AMD Hawk - Detailed Build Thread

[Bigplumbs]

I have done many build threads both on RC Universe and here on RC Groups. All the other threads have been for IC Warbirds...... This will be my first Turbine model.

I purchased the AMD Hawk from Colchester A1 models in the UK and have to say I am very pleased with the quality of the Kit (ARTF). As you can see I opted for the Red arrows version as I like it the best and felt that it would be better to see in the air. They also do a camo version.

I have raided all my piggy banks and have purchased a Wren 44 Gold with full Auto Start and will be using this for the power plant.

The model was £330 and the turbine and jet pipe around £1650 - £1700

Please feel free to chime in as I go along as I will be greatfull for any comments/observations.

Dennis

www.densplanes.co.uk

[Bigplumbs]

As I have not got all the Servo's yet but have been tinkering with the kit I thought I would do a very simple job first which is to line the outer jet pipe supplied with silver tape as recommended in the instructions. The kit comes with two fibreglass jet pipes. The smaller dia one being for ducted fan models and the larger dia one for the turbine version. The stainless steel jet pipe will of course go inside the fibreglass one. The foil lining will give a little more protection from the heat. I am just using sticky foil tape as used for plasterboard (drywall for our US friends) joint taping. The jet pipe you see in the pics was purchased from Wren specifically for the wren 44 and Hawk. It was supplied through Colchester A1 Models

Dennis

www.densplanes.co.uk

[Bigplumbs]

Here is the outter pipe completly lined with the ali tape

Dennis

www.densplanes.co.uk

[wellington53]

Bloody hell Dennis!

[demetrius]

I have done many build threads both on RC Universe and here on RC Groups. All the other threads have been for IC Warbirds...... This will be my first Turbine model.

I purchased the AMD Hawk from Colchester A1 models in the UK and have to say I am very pleased with the quality of the Kit (ARTF). As you can see I opted for the Red arrows version as I like it the best and felt that it would be better to see in the air. They also do a camo version.

I have raided all my piggy banks and have purchased a Wren 44 Gold with full Auto Start and will be using this for the power plant.

The model was £330 and the turbine and jet pipe around £1650 - £1700

Please feel free to chime in as I go along as I will be greatfull for any comments/observations.

Dennis

www.densplanes.co.uk
well I am very excited to see the video!!!!! :D
Also i read in jet int. that they flew one but they weren't happy with landing speed so they incresed the flaps (beyond the manufactors recommendation)and totally lost the model! Never the less i am very excited to see the out come and the video! Good luck!

[Bigplumbs]

well I am very excited to see the video!!!!! :D
Also i read in jet int. that they flew one but they weren't happy with landing speed so they incresed the flaps (beyond the manufactors recommendation)and totally lost the model! Never the less i am very excited to see the out come and the video! Good luck!

It is very important not to increase the flaps to beyond the specified amount because it stalls out the elevator. The reason I am using the Wren 44 is so that I can keep it light to assist with a lower landing speed.

Dennis

www.densplanes.co.uk

[calljj]

I have done many build threads both on RC Universe and here on RC Groups. All the other threads have been for IC Warbirds...... This will be my first Turbine model.


Dennis,

Had a quick look over your site and saw (lots of) very nice planes.

Not wanting to teach grandma to suck eggs, but didn't notice many "high speed" planes on there.

Based on my own experience of crossing to turbines, also with the fantastic MW44, could i recommend that you invest a further £99 and buy a MagnumR or similar with a .46 or bigger on the front and get some flights in.

This taught me a great deal about my reactions, the speed that is possible, and the size of my field! Was probably the best £99 i could have spent before flying my Savex L39 almost two years ago.

All the best with the build and maiden, and welcome to the "dark side", you'll never go back!

[EricB]

... keep it light to assist with a lower landing speed.


Hi Dennis,

To assist in your quest for lightness, consider the option not to fit the fiberglass heat protection tube. There is so much space between the Wren pipe and the fusalage side that heat transfer is not a problem.

Rgds,
Eric
Norwich
Norfolk

[Bigplumbs]

Thanks for that Eric............ I just weighed the fibreglass tube complete and it was 93g or 3.3 oz............... I think I might leave it out as this is quite a significant weight mostly in the tail of course which might add to balance problems.

Eric........ The only thing I am a little concerned about is heat on the elevator servo... What do you think

I also notice that your thrust/jet tube doesn't stick out the back of the Hawk by the 10 - 15 mm in the instructions what was the reason for this.

Also how do you get on flying her

Dennis

www.densplanes.co.uk

[Bigplumbs]

Well here she is just waiting to be worked on.......... Just Christmas getting in the way

Dennis

www.densplanes.co.uk

[EricB]

Hi Dennis,

There is a reasonable gap between the elevator servo and the thrust tube. This gap and the airflow through the fuselage prevent the servo from overheating. You could however install a radiated heat shield over the servo. This could simply be ali tape on the servo case or a lithoplate sheet covering the servo and linkage.

