Toronto Electric Model Aviation Club Forum

Toronto Electric Model Aviation Club (TEMAC) => Building / Construction => Topic started by: bweaver on December 30, 2017, 12:28:43 PM

Title: PT 19 Build (Pilot Kit)
Post by: bweaver on December 30, 2017, 12:28:43 PM
All the TEMAC balsa construction posts that are going on have got my creative juices flowing.

This post will follow the steps that I must take to build this kit.

Photo 1 Clean the workbench off and find the project

Photo 2 Found the project

Photo 3 Make sure it is the right project

Photo 4 and 5 Make sure all the parts are there and identify the kit's inspection certificate so you know who to blame when you can't find a part

Photo 6 Get prepared to lay out plans on work bench surface and to protect them from messy over-glue. I use waxed paper.

Photo 7 Determine what part of the plane to build first - I'm going to start with the fuselage.  Review and consider plan instructions. (Unlike Frank, I will likely follow them.)

Photo 8 and 9  Find parts necessary to start construction of the fuselage. Gently remove parts and get ready to build.

Wish I had Michael's, Rob D, Rob P, and other club members construction abilities.  (Especially Rob D's because I would be finished by now.)  Time for a nap.
Title: Re: PT 19 Build (Pilot Kit)
Post by: octagon on December 30, 2017, 02:42:53 PM
Looks good Bruce. If you want to bring the parts for the wing over I'll build it  tonight for you (no Leaf game tonight).
Title: Re: PT 19 Build (Pilot Kit)
Post by: Frank v B on December 31, 2017, 10:33:33 AM
Bruce,

re: instructions "(Unlike Frank, I will likely follow them.)",

I don't follow instructions because I am a man.  Men can neither read nor follow instructions. 
What's wrong with you Bruce. ;)

Frank


Title: Re: PT 19 Build (Pilot Kit)
Post by: bweaver on December 31, 2017, 11:01:21 AM
Ah, what a nice nap. 

Rob, Thanks for the offer to build the wing for me last night but I think I will make this project all by myself.  (maybe a mistake, but...)

Started the fuselage build by putting together the fuselage side plywood formers, the plywood bulkheads and balsa wood formers and one stinger on the top of the fuselage.

I have to say the quality of this kit is just amazing.  After taking the time to protect the plans from glue, (I originally thought I would have to build the fuselage directly over the plans, like I have in the past with other kits) I realized the fuselage in this kit isn't built over the plans.  All the ply and balsa pieces are so good and match up perfectly together, that they build a straight fuselage without a warp or twist while not having to build over the plans.

Quote from: Frank v B on December 31, 2017, 10:33:33 AM
Bruce,

re: instructions "(Unlike Frank, I will likely follow them.)",

I don't follow instructions because I am a man.  Men can neither read nor follow instructions. 
What's wrong with you Bruce. ;)

Frank




Frank, I must disagree with your comment. 

Some men can and do read. Obviously you can read a little, but have trouble comprehending what you read. I have to clarify for your sake what I said. "I will likely follow them".  That doesn't mean I have to follow them. In this case I did, because I think so far I haven't made any mistakes. All the parts appear to be in the right places. (Refer to photos)
Title: Re: PT 19 Build (Pilot Kit)
Post by: the giant on December 31, 2017, 01:25:39 PM
I am so glad to see that builders are alive and well.  Nice work so far on the '19.
Title: Re: PT 19 Build (Pilot Kit)
Post by: Frank v B on December 31, 2017, 05:23:53 PM
Bruce:

re: "I think so far I haven't made any mistakes."

You have kids, you have crashed airplanes (two biplanes at least), and you consider me a friend.  Huge mistake(s). ;D

Frank
Title: Re: PT 19 Build (Pilot Kit)
Post by: Wingnutz on December 31, 2017, 06:26:40 PM
Glad to see models being built in the usual serious, respectful, no kidding TEMAC manner.  Perhaps this thread will turn out as entertaining as the Snowballs vs Frank banter posts...the thread is definitely showing promise ;)
Nice work Bruce!
Title: Re: PT 19 Build (Pilot Kit)
Post by: bweaver on January 01, 2018, 03:38:30 PM
Thanks Bill,

So nice to hear from you.  All the best to you and your family in the New Year.  Hope to see you out with us for some flying this year.
Title: Re: PT 19 Build (Pilot Kit)
Post by: bweaver on January 07, 2018, 02:36:49 PM
Now that my crankiness is gone, I have got back to building.

