Giant Scale "Stinson 108" ARF [Archive]

Flyboone

Nov 13, 2008, 09:53 AM

http://www.hobby-lobby.com/images/rcm4108.jpg (http://www.hobby-lobby.com/stinson.htm)

RCM4108B "Stinson 108" ARF, Blue & Cream
RCM4108R "Stinson 108" ARF, Red & Cream

108-1/2" wingspan, 81" long, 1680 sq. in. wing area, 19-1/2 lbs. flying weight. The Stinson is one of the most attractive civilian aircraft of the post WW2 period. It could carry 4 people and do it in style. Our version of this airplane is all built-up conventional wood construction from precision laser cut parts. Each model is expertly built by a single technician dedicated to producing an outstanding model. The covering is genuine Oracover, known world-wide for its superior performance. The colors are original factory stock paint schemes, either red over cream or blue over cream. In either case the epoxy glass cowl and wheel pants are painted to match the covering. The landing gear is a robust all-carbon fiber unit, suitable for years of use even under adverse conditions. The wings have scale rib spacing and internally driven flaps. Rudder is a pull-pull system and each elevator half is individually driven. Access to the interior of the fuselage is provided by a large hatch in the center of the wing. Designed for gas motors of 26cc or larger, we built ours with a large AXI 5345 Outrunner brushless motor. Either choice provides you a model with excellent performance. With a 10 cell 6000 mAh battery our flight times are 10-12 minutes with reserve. The big Stinson's handling both on the ground and in the air is a total joy, very easy to fly and responsive. For those who want a big elegant airplane that will bring a smile to your face each time you fly, the Stinson is your choice. For 6-channel radio (minimum): Ailerons (2 servos), Flaps (2 servos), Elevator (2 servos), Rudder and Throttle.

For more information and to watch the video click HERE (http://www.hobby-lobby.com/stinson.htm)

Use this thread to discuss any and all things related to Giant Scale "Stinson 108" ARF

ACooper

Nov 13, 2008, 09:56 PM

I saw this plane at the NEAT Fair. A beautiful aircraft. The quality of the plane is top notch! Quite impressive indeed. I must say though that the price tag is a bit of a shock :eek:

Tim Green

Dec 21, 2008, 08:41 AM

dee-grose

Dec 21, 2008, 09:32 AM

But the Hobby-Lobby website has only a few pics, and small ones at that, which prevent me from pressing the "buy" button - because they simply don't answer enough questions, for sucy a pricey model. Questions about the quality of the ARF, cannot be addressed with a couple of small pics.

I saw that Stinson at SEFF 2008 and was really impressed. One of the best-looking giant-scale RC plane I've ever laid eyes on. Here's a few pictures I snapped of it.

Andy

Tim Green

Dec 21, 2008, 12:00 PM

Yeah - it does look good. I've been holding off because of the exposed elevator servos, and the way the tail boot is quite visible where it overlaps the top of the fuse. The rest of it has my heart though, and I'll likely end up ordering one.

B Rocka

Jan 18, 2009, 02:51 AM

We had one of these in the shop for a while (East R/C), and my pops ended up giving it to me for Christmas/Birthday since he knew how in love with it I was. So I've just been trying to make room to start building her. I'm just wondering what engine I should put on there. I'm definitely not going electric on this one. I was hoping to use a Saito Golden Knight 300 Twin, but I think it's just a tad too big for the cowl. Maybe a DL-50, SPE-43 or Zenoah 45....I dunno. Anyone flying these yet??

steve2972

Jan 22, 2009, 08:12 AM

fsheplavy

Jan 26, 2009, 11:04 PM

Hi B Rocka,
I`ve got one of these Artf`s (green models),got it cheap from eurolight in Germany.I think that was the last one available in Europe! The left wing is pretty bust up as it was a shop soiled model.You got any instructions with yours,ie CG etc?

Steve

CG 125MM from leading edge. Only instructions are a video w/o any sound track and showing very little detail. It is mostly a final assembly video.
Fred

steve2972

Jan 28, 2009, 10:55 AM

Thanks Fred,
Have you also got one of these kits?