The 10 to 15mm thrust tube fusalage overhang is to prevent fuel from a “wet” start running back into the fusalage. Best not to have a wet start in the first place!
If this is your first turbine it is advisable to set it up on a securely mounted test stand and become familiar with the start/stop routines.

You are in for a treat once you get to the flying part. The 10+lbs from the MW44 moves it along very nicely indeed!

Eric

[Bigplumbs]

Thanks Eric I will do the heat shield thing like you did............. I wonder if you could tell me what servo you used on the elevator I have several in mind all over 9 kg torque.

Dennis

[Bigplumbs]

As it is my Christmas Pressie I thought I better do a little job on her on Christmas day....... So I glued the rear canopy catch cover piece on.... Makes it look a lot better. Hope the wind doesnt push it back and I loose the whole canopy

Dennis

www.densplanes.co.uk

[EricB]

..... I wonder if you could tell me what servo you used on the elevator I have several in mind all over 9 kg torque.
Dennis


JR DS8411 at 11kg/cm (155oz/in)

[Bigplumbs]

EricB

I was looking at the instructions and also the wing joining spa's. I was wondering if you wrapped the wing joint in the supplied fiberglass. The spa's look very strong and I thought that leaving the glass out might again save a oz or so in weight. It also looks a messy job to me........ Did you do this ??? any thoughts.

Should get the build started propper tommorrow

Dennis

www.densplanes.co.uk

[EricB]

[QUOTE=Bigplumbs]EricB
I was looking at the instructions and also the wing joining spa's. I was wondering if you wrapped the wing joint in the supplied fiberglass. The spa's look very strong and I thought that leaving the glass out might again save a oz or so in weight. It also looks a messy job to me........ Did you do this ??? any thoughts.
Dennis

Hi Dennis.

Don’t save weight in this area!
Use the supplied wing-joining bandage as per the instructions. Keep the strips of covering film you remove from the centre section for use later.

May I suggest that you read the long running AMD Hawk thread on RCU? There are many valuable tips from several different people who have built and flown the Hawk.
It’s a long haul but worth it.
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2771814&key=amd%2Chawk

Also the August/September 2006 issue of RCJI carried a review of the turbine spec AMD Hawk. ;) Order hotline 01684 588 599

Best regards,
Eric

[Bigplumbs]

Many thanks Eric... I have read most of that thread and also the Mag you mentioned. I will use the bandage.

I am soom to start in Ernest but might have to go to the LHS for some bits

Dennis

[Bigplumbs]

Decided to follow the order of the instructions and do the ailerons. The first thing I notice is the predrilled holes in the wing trailing edge and aileron are way too big for the supplied hinges. I will see If I can get one to hold with a thick mix of 5 min epoxy. I will glue it in and see if I can pull it out.

Also I ironed down the covering on the inside of the curved trailing edge of the wing

Dennis

www.densplanes.co.uk

[Bigplumbs]

Well after 10 mins of glueing up I tried to pull the Hinge out of the aileron with quite a lot of force and it seems to have stuck ok. I have therefore glued the rest of the hinges on the first Aileron. The hole in the aileron is also way too deep for the hinge. I therefore cut some short lengths of bamboo kebab stick and poked them inside to take up the excessive depth. This will reduce the amount of epoxy needed.

Dennis

www.densplanes.co.uk

[Bigplumbs]

I bought the new Spektrum DX7 to use with this plane and it comes with 4 5 kg digital servos. I want to use them in the Hawk as it will save quite a lot of money. To get them in for the aileron is a little tricky but by grinding the front corner off the fixing on the servo and taking a small amount off the wing sheeting I have managed it.

You will also need to fit a piece of ply on the plastic aileron servo mount as it is set too far back... You can see this in the attached photo. You can also see in the second photo that one of the hinges is located in the aileron servo bay and the hinge will need to be cut short. I also filled the hole with epoxy

Dennis

[Bigplumbs]

Crikey that took a while still I am not in a hurry.......... and I havn't had any lunch yet.... Got the first aileron in.... Swapped out the screws to hold the aileron plate in with some small countersunk ones in my pot I think they look a little better than the supplied ones. Had to wind the supplied and made up aileron linkage all the way in to get them centered. I will put a little up aileron as the instructions that will require a little winding out...... That 6.5 mm throw on the ailerons as the instuctions looks very small........... Eric what have set your throws to

A little tip............ cut the extra length on the aileron horn fixing screw with snips and then file by hand...... Dont use a dremel to file as it heats the metal too much and can melt the plastic plate that it bites into

Dennis

www.densplanes.co.uk

[Bigplumbs]

I just went to my LHS to get a few bits and pieces and while there I decided to buy the correct robart hinge points the correct ones are the larger ones in the photo below and the smaller ones are those that were supplied with the kit. The larger ones just need the correct size drill gunning throught the hole

Dennis

www.densplanes.co.uk

[EricB]

...... That 6.5 mm throw on the ailerons as the instuctions looks very small...........
www.densplanes.co.uk

Dennis,

The 6.5mm recommended is fine. I also have a high rate set at 11mm which gives a fast roll rate. I would use the 6.5mm for first flight. Both rates have -30% (Futaba) expo set.

