B26 Marauder

[awrightbrother]

Hi folks,

I am trying to find out if there would be interest in a IMAA legal size 80"+ wingspan, B26 Marauder builders quick build kit.

I have designed and introduced a 60" version, and have tamed the design such that it is very easy to fly. There is detailed info on this kit at my website http://www.wowplanes.com/product_info.php?cPath=49&products_id=116 and a flight video and construction manual. There is also a build thread under the scale electric category at http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=940102

A few people who have built, or seen the 60" version and seen it fly have asked for an 80+" version.

Please take a look at the 60" version and let me know how many of you will be willing to purchase a 86" or 10% scale quick build kit for around $249.

The kit would include around 11 to 13 pre-shaped parts, and a quality set of plastics as shown on the above mentioned kit.

If there is sufficient interest and commitment to buy this kit, that would make it commercially viable for me to do one, I would.

Please give me your valued feedback.

Fahim
Wowplanes.com

[SCALEFAN]

Fahim,

Count one, I'd buy the kit tomorrow.

Al

[Pilatuspc12]

Hi folks,

I am trying to find out if there would be interest in a IMAA legal size 80"+ wingspan, B26 Marauder builders quick build kit.

I have designed and introduced a 60" version, and have tamed the design such that it is very easy to fly. There is detailed info on this kit at my website http://www.wowplanes.com/product_info.php?cPath=49&products_id=116 and a flight video and construction manual. There is also a build thread under the scale electric category at http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=940102

A few people who have built, or seen the 60" version and seen it fly have asked for an 80+" version.

Please take a look at the 60" version and let me know how many of you will be willing to purchase a 86" or 10% scale quick build kit for around $249.

The kit would include around 11 to 13 pre-shaped parts, and a quality set of plastics as shown on the above mentioned kit.

If there is sufficient interest and commitment to buy this kit, that would make it commercially viable for me to do one, I would.

Please give me your valued feedback.

Fahim
Wowplanes.com

Fahim,

Count me in! I've always wanted a big B-26 Marauder. :p Please keep us advised. Thanks,

Randy

[meihls]

A Marauder would be an awsome idea. I have been looking for one to build as my wifes father was the chief test pilot for Martin on the B-26. I have pics and his flight logs from then. Any idea what it would go for?
Gary

[awrightbrother]

There have been 3 sign ups in 6 days. Not bad, a few more and it will make economical sense for me to do it.

meihls, I am aiming for $249 + or - a few dollars. The exact cost will be known once I cut the first propotype.

Fahim

[JLLayton]

Absolutely yes, are you taking preorders :-)

[enewbold]

I would be very interested in such a kit.

Thanks,
Ed in Columbus, OH

[awrightbrother]

I am in the process of scaling up my 60" B26 design. Once I get to the stage where I have cut the first prototype, I will have a better idea of the shipping weight and size of box, then I will open up a webpage on my website for pre-ordering. In about 1 to 2 weeks from now.

Fahim

[Wilit run? 353]

I would get one but I think I would be more likly to get one if there was a UK distributor. I think you should get one because I really do like the wowplanes series and it would be welcomed in the UK.

Go for a 85"-95" marauder

[awrightbrother]

Well we don't have a UK distributor as yet, but I do have a question.

Why would you prefer to buy from a UK distributor as opposed to direct-from-factory? Distributors have to add shipping costs and import duties and their mark up, so it could cost you more that buying direct.
Fahim


I would get one but I think I would be more likly to get one if there was a UK distributor. I think you should get one because I really do like the wowplanes series and it would be welcomed in the UK.

Go for a 85"-95" marauder

[Wilit run? 353]

its just the hassle but you have tempted me now

[awrightbrother]

I have started ordering my supplies from HK, half way round the world and it needs the same amount of mouse clicks and it gets here sooner than from a local distributor.

"In the age of the internet, geography has become history".

