Boeign Stearman PT-17

[zorba]

New built session coming up.....stay tuned


Bill

[Sempai-mj]

What no pic?

[zorba]

Sure.... here you go
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing-Stearman_Model_75
http://www.amr-rc.com/products/engines-accessories/gas-engines-electric-motors/gas-engines/moki-radial-180cc-5-cylinders/
http://www.servocity.com/html/hs-7954sh_servo.html#.U5zUrxdOXL8
http://www.thepilotpeople.co.uk/images/ww1full.jpg
http://www.truturn.com/cgi-bin/store/agora.cgi?p_id=tt40932b:20&ppinc=spinners200&exact_match=on
http://www.greathobbies.com/productinfo/?prod_id=SMFPS3P
http://www.mejzlik.eu/2-bladed/propeller-32-x-10-evo-lf/
https://www.greathobbies.com/productinfo/?prod_id=SUL753
That should keep you occupied for a while :D:):biggrin:

[zorba]

I'll tell you what,
If I did my research from the beginning I would not buy this kit from Balsa Usa.
Is a beautiful model but the kit it needs to be refined.
The Balsa for the ribs is not adequate is too soft, I had to match and number all the pieces, nothing was identifiable so unless you are a master builder this kit is not for you.
Started construction 2 weeks ago and the pics are nothing out of the ordinary pinning parts on the plans and doing the gluing are all the same.
When I get to the part where the modifications are made I will post some pics.
here are some so far....

[Kevin Rochon]

Quite a project Billy, I always liked that B. USA Stearman since a long time when the kit was about 699$, couldn't afford it then. Do you think it's worth the money they ask for now?

Should be amazing, what scheme will you do, something off the wall:confused:;)

[zorba]

Thanks Kevin, The kit now is $1500
Right now is not worth it. If they do better job on the instructions and the pieces fit better then it will.
The model I'm after is only one with that scheme.
Is the Red Bull Stearman.
It has been modified from its original design.
It has 4 ailerons instead of two and they added 2 more landing wires to the wings.
Here's a picture of it.
As you can see from the pictures that I modified the upper and lower wing to accept the ailerons.
On the original model the lower wing aileron is 16 ribs on mine is only 11 and the upper wing is 7 ribs.
Bill

[Sempai-mj]

It's going to be a beauty!

[Kevin Rochon]

Wow that's a nice scheme! What type of paint are you going to use?

[zorba]

Same stuff I used for the canopies Automotive two part base and hardener. I get it from Car Quest. He can match any color I want.


Bill

[briankizner]

Too nice to fly. I built one Balsa USA kit years ago. Great result in the end but much more work than kits from other manufacturers like Great Planes, Sig or Goldberg. Lots of cutting and sanding as well as wetting wood in order to bend and laminate. Furthermore, the instructions are not too detailed, assuming the builder quite a bit of knowledge. Knowing the work you do, Bill, this will be museum quality.

[zorba]

Thanks Brian you are right about the kit , is not for a novice.
At least she will have her maiden flight that's for sure after that I don't know.
Maybe Red Bull will buy her and put her in Hangar 7.
She will be detailed down to the screws the only thing I rushed into is the engine. I should of got the 7 cylinder 250 Moki, but who's got 6K.


Bill

[beto9]

By the photos I can see you are not expecting dinner guests...

[zorba]

hehe If you come over for dinner Albert I'll clear the table:D
Is the only place I can make a mess and clean up easily.

[zorba]

I just sent an email to Red Bull in Austria hoping to get some more detailed photos of the plane.

[zorba]

Did some more work on the Stearman
Nothing in a hurry here.

[mitea_dan]

Wow, c'est une merveille. Félicitations. Maintenant on peut jeter tout, c'est rien comparable a cette beauté......

[Kevin Rochon]

That is big! Are you going to make the tail detachable for easier transport?

What is that glass bowl with dirty stuff in it:confused:

[zorba]

Merci Mitea.
Kevin the glass bowl is my sanity when things go wrong;)
The stab is only 30" long no need to detach. Besides I have to detach all the wires also a PITA.

Bill
But look what came from UK.

[Kevin Rochon]

Nice but he's missing a nice mustache, specially if he's from UK

http://themellowjihadi.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/British-Major-with-a-Mustache.jpg

[zorba]

Test fitting the center wing section.
I cut the struts for the cabane now I have to solder and fit the wires. What a day.

[Ricardo]

Impressive!

[zorba]

Thank you Ricardo.
Well since is raining I did some more.
The cabane wires are on.
And Kevin that little glass bowl is getting full:D

[Kevin Rochon]

You're really flying Billy awesome progress.

What will you use as covering?

[zorba]

Is a fabric material called Solartex. It can be painted but I decided to use the colored one no primer no painting.
Yea progress is good when you have time in your hands.
Tomorrow I'll take some parts to work and have them sanded. I don't do the sanding at home, just cutting and gluing.