Eric

[Bigplumbs]

I have got the flap and aileron in on one wing and also did a little experimenting with crow braking.

I can acheive it by using flaperon mixing and putting the flaps on Aux 2 (JR/Spektrum)..... It works but once in you have very little movement when you go to apply aileron........ I can experiment more.

Dave at A1 models said the crow braking was a good idea but it concerns me... Eric do you have this or do you just rely on the flaps.... I am a little concerned about landing speed

Dennis

www.densplanes.co.uk

[Bigplumbs]

First thing I would say about fitting the retracts is the covering is very brittle...... Make sure you have a new blade in your scapel..... The second thing I would say is that cutting the plastic wheel wells because they are too deep is a real pig..... I used a cutting disk on my dremmel and I managed it ok but it is a bit of a pain but with patience isn't that bad

Dennis

[Bigplumbs]

Well I have been most of the day sorting out one retract leg. I am using a lovely set of Air up Air down retracts I bought from Jetlegend. You have to bend the leg yourself and given that it is 5 mm spring steel it is no mean feat. I actually made up a template with soft wire then ended up purchasing a set of wire benders for £25 and managed to get it done..... It is very tricky to get the whole wheel and leg to retract into the bay as there is only just enough depth in the wing..... There isn't even enough space to get a collet front and back on thr axel so I scemed a thinner back retainer with some fuel tube and a couple of washers. I think I can just about get the retracts to lock..... Make sure you use restrictors on the retracts as allowing them to bang up into this wing would not be a good Idea

Below is a pic of my finished wheel assembly......... Now to get the air lines in that should be the easy bit. I am not going to glue/fix my wheel wells yet untill I get it all to work and see a few cycles. Also note it is important when installing these retracts to get about 142 mm from floor to underside of wing when the plane stands on the ground with the wheels on

Dennis

www.densplanes.co.uk

[Bigplumbs]

I cant believe that took me almost all day and I still have to tidy it up, Paint the exposed wood and fix the wheel well............... After asuming there was plenty of room for the air pipe I was very wrong.......... I got them in in the end and they work fine..... There is very little space in the well if I do bend a retract but if this is the case I will have to go with smaller wheels. The foam ones are very good and will sand to size..... I want to use the supplied ones however as they are very nice wheels....

I am going to fix the wheel wells in place with screws rather than glue them so that if ever I have to replace the pipework it will be easy. I will glue some small pieces of ply under the sheeting around the hole to take the small screws...... Now to work on the other wing half

Dennis

www.densplanes.co.uk

[Bigplumbs]

Well here she is with the retract all in and tidied up....... The covering is strange it is strong yet brittle when cut. As you can see I have screwed the wheel wells in looks a little studded but I am happy wit it and it will be far better it I have to take them out. I had a little difficulty with kinked air lines but I have had a bout 15 successfull cycles so should be ok............

I will just touch up the horn retaining plastic bits with some of the red paint I bought Humbrol red 220 and then I think I need to tidy my bench before I start on the second wing.......... As they always say second one should be quicker than the first

Dennis

www.densplanes.co.uk

[Bigplumbs]

Painted in the Horn retainers with the Humbrol red 220 makes a big difference and.............you can see what a good match that paint is..... This paint colour etc was noted in the instructions from A1 models which is a nice touch well done David. It is also worth noting that the ailerons and flaps have strips of hardwood inlayed into the balsa at the point where the horn fixes to make sure you can pull the fixings together nicely....... Another nice touch

Dennis

www.densplanes.co.uk

[Bigplumbs]

I can see a few of you are following this thread I wonder who you are..... Care to pipe up :D

Dennis

[Bigplumbs]

Wing weight

Don't rearly know why but I just weighed the half completed wing.... Without the spar still to be inserted the half completed wing weighs just under 1.5 lbs... I therefore recon a completed wing ready to go will weigh about 3 lbs 3 oz......

Don't rearly know if this is good or bad but thought I would post it anyway

Dennis

[3d flip]

I can see a few of you are following this thread I wonder who you are..... Care to pipe up :D

Dennis

Hi Dennis,

I will be following the thread. keep up the good work.