Fahim



its just the hassle but you have tempted me now

[awrightbrother]

Hello folks,

Just an update. I have not gone to sleep. The 80+" B26 is still on my list. I am finishing off a Hawker Hurricane at present at http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1049985#post12247881

As soon as I am done there, I will get on earnestly with the Big Bird B26

Fahim

[AMcC]

Fahim

Sound tempting but do you have a rough idea of what the postage cost would be to Australia.

[awrightbrother]

Fahim

Sound tempting but do you have a rough idea of what the postage cost would be to Australia.

I don't have a final weight for the box and contents until I cut the first one, but I used 10 lbs going International Priority Mail delivered in 6 to 10 days and it came to $68.07

Fahim

[awrightbrother]

Hello All

Good News! I am all done with the Hurricane having successfully maidened it this weekend. There are two videos of that at http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1049985#post12247881

Now I can devote my undivided attention to this project. It should not take long as we already have a 60" version. This one will be a scaled up version, kitted & built the same way.

Stay tuned.

Fahim

[awrightbrother]

The fuselage is pretty much done. This one is used for making the plugs for the plastics and debugging the design and will end up being a throw away.

It is hollow inside and there is plenty of room in there. Weighs a mere 18 oz at this stage.

I decided to do the fuselage and cowls first as this is where all the plastic parts are. That way I can send these away for fabrication, while I cut the final version and start building the maiden plane.

Will be working on the cowl next.

Fahim

[BrentP]

Fahim,
I did not know about wow planes until now. I saw your website... WOW!

Cool planes in foam at good prices. I realize the work that will go into building one of your kits but I like the inculuded detail like pilots and dummy engines.
Also great to see the replacement parts.

I myself (never had a bomber yet) would purchase a B25 this size (80"). Your work on the new B26 looks great though. I may consider your smaller B25 or the B17 when I get through a few more builds.

Seeing I'm excited about your kits and the raw way they are kitted, I would like to ask if you have ever considered doing anything WW1?

Thanks for posting. B26 fans will love this one.

Brent

[Gree]

Yes I am very interested in this one also. Will be watching...

[awrightbrother]

BrentP,
This is a new building technique that I have been working on for about 4 years now.

The idea is to include most of the work into the design so that the build is made very simple and scale. This kit will have a total of 11 foam parts, that are glued together to form the structure. How hard can that be? Then I use my revolutionary Liquid Sheet covering and it will look nothing like foam when done. Then there are about as many plastic parts that are assembled and the whole thing is painted. At that stage it is an ARF, ready for the hardware and power plant.

We have been calling them "kits", but that is really a misnomer. Kit implies a boatload of balsa, plywood, and plans, and lots of labor to build. Its also not an ARF. So what is it? I am looking for a catchy name and would appreciate suggestions.

What you see to this point is the design process, I have not started the build yet. Stay tuned and you will see what I mean.

Fahim

[BrentP]

Fahim, I realize that this is not the actual model, but the design process is looking great. And I know the parts count is low, but can see the time that would go into the finishing work.

As for the name suggestions -builders almost ready to fly = BARF :p :eek:

But your planes are too nice for that LOL.

Seriously though how about-

SPARK: scale, pre-cut, almost, ready, kit

or

PRISM: precut, ready to, interpret, scale, model

Brent

edit: slogans for spark

"There should be a spark in every rc pilots hanger"

or

"Add some sparks to your hanger"

[awrightbrother]

BrentP

That is exactly what scale builders love and enjoy -the finishing and detailing part of the job. They do not like a model where some guy in a factory on the other side of the planet decided how it will look.

I like your suggestions for a name, with the exception of the first one:) .
I will think about them some more and wait for other suggestions.

Regards
Fahim

Fahim, I realize that this is not the actual model, but the design process is looking great. And I know the parts count is low, but can see the time that would go into the finishing work.

As for the name suggestions -builders almost ready to fly = BARF :p :eek:

But your planes are too nice for that LOL.