Steve

fsheplavy

Jan 28, 2009, 12:40 PM

Thanks Fred,
Have you also got one of these kits?

Steve
Yes, I received it last week. The construction and workmanship is excellent. That said though the lack of instructions make assembly very time consuming. For instance all the pushrods are completely made up and assempled including locknuts and lock springs to keep the link from opening. Unfortunately, all three sets will fit the flap installation. Of course, after a great deal of fooling around to make the one I thought was the correct one work, while installing the aileron servo, I found that the only one that would work was the one I had chosen for the flaps. I then installed a different pushrod for the flaps but after a couple of hours of working on the setup, I couln't get what I considered a proper installation. Finally the third pushrod was tried and proved to work properly. The flap setup is critical as the design is such that the point at which the flap is in the full up position is almost at the point where the flap is prevented from moving further by the wing trailing edge which would cause the servo to remain under load. Also, flap assembly is quite mysterious untill you notice the tiny pilot holes drilled into the wing and flap to mark the screw locations for the flap hinges. Then to find out installation configuration for the hinges, you have to watch the video to find a scene that contains the flaps, then pause the video to examine the orientation of the hinges. So far I have about 6 hours in the assembly and have only the left wing completed. I expect the right wing should take about two hours.
I emailed Hobby Lobby for control throws and received the following:
Fred,
Here are the throws and transmitter setup.

Ailerons up 1" down 5/8" - Flaps at 15 and 30 degrees - Elevator about 3/4" both ways - Rudder 1-1/4" on high rates.

Is there anything else we can help you with today?

Thanks,

Jay Burkart
Hobby-Lobby
http://www.hobby-lobby.com/support

skypan12

Jan 28, 2009, 05:06 PM

This is such a beautiful ship, I keep going back to look at it. I really want to make it an electric version as I have a few gas and really think this ship would be a nice set up as electric.

I am trying to find out more on it as that is one heavy price on it.

steve2972

Jan 29, 2009, 05:29 AM

Thanks for the info Fred,very helpful.
Have you got a link for the video or did you receive a cdr?

How about doing a build thread on this kit?

Thanks again,

Steve

fsheplavy

Jan 29, 2009, 11:58 AM

Thanks for the info Fred,very helpful.
Have you got a link for the video or did you receive a cdr?

How about doing a build thread on this kit?

Thanks again,

Steve

cdr came with the kit.
I will post info as I build to this forum.
Push rod identification is:
"Z" bend rod - Flaps
Long 3 mm rod Ailerons
Short 3 mm rod Elevators

I won't use the rear mounted elevator servo locations. Will just cover over them. I will install the servo inside. Photos after I get it done.

The kit is very complete but does require the puchase of a spinner and you must supply your own fuel tank. Included in the kit is some scrap covering material for repairs.

More as I go.

Fred

skypan12

Jan 29, 2009, 12:24 PM

This is great Thanks Fred, my kit should be here in a few days cant wait to get going on it.

skypan12

Jan 29, 2009, 11:00 PM

fsheplavy

Jan 30, 2009, 12:19 AM

Anyone know of a good lighting kit to put on this ship? it has to have some lights on it.

I have never done lights so don't really know which ones would be good fit for this project, any suggestions?

I've used the EDR system http://electrodynam.com/rc/EDR-117/index.shtml on my quarter scale Super Cub successfully. However I'm not sure how you would be able to install it in a covered airframe.
Fred

skypan12

Jan 30, 2009, 01:07 AM

I was thinking for the wingtip to drill small hole and run/push a small dia sharpened carbon rod with the wire taped to it and it should get through the wing ribs to where I can attach to the servo wire for the ail to run rest of the way.

Surgery for the head light in the one wing may be required and a clear plastic over it as a lens.

just a thought.

steve2972

Jan 30, 2009, 04:31 AM

Thanks Fed,much appreciated.
I didn`t receive a disc with my kit.Like I said I got a "part damaged Kit" from Eurolight in Germany,the only place I could find one.Too epensive to ship from Hobby Lobby to the Uk.Mind you I did get it cheap and the damaged wing should be repairable ok.