For the benefit of all, I am no longer going to pick on anyone...

But Frank and Andy... please note that in today's agricultural industry/scene, a manure cart is no longer the term or type of equipment used, unless used for dispensing only small quantities. (What the heck is Bruce talking about?)

I have finished the structure of the fuselages now, so as Frank would say, "The dust devil will strike tomorrow.  Sanding, sanding and more sanding."

Next construction steps will involve the tail surfaces.

Has anybody worked with this kink of cowling material?  Appears to be white plastic.  No instructions in the kit on how to glue or fuse it together.

Title: Re: PT 19 Build (Pilot Kit)
Post by: Frank v B on January 07, 2018, 02:44:54 PM
Bruce,

Michael's Kobra has a white plastic turtle deck.  Visible in his Jan 5 post showing the fuselage.  Maybe he has crossed that bridge already.

Frank
Title: Re: PT 19 Build (Pilot Kit)
Post by: bweaver on January 13, 2018, 11:00:28 AM
Had the Shop vac, Dremel, Dura Grit files, shaping wheel, grinder, home made sanding blocks, etc. out to take on the task of shaping the fuselage.  As you can see in the photo below I have got this part of project started. 

NOTE : To those who take on this type of task in a finished part of your home (not within an enclosed work room/shop) I would recommend you have a caring partner who can appreciate that before the project is done there is going to be a bit of debris about.  In order to reduce this problem, I have my shop vac running with the hose placed in the vicinity of where I am shaping/sanding/grinding/etc.  This practice reduces the dust considerably and also lets me continue to build in the house.

I have to go out and buy some dowel for shaping/sanding the final shape of the wing and stabilizer fairings.

Also note that the tail section is just sitting on the fuselage for photo purposes.  These pieces have to be shaped and the hinges have to be installed. The horizontal stab and elevators will also have to be covered before permanently attaching to the fuselage.

Next steps - further shaping and starting the wing construction.
Title: Re: PT 19 Build (Pilot Kit)
Post by: bweaver on January 15, 2018, 03:00:13 PM
The 1st picture in this post illustrates that the wing construction is underway.

The 2nd picture in this post is for Frank's benefit.  Frank, it is 2018.  Catch up with the times.  Pins still, really? 

The 3rd picture also illustrates that there are various other techniques and aids that could be used to hold parts together while the glue cures.
Title: Re: PT 19 Build (Pilot Kit)
Post by: Andy Hoffer on January 15, 2018, 03:21:24 PM
Quote from: bweaver on January 13, 2018, 11:00:28 AM
Had the Shop vac, Dremel, Dura Grit files, shaping wheel, grinder, home made sanding blocks, etc. out to take on the task of shaping the fuselage.  As you can see in the photo below I have got this part of project started. 

NOTE : To those who take on this type of task in a finished part of your home (not within an enclosed work room/shop) I would recommend you have a caring partner who can appreciate that before the project is done there is going to be a bit of debris about.  In order to reduce this problem, I have my shop vac running with the hose placed in the vicinity of where I am shaping/sanding/grinding/etc.  This practice reduces the dust considerably and also lets me continue to build in the house.

I have to go out and buy some dowel for shaping/sanding the final shape of the wing and stabilizer fairings.

Also note that the tail section is just sitting on the fuselage for photo purposes.  These pieces have to be shaped and the hinges have to be installed. The horizontal stab and elevators will also have to be covered before permanently attaching to the fuselage.

Next steps - further shaping and starting the wing construction.

How about enclosing your immediate work area with a 6-mil polyethylene vapour barrier curtain taped to the ceiling and weighted down to the floor.  And you could really impress Kate by exhausting your shop vac (assuming it has a good HEPA filter on the air exhaust) to the rest of the house, thereby creating a negative pressure in the work area so dust won't escape to the rest of the living area.   She would be in awe!!   8)

Handy Andy
Title: Re: PT 19 Build (Pilot Kit)
Post by: bweaver on January 15, 2018, 03:50:42 PM
Andy, I will ignore that.  By the way, Kate is already in awe!!! I don't need to impress her and you don't need to go and tell her about how I can improve the cleanliness in my work-space either.