Seriously though how about-

SPARK: scale, pre-cut, almost, ready, kit

or

PRISM: precut, ready to, interpret, scale, model

Brent

edit: slogans for spark

"There should be a spark in every rc pilots hanger"

or

"Add some sparks to your hanger"

[BrentP]

Fahim, yes I agree a blank pallet to finish is much more appealing than an already painted ARF.

Of course you should not like the 1st suggested name- it was a silly joke (just keeping it loose LOL).

Another spark slogan:

"Wowplanes stand behind our products. We want to see SPARKs flying everywhere!" :)

Brent

[awrightbrother]

Nice slogan. I am afraid some humour challenged ones may misconstrue that as "our planes are designed to catch fire while flying". LOL.

Made some more progress. That fuselage ended up looking like this after I cut out all the plastic plugs. It's a throw away for sure.

Couple of shots of the plugs in bare foam and and puttied. Now we wait till tomorrow for it to dry and apply the Liquid Sheet to harden the foam and then away they go for fabrication.

Fahim

[BrentP]

Looks nice Fahim.

Here is a thought.

Why not start a contest on RCG for members to contribute a name?
After all names are in you could poll RCG to see what everyone likes best and then you could decide on a winner based on that and what you like.
The prize: well maybe the winner gets one of these new B26s or another one of your kits.

Good luck on the rest of the prototype!

Brent

[Gree]

Hi Fahim, are you thinking of having a good price for pre-orders with this one?

[awrightbrother]

Gree,
I will work up the price in a few days and post it here. The pre-order will be less than the eventual price,

Brent,
That is a great idea. I will try it on.


OK the plugs have been Liquid Sheeted. Tomorrow I will lightly sand them to knock off dust particles and ship them on for vacuum forming. While that is going on, I can cut the second fuselage and start the build next week.

Fahim

[Gree]

is the liquid sheeting as tough as fibreglass? I know this has been discussed somewhere in another thread, but a quick answer here would be appreciated.

On a plane this size I would have thought glassing would be the way to go for the finish, but you're saying your liquid sheeting will do the job and leave just as tough a surface?

[tpfing]

It seems at this point that all he has done is coat the parts that will be necessary for vacuforming plastic parts, i.e., nose cone, cockpit, cowllings, gun blisters, etc.

Tony

[awrightbrother]

Yes at this point I have used LS to smooth finish the plugs and harden the surface. Advantage is that I get a hard glossy smooth surface without having to sand anything. Notice that I did this on my kitchen table, because it is less dusty than my garage or workshop. But no home is 100% dust free, so I will give it a light once over with 1000 grit wet sandpaper tomorrow to knock off any airborne dust particles that may have settled. These plugs will then be used to make molds and more durable plugs for production run vacuum forming.

As for strenght, oz for oz, LS over FG cloth does create a surface just as strong as FG cloth and epoxy and requires far less sanding to get a smooth finish. I have not done any scientific testing, but this is based on qualitative analysis by myself and other builders.

Without the cloth, epoxy is very weak, and that is where LS shines. It creates a much stronger surface, without the work and required skill of laying FG cloth. The other advantage is ease of application and far less sanding to achieve a smooth surface.

Of course, my models allow flexibility of covering. Some may feel more confident with FG and epoxy, or FG and LS instead of epoxy, others may want to balsa sheet it, etc. I plan on using LS alone for this project without the cloth or the balsa.

Fahim

[Gree]

Hi Tony, yes my comments were in response to Fahim's statement in post #20 about coating the entire plane with liquid sheeting when done.

Fahim, thanks for the explanation, it's good to learn about different alternatives.

[awrightbrother]

Well I am not happy with the way the air scoops on the cowl look, so back to the drawing board with that.

Fahim

[Gree]

Yes I see what you mean with the air scoops. They seem to squared off. I found a few B26 pics on my computer that show these scoops pretty well. They seem to have a much more 'humped' or 'hunched' look about them...

You've probably seen all of these before, actually I may have downloaded some from your other B26 thread, but it never hurts to have inspirational pictures to hand does it!

