Toronto Electric Model Aviation Club Forum

Toronto Electric Model Aviation Club (TEMAC) => Building / Construction => Skywriter Scratch-build Class => Topic started by: sihinch on March 12, 2014, 05:46:00 PM

Title: Simon's Skywriter Build Blog
Post by: sihinch on March 12, 2014, 05:46:00 PM
OK, so here we go, creating a dedicated build log for my Skywriter.

My first post I am going to show you the weights that we started discussing int he build class thread.  I'm happy with my rudder at 10g.  :)

The fin as per the plan, built exactly as it shows, comes in at 26g.  :-\   I cant show you much because I've attached the ply side reinforcements.  So you need to take my word for it!

I built a second fin tonight, as per the plan but without the ply sides.  This is shown in the thrid photo and weighs only 8g!   :D

I will be using the lightweight version!  ;D
Title: Re: Simon's Skywriter Build Blog
Post by: sihinch on March 12, 2014, 07:46:00 PM
Just finished the horizontal stab and it weighs 14g. But I may add some balsa sheet. Not sure. It feels pretty sturdy.
Title: Re: Simon's Skywriter Build Blog
Post by: sihinch on March 12, 2014, 09:59:32 PM
I decided to add some 1/32 balsa sheet. I'm new to this building game so who knows if it will make any difference! I'm hoping it will add some rigidity and little weight. We'll see.
Title: Re: Simon's Skywriter Build Blog
Post by: Papa on March 12, 2014, 10:37:15 PM
The 1/32nd will increase the thickness and make it a 1/32nd thicker than the rudder.

You could use my solution and use 1/64th ply.

Either way it will all work so go with what makes you comfortable.

Looking great with all this building.

jack.
Title: Re: Simon's Skywriter Build Blog
Post by: sihinch on March 12, 2014, 10:40:06 PM
Bizarrely my rudder is actually wider than the fin at present.

But I was adding the sheet to the horizontal stab.

I may copy Michael and add sheet to the fin, too. But I'm not sure it needs it. It feels solids enough.
Title: Re: Simon's Skywriter Build Blog
Post by: Papa on March 12, 2014, 10:49:06 PM
The Fin should be 1/4" uncovered which is 8/32". The rudder should be 9/32" (3/32" x 3).

Does that make sense?

Jack.


Title: Re: Simon's Skywriter Build Blog
Post by: sihinch on March 13, 2014, 08:11:13 AM
Well, it worked. Adding balsa sheet to the horizontal stab definitely made it stiffer. But it more than doubled in weight. Still lighter than Jack's with the ply, though.

The frame was 14g. With 1/32 sheet on both sides it's now 34g.

Was it the right decision?
Title: Re: Simon's Skywriter Build Blog
Post by: imran13 on March 13, 2014, 01:28:02 PM
Jack sheeted his with 1/64th ply, and from what I can remember, it was somewhere around 26g (??). Either way, since I'm new to this I don't know how much difference 20g can make.
Title: Re: Simon's Skywriter Build Blog
Post by: Michael on March 13, 2014, 02:01:57 PM
20 grams of extra weight in the tail, could require 3 or 4 times that extra in the nose to balance a model, if it is unbalanced.
Title: Re: Simon's Skywriter Build Blog
Post by: sihinch on March 13, 2014, 02:29:44 PM
Jack's horizontal stab was 53g vs. mine at 34g.
Title: Re: Simon's Skywriter Build Blog
Post by: imran13 on March 14, 2014, 08:12:03 AM
Oops. Ignore what I said  ::)
Title: Re: Simon's Skywriter Build Blog
Post by: sihinch on March 18, 2014, 07:41:47 PM
Well, I finished step 1.

Elevator is finished and I'm happy with the strength of the joining wire now they are hinged. I've not glued the hinges yet , of course.

Elevator and stab weigh 56g. I used some carbon tow to reinforce the joiner.

I messed up the ply reinforcements and put them on the elevator halves before the balsa leading edge doubler, so I had to sand a groove. Anyway the nice thing is that you can fix these mistakes!
Title: Re: Simon's Skywriter Build Blog
Post by: Michael on March 30, 2014, 10:17:41 AM
You mentioned (in another thread) that your wing is crooked.