Frank, further to my comment about pins above (at least use 'manly pins'.)  :-*


The photo was added for Franks benefit.  As 'someone' has said, a picture is worth a thousand words.  (Especially for Frank)
Title: Re: PT 19 Build (Pilot Kit)
Post by: Andy Hoffer on January 15, 2018, 03:56:55 PM
I think Bruce is upset because Kate took him to task for all the balsa dust in the fine table cloth in the background of the photo in his last post!   8)

Andy
Title: Re: PT 19 Build (Pilot Kit)
Post by: Frank v B on January 15, 2018, 10:04:59 PM
Bruce  re: "further to my comment about pins above (at least use 'manly pins'.)  :-*"

The only reason you use "T" pins is so you know which way is up. "T" for "Top".  You kept puncturing your fingers when you used regular pins for regular people. ;D

Andy re: "I think Bruce is upset because Kate took him to task for all the balsa dust in the fine table cloth "
Be very careful drawing Kate into any issue.  If you think she would punish Bruce getting dust on the table then you obviously don't know her.  Her punishment for Bruce causing dust is likely to be that he had to spend two extra hours down in the basement building model airplanes for his own safety.... so she could cool down and not kill him. ;).

Frank
Title: Re: PT 19 Build (Pilot Kit)
Post by: bweaver on January 16, 2018, 08:22:38 PM
Whats up .....?
Title: Re: PT 19 Build (Pilot Kit)
Post by: bweaver on January 16, 2018, 11:29:46 PM
Simplifying the last post. (Refer to photo.)   As one person we all know might understand, a picture is worth a thousand words.  In this case only one.  It is a noun.

What's up ..-. .-. .- -. -.- ?   ???

If you guess correctly and can make it out to next Wednesday's build class, you have won a warwing kit! The first correct answer is the winner.
Title: Re: PT 19 Build (Pilot Kit)
Post by: sihinch on January 17, 2018, 11:00:22 AM
Frank?
Title: Re: PT 19 Build (Pilot Kit)
Post by: bweaver on January 17, 2018, 11:25:50 AM
 :o
Simon, you have won.

Now here is a choice for you; one of the warwings you ordered is free if you want, or you can have another one for free.  What is your choice, knowing that if you take one of your ordered warwings, I will still offer another one up for free, based upon another quiz?
Title: Re: PT 19 Build (Pilot Kit)
Post by: sihinch on January 17, 2018, 11:52:03 AM
Please offer the free one as a prize for another.

I'll keep my 2 paid for Warwings pls.
Title: Re: PT 19 Build (Pilot Kit)
Post by: bweaver on January 17, 2018, 12:17:06 PM
Simon, "NO", you one fair and square. 

I will be introducing on the forum a new topic for the next Warwing Prize.   Details to come.
Title: Re: PT 19 Build (Pilot Kit)
Post by: Frank v B on January 17, 2018, 09:15:20 PM
re: "for the next Warwing Prize.   Details to come."

Oh, no.  The Foam Gnome is at it again.

Frank
Title: Re: PT 19 Build (Pilot Kit)
Post by: bweaver on January 18, 2018, 11:03:25 AM
Frank, the "FOAM GNOME" is the nicest thing you have called me in a long time.  Now I know you care. 

Regarding the : "for the next Warwing Prize.   Details to come." Continue to watch the Forum for a new topic called "Win A Warwing Kit Quiz" The new quiz will allow every TEMAC Member to be eligible to participate during hours when most people will not be at work.

I know why Frank wants me to bring out my PT 19 Wednesday and I don't care...  In order to minimize the anticipated negative comments about my building skills or lack there of, I will only be bringing out the PT 19 fuselage to next the Wednesday build session. 

I am not willing to share the quality of my wing construction at this time. I think it will be better for TEMAC members to appreciate the wing once it is covered and attached to fuselage, and in the air, while applying Frank's 50/50 rule.

Doing things this way hopefully will encourage other members to not be afraid to build their own model aircraft.  They will find it relatively easy to construct their aircraft to a standard they can be proud of (which is what counts) and that can easily exceed mine.

