hope this helps others if they ever come across this kit.
I forgot to mention, that the kit I got is for the 88" wingspan. I would almost bet, that it was wrong on the smaller model.
PaulG-rc
2009-12-27, 08:54 AM
You really have to watch the CG and the flying weight of the Spitfire its probably the worst wingtip staller in the warbird series.
In all the warbird I have flown the Spitfire was the one I really had to watch out, but what a great plane to fly, no matter the size it is. :D
Wayne
2009-12-27, 01:00 PM
I think the CG is one problem with mine, but the other problem is that the wing was built without washout. The half built model had sat for 8 years since the death of my friends son) and when I got it I found this problem. I was seriously thinking of giving it back, but decided to make diagonal cuts from the inboard start of the ailerons to the tips. then steamed it and twisted the wings and glued them back together. Doing this I did achieve some washout. I also lifted the ailerons 3 degrees to give it more for the first flight.
I should have been more carefull with the CG in retrospect as the model taxied well and didn't tend to nose over as I expected - this probably should have been a warning, but with using a 91 4stroke instead of a 61 2 stroke, plus 300gms of nose weight I figured it was going to be fine.
Takeoff nearly caught me as it launched itself straight off the runway, into a tipstall.
At the time I thought that was due to the me using too much power and the incedence of the model during takeoff, but now thgink it was due to the CG:confused.
I am going to have a look at the Brian Taylor Spitfire and see where the CG is on that.
I will move it considerably forward, but if it still tip stalls I will give it back to my friend (if it survives).
Other thing is that maybe its overpowered with the 91? I went for the bigger engine instead of adding weight.
I do know the extra power pulled it out of the tipstall on takeoff though.
Thanks for your input.
There is only a couple of hours work in fixing it, luckily.
Wayne :confused:
beto9
2009-12-27, 01:32 PM
Where you flying from, Wayne?
No snow on the ground!
Wayne
2009-12-27, 02:36 PM
Other side of the world - New Zealand
Summer here and very nice too with around 23-27 degrees every day
Wayne
Burning Head
2009-12-27, 04:36 PM
The eleron on yours Spit look a bit small but scale for sure. I got one Spitfire 55 inc WS and 4.5 lb and the éleron start at the tip of the wing to 3/4 of. that is maybe the problem, and the over weight:cool: but my E Spitfire is not scale one
Wayne
2009-12-28, 02:04 AM
The Pica kits were 'stand off' scale, but the ailerons are about right.
I did set it up with dual rates and initially took off using the low setting and I quickly changed to high and that made it more flyable ( or maybe eaier to recover from the tip stalls.
went today and looked at some other plans on Spits and the consencus was that the cg is way too far back on the plan. One friend that has had considerable experiance with Spits mumbled about CG on the leading edge is a good starting place with Spits.
Hopefully I can get it back together tonight and jam some weight in the nose and have another go tomorrow.
I'm not going to worry about the finish at the moment, just whether it is going to fly.
Going to have to really think hard about take off and landings as it is going to need to get the speed up before liftoff and land on 1/4 throttle at least.
Wayne
Sorry to hear that Wayne, now you have me really worried:confused:
I have been busy at work so I have not had a chance to try mine
My CG is set 4 inches from the leading edge (5/8" forward as per plans)
how does this compare to yours?
Happy Holiday.s
Hank
Wayne
2009-12-28, 03:51 PM
According to what I have now seen, 4 inches may be too far back. My friend was not joking when he said "balance it on the leading edge" apparently.
I have put another 10oz in the nose, bringing the total weight in the nose up to a little over 18oz. I have yet to put the motor back in and check it.
Tail heavy Spits are the worst thing to fly.
I can't imagine how much weight needed to go into one of these if it was fitted with a 61 2 stroke!
Other thing Hank is that I am running a 91 4 stroke which will be heavier than your engine I guess?
I'm going for about an inch forward of the plan balance point.
I read an article yesterday about another similar sized Spit and it stated that you must add whatever weight is required before flying, regardless of concerns with the all up weight of the model as it will otherwise crash, no ifs or buts.
My friend described to me how he had a Brian Taylor Spit that he crashed, then gave to another club member that fixed it.
When repaired he was asked to test fly it and did the normal checks of CG etc, then took off. It flew fine for a minute or so then started tip stalling - really nasty stuff. he managed to land it with a small amount of damage and on checking the model out found the nose weight missing. He believed it fell out during the flight and his description of the flight was very similar to mine.
He said you can fly a nose heavy Spit! then start making changes, but there is no way you can do the opposite.