I`ll be going electric with same set-up as Hobby Lobby

Steve

skypan12

Jan 30, 2009, 11:08 AM

The electric setup I am going with is a Hacker A60 18L CC HV110 esc running on 12S 5000 Lipo (cause I have them ) I have some 6s 5000 I can put together to make the 12S, and a Xoar 22 X 10 electric prop.

This may be a little much but I can always throttle back and would rather have a little extra power anyway.

I have some 2S 4250 lipos that I can use for the rec batt and the lights.

fsheplavy

Jan 30, 2009, 08:58 PM

I've completed the wings and would like to share what I found. Aileron and aileron servo installation is very straightforward. The flaps on the other hand presented some problems. First the travel required to obtain the specified flap deployment is very short. To get a reasonable servo throw I located the pushrod connection to the servo arm 15 mm from the servo output shaft center. This neccessitaited mounting the servo 1/2" below the servo cover to maintain a sraight run for the pushrod to the flap. Even after that I am using only 25% of the servo travel. The flap hinging is very touchy. The best way I found is to mount the hinges to the wing at the positions indicated by the pilot holes. then lay the wing on its upper surface. Shim up the leading edge till the surface at the trailing edge is flat on the table. Install the push rod attachment pin into the flap. Carefully put the flap in position so the outboard edge is aligned with the aileron cutout edge. Push the flap toward the wing trailing edge till it just makes contact. Put one screw in the inboard hinge and one in the outboard hinge. At this point, lift the wing from the table keeping the lower surface up. Lay a straight edge on the wing. There should be a slight to no more than 1/16" gap between the straight edge and theflap trailing edge. This is important, if the trailing edge touches the straight edge, this may stall the servo before the flap reaches the full up position. Do any ajustment neccessary to get the gap then put in the remaiming screws. Don't forget to remove the screws and put a drop of CA into the screw holes and reinstall the screws.
When I checked out the fuse, I found that I could not get the engine mounting box loose from the fuselage. It turned out that the epoxy used for the construction must have been a bit sticky when they slid the box into the fuse for shipping. Fortunately, I was able wedge a pallette knife into the joints to cut box loose.
Next, I'll be working on installing the elevator servo inside the fuselage.
Later
Fred

skypan12

Jan 30, 2009, 09:11 PM

This is great Fred is there any chance of some pictures ? I will be following this very closely as mine should be here in a few weeks.

Jeff

B Rocka

Feb 03, 2009, 08:58 PM

Hi B Rocka,
I`ve got one of these Artf`s ........
Steve

Hi Steve, Sorry I never got back with you, I didn't realize this thread had any action since I posted last. But I see Fred has helped.

I still have yet to start on mine, but the new shop should be ready any day now, and I'll actually have space to work on it.

But so no one knows what would be the best gas engine for this bird?

fsheplavy

Feb 03, 2009, 11:36 PM

This is great Fred is there any chance of some pictures ? I will be following this very closely as mine should be here in a few weeks.

Jeff

Just a couple of photos so far. One shows the flap servo and the other shows the gap between a straight edge held on the flat portion of the wing and the trailing edge of the flap with the linkage disconnected. This is to prevent stalling the flap servo.
Now working on the elevator servo installation replacing the OEM method. My two servos will be completely inside the fuse. It wont be exactly what I would like, but the location of the horizontal stab up on the vertical stab complicates things. Photos will follow.
Fred

skypan12

Feb 04, 2009, 12:07 AM

fsheplavy

Feb 04, 2009, 12:39 AM

Thanks Fred, Photos really help on something like this, look forward to the elevator servo installation photos.

I did get my light set up ordered up so I am getting things in order here, I like to have all the components when I start a project.

Steve,
One note, the servo arm on the flap servo is trimmed in length so it doesn't hit the upper wing surface. The pushrod is attached 15 mm from the servo output shaft center and the excess arm removed.
Fred

steve2972

Feb 04, 2009, 04:37 AM

Hi Steve, Sorry I never got back with you, I didn't realize this thread had any action since I posted last. But I see Fred has helped.

I still have yet to start on mine, but the new shop should be ready any day now, and I'll actually have space to work on it.

But so no one knows what would be the best gas engine for this bird?