I have broad shoulders.  I can take it  :'(
Title: Re: PT 19 Build (Pilot Kit)
Post by: bweaver on January 19, 2018, 01:04:08 PM
Thanks Frank for the clarification on what I did wrong with my wing construction. Your Corsair build latest post at http://temac.ca/smf/index.php/topic,6459.msg42038.html#msg42038

Photo 26-  Right side (starboard) of the wing Slowly pulling everything together. None of the ribs have been glued on the main spar yet.  Started out with gluing the leading and trailing edge against the two outer ribs of each section then once the 5 minute epoxy dried, glued the rest of the ribs to the leading edge, let that dry, then the trailing edge let that dry and then do it over again on the second half.

Back to my old rule of thumb "build one half of the wings and then make exactly the same mistakes on the second half (chord, span, etc.) and it will fly fine."



I will follow your rule precisely for my next build, where a wing is constructed not directly over/on the plans.  As noted earlier, I will cover my errors with this wing and also use your other rule.


Title: Re: PT 19 Build (Pilot Kit)
Post by: bweaver on March 13, 2018, 05:07:31 PM
I have to get back at my PT 19 construction project.  The club's Mayden Fest will soon be here and if I don't get going, I won't have the PT 19 ready to go... (May 5th)

The impressive construction results of Rob's @octagon  Beech 18, @Michael 's Gee Bee and Sig Cobra, Glenn's @electroflyer Mosquito and @Frank v B  's non stop construction and reconstruction of various aircraft posted on the Forum have put my winter construction activities to shame. (Although I have been out winter flying where many have not.)

Getting back to the PT 19 project - Before Kate and I traveled south for our mid-winter break, I visited Pinnacle Hobby and purchased a new Eflite 25 brushless 870 Kv motor that will provide more than enough power for the PT 19 to become airborne and do all the stuff I want it to do. 

I have continued working on the wing.  I have installed a single servo control set-up recommended in the kit for the aileron functionality. 

I have also temporarily positioned the main landing gear for the photo.  The landing gear will be permanently installed after the wing has been covered.

Next I will be converting the present motor mount arrangement into a new firewall for the brushless motor.  In my next post I will provide details of the steps taken to accomplish this modification.
Title: Re: PT 19 Build (Pilot Kit)
Post by: bweaver on March 13, 2018, 08:52:35 PM
1 - Lay out plans for overlaying of brushless motor to determine its correct location and ensure prop is in the correct location for clearing the cowling.

2 - Determine the new firewall location and draw it on the plan.

3 - Identify that portion of the existing mounting elements that will remain to support the new firewall.  This will determine the existing materials that have to be cut away.

4 - Cut away as necessary.

5 - Check for correct cut and firewall alignment.

6 - Make new firewall and secure with epoxy.

OH Forgot - If you are @Frank v B  Take step 7 - This involves not doing anymore.  For that matter go to bed to allow epoxy enough time overnight for it to cure.
Title: Re: PT 19 Build (Pilot Kit)
Post by: Andy Hoffer on March 15, 2018, 07:59:39 AM
Quote from: bweaver on March 13, 2018, 05:07:31 PM
I have to get back at my PT 19 construction project.  The club's Mayden Fest will soon be here and if I don't get going, I won't have the PT 19 ready to go... (May 5th)

The impressive construction results of Rob's @octagon  Beech 18, @Michael 's Gee Bee and Sig Cobra, Glenn's @electroflyer Mosquito and @Frank v B  's non stop construction and reconstruction of various aircraft posted on the Forum have put my winter construction activities to shame. (Although I have been out winter flying where many have not.)

Getting back to the PT 19 project - Before Kate and I traveled south for our mid-winter break, I visited Pinnacle Hobby and purchased a new Eflite 25 brushless 870 Kv motor that will provide more than enough power for the PT 19 to become airborne and do all the stuff I want it to do. 

I have continued working on the wing.  I have installed a single servo control set-up recommended in the kit for the aileron functionality. 

I have also temporarily positioned the main landing gear for the photo.  The landing gear will be permanently installed after the wing has been covered.