[Kevin Rochon]

Ok Solartex from B.USA but isn't their colors flat? I guess you can put a clear coat?

I used in the past Goldberg fabric on a Cub it is heavy but I guess about the same as painting. The only thing I had a hard time with was the seams, they tended to come apart, had to use CA to fix where they opened.

[zorba]

You right I can clear coated if I want but satin finish not glossy.

[zorba]

got some more done today busy day.
I made my self a jig from hardwood so I can drill the holes for the point hinges.
Is hard to drill balsa when the drill goes all over the place.
It work really well the jig keeps the drill from wondering all over the place.

Bill

[Kevin Rochon]

Good Ideal Billy, I have the Robart guide but it would be too small for this job.

BTW today I bought my primer for the Harvard.

[zorba]

Where did you get it? I get mine from Car Quest is a two part primer is good for layup if you have to do panel lines and stuff.

[Kevin Rochon]

At Rona it's called 1-2-3 primer it's latex base like the paint.

[zorba]

Too hot today to do anything but I hd to.
I stated fitting the aluminum panels and the covering of the cockpit.
It has 1 layer of 1/32" ply and a thin aluminum sheeting.
I did the AFT section first and tacked it on with #77 adhesive afterwards I will install the #0 screws to hold it down.
Also installed the landing gear and the landing gear pants.
One thing about this kit is that the ABS pieces have no guide lines where to cut them, but I managed.
Next I test fitting the 1st cowl. I will cut the cowl in half afterwards. The second cowl is made out of aluminum and is removable. this one I will cut a hatch to install the ignition, battery and fuel pump.
I have no fiberglass here so I have to wait till I get back to work,
Tomorrow will continue....

[Kevin Rochon]

Looking nicer every time Billy, and yes it was hot today I'm glad I have the pool. Tomorrow is another pool and BBQ day for me and family too hot to go fly.

[zorba]

Thanks Kevin, The best time for me is in the morning and evening. The room faces West and the sun is on me. I can tell you one thing... the glue dries fast

[zorba]

Too hot again for anything except building.

Like I said on my earlier post I cut the ABS cowl in half so the top half would come off to access the engine electronics. And the alu cowl fits nicely.

Next I solder the rudder and tail wheel bellcrack and installed the wires for the tail wheel. I have to visit my LHS for some more supplies.

Now is getting too warm time to quit but one more thing.
I tried my hand on making my own rib stitching and it worked.
I just lay on the cap strip to see what it looks like and I ironed on a piece of Solartex. looks good.

I had to use some epoxy to glue the bellcrank on and since I had the epoxy gun on hand I decided to re-glue all the spots I missed.

Last but not least I installed the switches for fitting.
Now all that stuff will come off again before final gluing.
Time for a nap....enjoy.

Bill

[Sempai-mj]

Looking good Billy, can I borrow your camera:D

[zorba]

Sure Michael after I finish the built.:)
Did some work on the ABS strut covers and the tail wheel cover.
Those things are made from ABS plastic very thin and flimsy.

So I took them to work on Saturday and put 2 layers of 6oz fiberglass on them. Primed them, sand them, rime again then a layer of body filler.
Sand some more then I glazed all the pin holes. So now ready for painting.
Also took out the beast:eek: the 180 Moki.
Tried the spinner I got from Tru-Turn 4" spun aluminum.
Now I fitted and glued the windshields and waiting for them to dry.
Till next time.

[Sempai-mj]

That's an awesome engine Billy!

[mitea_dan]

That's the ENGINE.

[Kevin Rochon]

Very nice Billy, I like that AT6 spinner it's like mine but bigger and it could look like this(Michel D. did it for me, if you're nice with him maybe....)

P.S. that glass bowl is almost empty good for you;)

[zorba]

Thanks guys., Yea Kevin when things go well the bowl is empty.
You should see the other one next to my computer:o

[zorba]

Apparently they made it for a particular prop.
A 30x12. If I change props I need another spinner cause the opening wont match it wont look good.
Everything that I got so far are made especially for that airframe, from motor, spinner, prop to rib stitching and pinking tape.

Even the landing gear is made by Sierra Giant Scale.
awesome no?
I got everything on hand the things I am missing are the rib stitching and pinking tape and some odds and ends like clevises Kevlar pull-pull wire and so on.

[zorba]

Kevin I got the spinner polished, and you were right I had to be REALLY nice to Michael D.:D

[Kevin Rochon]

What a difference hey!

[zorba]

Did some work over the weekend on the PT-13
The stabilizer is completed, servos installed the rib stitching and pinking tape ironed on and flames were added.
Today I cut the flames by hand cause my vinyl plotter/cutter is not wide enough, they turned out really nice.
Now to complete the fin and rudder.. stay tuned.

Bill

[Kevin Rochon]

The ice is burning:eek:

Great job Billy!