John

[jantrit]

I can see a few of you are following this thread I wonder who you are..... Care to pipe up :D

Dennis


hi i have been following this thread as a guest and will continue to follow it.
Really nice looking plane, cant wait to see the finished article :D

[Bigplumbs]

Small Drat

If you change to the larger hinge points as I did the inner most one on the flap will protrude into then small circular wing spar at the rear, All you have to do is cut about 8 mm off the hinge point. I will now have to either shorten my small ali tube by about 35 mm or find some way to cut off the end of the hinge point.

Small problem but better not to do it in the first place. Now I am wondering how sharp the end of the tube is to see if I can cut the hinge point with it

Dennis

[Bigplumbs]

Well I couldn't cut the hinge point with the end of the tube so I had to cut a slot in the tube............ I did this with a cutting disc on my dremmel. It will now go all the way in. I will glue these tubes in so it will be plenty strong enough

[stallwart]

As always, I'm following your build(s). Can I borrow that magazine when you're finished with it? :D

[Bigplumbs]

As always, I'm following your build(s). Can I borrow that magazine when you're finished with it? :D

That Mag was my Christmas Pressie from my Sister-in-law.... It was a years subscription to the mag :D

Dennis

[Bigplumbs]

Now that I am on to the second flap and intend to use the forth servo in my set with the radio, and given that the servo plate has the servo arm on the outer end of the wing on both sides,..... I would have had a problem with the flaps moving one up one down like ailerons......................However 3DFlip put me onto a clever little device from J Perkins in the UK, which is a Y lead that has a little switch that will reverse one servo, and hence make the flaps work properly. It was only £6.99 and is an excellent little device where ever you have flaps. You could even use it on ailerons if for some weird reason you had say a JR and Futaba servo in respective ailerons.

Dennis

www.densplanes.co.uk

[bluescoobydoo]

i have been following your build and it looks like a first class job, a word of warning about the y lead servo reverser i brought one of these (except it was ripmax) from galaxy models to use on my p47 flaps it was nothing but trouble every time i connected the power to i had to recenter the servo with the little adjuster on the circuit board and when i did a range check with it the flaps would jitter up and down and any other control movement such as elevator rudder etc would make the flaps move slightly, so i connected it to two seperate channels on my rx and mixed them with a borrowed tx that has more channels than my 6exa
cant wait to see it fly please post a video if possable or if not you could fly at our club in harwich.
i have been to a1 models myself and they said it would make a good turbine trainer do you think this is true?
one of our club member flys turbines with ali machinski he said it is a bit to twitchy for a trainer.

[Bigplumbs]

i have been following your build and it looks like a first class job, a word of warning about the y lead servo reverser i brought one of these (except it was ripmax) from galaxy models to use on my p47 flaps it was nothing but trouble every time i connected the power to i had to recenter the servo with the little adjuster on the circuit board and when i did a range check with it the flaps would jitter up and down and any other control movement such as elevator rudder etc would make the flaps move slightly, so i connected it to two seperate channels on my rx and mixed them with a borrowed tx that has more channels than my 6exa
cant wait to see it fly please post a video if possable or if not you could fly at our club in harwich.
i have been to a1 models myself and they said it would make a good turbine trainer do you think this is true?
one of our club member flys turbines with ali machinski he said it is a bit to twitchy for a trainer.

I will try out the reverser thing I hope it will be ok because if not it will be a real pain. dont want any odd twitches on this model so thanks for the heads up. This Hawk will be my first Turbine so I cannot comment about its suitability as a trainer, Ali would of course be a far far better judge than me but of course he does not stock this Hawk and it is a cheaper alternative to the many models on his site.... Perhaps Ali is being a little harsh but who knows I am sure I will find out :eek: :D .

I will investigate the servo reverser further as you have now got me worried

Dennis

[Bigplumbs]

Well thanks to bluescoobydoo I will be taking back the servo reversing Y lead. It Jitters about too much and I dont like it............ Thanks blue.

After some head scratching and phoning 3Dflip (Who incidently will be the Hawks test pilot) and reading the DX7 Instruction book. I have mixed the flap channel to Aux 2 and will work my flaps this way. Much better.......... Now if only I had a DX9 (which does not exist yet.................) I could still get my crow braking........... Will just mechanically put in about 2 - 3 mm of up aileron as washout instead :D

Dennis

[Bigplumbs]

I am interested by the principal of a Jet Trainer such as the Boomerang Intro etc....... and indeed the term 'Jet Trainer'......... Is this suggesting that if you have been flying say IC and Electric for several years that you still need a trainer aircraft before you move to jets........ Or does it mean that a person new to RC flight would start with Jets and would therefore need a trainer......... Both seem very unlikely but I do know that the intro sells very well....... I wonder what other peoples opinions are ?............................................ Too much pondering and fiddling with TX's today on to that second wheel now....