I'll be pre-ordering from you and I am choosing "Pappy's Pram" from the 332nd BG as my scheme.

I'm excited! Can't wait to see more progress!

[Colonel Blink]

This has always been one of my favourite B26 photos. Sort of reminds us all of the human side of the use of these warbirds....

[Gree]

Yeah, I love that one too. I have it in my collection of pictures too. I love the guy having his fag in the nose section. You're right it really does remind you of the human cost of the war...

[Colonel Blink]

I love the guy having his fag in the nose section.

You can tell it isn't one of His Majesty's aircraft then... :) :) :)

[JLLayton]

You can sign me up for one of these when they are ready

[awrightbrother]

Hello folks

I have finished the plugs for the plastic parts and they have been shipped for molding the plastics. This week I will cut a second kit and start the build after I take care of a few honey doos.

Fahim

[stacker]

Fahim,
The larger version should be even a better flyer then the smaller one and it flies like a trainer.

Cheers--Stacker

[awrightbrother]

Stacker
I think you are correct.
Fahim

[Buzz Bomb]

Signing on. Sign me up for one ASAP. :)

[awrightbrother]

Hello All,
Some of you have asked if they can pre-order the Giant Scale B26 at a lower price.

Of course you can. I have set up a webpage for this model at my website http://www.wowplanes.com

The pre-order price is $249 and will go up to $299 after introduction. Here is your chance to save some money.

Fahim

[Buzz Bomb]

I will order mine in a few days. :D

[Buzz Bomb]

Fahim

Any idea on what motors you will be testing on the prototype?

Also what about retracts, do you have any in mind?

Thanks

Joe

[awrightbrother]

Joe

My guesstimate for AUW is between 10 & 15 lbs. Once I have the frame built and weighed then I can select the appropriate power plant. Also have not decided if I want to spec the power for Sport or Aerobatic class.

I am thinking of air retracts, but have not nailed one down yet. Spring Air retracts are made by a fellow club member, so I might go with that.

Fahim


Fahim

Any idea on what motors you will be testing on the prototype?

Also what about retracts, do you have any in mind?

Thanks

Joe

[Wilit run? 353]

Hello All,


The pre-order price is $249 and will go up to $299 after introduction. Here is your chance to save some money.

Fahim


sorry wrong post (I looked at the wrong size B-26 on your website)

[awrightbrother]

sorry wrong post (I looked at the wrong size B-26 on your website)

This price is for the giant scale B26. The 60" one is $139
Fahim

[awrightbrother]

Having sent away the plastic plugs for fabrication, and a few honey do's out of the way, I started earnestly on the build this morning.

Since I am also building the construction manual for this kit, I will use the same pictures. The text within the picture explains the context.

The basic fuselage structure is done except for shaping the nose block. I have to defer this until I get the nose gunner and canopy plastic back from Sparky. Then I can check for fit while shaping. Meanwhile I can work on the tail and wings next.

At this point the fuselage weight is just under 1 lb 5 oz. I expect it will come in around 2 lbs when finished.

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.

Fahim

[Buzz Bomb]

Looks like an easy build. What will you be using for the wing and tail spars?

Also will the fuselage need any reinforcement besides the liquid sheeting?

Keep it up Fahim I can't wait to get my hands on one! :D

[awrightbrother]

Buzz Bomb

Yes it is an easy build. I will start posting the manual on my website soon. With this technique, the frame goes together quite easily, so the builder can spend that time on detailing and creativity.

I plan on using plywood spars for the tail and wing. Of course, the builder has the freedom to substitute with carbon spars, etc. For the wing we will have 3 spars, two that go out to the nacelles and one that goes out to the wing tips.

The area where we need strenght is the triangle between the nose wheel and the two nacelles. This is where most of the weight of this model is. So I lined the inside of the fuselage mid section with 1/32" balsa. The outside will be Liquid Sheet and that makes a foam sandwich that should be strong enough yet light.

Of course some builders may want to sheet the whole plane and glass it, but I wanted to see what is the least amount of work I can get away with.