My big warning was that it taxied on grass.
The other thing that really caught me was its take off. Next time I will try 1/2 throttle, till it picks up speed, then add more and take off.
On youtube there is a video of a Mick Reeves Spit on its maiden flight and it took off just like mine and nearly stalls.
started building a Kyosho Spitfire kit I have had for a long time last night - thats how confident I am with this Pica one.
CG on the Kyosho spit is 90mm back and its similar in size.
Did you add any strength to the wing joins? its only been since the prang that I was alerted to how weak they are.
I am going to glass over mine if it flys okay (not going to bother at this stage, want to see if it will fly first, then I'll strip the covering back and glass it):rolleyes:
cheers
Wayne :)
I seen the Mick Reeves Video Today and I do agree she took off rather quickly and seemed to wooble (Stall)
Mick suggest's 116 mm CG on his 1/6 Spit,s 4" is 102mm 90mm is 3 7/16"
I might try a heavy Hub for the first flight's
The wing has been modified and beefed up all over ...If you go back to some of my earlier post,s you can see I doubled the Joiner's and even added an extra brace or two
If you go to post #8 you can see What I did
The Differance in engine weight is only 2 ounces
I Tried to calculate the CG with a online Calculator But By having an eliptcal wing and messing around with the Tail Feather,s ....made it next to impossible
Hope your next test flight's are a success ..Please let me know what happen's
Hank:)
Burning Head
2009-12-28, 05:56 PM
I looking in the manual of my ARF Spit:cool: and the CG is at 96mm . but I have to wait next spring for the maiden, I buy it at General hobby. Any way, Your warning will help:o me that for sure:D
Wayne
2010-06-17, 06:51 AM
Hi, any progress?
I have fixed mine and went to test again the other day and I had motor problems (fuel line kink I think)
Hopefully if I can get some time tomorrow I will have another go over the weekend
cheers
Wayne
Wayne
2010-07-03, 12:30 AM
It flys
Checked the tank and found the fuel line had come off inside the tank.
added lead to under the engine, inside the cowl, inside the tank bay, probably all up a pound and a half.
Put it back together and had one flight.
Take off was very easy, a few clicks of aileron and elevator trims and it flew very scale-like.
Didn't really have the power I thought the .91 would give it, but considering its now probably around 9-10 pounds, it is certainly adequate.
Landing was a no fuss thing, just kept the speed up and it came in with no drama (did nose over though).
It lands like an old style pattern ship, just fly it in with plenty of speed.
Now its back to check the model over carefully and finish off the repairs.
cheers
Wayne :)
Great to hear your project is successful !
I have planned to maiden mine July 24 off a paved runway in burlinton ontario
everyone is welcome as it is a sanctioned maac event
Wayne
2010-07-06, 04:17 AM
I'll assemble my Spit tomorrow and recheck the C of G and post it here as its, as I see it the make or brake of these models and would hate you to go through the same drama's as me
cheers
Wayne
Xavier
2010-07-09, 07:13 PM
Hank,
I would not recommend having a first flight in front of spectators because of the added stress. You should do that on a calm day with the minimum people present.
Anyway, it's against MAAC safety rules to have a first flight in presence of spectators. See it here, first item:
http://www.maac.ca/docs/2010/the_maac_safety_code.pdf
I believe that spectators is considered anyone who is not a MAAC or AMA member.
Xavier
Hank,
I would not recommend having a first flight in front of spectators because of the added stress. You should do that on a calm day with the minimum people present.
Anyway, it's against MAAC safety rules to have a first flight in presence of spectators. See it here, first item:
http://www.maac.ca/docs/2010/the_maac_safety_code.pdf
I believe that spectators is considered anyone who is not a MAAC or AMA member.
Xavier
Thank's Xavier Thats would'nt go over well if you know what I mean
I will have to try a Maiden before that event
:)
Wayne
2010-07-13, 06:40 AM
Had two flights today and have started sorting the model out.
I have not rechecked the C of G yet (forgot to do it while it was assembled), but starting to consider it may be nose heavy as it is a little sluggish at times and noses over on all landings.
having some problems with the top of the engine cowl (fixed part). Both times I have flown it, it broken the glue joint and has come loose. this was a part that was already fitted when I picked up the part built kit and it is only glued onto the firewall and on two points on the nose.
I have thought of making it removable, but then thought the engine bearers probably need the support it should be giving.
will look back at your pictures Hank and see how yours went on.