Dennis

[bluescoobydoo]

I have read that the gear mounts are a little weak on the boomerang and a price of £450+ is a bit to much for a balsa model so if it was you firsr ever rc plane i dont think it would last to long and i would get expensive very quickly.
yt are bringing out turbine aircraft early next year including a trainer so it may be worth waiting for and when there is some competition to the boomerang it will soon start to drop in price.

[Bigplumbs]

Many of you will not know who who Barry is but others will...... Any way he is also building the Hawk and gave me a simple tip regarding how to mark the wheel wells for cutting the slots for the wood inside the well.

It is simple rearly but I didn't twig it..... All you need to do is paint a coat of red paint on top of the wiid and when the paint is still wet put the wheel well in position and the paint will mark the position. Then just mark over the paint with a permanent marker, Wipe away the wet paint and cut away

Thanks Barry :D

Dennis

www.densplanes.co.uk

[Bigplumbs]

I have read that the gear mounts are a little weak on the boomerang and a price of £450+ is a bit to much for a balsa model so if it was you firsr ever rc plane i dont think it would last to long and i would get expensive very quickly.
yt are bringing out turbine aircraft early next year including a trainer so it may be worth waiting for and when there is some competition to the boomerang it will soon start to drop in price.

Interesting about YT International Hope they bring out a Mig 15 for the Wren 44 now that was what I rearly wanted

Dennis

[EricB]

...
cant wait to see it fly please post a video if possable ...


Dave Wilde on the sticks:
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showatt.php?attachmentid=775178



Eric

[EricB]

Well thanks to bluescoobydoo I will be taking back the servo reversing Y lead. It Jitters about too much and I dont like it............ Thanks blue.

After some head scratching and phoning 3Dflip (Who incidently will be the Hawks test pilot) and reading the DX7 Instruction book. I have mixed the flap channel to Aux 2 and will work my flaps this way. Much better.......... Now if only I had a DX9 (which does not exist yet.................) I could still get my crow braking........... Will just mechanically put in about 2 - 3 mm of up aileron as washout instead :D

Dennis
Haven’t tried the reversers you speak off. The servo-reversing unit that I use is made by SM Services. I have two of these reversing units operational at the moment. One in an AMD Hawk and the other in a JL-T45 Goshawk. Both units are giving trouble free operation.

http://www.smservices.net/acatalog/On_Board_Units.html

Earlier points:

Re Crow braking. Yes it’s worth setting up for this. It gives lots of drag without the danger of blanking the elevator, which lots of flap can do. High flap deflections are not advisable. Dave’s recommendations are based on lots of experience with his own and other peoples Hawks.
However don’t worry about crow breaking for your first flights. You need experience of the Hawks flight characteristics before fine-tuning the landings. Set the recommended flap, keep the speed up and “grease” it in!

Ah. See you have another solution to your flaps! Carefull you don't run out of channels!
Eric

[Bigplumbs]

Ah. See you have another solution to your flaps! Carefull you don't run out of channels!
Eric

I have now run out of channels on my new DX7 but I will go with this option for the moment and leave the crow braking for later. If I get as far as the crow braking I will either use a futaba servo on one flap (futaba work opposite to JR) or get the better servo reverser. Dont worry I will leave the flap throw at Daves recommended amount. I am quit lucky as I fly at Raydon and we have quite a large field so a fast landing it might have to be

Dennis

[Bigplumbs]

Dave Wilde on the sticks:
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showatt.php?attachmentid=775178



Eric

I think that vid is with the original MW44 (8 LB thrust) He has the gold (10 lbs thrust) in it now I understand

[Bigplumbs]

Set the recommended flap, keep the speed up and “grease” it in!

Eric

With the flaps as spec do you have to mix in any elevator

Dennis

[EricB]

I think that vid is with the original MW44 (8 LB thrust) He has the gold (10 lbs thrust) in it now I understand

Yes that is correct. The 10 to 10.5lb thrust will enable a much-improved vertical performance. Not that it was shabby with 8lb!


Eric

[EricB]

With the flaps as spec do you have to mix in any elevator

Dennis

I use just 2% elevator mix applied in an analogue fashion from take-off flap position to landing flap position. More a nice to play with rather than a must have.

Eric

[Bigplumbs]

I use just 2% elevator mix applied in an analogue fashion from take-off flap position to landing flap position. More a nice to play with rather than a must have.

