Hey Guys,
Here is my latest project. I unfortunately passed on an Aerotech Mosquito at the London swap met and have been kicking myself for not making the purchase. I ultimately decided that I would construct a Mosquito using a short kit from Sarik models in the UK. It was a little pricey but came with laser cut formers and ribs,canopy, fiberglass nacelles and aluminum spinners. The work is progressing well and I think that I will actually more satisfied with this rendition of the Mosquito as a result of it being a more scale rendition and hand built as opposed to balsa covered foam. I am sending pictures of the right wing but the entire wing is now constructed and top sheeted. The horizontal stabilizer and elevators are also built.
Wow! Wow! Wow!
There will be some amazing models at TEMAC this year! :D
Go Glenn.
Glenn,
My favourite airplane. Love it.
Any techie details like wingspan, weight, motors, volts, flaps, retracts, ejection seat. ;)
Frank
Thanks Guys,
It will be a great flying season. Lots of great planes coming!
Techie details, The model is 71" wingspan and I am trying a couple of 600 Kv motors from Turnigy. L5055's. Looks pretty solid. I am looking at two 4 or 5s batteries running separately. Depends on space. I am also hoping to swing two big 3 bladed props to really give it some thrust and scale presence.
Here are some more snaps.
Looking great Glenn.
I can see by your photos that I am not the only hobbiest who uses interlocking bricks as building aids and weights.
I am really interested in following the project as it progresses.
Very cool, Glenn
https://www.sarikhobbies.com/product/dh98-mosquito-pr-xvi-81/
This looks like a superb kit Glenn. You have good taste!
Enjoy the build. Looking forward to the maiden photo op.
Andy
Hey Andy
My version is actually a bit smaller. I thought for storage and transportation might make this a bit more suitable.
https://www.sarikhobbies.com/product/dh98-mosquito-fb-vi-71/
I have made good headway into the tail assemblies with both the horizontal and vertical fin and moving surfaces glued together and waiting for the shaping phase.
I am hoping to start the fuselage this week as then the location of radio equipment and batteries can lead to appropriate hatch location(s)
Thanks Andre', By the way look forward to getting both Hurricanes up for a flight together, The build looks great!
Thanks Bruce,
Yeah those interlocks are very handy, if things start going wrong in the build, it may have a different purpose! lol
Up next is the Fuselage. It has been fairly straight forward, but discovered some of the parts were not included in the short kit. No big deal as they are relatively small, But I wasted a lot of time just looking for parts not sent. Confirmation of this when I read a build log from RC Canada which mentioned the same thing.
Just looking at the lower left corner of the photo in your last post. How do you solder wood without it getting burnt?!! ;D
Andy
LOL, Trust you Andy to spot the one thing that truly does not belong in that picture!
I'm always eager to learn new tricks from the masters! 8)
Andy
Well, making some progress here, the right half fuselage shell is more or less complete. I decided to plank the fuselage as I have never had good luck wrapping balsa around a structure in large sheets. I am currently thinking ahead to servo and motor installations and will ensure that the scale radiator sections are put to good use with each serving to hold and allow good (to great) cooling of the ESC's.
Here are another couple of photographs.
Glenn
Nice.
Where will the battery (batteries) go?
Michael,
The batteries will be placed in the nose. The current formers will be trimmed to accept a battery box with a lift off hatch. I just will refrain from any cutting until the second half is ready to join as I do not want any potential de formation of the fuselage to complicate the build.
Quote from: electroflyer on January 19, 2018, 08:42:51 AM
Michael,
The batteries will be placed in the nose. The current formers will be trimmed to accept a battery box with a lift off hatch. I just will refrain from any cutting until the second half is ready to join as I do not want any potential de formation of the fuselage to complicate the build.
That makes sense.
It has been a while, but here is the progress so far. I have been slowed down by my Vampire assembly, but back on track. Still checking the best method of installation for the servos and controls.
Glenn
Beautiful!
I will definitely have a full photographic agenda this spring!! Looks sensational Glenn. Looking forward to the maiden flight.
Andy
It is looking great Glenn. Looking forward to it's continuing progress....
Awesome! Builds just like a Formosa!
Looks magic Glenn. It reminds me of the ParkZone version!!!!!