No Probs B rocka.
I`m going electric with the Stinson,but for gas I would say a 50cc would haul her around nice.In Europe a Zenoah 80 twin has also been used,but I think this is alittle over kill.

I`m watching how Fred gets on with the build before I attempt mine as I didn`t even get the cdr construction movie!

Steve

Steve

fsheplavy

Feb 13, 2009, 11:12 PM

I've been working diligently on the elevator servo instalation. Unfortunatly, the ideas didn't pan out. As of now, I an working on putting the servo in the horizontal stab in much the same way the aileron servos are installed in the wing. The major problem being that the area where the servo will be placed has a curved surface so the servo must be mounted to the under side of stab upper surface and yet be removable for servicing. Soon as I figure this out I'll post the results.
Fred

steve2972

Feb 16, 2009, 03:00 AM

Hi Fred,
I`m having real problems trying to get the assembly instruction cd rom.
Would there be any chance that you could maybe burn me a copy and post to me.I would of course refund costs/postage plus a drink for you ;)

Seems like Green Models (the manufacture) don`t want to know :(

If this is not possible any other help or suggestions would be welcome.

ta

Steve

skypan12

Feb 16, 2009, 09:52 AM

Steve,

If Fred isn't able to help you out I just received my kit last week and I do have the DVD that came with my kit, I can burn you a copy and send it to you if you would like also, it is a little vague but non the less is something rather than nothing.

PM me we can work out the details if you would like.

Jeff

steve2972

Feb 20, 2009, 05:38 AM

Here`s a link to the Eurolight vid of the Stinson 108-80cc Boxer twin!

http://media.rc-network.de/showphoto.php/photo/3382

skypan12

Feb 20, 2009, 09:07 AM

Nice Video, I am going to start installing the lights in the wing next week on mine.

I have to figure out a way to put the landing lights in though, I think I have have some med wight plastic film I can use for a lens on the leading edge for a lens.

fsheplavy

Mar 02, 2009, 12:54 AM

Photos of my elevator servo installation.
Fred

fsheplavy

Mar 02, 2009, 01:24 AM

Whoops, forgot one photo.

skypan12

Mar 02, 2009, 08:04 AM

Some great photos there on the that conversion for the elv servo, I was thinking of how to do that but seeing the pics it does not look that bad.

What covering is on this plane ? may need to get some after doing this and the lights on my wing.

I am running way behind on my build I have had other commitments getting in the way.

Warning! be very carful of the plastic landing gear covers, they are very fragile, I had very carefully unwrapped the gear and set it back on top of the box so I would not hit it with any thing and wouldn't you know I bumped the box and knocked it off and when it hit the garage floor both plastic gear covers shattered like glass.

I had to order a new gear completely as they dont sell just the covers, that was a 68.00 mistake and some expensive covers.

HL was great about getting me the new one, they didnt have any and had a new set in the R&D dept so they sent me those. I have them now and have the foam back on them till I use them.

steve2972

Mar 02, 2009, 10:31 AM

Hi Jeff,
The covering used is Standard Oracover (called Pro-Film in the uk) and for the cream colour,its the Standard Solid Cream as I ordered a roll to repair my damaged wing,perfect match.For the blue,I would think its the Standard Dark Blue

Steve

skypan12

Mar 02, 2009, 11:26 AM

Steve
where do you think would be good place to order it in the US ? or would you like to sell some or yours, :) need the cream.

B Rocka

Mar 02, 2009, 01:07 PM

Oracover is supposed to be the same as Ultra-Cote. It's Oracote that is the cheap china-film. So HANU878 "Cream" Ultra-Cote should be the ticket.

skypan12

Mar 02, 2009, 01:26 PM

Great Thanks for the help

Jeff

fsheplavy

Mar 02, 2009, 02:47 PM

Steve
where do you think would be good place to order it in the US ? or would you like to sell some or yours, :) need the cream.

Jeff,
Ultracote is available from Horizon Hobby if your LHS doesn't have it. When you unroll it, on the back is printed "Oracover". I have a roll of both the cream and red and they are a perfect match.
Fred

steve2972

Mar 04, 2009, 10:11 AM

Looking good Fred!