[zorba]

Progress goes on.
Finished the fin and rudder today.
Next the wings:eek:

[Sempai-mj]

Nice Billy!

[Kevin Rochon]

Nice job again Billy,

what do you use to do the rib stitching?

[zorba]

Two sided carpet tape and string spaced to 5/8".
Then cover it up with the pinking tape same color as the Solartex.

Bill

[Ricardo]

Amazing workmanship! Nicely done!

[Dwight Macdonald]

Incredible job Billy!

[pierre sarault]

Congratulations, incredible craftmanship!

What's the difference between building this and the real thing?
Time?, Size?

Can't wait to see the final result!

[zorba]

Thanks guys. Pierre the difference between this and the real thing is money and space, time is not an issue I can make plenty of that.:D

[zorba]

Today upper wing and center cradle completed ready for covering.

[zorba]

Just a little taste. This one is for you Kevin.
Tonite I covered the aileron and installed the horn then my bro came over.

[Kevin Rochon]

I'm glad to see this as actually I did some work on the Harvard, I don't feel alone anymore.

BTW thanks for the cookies; couldn't resist like the cookie monster

[zorba]

I told you you can't have just one.:DANCE:

[Tarek Hassoune]

Can't wait to maiden it for u Billy

[zorba]

sure Tarek why not Balsa USA has stock..:eek::eek::eek::eek:

[Tarek Hassoune]

if you are a perfect builder should fly no problem its not always a pilot error my friend

[zorba]

Perfect builder or pilot error makes no difference cause sometimes gravity wins;)

[zorba]

Decided to do some work on the Stearman
I fitted the top section and the cabanes lined up and centered fitted the lower wings and one upper wing.
That thing is huge I have no room to assemble it except the living room.
Here are some photos. more in a couple of days.

Cheers

[Sempai-mj]

That's a big Billy!
Keep those photos coming.:)

[Kevin Rochon]

Great work Billy, that's really big:eek:

[Dwight Macdonald]

Awesome! At my build rate, that one would take 10 years!

[zorba]

Thanks guys, nah I'm been kind of lazy.
I need to get into it again.
this weekend I'll try to cover the rest of the wings.
Then have to save up for an engine.
Couple more pics of the covering and rib stitching.
Cheers

[zorba]

I am trying to do something different here.
I made a plug from Styrofoam to the shape of the ribs for the center section of the upper wing.
I am going to make a fuel tank from fiberglass and mounted between the ribs on the center section.
That tank will feed the main tank inside the fuse.
Lets hope it works, and if not that gave me something to do.
Now the trick here is that I can't use polyester resin as the foam will melt so I have to use Epoxy. Which is good because there's no smell.
Cheers

[Sempai-mj]

Will you be using a one way check valve on that tank so it can vent but not leak when inverted?

[Kevin Rochon]

What is the reason for that tank Billy, is it on the full scale?


BTW the full scale doesn't like to fly inverted for more than 10 sec. because of the oil not going all over in the radial engine.

[zorba]

Yes the full scale has the tank on the center section and is gravity fed to the engine. Mine will have a fuel pump drawing fuel from the main tank which is not vented. The upper tank will have a vent tube to draw air is as the pump sucks fuel from the main. This way I wont have a lean engine from fuel starvation.
Here's a photo of the real aircraft.

[zorba]

The only problem I have now is to figure out how many oz it will hold. I have to wait and fill it will water and then figure out how many oz the main tank will be.
And how long it will be able to fly.

[Tarek Hassoune]

Yea make sure you put tank with the shortest time to fly because you always makes us wait long before you land

[zorba]

put the first layer on the plug.
The spars are epoxied in the plug then I will cover them with three more layups.
Looking good so far.
This is the resin I am using. Mia Poxy

[zorba]

Yea make sure you put tank with the shortest time to fly because you always makes us wait long before you land

Hey Tarek thanks for the stuff

[zorba]

going to town here hehe
Second layup

[Kevin Rochon]

Hey Billy are you going to have wing tubes?

[Sempai-mj]

If the stryrofoam was the same size of the plug wouldn't the fibreglass tank be bigger by the thickness of the fibreglass and resin?

[zorba]

Hey Billy are you going to have wing tubes?

Yes it does have wing tubes but they don't go all the way thru here's a photo.
The tubes are 3/4" alu square.

[zorba]

If the stryrofoam was the same size of the plug wouldn't the fibreglass tank be bigger by the thickness of the fibreglass and resin?

No, the plug fits in the wing it has 2 layers of glass once I cut it in half I will add another three layers on the inside. the plug is 3mm smaller than the space between the ribs.

[zorba]

That's why I sandwiched the spars in the glass. Tank and glass will be one unit then I will add the ribs in place.
Once the tank is cut in half I will use gas to melt the Styrofoam then drill the holes for the vent and supply lines.