What is the problem?

Post an image with a description if possible.

Your "live online Skywriter help team" (Robert and Michael) are standing by.
Title: Re: Simon's Skywriter Build Blog
Post by: sihinch on March 30, 2014, 11:08:25 AM
Thank you "Help Team!" I actually do need some reassurance. I'm learning as much about my character as I am about building. I'm miffed that my wing is not perfect, and am eager to complete it, which talks to me about my perfectionism and need for a payoff (seeing the finished article.)

I made a few mistakes building the wing. First, I built the wing square to the LE and main spar, which was different to Frank. I think he used TE and main spar. I only realized by looking back at the photos. Anyway, remember the LE & spar comment.....

Then, one of my LR3 ribs was not glued in level with the bottom of the wing. So I cut it and reinforced the rib on both sides then sanded the top profile to match the other LR3. I'm not too worried about this repair.

I wanted to compete the wing as much as possible - I felt I was on a roll. So I decided to add the additional rib at the wing center. Again, I lined this up with LE and main spar. But I noticed the front section of the rib was not straight (it's a 2 piece rib because of the dihedral brace.) So I cut that out and repositioned it. Again, not worried about that.

What I am miffed about is that one of my LR1 ribs was obviously not cut to the right length (by me) and it's pushed the lower mid-wing spar back and the TE is now not perfectly straight. I think this is only minor again, and will probably be hidden when we add sheeting and the tapered TE section (inboard of the aileron) but I'm annoyed about it.

Please someone tell me all these issues are OK and won't mean I need to build the wing again?!
Title: Re: Simon's Skywriter Build Blog
Post by: Michael on March 30, 2014, 02:26:26 PM
Robert says it's not a problem.

As long as your wing is not warped, it is not an issue at all.
As you continue building your wing, make sure it remains as flat as possible.


Title: Re: Simon's Skywriter Build Blog
Post by: sihinch on March 30, 2014, 02:52:20 PM
Oh it's perfectly flat. And the overall outline is all square. It's just that when the LE and main spar line up on the plan, the TE is about 2 or 3mm short. But I did what Frank said and built it to my ribs.

Thanks for the reassurances.

Now to get that mirror version of the plan from Staples (thanks for the tip!)
Title: Re: Simon's Skywriter Build Blog
Post by: sihinch on October 17, 2014, 10:40:46 PM
Shhhhh
Title: Re: Simon's Skywriter Build Blog
Post by: sihinch on October 30, 2014, 10:17:31 PM
I hate wing sheeting!

Especially when there are protruding aluminium wing brace mounts and holes for mounting plates!

#notfun
Title: Re: Simon's Skywriter Build Blog
Post by: Papa on October 30, 2014, 10:30:37 PM
Cut the slots in the sheet first and then fit the sheet and trim to fit.


Or @sihinch .


Fit the sheet up to the aluminum strut fixture and add the remainder on the other side.


Jack.
Title: Re: Simon's Skywriter Build Blog
Post by: sihinch on October 30, 2014, 10:33:40 PM
Oh I've done it. Just not enjoyed it.
Title: Re: Simon's Skywriter Build Blog
Post by: sihinch on November 05, 2014, 08:01:08 PM
I was struggling a bit with my love for the finished article. Michael's looks fabulous and I'd already decided that I wanted to do an RAF themed colour scheme. But I still didn't love the plane, especially the nose.

So I was searching google images for some inspiration and had a eureka moment. All of sudden my motivation is supercharged and I can't wait to complete it.

It won't be scale but it will be a "lookalike." And I'll love it......

Welcome to Simon's Hawker Fury build thread!

The nose will need a bit of work and I may need to modify the undercarriage a little vs the plans, but I think it's doable!
Title: Re: Simon's Skywriter Build Blog
Post by: Michael on November 05, 2014, 09:45:42 PM
I like that! That would really look good!

Title: Re: Simon's Skywriter Build Blog
Post by: Papa on November 06, 2014, 12:25:22 AM
It's doable and will look different but it will work. It's a Sport Scale anyway.