[Buzz Bomb]

Exactly what I was thinking about lining the inside of the fuselage. I'm thinking some kind of lining aft of the wing too. Just for peace of mind for the tail section. Should be simple to do with no mess, no fuss.

[awrightbrother]

Exactly what I was thinking about lining the inside of the fuselage. I'm thinking some kind of lining aft of the wing too. Just for peace of mind for the tail section. Should be simple to do with no mess, no fuss.

Yes that is a good idea. I think I can get away without it because the tail is going to be light and the Liquid Sheet should provide enough strength at that end.

Fahim

[awrightbrother]

I worked on the fin this morning. Here are some pics, the text within the pics explains the steps.

You don't have to do it this way. If you want to hide the servo inside the fuselage, simply glue the servo pocket plug in the hole. Or if you want to use more scale like inline hinges, the hinge face can be done likewise. Lots of flexibilty and room for creativity here.

I am working on the stab next.

Fahim

[Buzz Bomb]

Yes that is a good idea. I think I can get away without it because the tail is going to be light and the Liquid Sheet should provide enough strength at that end.

Fahim

I was thinking more of stress from loops or hard landings. :D

I haven't used liquid sheeting yet. But I did see it at SEFF and it was nice.

[awrightbrother]

I was thinking more of stress from loops or hard landings. :D

I haven't used liquid sheeting yet. But I did see it at SEFF and it was nice.

Buzz Bomb
You may have something there. I was going to apply 3 or 4 coats of Liquid Sheet on this plane due to its size. Normally I apply 1 or 2 for 60" model. The extra weight should not be a problem because this one has plenty of wing area.

Let's see, maybe I might regret this, but there is no other way of finding out.

Fahim

[awrightbrother]

I worked on the horizontal stab and elevators this afternoon. Here are pics of step by step assembly.

The weight of the tail feathers up to this point is 5.1 oz.

Next I will get going on the wing.

Fahim

[Buzz Bomb]

Looks very nice!

[awrightbrother]

I want to fit this model with a lighting system. Does any one have info on where the lights were on the B26 Marauder?

I see from the pictures, there are two white landing lights on the LE of the wing and the red and green nav lights on the wing tips. But I can't make out where the fuselage lights are located.

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Fahim

[awrightbrother]

Started work on the wings. Got the wing panels prep'ed. I don't plan to have flaps on this build, but it is a simple matter of using the 3 view provided in the manual to measure, mark, and cut out the flaps if desired.

Note that the kit will include the wing beds to help those who want to balsa sheet the wings. It also helps me keep my garbage collectors happy. :)

The next step would be to join the wing panels and install the spars.

Fahim

[Buzz Bomb]

Sweet. You do very nice work.

[CRASH_Jim]

Time for me to start saving up. I will want one of these kits. I was working up plans to scratch build one, but you have all the hardest parts done.


My grandfather served and was shot down in one of these bombers. He was captured by the Germans and held for a couple of years. He made out, and came home. He passed away in '93. My uncle has all of his old papers and stuff, so I planned to try to model the plane he was on, as close as I could then mark the tail with the POW flag. It will be my memorial to him and all other POWs.

Jim

[Buzz Bomb]

Hey Jim

Not sure how far you are from me? But maybe when can get together some time and fly our B26's.

Joe

[CRASH_Jim]

I've got to build one first. ;)

Stone Mtn is about 2 hours. I'm south of you. Just outside of Columbus.

[Buzz Bomb]

I've got to build one first too. Would be cool if we could get together and do some flying down the road though.

[CRASH_Jim]

We'll have to see what we can come up with. I've got a new project at home (baby boy) and he has really changed my schedule. I love to get out and fly any chance I can get.

[RAFster]

Fahim,

What is the density of the foam you use for your wings and fuse? Looks to be pretty good stuff with small beads of foam...
Must make cutting much nicer...you do very nice work on the foam cutting.

David

[awrightbrother]

Thank you all for your very kind words.