Eric

I assume you mean 2 % up elevator

Dennis

[Bigplumbs]

The Kit is supplied with two very nice fitting ali tubes as wing spars. These are glued into position when you join the two wing halves.... Upon test fitting my tubes were about 3 mm too long and so I had to cut/grind a very small amount off their length in the workshop....... Upon subsequent trial fit the wings fit perfectly.............. well done AMD...... If there had been any amount of misalighnment with the inner tubes I don't know what could have been done to corret it.... Thankfully there was not :D

Dennis

[Bigplumbs]

As an addition to this kit some covered ply wing fences are supplied and there are slots precut in the wing (you have to locate the slots under the covering and remove the covering) for them. Apparently thes fences are quite important to the handelling of the plane.

The initial fit of these fences once you have cut away the covering from the slots is quite poor. The slots need to be cut bact towards the training edge quite a bit and the profile of the fences needs to be dremmelled to get a nice fit..... All in all not that much work but worth pointing out I thought. I will do my best then fill any gaps with epoxy and use the paint to make good

Below is a before and after shot

Now that I have fit one it was actually very easy and only took around 10 mins...........still got to touch up the paint but that will be later.

The fences have a tendancy to want to lean towards the fus so glueing these is one of these jobs we all love ie sitting and holding it. Because of this I used the much malined 5 min epoxy but they seem very solid to me ;)

Dennis

www.densplanes.co.uk

[Bigplumbs]

Well I have now got the second retract in and working well.......Now Just got to tidy up around this retract then put on the second wing fence and then I think I will join the two wing halfs together and call it a day for today............ Had to have a break this afternoon her in doors wanted to look at furniture in the sales.................. Don't know why I spent our money much more wisely........................ On a Turbine :eek:

Dennis

www.densplanes.co.uk

[bluescoobydoo]

i was at raydon this year for the electric fly in and the scale day when the twin mosquito went in at full power was you there?
there was another turbine flying but i cannot remember its name but it flew well,also a large electric twin with full sound effects.

[Bigplumbs]

i was at raydon this year for the electric fly in and the scale day when the twin mosquito went in at full power was you there?
there was another turbine flying but i cannot remember its name but it flew well,also a large electric twin with full sound effects.

I do remember it indeed..... The P38 that went in was our chairmans Paul and the other Turbine was an L39 Albertros owned by Steve and the Twin with sound effects was Johns and it was his beaufighter...... Did you fly or were you just spectating

Dennis

[Bigplumbs]

I have now joined the two wing halves together and here are a couple of pictures of it glueing up. It is rather nice not having to worry too much about cleaning off the epoxy from the join because I have to remove a width of covering and wrap the joint in fiberglass..... I have to say that I think this is unnecessary but will do it as the instructions. I am useing trusty old 30 min epoxy to glue the wing halves together and I also got quite a lot into the holes to take the ali spars. If there is one thing I am confident about on this plane it is this wing joint :D

Dennis

www.densplanes.co.uk

[Bigplumbs]

997 hits so far I wanted 1000 before I go to bed so should get there :D

[vincent from ne]

hi there, i'm also "in"
i've at home also the hawk waiting for building...also have a jj1400 ti fit in......
so, i'm looking .....
great so far
sorry for my bad english, i'm just a little frenchie lost uin south pacific

vince

[Bigplumbs]

hi there, i'm also "in"
i've at home also the hawk waiting for building...also have a jj1400 ti fit in......
so, i'm looking .....
great so far
sorry for my bad english, i'm just a little frenchie lost uin south pacific

vince

Great to have you along

Dennis

[bluescoobydoo]

i was only there as a spectator but this year i will try and get there with my black horse p47. there is a member of our club called rodger (i dont know his second name) but he drives a jag, who also is a member over raydon, he flys a wot 4 alot and is scratch building a large tempest i belive.
hopefully we may come over to raydon i force this year as there are a few with new warbirds to fly including a 100 inch wing span lanc.
cant wait to see the hawk fly
regards

[Bigplumbs]

i was only there as a spectator but this year i will try and get there with my black horse p47. there is a member of our club called rodger (i dont know his second name) but he drives a jag, who also is a member over raydon, he flys a wot 4 alot and is scratch building a large tempest i belive.
hopefully we may come over to raydon i force this year as there are a few with new warbirds to fly including a 100 inch wing span lanc.
cant wait to see the hawk fly
regards

I know Roger well.......... Look forward to seeing you

Dennis

[guaraguao]

Hello

My name is Edgar and just starting following your thread. I have one with a .46VX. Power is marginall for takeoff, but once its up, it does well.
Thinking about converting it to turbine one day...

Thanks for the thread.

[Bigplumbs]

Very nice indeed guaraguao..... I am sure if you put a turbine in her you will love it.

I was wondering how you got your Pilots in her ?

Dennis

[Bigplumbs]

I havn't forgotten the build............ Work is just getting in the way at the moment and I have a terrible cold that is getting me down..... Will get going again soon

Dennis

[guaraguao]

Very nice indeed guaraguao..... I am sure if you put a turbine in her you will love it.