Jeff,hope you sourced the covering ok?

Steve

skypan12

Mar 04, 2009, 10:59 AM

Yup my LHS was able to help me out. I am going to do the servos in the stab and just want to make sure I have covering to put back on it and when I do my light installation.

fsheplavy

Mar 07, 2009, 10:20 PM

I finally finished with the tail feathers Photos show the results.
Fred

skypan12

Mar 08, 2009, 04:29 AM

Very nice and clean, Great Job!

Tim Green

Mar 08, 2009, 09:21 AM

I finally finished with the tail feathers Photos show the results.
Fred

Nice work on that fairing - looks good.

Given any thought as to whether or not one could make the tail and fairing installation permanent?

fsheplavy

Mar 08, 2009, 11:20 AM

Nice work on that fairing - looks good.

Given any thought as to whether or not one could make the tail and fairing installation permanent?

Yes, the tail and fairing could be a permanent installation, but since the stab is held in place with screws, I opted to make the fairing removable just in case of problems. Also, I have decided that I didn't like the appearance of the pan head screws and am in the proccess of replacing them with flat head screws painted to match the fairing.
Fred

Scott Morgan

Apr 14, 2009, 06:08 PM

Yea, The fairing instillation looks really good. When you paint the heads to match the covering, it will be the cats meow. I want one of these 108's real bad, but HL is going to have to put them on sale before I can afford one.

fsheplavy

May 04, 2009, 10:24 PM

Well the weather and my health finally got together and I got the first two test flights in today. All in all, it flies as good as it looks. I'm going to love this plane.
Fred

Tim Green

May 05, 2009, 06:11 PM

Well the weather and my health finally got together and I got the first two test flights in today. All in all, it flies as good as it looks. I'm going to love this plane.
Fred

Way to go Fred. Glad to hear it.

Borabora22

Nov 03, 2009, 06:39 PM

I know this thread is old but I was hoping someone would tell me what the field set up process is? Any flight reports?

fsheplavy

Nov 04, 2009, 12:21 AM

I know this thread is old but I was hoping someone would tell me what the field set up process is? Any flight reports?

1. Install the wings
2. Slid the wing strut stud through the landing gear
3. Snug the retaining nut onto the strut stud
4. Install and tighten the strut to wing screws
5. Tighten the strut stud nut

Go flying

The plane is quite honest in its flight characteristics. The only caution is with landing. The plane is a bit slow to react to elevator when you want to flare out. Also the plane is a bit bouncy on landing.

Good luck.
Fred

Hiflyer

Nov 06, 2009, 10:15 AM

fsheplavy

I'm really glad that you are enjoying the big Stinson, it is one of my favorite flyers.

I like all of the work that you did on your Stinson, very nice job.

In your last post you mentioned slow elevator response at landing speed and the tendency to bounce on landing. Both of these traits are indicative of a slightly nose heavy condition. When nose heavy the elevator response at low speed will degrade and the result will be a too hard gear hit. You might try moving the CG slightly aft in small incriments and see if you improve your results.

I have been flying the plane for about 2 years now and I have certainly bounced my share of landings, but as you can see in the HL video the plane can be easily flared to a smooth landing.

Again, really love what you did with yours and hope that you continue to enjoy the model.

All the best,

Mike Hines

fsheplavy

Nov 16, 2009, 11:25 PM

fsheplavy

You might try moving the CG slightly aft in small incriments and see if you improve your results.
Hines

If you get a chance, I'd appreciate if you could check your CG and let me know the location
Thanks
Fred

Borabora22

Nov 20, 2009, 09:29 PM

fsheplavy

Nov 21, 2009, 10:45 AM

fsheplavy,

I just purchased one of these and am having one devil of a time getting the engine box out. How did you manage it? I thought about leaving it in and adding another box and or stand off but that seems to be kinda of defeating the purpose. I am wondering if it is that hard to get out will I ever get it in again before the glue sets Thanks

I used a palette knife to slide in between the box and the fuse structure. Just slip it in and work it around and eventually the box should loosen. After that a little sanding will loosen the fit and allow easy assembly.
Fred