Thanks guys,
It is a fun build. This weekend I am planning on sorting out the wing. Once the controls and servos are complete I will be able to complete the sheeting and sand to shape. I am considering options for covering and have not ruled out going old school with coloured dope and covering material (tissue, silk or silkspan). The landing gear at the moment presents the biggest challenge. Plans have been included for scale mechanical units or my second option is modifying electric gear units and providing the non-load bearing mechanics to simulate the diagonal strut supports. If nothing else, it sure keeps the brain active. ;D
When I built MY Formosa I just left it pure foam, but I did sand off the dimples ;D
Yes Glenn... it's good to keep the brain active as we get older :P
Funny you mention the Formosa, wouldn't they make great race planes!!? :o
The fuselage on this Mosquito really mirrors quite closely the production style of the full size. It really is quite neat to see the similarities and how it all gets joined together ....like a Formosa. lol
Last Saturday I started cobbling together parts lying around in different boxes and came up with these. I will add other structures to make the retracts more scale like, but using this method does provide the physical up and down locks which are very important to avoid damaging ordinary servos or G forces pulling the gear down and over stressing the BEC potentially causing receiver failure. I can now start the mounting process in the nacelles.
Nice cobbling :)
Thanks Pat,
It is fun tinkering.
Here are the latest photos. I have built channels in the fuselage to pull wires, set up elevator, rudder and tail wheel (retractable). The fuselage halves have been mated together and then I can work towards getting the bolt on wing figured out.
Also here is the Durafly Bf 109e Desert Scheme.
Glenn
Wow! Your build looks amazing. But your workbench (image #95803) - positively organic!
And that cool desert scheme on the BF109 bears an incredible likeness to a whale shark!! Great camo, wet or dry.
Way to go!!! Looking forward to the maidens!
Andy
Hey Andy,
Like the Whale Shark camo, always thought they looked cool.
As for my work bench at the moment, only one word need apply....Tragic! lol
Quote from: electroflyer on January 07, 2018, 04:14:32 PM
Techie details, The model is 71" wingspan and I am trying a couple of 600 Kv motors from Turnigy. L5055's. Looks pretty solid. I am looking at two 4 or 5s batteries running separately.
Glenn,
Applause for yet another classic build by a TEMAC original. You guys are truly an inspiration.
I'm curious about the decision to go with "two ...batteries running separately". Can you explain why two rather than one feeding both motors?
I have to decide for a model in my build queue.
Thanks,
Bill
Hi Bill,
Thanks for the kind words.
The reason for two separate systems powering this model is to ensure maximum power and performance is possible. Also I hoping to swing two three bladed props over 15" in diameter to have that scale appearance, these props probably will like to consume a lot of amps at full power.
The final reason is to ensure balance. I am counting on two 4s 5000mah batteries to help reduce the amount of lead required.
Glenn
Quote from: electroflyer on February 26, 2018, 05:13:59 PM
The reason for two separate systems powering this model is to ensure maximum power and performance is possible. Also I hoping to swing two three bladed props over 15" in diameter to have that scale appearance, these props probably will like to consume a lot of amps at full power.
The final reason is to ensure balance. I am counting on two 4s 5000mah batteries to help reduce the amount of lead required.
Glenn
Glenn,
Thanks for answering so promptly. Your reward is another question!
I understand the CG consideration. The Mossie's nose is short and barely makes it past the props.
I do not understand why wiring each motor separately will improve performance over using both batteries in parallel to power both motors. I worry that with two separately wired motors, if one side weakens or dies, throttle response will be unbalanced leading to some cardiac moments for the pilot. Thanks for any light you can shed.
BTW, I applaud your choice to put the ESCs in the rad openings...did you eliminate the traditional leading edge here?
Bill, with one battery, a model can still have problems with one speed control or one motor or one propeller anyway.
My Top Flite DC3 (one battery for both motors) once lost a prop on one side in flight. I didn't notice the lost prop, but I did notice sluggish performance. I still flew the plane for 5 minutes, and had some trouble in turns to one direction, but I still flew and landed successfully. Only after landing did I notice a prop was missing.
Also, I had an E-Flite Deuces Wild model, and a Hangar 9 Twin Otter, and each of those planes had separate batteries, one in each nacelle, and never a problem, in many years of successful flying.
I suppose the risk of having a problem with two batteries may not be all that different from the risk of having one battery, where power can be lost to both motors.