RAFstr,
I use 1.5 lb density foam.
Fahim

JimCrash,
The idea behind my kits is that the frame should go together within a few days, that leaves more time left for the fun part of finishing, detailing, personalizing, etc.

Fahim

[Buzz Bomb]

Alright as promised I preordered mine tonight. I think this will be my last plane for the year.

I can't wait to take it to SEFF next year and get in a little formation flying with Fahim. :D

[awrightbrother]

Alright as promised I preordered mine tonight. I think this will be my last plane for the year.

I can't wait to take it to SEFF next year and get in a little formation flying with Fahim. :D

Buzz Bomb
Got your order, thanks. Formation flight at SEFF sounds like an excellent idea. I am game.

Fahim

[Buzz Bomb]

Fahim

Any idea if Sparks is going to make a cockpit/gunner/tail gunner/crew set for this plane?

Thanks

Joe

[awrightbrother]

He is making the full set of plastics for it. The canopy, cowls, gun turrets & windows, etc. The cockpit interior is for the builder.

Fahim


Fahim

Any idea if Sparks is going to make a cockpit/gunner/tail gunner/crew set for this plane?

Thanks

Joe

[awrightbrother]

Got the wing finished and will let it cure overnight. I decided to have lights and that took a few hours more than anticipated. Here are the pics.

Fahim

[awrightbrother]

Worked on the wing mount. The wing is held in place by two 5/16" dowels in front and two 1/4" screws at the rear. The wing is essentially done at this point. Next would be the nacelles.

Here are some pics.

Fahim

[Buzz Bomb]

This plane looks to be a breeze on assembly. The detail and sanding part will take a while.

Fahim could you post a shot of the plane next to a TX or something. It's hard to tell how big it is from the pictures.

Thanks!

[awrightbrother]

This plane looks to be a breeze on assembly. The detail and sanding part will take a while.

Fahim could you post a shot of the plane next to a TX or something. It's hard to tell how big it is from the pictures.

Thanks!

The first plastic set has arrived, so I will fit them and then post a pic as you suggest.

[awrightbrother]

Having the plastic set here allowed me to finish the fuselage that I had suspended earlier. The only place any shaping or sanding is required on the fuselage is at the canopy and nose gunner bubble. This is not as big a deal as we may imagine if we follow the sequence of the pictures below. The trick is to mark out the center lines on all 4 sides, and the end cross section, using the nose plastic as a template. The utility knife and belt sander removes most of the foam in a few minutes. The last stage of actually sanding is more to smooth out the shape.

Here is a picture of the whole plane assembled as you had asked for.

Fahim

[Buzz Bomb]

Looks great! I can't wait to start the detail work on mine. It's going to be alot of fun.

[awrightbrother]

Looks great! I can't wait to start the detail work on mine. It's going to be alot of fun.

Buzz Bomb

You are right. This plane is big enough and has plenty of room in the cockpit and the gunner pits to make it a great candidate for interior & exterior detailing. I am not planning on doing a lot of details myself as I am not very good at that.

Fahim

[Buzz Bomb]

Buzz Bomb

You are right. This plane is big enough and has plenty of room in the cockpit and the gunner pits to make it a great candidate for interior & exterior detailing. I am not planning on doing a lot of details myself as I am not very good at that.

Fahim

What I mean't to say was that I'm not very good with cockpit detail work either. But on this plane I gotta make it happen.

[awrightbrother]

Buzz bomb, where there is a will, there is a way. I am sure you will do a great job.

I worked on the nacelles and cowls today. I could not complete it because the retracts have not arrived as yet.

Fahim

[Buzz Bomb]

Wow that looks very good Fahim. I wonder why no one else is chiming in on this plane. I hate to be the only one commenting on it.

What motors did you decide to go with? 2, 3, or 4 blade prop?
I myself at least want a 3 blade prop.

Have you weighed all the components at this stage and gotten an approximate weight of the plane minus retracts?

What retracts are you going to use?