I was wondering how you got your Pilots in her ?

Dennis

Dennis

Pilots are from Airbone Models (http://www.airborne-models.com/html/AccessoriesGroup.asp?AGroupID=1). I glued them when assembling the canopy (floor and plastic canopy came separated in my kit)
Good luck,
Edgar

[Bigplumbs]

Dennis

Pilots are from Airbone Models (http://www.airborne-models.com/html/AccessoriesGroup.asp?AGroupID=1). I glued them when assembling the canopy (floor and plastic canopy came separated in my kit)
Good luck,
Edgar

That explains it the canopy top and bottom are joined together in the kit I have.... Might have to carefully cut a hole in the bottom and put it in that way

Dennis

[Bigplumbs]

Started a little late today as I went to look at a Jetlegend F15 (and fell in love with it)................ Anyway back to the Hawk:

You have to drill the leading edge for the wing dowls although there are holes behind the covering for this. The wing dowls are cut from the long length of supplied dowl.

I have also applied the fiberglass to the centre section of the wing.... The covering is very brittle so be carefull not to tear it.

Dennis

[Bigplumbs]

The wing fixing position on the fus at the trailing edge and leading edge looked a little weak so I glued in some ply... A little extra weight I know but well worth it for peace of mind

Dennis

www.densplanes.co.uk

[Bigplumbs]

A Question for EricB or anyone else that might be able to help:

What technique did you use when fileing the flat on the elevator control rods in order to make sure they were flat/square and would finish up at the same angle when the elevators are attached.

Also the instructions say to glue the elevator to the ali rods but there is also a little screw hole each side did you glue the rods and use the screw or did you do one or the other.

Thanks in advance

Dennis

www.densplanes.co.uk

[Bigplumbs]

I have dry fitted the elevator together and I think I now know how to get it all square. I think the elevator neautral position is as shown in the attached photo. ie whith the trailing edge level with top of the fus at the back.... looks right what do the rest of you think

Dennis

www.densplanes.co.uk

[guaraguao]

I think the elevator neautral position is as shown in the attached photo. ie whith the trailing edgelevel with top of the fus at the back.... looks right what do the rest of you think
nnis

Believe you are correct. Try to get as much throw as you can, it will help.

[Bigplumbs]

You have to mark and drill your own holes for the wing dowls and this is quite difficult to get right. I did it wrong the first time so all I did was cut a length of the dowl and glue it in the hole and redrill. The second attempt is a lot better but still not perfect on the left. I will fit the wing with its bolts in position first to see how it pulls up. I have to say the wing fit generally on the fus could be a little better.

Dennis

[Bigplumbs]

Look at this little beauty would make an excellent test bed for the wren 44 gold and at £149.99 not a bad price

Dennis

[Bigplumbs]

I have been about 2 hours getting the wing to fit..... Mostly my fault for drilling the holes in the incorrect place and also crossing the thread on one of my captive nuts..... Got it to fit ok now and am moving on to glueing on the belly pan. I like to fit these with the wing in situe as it produces a nicer fit. Here she is showing her underside waiting

Dennis

www.densplanes.co.uk

[Bigplumbs]

As this is a stand and hold it job I used 5 min epoxy. I am sure it will hold as there is a lot of surface area involved. I did however stick some thin polystyrene across the inside of the belly pan. This will give it a little rigidity and provides an additional surface to stick to. It weighs nothing of course.............. I now think I have actually finished the wing

Dennis

www.densplanes.co.uk

Now should I get that Gold cat or not ???? :rolleyes: :D :rolleyes:

[bluescoobydoo]

is the gold cat from a1 models ? two of the guys were talking about them only today but they are doing them electric powered.
but turbine would be very nice, far more exciting.

[Bigplumbs]

is the gold cat from a1 models ? two of the guys were talking about them only today but they are doing them electric powered.
but turbine would be very nice, far more exciting.

It is indeed from Colchester A1 Models I think it would be a good test bed for the 44 Gold before I put it in the Hawk.

I was wondering did you used to work for Als Hobbies ?

Dennis

[demetrius]

I am wondering if or when you post your video if you could give details on how she handled! Also, if you don't mind posting details on the maiden on everything like trims and landing details! I am very interested in the specs so that i'll know based on your experience then what i've heard! This could be one of the cheapiest Turbines to get in the air! (I am speaking of airframes)
thanks

[bluescoobydoo]

no i did'nt work for als hobbies but i think i might know the person you might be thinking about his name is paul and is building a turbine for ali in his new workshop, he flew his skymaster f22 at our field today and nearly lost it in a hedge after he found out that it had no up elevator after take off very lucky indeed!
but what a sound, with a p160 in it it was deafening at close range.