Either way, the risk with electric power systems is significantly lower than with internal combustion engines.
I am sort of betting on the odd's that having two separate systems operating in the same power band will provide a stable power and thrust . I have tried using a single battery powering two motors in the past with both round cells and lipo batteries and dealt with both weak power and short flights. If the voltages are good I suspect that it will be a good perfomer....fingers crossed. ;)
Thanks Michael, Glenn,
I appreciate your willingness to share your expertise and experience. Seems there are pros and cons to wiring a twin separately or from one battery source but considering the points you both have made I'm leaning to wiring separately, even if both batteries end up in the nose for CG considerations.
My twin engine models are all wired from one battery in the fuse and the separate wiring choice piqued my curiosity.
The two of you are exceptional builders and pilots and regardless of how the battery(ies) is/are wired, your models have a pretty good chance of coming back in one piece.
Thanks again.
Bill
Glenn,
While looking for the plans of a Beech 18 project for Rob I came across a set of plans for a 1:18 scale Mosquito (44" span) but it has all the detailed drawings of the geometry for the retractable landing gear. It shows all the hinge points and has scale drawings of all the parts. You may get some ideas from these plans, including... staying away from them. ;D
Robert J. Caso, published RCM&E June 2011. http://www.modelflying.co.uk/albums/member_album.asp?a=15411
I will bring to the build class tomorrow (Feb 28)
Frank
Hi Frank,
Thanks for being so considerate, I was on vacation and unable to attend the meeting. That being said, yesterday, I was diligently working away on the elevator and rudder controls. I need to get this completed as the horns will be encapsulated within a tailcone . I am not sure that I will make that removable, so care must be taken at this stage to ensure that the movements are not interfering as the tailwheel retract mechanism, rudder horn, elevator horn are all within very tight confines. I will post a photo later on today.
Hey Guys!
It has been a while since I posted, but due to extra hours at work, building has been reduced to a crawl. This weekend however, I gave the Mosquito a concentrated kick start which paid off big time.
1) Flaps are configured
2) ailerons hooked up
3) motors installed
4)esc's wired up and installed throughout the wing and located where maximum cooling can be achieved
5) landing gear mounts started.
I have also started sheeting the underside of the wing. When this is complete, the Nacelles can be started.
Here are a few photos, one shows the busy tail section which has rudder, elevator, retractable tail wheel and pull/pull steering.
Glenn
Fantastic work Glenn. Looking forward to seeing this one for sure!
Wow! Looks amazing Glenn.
I remember reading about those style of "levers" that you used for the ailerons when I was 16 years old! It was some of my earliest introductions to mechanics. Very nice.
Hey
@electroflyer ,
I love your tail wheel hardware store!!! You should do the tail-cone in clear plexi!! What a show piece!!
Andy
Glenn,
Congratulations on yet another epic build! You continue to impress and inspire.
I'm particularly fascinated with your placement of the ESCs as I pondered doing the same on my 63" Mosquito and decided against it. It would have involved cutting away the leading edge between the nacelles and fuse and compromising the D box section in that area. I chickened out and put the ESCs in the landing gear bays. I don't have gear doors so there's lots of airflow.
In your post you mention locating the ESCs to maximize cooling. I can see from you photos where the cool air will come in but it's not so easy to see where the warmed air gets out of the wing.
1. Did you strengthen the wing between nacelle and fuse to compensate for the absence of a leading edge?
2. Is there some kind of exhaust venting in the ESC "bays" or is the plan for the warm air to escape through the leading edge area?...
Once again, thanks for any time you can take to help me learn...
Hi Bill,
The Beauty of the Brian Taylor version is that he incorporated many scale details into the design. If you were to look at an actual construction photo of a Mosquito on an assembly line, you would be surprised to see the model. The two half construction, wing mount notch, frontal hatch in front of windshield and the wing radiators.
The wing radiator assemblies are reinforced with a bit thicker wood, but basically, they are just hollow spots which held radiators on the full size plane and ESC's in mine. For cooling, a scale door will be open from the bottom as with the Full size. If I can find a picture I will add later. On a side note, the cooling doors were so effective that they actually changed the attitude of the aircraft in flight.
By the way, I really enjoyed you flying your Mosquito and would love to see you bring to TEMAC this summer if you are so inclined!!