I can't wait to get mine. How long? How long? hehe

[Buzz Bomb]

This website has many pictures of B 26 markings.

http://www.markstyling.com/b26s.01.htm

I'm going with one of the olive colored styles and probably make up my own nose art.

[awrightbrother]

Buzz Bomb
Thanks for the paint schemes. I have not decided yet, but since I like shiny objects, I may go for the silver one.:)

Yes indeed what happened to all the guys who were interested in this model. Say something please, anything.

I had a couple of AXI 4130/16 lying around so I will be using them with 13x11 props. Unfortuantely I cannot find 3 or 4 bladers in this size, so may have to go APC 2 bladers for the maiden.

I have ordered the retracts but they are not here as yet. I plan on using retracts from Spring Air http://www.retracts.com/Retrax_100.htm

The weight of the fame - foam, balsa, plywood & plastics comes to 4.9 lbs.
That leaves covering, paint, motors, retracts, and all the other hardware. My estimate for AUW is around 13 lbs.

[awrightbrother]

I wanted to see how strong the wing is. I put a 39 lb cinder block on it and it held up. Now that's bare foam and plywood spars. With LS applied, it would easily go up to 50+ lbs. With a 13 lb AUW, that is 4G. I am more than happy.

I did not want to keep adding weight until it broke, but at 4G it is more than enough.

[Buzz Bomb]

Fahim

Master Airscrew makes 13X8 props. They also have a pusher in that size, for counter rotating.

Vario prop makes 13" props too and you can adjust the pitch to any angle.

http://www.e-flightline.com/varioprop.htm

I've used the MAS props and they work great on electrics.

The Vario props are awesome and really add the scale look.

Looks like the wing is strong.

The AXI 4130/16 is a 60-90 equivalent!

Joe

[CRASH_Jim]

Yes indeed what happened to all the guys who were interested in this model. Say something please, anything.


Something!!

just kidding. I've just been watching. I will have to see what I can do, but I am really interested in one of these kits.

[awrightbrother]

Fahim

Master Airscrew makes 13X8 props. They also have a pusher in that size, for counter rotating.

Vario prop makes 13" props too and you can adjust the pitch to any angle.

http://www.e-flightline.com/varioprop.htm

I've used the MAS props and they work great on electrics.

The Vario props are awesome and really add the scale look.

Looks like the wing is strong.

The AXI 4130/16 is a 60-90 equivalent!

Joe

Joe
Unfortunately the MAS 13x8 will not do. I need 13x11 or at least 13x10. I have used MAS before and they are good props.

The Varioprop are kinda steep in price. A 13x10x4 comes to about $80 and two will be $160 + shipping. If enough people would buy this kit then maybe I can afford them:) .

Yes the wing is plenty strong and will be even stronger after the LS.
The AXi4130/16 are an overkill, but I already had them from a retired model. I used one on the HUrricane and it goes unlimited vertical. I have to fly at 1/2 throttle most of the time.

[awrightbrother]

Something!!

just kidding. I've just been watching. I will have to see what I can do, but I am really interested in one of these kits.

Hey Crash Jim, good to hear from you.
Fahim

[Gree]

I'm still here too - just watching the progress. My purchase may have to be pushed back a little though which is why I have been sadly silently watching...

[Buzz Bomb]

Fahim

What size battery do you plan on trying with the axi and 13X10-13X11 prop?

No. of cells 5 - 8 Li-Poly
RPM/V 385 RMP/V
Max. efficiency 88%
Max. efficiency current 18 - 40 A (>84%)
No load current / 10 V 1,3 A
Current capacity 60 A/60 s
Internal Resistance 63 mohm
Dimensions (diameter. x lenght) 49,8x65,5 mm
Shaft diameter 6 mm
Weight with cables 409

[awrightbrother]

Fahim

What size battery do you plan on trying with the axi and 13X10-13X11 prop?