Next I will be converting the present motor mount arrangement into a new firewall for the brushless motor.  In my next post I will provide details of the steps taken to accomplish this modification.

Hey @bweaver ,

Has Kate noticed the missing plumbing that you cannibalized from your house?!!  8)

Andy
Title: Re: PT 19 Build (Pilot Kit)
Post by: bweaver on March 17, 2018, 12:10:00 PM
RE:

Hey @bweaver ,

Has Kate noticed the missing plumbing that you cannibalized from your house?!!  8)

Andy


Hey @Andy Hoffer

As @Frank v B would say - "Andy, Andy, Andy.  You don't no Kate.  Kate appreciates all her household plumbing remaining in tact.   Kate also appreciates Bruce's organizational skills using plumbing fixtures.  They keep his airplanes off the ground in the house and organized in the car." 

Further Andy, I don't utilize used plumbing fixtures.  I use nothing but brand new stock, dry fit, so that the storage arrangement can be readily adjusted with ease to suit the ever changing needs of my hobby components.
Title: Re: PT 19 Build (Pilot Kit)
Post by: Andy Hoffer on March 17, 2018, 01:28:26 PM
Quote from: bweaver on March 17, 2018, 12:10:00 PM
RE:

Hey @bweaver ,

Has Kate noticed the missing plumbing that you cannibalized from your house?!!  8)

Andy


Hey @Andy Hoffer

As @Frank v B would say - "Andy, Andy, Andy.  You don't no Kate.  Kate appreciates all her household plumbing remaining in tact.   Kate also appreciates Bruce's organizational skills using plumbing fixtures.  They keep his airplanes off the ground in the house and organized in the car." 

Further Andy, I don't utilize used plumbing fixtures.  I use nothing but brand new stock, dry fit, so that the storage arrangement can be readily adjusted with ease to suit the ever changing needs of my hobby components.

One cannot help but be in awe of our incredible CFI, @bweaver .  I am certain @Frank v B would agree that we are truly blessed.  8)

Humbly yours,

Andy
Title: Re: PT 19 Build (Pilot Kit)
Post by: bweaver on March 22, 2018, 09:40:50 PM
Well moving right along...  Have you ever seen a snail race?

I am a great one for procrastinating.  Hinging (cutting out and installing hinges) is not one of my favorite activities, so I delay, delay and delay... until @octagon tells me to try his hinge slotting machine from Great Planes. 

Well was I impressed. In no time, I was able to slot the ailerons, the wing for the ailerons, the elevator, the rudder and the stabs.   I need to get me one of those machines. (Refer to photos below.)

Before you post a cranky response,  'No' @Frank v B, the hinges haven't be glued in yet.  Only one half of them have been.  The ailerons, rudder and elevator will bevinstalled permanently after all the parts have been covered.  I find it easier that way.

Unfortunately, now I have to make my own set of Salt and Pepper shakers for attaching and reinforcing the vertical stabilizer to the rear of the fuselage. At least I know who blame for the missing parts in the kit.   I think the individual responsible is Inspector 30233.  (Refer to photo #4 of December 30th entry.)  Now I am going to ask @Andy Hoffer  to write the manufacturer of the kit a letter on my behalf. 


Title: Re: PT 19 Build (Pilot Kit)
Post by: Frank v B on March 22, 2018, 09:58:18 PM
Bruce:

re: Andy writing the manufacturer about the missing pieces.  I saw his first draft.  It went something like this:

Dear Dipstick Manufacturer,

I am a friggin' retired man on a fixed pension and bought your PT 19 kit.... only to find out the tail fin fillets were missing.  Please get a set (Port and Starboard) to my house immediately before I set my 8 lb ferocious Mexican Beast free to go to your place and collect them for me.

Yours truly,

Bruce "the Terrible" Weaver.
Title: Re: PT 19 Build (Pilot Kit)
Post by: bweaver on March 23, 2018, 08:58:51 AM
Re - Dear Dipstick Manufacturer,

I am a friggin' retired man on a fixed pension and bought your PT 19 kit.... only to find out the tail fin fillets were missing.  Please get a set (Port and Starboard) to my house immediately before I set my 8 lb ferocious Mexican Beast free to go to your place and collect them for me.

Yours truly,

Bruce "the Terrible" Weaver.