Glenn
Quote from: electroflyer on April 03, 2018, 02:33:24 PM
Hi Bill,
The Beauty of the Brian Taylor version is that he incorporated many scale details into the design. If you were to look at an actual construction photo of a Mosquito on an assembly line, you would be surprised to see the model. The two half construction, wing mount notch, frontal hatch in front of windshield and the wing radiators.
The wing radiator assemblies are reinforced with a bit thicker wood, but basically, they are just hollow spots which held radiators on the full size plane and ESC's in mine. For cooling, a scale door will be open from the bottom as with the Full size. If I can find a picture I will add later. On a side note, the cooling doors were so effective that they actually changed the attitude of the aircraft in flight.
By the way, I really enjoyed you flying your Mosquito and would love to see you bring to TEMAC this summer if you are so inclined!!
Glenn
Thanks Glenn,
Your reply motivated me to Google a bit and I found the photo below.
I will try to get to ROGO for Mayden Fest, Jets Day, Cub Day, Warbirds Day (with the Mosquito) and BofB day...
Hey Guys,
A lot has been completed since the last time I posted. I was able to spend last weekend to great use. The weather was perfect for building (and nothing else!). I built a belly pan which covers the wing attachment area. I glassed my flaps and installed into the wing. This was essential step as the Nacelles needed to be built after the fact. That brings us to the current status. the Nacelles are now sheeted and in the process of having balsa block shaped. Speaking of that, most of my balsa blocks were slightly wrong in one dimension or another. The great thing about wood is the ability to laminate blocks together to get the basic shape required to fit the situation. This was essential for my Lysanders wheel pants and just as important for the nose and tapered fairings of the nacelles on the Mosquito. Here are some photos showing the current progress.
A few more...
Fantastic! I love your suggestion about -"Speaking of that, most of my balsa blocks were slightly wrong in one dimension or another. The great thing about wood is the ability to laminate blocks together to get the basic shape required to fit the situation." When it comes to my builds, I have to do that all the time. You can carry the same concept over to blue foam as well. ('Why be so precise as to do everything right the first time?' You can quote the Sloth on that one.)
A great build Glenn. Fantastic progress. I love following your build posts.
Glen wow man that looks so good
Thanks for posting. I'm going to have to try your suggestion on building.
for me mostly repairing
good job
Following your builds is a fascinating way to learn...thanks.
I kept looking for how you planned to remove the wing so you could fit the Mossie in the variety of interesting rides you bring to the field, but I finally figured out wing removal isn't likely to happen, ergo the 71" ws choice. Even so, is this thing going to fit in the PT or have you gone to the dark side of vehicle choice and bought an SUV or even worse...a m... mi... min... mini van? :o
Returning to modelling I was intrigued with how the wing was fastened to the fuselage "spine"and then the bottom of the fuselage tube built under the wing to give the fuse its structural strength. If I got that right, I'm guessing it's the same way the full size went together?
Thanks Guys!
After work today, I plan on shaping the fairings from those hideous blocks of balsa. I actually started yesterday and it was looking pretty good.
Bill, The wing is removable! Four bolts hold this in place. It is remarkably close to the Full size Mosquito in so many ways. Even the nose hatch on the drawings is identical. I had to alter mine slightly in as much as my nose cone splits in half. This is because of two 4S 5000mah batteries requiring some work to fit in the nose. Had the balsa nose cone been one piece, my batteries would not go in without applying heavy force to the fuselage.
As for mini vans.........NOOOOoooooooooo! lol
Ordered props, glass and epoxy today... getting closer
Nothing wrong with mini vans! Awesome plane haulers!
Well then, I'm certainly looking forward to seeing yours Simon.LOL
Quote from: electroflyer on April 20, 2018, 01:11:07 PM
Thanks Guys!
After work today, I plan on shaping the fairings from those hideous blocks of balsa. I actually started yesterday and it was looking pretty good.
Bill, The wing is removable! Four bolts hold this in place. It is remarkably close to the Full size Mosquito in so many ways. Even the nose hatch on the drawings is identical. I had to alter mine slightly in as much as my nose cone splits in half. This is because of two 4S 5000mah batteries requiring some work to fit in the nose. Had the balsa nose cone been one piece, my batteries would not go in without applying heavy force to the fuselage.