No. of cells 5 - 8 Li-Poly
RPM/V 385 RMP/V
Max. efficiency 88%
Max. efficiency current 18 - 40 A (>84%)
No load current / 10 V 1,3 A
Current capacity 60 A/60 s
Internal Resistance 63 mohm
Dimensions (diameter. x lenght) 49,8x65,5 mm
Shaft diameter 6 mm
Weight with cables 409

Joe,
I plan on using 6 cells (two 3 cells wired in series).
3700 mah 20C
The calculated current draw at full throttle is about 30A for each motor. I doubt if I will be flying at FT though.
Fahim

[Tram]

Yes indeed what happened to all the guys who were interested in this model. Say something please, anything.

Something please, anything. ;)

I'm lurking here.

[Buzz Bomb]

Joe,
I plan on using 6 cells (two 3 cells wired in series).
3700 mah 20C
The calculated current draw at full throttle is about 30A for each motor. I doubt if I will be flying at FT though.
Fahim


So a little over 100 watts/lb and about 80-90 mph WOT(not taking into account drag)?

[awrightbrother]

So a little over 100 watts/lb and about 80-90 mph WOT(not taking into account drag)?

Input watts/lb is not a good measure. It matters not how many watts are going in; it matters most how many are coming out at the props. System efficiencey is the true measure.

At WOT it should do about 70 mph.

[Buzz Bomb]

Input watts/lb is not a good measure. It matters not how many watts are going in; it matters most how many are coming out at the props. System efficiencey is the true measure.

At WOT it should do about 70 mph.

True. But I was just going by the #'s you gave me.

I'm just trying to get a feel for the plane and what you're shooting for. So I can select my own motors. Of course I will wait until after the maiden and your opinion on how it flys.

[awrightbrother]

True. But I was just going by the #'s you gave me.

I'm just trying to get a feel for the plane and what you're shooting for. So I can select my own motors. Of course I will wait until after the maiden and your opinion on how it flys.

Joe
Your numbers do make sense. Just be aware that input watts/lb, considered alone, can be a misleading metric.
Fahim

[Buzz Bomb]

Joe
Your numbers do make sense. Just be aware that input watts/lb, considered alone, can be a misleading metric.
Fahim

Yes I agree. I have a few planes that will fly on very little watts at all.

[awrightbrother]

The retracts man did not have good news. They will ship next week sometime. I don't like to do the final assembly until all the hardware has been fitted, but I decided to go ahead and mount the tail.

Here are the pictures.

Fahim

[awrightbrother]

The next step is putty. As with any model, before final rub down, one needs to fill joint lines, make fillets,etc. with putty. Bondo glazing putty or something similar is commonly used by builders on balsa models. Don't even think about it. Any solvent based putty will eat foam.

Instead I use a mixture of water based Durhams Putty and Lightweight Spackle. Both are available at ACE Hardware and are quite inexpensive. Durhams Putty, if used alone, will cure rock hard as the label says, and will not sand easily. I mix 1:1 with Lightweight Spackle, a couple of drops of white glue, and add water to get a paste like consistency. Then it is applied like Bondo, and after it has cured, I sand it. Depending on how much build up I need, it may be necessary to do more than one coat. The final coat is just spackle.

This mixture sands very easily and makes for a nice putty. I have started using it on balsa models instead of Bondo. Final sand with 600 grit leaves a silky smooth surface.

[awrightbrother]

Since foam has a surface that is full of tiny divots, we need to fill these. I use the same putty/spackle mixture to do that. I dilute the mixture some more and using gloved hands smear it all over and rub it into the surface. Then I immediately scrap most of it off with a plastic spreader or a credit card. That fills in most of the divots and almost eliminates any sanding. After it is dry I lightly sand with 320 grit and finish off with 600. This leaves a silky smooth surface, much like sanded balsa sheet.Here are some pictures of the wing ready for the next stage. I am in the process of doing the whole model this way. I should point out that again, this is not the only way. Some people prefer to sheet the whole model and fiber glass it.

At this point the surface is completely free of divots or other such things, but it is still soft. That will be fixed in the next step.