Thanks @Frank v B .  This draft letter will be a great start for @Andy Hoffer to consider, however I must add that my Cha Cha is offended that you call her an 8 lb ferocious Mexican Beast.  She is not an ounce over 4 lbs. 

Besides, Cha Cha hasn't personally met Andy yet, so we don't know how she would react to him.  Where with you, she would only feign friendship with you when you were willing to share your lunch.  How many fingers Frank?
Title: Re: PT 19 Build (Pilot Kit)
Post by: bweaver on April 02, 2018, 01:39:18 PM
Mounted the motor.

Made and shaped the salt and pepper shakers (as @Frank v B would call them 'tail fin fillets').  Frank I am not preparing a salmon or trout!

I put together the engine cowl and painted it.  (Thanks to everyone who replied to my request for assistance in this regard.)  @Andy Hoffer, would you also add in the letter to the manufacturer that they did not include the instructions for the cowling.  After trimming the two sides of the cowl and attaching them together, I ended up cutting them apart and started over.  No problem though, I figured it out.  No kidding...  There certainly was a lot cutting of the raw cowl pieces!  (If I had only noticed earlier the trim lines provided on the inside of the cowl pieces, the cowl would have been put together a lot faster.) 'Capillary action'.  Have you heard of that Andy?

Now I have to finish shaping the fuselage and wing where necessary and install the radio components, push-rods etc.

The battery will be installed and removed through the front cockpit opening.  Lots of room available to due this.

Then I'll cover all surfaces.  Install the tail horizontal and vertical stabs, tail wheel, landing gear, balance, test and take the finished aircraft to Mayden Fest. That's right Andy, it is spelled M-A-Y-D-E-N Fest.

Late Note:  Yes, I spray painted the cowl while Kate was a work...
Title: Re: PT 19 Build (Pilot Kit)
Post by: Andy Hoffer on April 02, 2018, 06:55:23 PM
Quote from: bweaver on April 02, 2018, 01:39:18 PM
Mounted the motor.

Made and shaped the salt and pepper shakers (as @Frank v B would call them 'tail fin fillets').  Frank I am not preparing a salmon or trout!

I put together the engine cowl and painted it.  (Thanks to everyone who replied to my request for assistance in this regard.)  @Andy Hoffer, would you also add in the letter to the manufacturer that they did not include the instructions for the cowling.  After trimming the two sides of the cowl and attaching them together, I ended up cutting them apart and started over.  No problem though, I figured it out.  No kidding...  There certainly was a lot cutting of the raw cowl pieces!  (If I had only noticed earlier the trim lines provided on the inside of the cowl pieces, the cowl would have been put together a lot faster.) 'Capillary action'.  Have you heard of that Andy?

Now I have to finish shaping the fuselage and wing where necessary and install the radio components, push-rods etc.

The battery will be installed and removed through the front cockpit opening.  Lots of room available to due this.

Then I'll cover all surfaces.  Install the tail horizontal and vertical stabs, tail wheel, landing gear, balance, test and take the finished aircraft to Mayden Fest. That's right Andy, it is spelled M-A-Y-D-E-N Fest.

Late Note:  Yes, I spray painted the cowl while Kate was a work...

Hi @bweaver ,

I guess an in-depth discussion of etymology is in order.   8)

Andy
Title: Re: PT 19 Build (Pilot Kit)
Post by: sihinch on April 02, 2018, 07:20:24 PM
Oooo! Nice shiny cowl Bruce!  :)
Title: Re: PT 19 Build (Pilot Kit)
Post by: Andy Hoffer on April 02, 2018, 07:39:50 PM
Wow!  And a stunningly beautiful paint job on the parts dish in the background of Photo #378.

Andy
Title: Re: PT 19 Build (Pilot Kit)
Post by: bweaver on April 02, 2018, 10:22:17 PM
Re @Andy Hoffer ,s comment  "I guess an in-depth discussion of etymology is in order." 

No, totally unnecessary.   Just check the TEMAC Events Calendar.   ::)

Title: Re: PT 19 Build (Pilot Kit)
Post by: bweaver on April 16, 2018, 10:05:47 AM
No I haven't forgot about it.  Just 'slothing' along.  While it is getting there, I am down to the last few items necessary to finish it off.