Other problem is the undercarriage bending on landing as I am flying it in quite fast as I don't want any tip stall crashes. The oleo's I fitted are very strong and are not doing their job, so am going to fit lighter springs and see if that helps.
have not used the split flaps yet and they may make the difference for landings too.
Also have not used the retracts yet. they are ready to go, but just have felt I wanted to get the thing flying without the added dramas of air leaks ect.
All in all, I am happy with how the model flies and the only real issue is its C of G and the nosing over.
Did some rolls and loops today and they were very scale like and the model does look good in the air.
I don't think it would be as good with anything less than the 91FS as its not over blessed with power, but then it has been built heavy.
Looking forward to hearing how yours goes Hank
cheers
Wayne
Wayne
2011-01-16, 06:04 AM
Been a while and am wondering where things are at?
I have not done any more flying with my spit, but am getting the urge.
cheers
Wayne
Its winter here Lots of Snow.... mate!
I have licked the runway problem and installed a gyro on the rudder
As soon as spring arrives I will give her a try
By the way I picked up one of those Extra 260s from down under and wow they are Awesome!
Hank
Wayne
2011-01-18, 07:58 PM
We are in the middle of summer here, but not that great a one.
I'm going to remove the olios from mine as they have just caused so much drama.
They are too fat (can't fit the UC doors) and keep turning in the retracts.
Not sure why you are having problems with take offs. I just point mine into the wind and give it full throttle, then hang on.
Flaps have been the big thing for landing - they slow it nicely and its doesn't feel tip stally. In saying that it still travels reasonably fast when landing.
For practice I have been flying a Deception pattern ship cause you do need the experiance of fast landings etc.
What brand Extra is it you bought?
cheers
Wayne
loflyer2001
2011-01-19, 09:30 PM
Hi Wayne;
I have been reading your threads with interest. I am also building a Spitfire.
It is a Top Flite 1/7 scale. Been at it for almost two years of and on. Just
got fed up with it at times and did put it on the shelf. Many hours into it.
It is all built up now. I am at the cockpit but I will not have a detail cockpit.
Will detail only from pilot's bust height. Detail only the transceiver box,
the bullet proof plate and the gunsight. The pilot is 1/7 scale, could
not find a decent looking WWII type so spending my time now making one
out of modelling clay, plaster of paris mould and a latex pilot. My finish
will be 1/4oz fiberglass, Pacer finish resin thinned down 50p/c and Humbrol
paintbrushed finish. So far the power is an OS61FS and from what I
am reading just about everywhere I will need a lot of deadweight on the
nose area. That being the case, I will opt for a heavier and more powerfull
engine before I cut out the cowling.
Winter is building time here in eastern Canada so still have 3 months
to work at it.
Good luck with yours and enjoy your threads.
Guy
We are in the middle of summer here, but not that great a one.
I'm going to remove the olios from mine as they have just caused so much drama.
They are too fat (can't fit the UC doors) and keep turning in the retracts.
Not sure why you are having problems with take offs. I just point mine into the wind and give it full throttle, then hang on.
Flaps have been the big thing for landing - they slow it nicely and its doesn't feel tip stally. In saying that it still travels reasonably fast when landing.
For practice I have been flying a Deception pattern ship cause you do need the experiance of fast landings etc.
What brand Extra is it you bought?
cheers
Wayne
Hi Wayne,
I made my gear doors from sheet aluminum and I flat filed the oleo's where the grub screw rests followed by locktite I have not seen any movement yet however the first landing might change that
The reason for the gyro on the rudder is the fact I have a full castoring tail wheel (scale) and it really help's out keeping her straight
The extra is a Precision Aerobatics 260 from Australia!
Cheer's
Hank
Wayne
2011-01-20, 10:06 PM
Hi Guys,
I made my tailwheel steerable off the rudder and that took care of the takeoff. I find castering tailwheels drive me insane, so maybe the gyro will be the answer. My leg/oleo setup is nothing but trouble. The retracts are Spring Air and take a 4mm leg and the Oleos are ones from HobbyKing and they take a 5mm shaft, so there is a problem straight away with trying to keep the grub screws tight and stopping the things twisting when landing. Then they are too thick and stick out when the wheels are up, so it does need sorting properly. Flaps have been the best thing though - itheymake a huge difference on landing.
Good luck with your TF Spit Guy. They probably are a better flyer than the Pica ones.
Hank, I'm keen to hear how yours goes with the wheels in the more correct position. Mine is as per plan and it noses over every landing, though mine is probably nose heavy, but it flys without any drama's.
cheers
Wayne
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