Robert Copland Conversion

[Malc]

I am looking at converting the Robert Copland 'British Champ' ( May 2003 The Plans Page) to electric R/C. I have already converted the Earl Sthal 'Gipsy' and the Keil Kraft 'senator' both in their original size and twice size. Both are outstanding flyers when fitted with cheap bell motors and 1500mah 2s lipos. The British Champ offers a far greater challenge due to it's shape. i.e. part of the round fusalage will have to be made removable without affecting it's structual integrity. Anyone got any helpful ideas?
Malc

[Raf_Bob]

Just an idea. A removable nose cone ala modern f5b gliders. front end could contain
motor and, possibly, battery while servos are attached to central spine in fuselage, or something along those lines. Would require some internal structure of course but could still be fairly light and simple. At least you don't have to contend with the enormous twisting force of a large rubber motor so strength would not be too compromised.

[Malc]

Thats the lines I have been thinking along. I will probably bury the servos permently in the fuz during the build with long leads on them and allow the battery, motor and rx to slide out for charging. Will continue to scratch head and ponder over copious cups of coffee

[imp.bob]

Lovely looking model, a real "blast from the past"! I had a similar problem when I built a Bowden Satellite, which also has a round fuselage. I built a hatch structure to the same contour as the fuselage outside shape which just slotted into place. Very little extra weight and hardly noticeable ( if you make a good job of the hatch!!)Thats the lines I have been thinking along. I will probably bury the servos permently in the fuz during the build with long leads on them and allow the battery, motor and rx to slide out for charging. Will continue to scratch head and ponder over copious cups of coffee

[ifr2lax]

I have printed out several of... "the Plans Page" models...and the British Champ is one of them.

It is similar in appearance to the "Contest Seaplane"...I do not remember which date but a Plans Page model...oval fuselage. etc...I have started to build the Seaplane, have one half of the fuse and the floats...the Champ is too pretty to ignore.

The electric conversion would be worth a building thread if you can find the time to get out the digital camera and show us how you did it.

Pete

[Malc]

Yes I'll do that. Have already started keeping notes of verious ideas for construction as they drift through my ageing brain
Malc

[vintage1]

I am looking at converting the Robert Copland 'British Champ' ( May 2003 The Plans Page) to electric R/C. I have already converted the Earl Sthal 'Gipsy' and the Keil Kraft 'senator' both in their original size and twice size. Both are outstanding flyers when fitted with cheap bell motors and 1500mah 2s lipos. The British Champ offers a far greater challenge due to it's shape. i.e. part of the round fusalage will have to be made removable without affecting it's structual integrity. Anyone got any helpful ideas?
Malc


Take a look at my southerner 60 thread..that had a hatch in an elliptical fuselage. I ended up with a peg-in-hole and a home made spring loaded bolt