See photo below.  I wish I had attended the pilots meeting more than a year ago that featured the topic about paint matching. http://temac.ca/smf/index.php/topic,6064.msg39457.html#msg39457

Now next question.  Has anyone sprayed painted a cowl or plane using the Home Depot sample paint?
Title: Re: PT 19 Build (Pilot Kit)
Post by: Andy Hoffer on April 16, 2018, 11:48:38 AM
Quote from: bweaver on April 16, 2018, 10:05:47 AM
No I haven't forgot about it.  Just 'slothing' along.  While it is getting there, I am down to the last few items necessary to finish it off.

See photo below.  I wish I had attended the pilots meeting more than a year ago that featured the topic about paint matching. http://temac.ca/smf/index.php/topic,6064.msg39457.html#msg39457

Now next question.  Has anyone sprayed painted a cowl or plane using the Home Depot sample paint?

Hi @bweaver ,
Close, but no cigar.  I have only used an airbrush to paint my Pitts cowling with SIG butyrate dope thinned with acetone.  Try @Gregor77 .  He has painted everything on the planet at least once with every type of paint, and he is really good at it.

Frankly, I think the colour scheme you've got right now looks great!!

Andy
Title: Re: PT 19 Build (Pilot Kit)
Post by: octagon on April 16, 2018, 12:45:06 PM
Hi Bruce,
I have used the home depot samples quite a bit. I have sprayed them with an airbrush, but of course you have to thin them way down, and then just patiently build up layer after layer. I think I used alcohol to thin the paint. It came out alright in the end, but then again I was touching up some camouflage on a Hurricane. You might have to spray a gloss topcoat if you do not want a flat finish.
Title: Re: PT 19 Build (Pilot Kit)
Post by: bweaver on April 17, 2018, 09:02:21 PM
Thanks @octagon  for the information.

I have sent a PM to @Gregor77 looking to get some guidance from him on this subject as well.   Any other help from anyone else on this subject of spray painting using Home Depot sample paint would be appreciated?  As a result of my having no experience in this regard, I would like confirmation on what to use to dilute the paint to make it suitable for spraying.  What consistency should it be.  Rob suggests alcohol.  I prefer drinking it.  Has anyone else used this?

I would also like to note for those that are mocking me on my color matching abilities is that what came out of the spray can to paint the cowling wasn't the same blue paint that was shown on the lid of the spray can.  See the first photo below.  (I didn't think my eyesight and color differentiation  was as bad as the results.) We will see on my next try.

The next two photos below illustrate the stage I am at now with the Fairchild PT 19.

It is all covered.  The landing gear is installed.  All the servos and push-rods are installed and tested with the servo tester.

Steps I have left to finish the plane include:

Install the receiver, ESC, battery installation components (foam), straps, and balance the plane while doing this.

Install a fake pilot and a base under it to act as the the battery hatch cover which is the front cockpit.  The rear cockpit will not have a pilot, but have a cover installed in the manner shown on the plans and the interior will be painted black.

Repaint the cowl, paint, cut and install the two cockpit windshields.

Secure the cowl with screws to the mounting hardwood contacts on the fuselage.

Install the decals and tighten up the covering film where necessary.

I hope to have all of these tasks completed tomorrow, ready for Mayden Fest.  (We'll see - 'best made plans')
 
Title: Re: PT 19 Build (Pilot Kit)
Post by: Andy Hoffer on April 17, 2018, 09:16:05 PM
Wow!  You should ask for a refund on the spray paint.   The colour swatch on the lid is not even close to what came out of the can!!

Your plane looks beautiful!  Way to go!

Andy
Title: Re: PT 19 Build (Pilot Kit)
Post by: piker on April 18, 2018, 11:47:15 PM
The PT19 is looking very nice.  I'd get another can and respray.  The lid looks like a great match.