As for mini vans.........NOOOOoooooooooo! lol
Ordered props, glass and epoxy today... getting closer
Model question first..."Is there a detachable structural member connecting front and rear of the fuse, spanning the wing opening gap
beneath the wing?" While I'm no structural engineer, seems to me the fuse would be much stronger if it was a "tube" with a wing slot rather than a flat span over the top of the wing and no structural connection beneath (I told you I'm no engineer!)
Glenn,
Phew! I'm glad you haven't gone to a hum drum mini van!
I too await the day when Simon will join the "Hockey Mom" set, driving a mini van :D
Well, I am almost at the finishing stage. Most of the wooden components are complete with mild sanding and filling required to smooth out the final product. I will probably epoxy and glass the Horizontal stabilizer and elevator first though. The reason for this is that it looks like it needs to be installed as a functioning unit before building the tail cone around it. Still working the logistics of this.
Anyway, here we go, the Model is now beginning to look like a Mosquito!
FANTASTIC build as always!!!!!!
Great job Man, looks awesome.
It's not bad. Still like the ParkZone version! ;D
Thanks Guys,(and Simon)
I like the Parkzone one as well, but it only came in the little girlie size.
No wonder Simon likes it! lol
I must apologise for my lack of posting on the Mosquito progress, but have been very busy with different things including getting to the field to actually Fly.
My time has been well spent though, the aircraft has been fully glassed and is now ready for a some epoxy in areas that seem a bit thin. The aircraft will then be sanded down with a light duty sand paper to smooth out and de burr any fibres that are either unsightly or causing friction at the flying surfaces. It will then be primed and sanded to reveal the low spots and then filled, sanded and primed again. Finally the plane will get a coat of colour and some camo and that is where the details end until a flight is done to prove that everything is ok.
Here are a few snap shots.
Beautiful!
Another magnificent Nikolaiko museum piece!
Andy
Hey Guys,
Here is the finishing stage of the Mosquito build. It is pretty much complete as I did go a little bit further than normal prior to a test flight. Although I have had some set backs especially regarding the flap horn not holding on the wire, I believe that problem is now fixed. The positive to this is that I am able to cut into the nacelle and address the problem pretty rapidly and still have the nacelle cleanup pretty easy. Awe, the beauty of working with balsa wood!
Gorgeous!!!!!!!!!!!!
Can't wait to see it doing some low fly-bys.
Fantastic job man. Good work.
Magic, Glenn!
When's the test flight - would love to be there!
Thanks Guys,
I am just debating whether to add a separate bec. That will be a quick job and then, wait for a cooler day with a good north or south (more or less ) wind.
Looks great!...especially the spinners...three blade and blunt like a real Mossie! Geoffery would approve. Looking forward to seeing it majestically patrolling the skies over Rogo...as long as it doesn't get lost...there's no navigator!
Good job Glenn. It makes me wish i had done mine. Maybe i should bring the Hurricane down.
Thanks Bill,
I think the navigator will be more essential for the long distance mission. This is only the test flight, plus....I still need to find one!
I have to say that I am always blown away by the power of the DX18 radio. The two identical esc's were not syncing up when applying throttle which of course was leading to a major pull to the left, but this radio has a balance feature which allowed for that nasty condition to be tuned right out. Now when the throttle is applied, the aircraft moves nice and even.
Andre,
Would love to see that Hurricane up close, I think it would great if you did bring the Hurricane down.
Your Mosquito would make a great winter build this year!
Successful maiden flight! Glenn will elaborate.
These are the best photos I could get with my iphone.
Looks fantastic. Congratulations Glenn. Another fine job. I am looking forward to seeing it fly too!
Thanks for the photos Michael!
As with every new build, you never quite know what to expect. Well I am pleased to report that the Mosquito was well behaved and predictable in flight. I pre trimmed the rudder before flight, but I do not recall actually touching any trims though out the flight or landing. There are a few issues though and with a bit of work should be a large improvement. The tail gear requires a redesign and the main gear will get tapped and threaded to bolt and secure struts to the horizontal bar. I will post more photos as the work progresses. Other than that, I think that it will be fun to start the final phase of painting and detailing.
Now it is time to celebrate with an ice cold beer!!!
Looks great Glenn, hope you can bring it up to Orangeville to fly after pylon racing.
Ken
nice... looks like you got her ready just in time for the warbird event (07/22) :)
Hi Ken,
Thanks Ken, I will see what I can do about the next race day.
Cheers!