[bluescoobydoo]

www.wholesaleplanes do a very similar bobcat to this very interesting.

[Bigplumbs]

www.wholesaleplanes do a very similar bobcat to this very interesting.

That is the same bobcat it is a Nitro model planes one. It has to be converted from an IC pusher. I am thinking of one with one of the new OS55AX's in it just for fun

Dennis

www.densplanes.co.uk

[bluescoobydoo]

there was two at wings and wheels last year with jen 53 engines in them they looked very good and bolt together i think they were the wholesale planes ones.

[Bigplumbs]

If you are wondering why I am not getting on with the build................ I am waiting on my Elevator Servo and a clevis for the nose wheel

Dennis

[Bigplumbs]

Well I thought I needed a plane to prepare me for the Hawk so off I went to Colchester A1 Models and bought one. A Goldcat/bobcat... I am not going to put my turbine in this but have bought a nice little OS 55AX and intend to rip her around with a pusher prop for a while before I get the Hawk in the air. I am also going to use this as a test bed for my 2.4 gig Spektrum. I will build this simple with no retracts and no flaps..... I might even fix the rudder, but I am not sure on that one yet.

Remember too many is never enough

Dennis

www.densplanes.co.uk

[TheSaint]

Remember too many is never enough



Can i quote you on that? Cos 'er indoors has made it quite clear she'll cut me jacobs off if I buy another one right now :eek:

[bluescoobydoo]

are you doing a Detailed Build Thread on the gold cat?, this seems like a great first fast aircraft for not a lot of money.
what are your first impressions of the kit itself?

[Bigplumbs]

are you doing a Detailed Build Thread on the gold cat?, this seems like a great first fast aircraft for not a lot of money.
what are your first impressions of the kit itself?

I will indeed do a build thread once I decide which forum to put it under..... Initial impressions of the kit are very good and it is very light. On initial inspection there are modest 'problems' as follows:

1) The fixed landing gear looks a little weak but easy and cheap to bend some more.
2) Landing gear pre cut slots are cut parallel to direction of plane rather than at 90 degrees. ie no torque rod effect on main gear.
3) Two servos for elevator..... I will fit one in the stab
4) Ali bolts to hold engine on too weak


Other than this the kit was very well packed and looks excellent value for money and I feel it is a good intro to faster jet like models.

[akaram]

Hi !

Read some threads on RCU and here on this Hawk but didnt find a final answer to my question ! Who sells the ARF of the best quality ? Nitroplanes or AMD Hobby ? are there any other ? which is the best ? Nitroplanes has one with blue/whiyte/red stripes on the wings, is the kit of different quality from the red one ?
what are the best retracts available for it in the us ?
Planning to fly it with the OS 46 VXDF and Turbax 48 FAN and MACS Quiet pipe 1050
Anybody seen it flying with that combination ? how is the performance ? mainly the speed ? does it go real fast ?

[Bigplumbs]

It is my view that the Bobcat in question however it is branded is comming out of the same factory and hence I think there is little or no difference. The bobcat is not designed for retracts and hence you would have to do a bucher job to get them in. I will report on how it flys after my maiden

Dennis

[Bigplumbs]

Well I now have my Servo for the elevator and it was an expensive one £52.00 it is a JR DS8411

Dennis

[Bigplumbs]

If any of you are interested I have started the build log on the little Bobcat/Goldcat here

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=625414#post6719945

I will continue on the Hawk but wanted to get the little godcat in the air ASAP. It should be quite a quick build

Dennis

[stallwart]

Or maybe a gobcat.......hopefuly not a bogcat. I'll be following that build,too.

I've seen this plane fly, but sadly not landing. On first flight his engine conked and there just wasn't enough alt to get over the top of a tree at the far side of the runway.

Despite the crash, damage was minor and repairable. Speed was comparable to the faster 40 size sport planes .

[Raydon-Mustang]

Hi Dennis, Have just joined RC Groups to follow your build. Keep up the good work!

[Bigplumbs]

Hi Dennis, Have just joined RC Groups to follow your build. Keep up the good work!

Will be back on it soon........... Be carefull Tony RC Groups can end up seriously damaging your wallet :eek:

Dennis

[Bigplumbs]

Now that I have the Bobcat/Goldcat up and running I am returning to the Hawk build.... I have read several times about Litho plate for heat shielding but have no idea what it is or where to get it can any one here enlighten me ?

Dennis

www.densplanes.co.uk

[Careoseen]

Litho plate is used in the offset peinting process such as newspapers and the like. Might try your local newspaper office sometimes they will sell used sheets for next to nothing.

[Raydon-Mustang]

Dennis,
Try asking Paul K, he might be a source. or at least know where to get some from.