I painted my SE5a with sample paint from Home Depot matched to the drab green Solartex I was using.  I can remember the mix ratio but I'm thinking about 50:50 with water and some Windex.  I think the alcohol in the Windex helps slow the otherwise fast drying of the latex paint.  I used an auto style spray gun with my compressor on low pressure.
Title: Re: PT 19 Build (Pilot Kit)
Post by: bweaver on April 19, 2018, 07:40:05 AM
Thanks Rob P.  I am considering the other Rob D's, your suggestion and a few of the options I've seen on internet searches as well.  Thanks again.
Title: Re: PT 19 Build (Pilot Kit)
Post by: sihinch on April 19, 2018, 10:38:08 AM
I sprayed my Phantom with Home Depot household paint. Like Rob said, just thin it lots - I used water, and then I had a fairly high spray pressure with a fine mist setting. And did a few layers. It does work and I'm my opinion, the spray finish is way more durable vs. brush on.

Happy to try and answer any questions you may have.
Title: Re: PT 19 Build (Pilot Kit)
Post by: bweaver on April 21, 2018, 03:08:52 PM
Taken a few more steps... Getting closer!
Title: Re: PT 19 Build (Pilot Kit)
Post by: sihinch on April 21, 2018, 03:25:25 PM
That looks beautiful Bruce. Congratulations!
Title: Re: PT 19 Build (Pilot Kit)
Post by: Michael on April 21, 2018, 05:42:08 PM
Beautiful!
Title: Re: PT 19 Build (Pilot Kit)
Post by: Frank v B on April 21, 2018, 06:14:14 PM
The last photo looks like the Cox PT-19 trainer. 

All that is missing is the nasty finger-cutting, backward running, fuel starving Cox .049, the Red Goldberg control line handle and the braided lines.  Oh, yes, the two rubber bands holding the wing and the two rubber bands holding the motor mount onto the fuselage.  Memories!

Looks great Bruce.... oops, another compliment.  Sorry. :-X

Frank
Title: Re: PT 19 Build (Pilot Kit)
Post by: bweaver on May 07, 2018, 07:44:43 AM
Well the PT 19 was finished and made it out to Mayden Fest. 

The last things that had to be done to it involved paint/modify the 1/8th scale pilots I purchased, so that they would no longer look like twins.  The pilot in the back is permanently installed, while the pilot in the front is removable and functions as part of my flight battery cover/hatch/pilot - whatever.

At Mayden Fest, the winds were relatively strong and primarily from the west for most of the afternoon, (significant blustery crosswind) but they dropped and started coming from the northwest, giving me time for a test flight before going home.

It flew great.  Very little trim adjustments necessary.   I am going to increase the throws on the ailerons and elevator.  Other than that she's ready to hopefully keep on flying.

A couple of pictures taken by @Andy Hoffer  can be seen on the Mayden Fest link at http://temac.ca/smf/index.php?topic=6587.msg43199#msg43199

Does this airplane make my Butt look big?
Title: Re: PT 19 Build (Pilot Kit)
Post by: piker on May 07, 2018, 09:51:12 AM
Awesome project, Bruce!  The plane looks great against the grey sky. 

Congratulations on a successful first flight!
Title: Re: PT 19 Build (Pilot Kit)
Post by: bfeist on May 07, 2018, 05:47:09 PM
Looks great, Bruce! I just read the whole thread start to finish. Looks like a good winter spent.
Title: Re: PT 19 Build (Pilot Kit)
Post by: bweaver on May 07, 2018, 08:12:59 PM
Thanks for the compliments and comments on this post. 

When writing my post I often poke fun at a lot of things and practices and get some help from others in this area as well.  @Frank v B 's and @Andy Hoffer 's comments, suggestions, witticisms, etc, help to keep me from taking myself too seriously.   It obviously works...  The comments of encouragement are also really helpful from others.

As you can see from following this post, I am not a fast builder. I don't have to be unless I have to finish a stage of the plane so that I can clean up the shop area of the house so that it can be used for other purposes. (Usually company - With family coming, it can usually stay as it is.) Trust me, with my workshop circumstances I am very fortunate to have a loving and supportive partner who recognizes the personal value I get from my hobby.

For those of you who haven't built a model airplane, please let me put it this way - If I can do it, anyone can.  Building/repairing, modifying, frankenplaning, etc., are enjoyable parts of my hobby along with the flying and comradery I enjoy with my TEMAC freinds.  Flying something I have actually built gives me a great feeling of accomplishment.  You may want to try it. 

Thanks again.  Hope to see you at the field.

Bruce