Nice one '54 I like the retracts setup.
What brand are those ones - that's much simpler and cleaner setup than what I built in my B-17..


Phil

Greeting Spit,

I marvel at the job you did insert planking the B-17's fuse. I'm all new to the world of planking, insert/planking, and sheeting. I was curious why you choose insert planking over the other two options? I'm trying to learn something here...


Also that West Wings Hawker Hart of yours make me cry it's so pretty.


Bill

Originally Posted by jofrost

Hi Spitfire ,

Glad to have you join in . Just change your title to read " Funbuild 5 - Guillows B17"

Thanks ,
-John

Originally Posted by Smokin' Beaver

Nice one '54 I like the retracts setup.
What brand are those ones - that's much simpler and cleaner setup than what I built in my B-17..


Phil

Hi Phil
The retracts are as follows:

Electric Retracts 18.8g from HobbyKing

Spec.
Working voltage: 4.8~6V
Speed: 0.55s/60deg 4.8v - 0.45s/60deg 6v
Travel: 90 degree
Dimensions: 54.8x32x21mm
Weight: 18.8g
Shaft size: 3mm

Mount Dimensions:
Mounting Plate Dimensions: 32mmx25mm
Hole Spacing: 17mmx25mm

Originally Posted by ediaz

Wonderful build! I appreciate your skill, patience and attention to detail. Like a good book I can't wait to get to the end and the maiden flight.

Question concerning the weight currently at 21oz. You said you weighed all the components...etc. Is that including batteries? Will you be using two in series or parrallel? I've seen other multi-motor builds where they split it up.

Thanks and good luck!
Evelys

Subscribed

Hi Evelys – I'm planning on using one battery – I have looked at other options, but decided on the single battery route – 21oz less weight of battery
Charles

Originally Posted by Bill Smudge

Greeting Spit,

I marvel at the job you did insert planking the B-17's fuse. I'm all new to the world of planking, insert/planking, and sheeting. I was curious why you choose insert planking over the other two options? I'm trying to learn something here...


Also that West Wings Hawker Hart of yours make me cry it's so pretty.


Bill

Hi Bill
I opted for the insert planking method as I think it adds strength to the finished job and also keeps the original profile, shape and size of the prototype and to be honest I enjoy that building method.
Charles

Hi Everyone – some updated images – spent hours sanding the fuselage which is almost there (the filler used is a lightweight two part which is very easy to sand), have the underside of the wings sheeted but not yet sanded, the ailerons are fabricated and the tail feathers fit ok – am almost ready to start the electrics in the wings so that the top surfaces can be sheeted. I was considering having the tail wheel as a castoring unit not connected to the rudder – anyone have thoughts on that?

Wow! I admire the patients it took to cut and fit all those insert pieces. That is very nice work. What does it weigh?
Mine flew ok at 20oz but was underpowered with the brushed IPS motors. It actually had the power but the pitch speed was too low and I was already using the lowest gear ratio. It flew at just above the stall speed and if turned too tight it would spin in.
You are using 10 gram motors?

Glenn

Hi Glenn – I am using 4 x 10g motors with 5x3 GWS props and 6A ESC's with a 5A switched BEC – I weighed the whole airframe plus electrics, engines, retracts etc. and it came out at 21oz, so I'm hoping to be under 27/28oz by the finish – perhaps less
Charles

That sounds like a good weight for the power system you selected. Those motors weigh 20 grams less than the IPS for a savings of 80 grams!
Humm, maybe I should remotor mine and give it another go.
Glenn

Moving right along and really looking great...

What's that 2 part lightweight filler your using? I have some light weight wall spackle to use on my Hellcat but I don't think it dries very firm.

Bill

Hi Glenn – that would good to see.
Hi Bill – it is manufactured by Ronseal in the UK – it's used for making repairs to wooden window frames etc. I guess you will have something similar.
Charles

Man that looks sharp !

About the tail wheel castoring, It may not work well. On my GB-17 I control the taiI wheel with the rudder servo . think it has saved me a couple of times at low speeds.

Thanks for posting your build.

Ken

Oh yeah, about the tail wheel.
I tried a castoring tail wheel, once. With no brakes to control direction it is nearly impossible to steer using rudder alone.
I've found it is much easier to steer with the tailwheel in a fixed position.

On my B-17 I linked the tail wheel to the rudder. The rudder pushrod is connected to the rudder horn and a short link from the horn to the tail wheel horn.

Glenn

Thanks for your comments – I will have to look at linking the tail wheel to the rudder, will keep you posted

About that tail wheel-unless this beast takes to the air quickly, a linked tailwheel is the way to go.
Might not be so twitchy when that pesky windsock blows every other direction except down the runway. Enjoying your build!

rc