Don't touch the fuselage yet. Make photo copies of the nose part of the plan and start pencil sketches of the modifications needed to get a Hawker nose. Make lots of sketches.


jack.
Title: Re: Simon's Skywriter Build Blog
Post by: sihinch on November 09, 2014, 01:09:20 PM
I'm loving this building! Maybe I'm a convert!?

I love seeing it come together and being able to correct mistakes or strengthen areas to suit your own tastes. Plus you can build any subject!

I didn't love the sheeting process but that was complicated by the fact its a biplane with strut fixings.

But I am having so much fun with this....
Title: Re: Simon's Skywriter Build Blog
Post by: Wingnutz on November 10, 2014, 01:29:27 PM
Good call on the nose job Simon! Although Michael's model is impressive,  I don't like the nose on the blog model.
Bet yours will be Fast and "Fury"us... ::)
Title: Re: Simon's Skywriter Build Blog
Post by: sihinch on November 13, 2014, 10:04:37 PM
Robert was round at our house tonight and was kind enough to look over my Skywriter progress. He was so kind that he pointed out my latest mistake!

The fuselage sides in the kit are about 2" too short! Because I tend to build using the blog, making reference to the plan, I hadn't noticed this!

Anyway, thanks to the beauty of building with balsa (and with some friendly advice from Robert) I was able to correct my mistake.

I added some ply to the inside of the fuse, to act as support for the outer extension I would need to add. And then I rebuilt the area I had cut away for the horizontal stab, adding inner 1/4 square for former alignment and outer stringer extension.

So it's all good now. Just need to work out what to do with the new 2" I'll be adding.

To all fellow class mates - extend your fuse sides before you start building the fuselage!
Title: Re: Simon's Skywriter Build Blog
Post by: Papa on November 14, 2014, 03:02:11 PM
Issues:
Title: Re: Simon's Skywriter Build Blog
Post by: sihinch on November 14, 2014, 03:55:23 PM
April 3rd to Nov 13th is a long time in my world, Jack!  That's plenty of opportunity for me to forget!  ;)
Title: Re: Simon's Skywriter Build Blog
Post by: sihinch on November 18, 2014, 05:57:32 PM
Success last night in joining the fuse halves together! Now I really feel on the way to having a flying model.

Thanks Jack for the donation of parts. Thanks Frank for the donation of building supplies. Thanks both for your "Grand-Fatherly" advice!

I think I've worked out how I may do the Fury nose. I printed the 3 view off today and rather than taper the most forward section of the nose (that may require new formers) I think I may increase the height of the rear section of the nose, before the cockpit. I could add some balsa extensions to the top of formers f3 and f3a and make the battery bay taller.  That will give the Impression of a more pointy nose!  Food for thought!
Title: Re: Simon's Skywriter Build Blog
Post by: Papa on November 18, 2014, 06:19:36 PM
You'll need a pilot who "rides tall in the saddle" to see over the bump.


LOL


Jack.
Title: Re: Simon's Skywriter Build Blog
Post by: sihinch on November 19, 2014, 03:41:53 PM
I've been playing with the plans and some scissors today.......


I made f2 just 5mm narrower each side, and f1 about 8mm narrower each side.  And also made f1 slightly shorter/not as high, so it will taper more under the fuse......


Here it is on the plan.
Title: Re: Simon's Skywriter Build Blog
Post by: piker on November 19, 2014, 04:17:08 PM
Nice!  You're an airplane designer now!

good idea!
Title: Re: Simon's Skywriter Build Blog
Post by: Papa on November 19, 2014, 05:09:15 PM
Are you sure @sihinch you have @piker  reduced it enough?


It may not look hawker enough.
More like a slightly modified Skywriter.


Do you want to start reducing further back so you have a more tapered look?


Jack
Title: Re: Simon's Skywriter Build Blog
Post by: sihinch on November 19, 2014, 05:26:33 PM
I'll check tonight how much the sides can take being pulled in. I'm limited by f3 for where the taper can start.
Title: Re: Simon's Skywriter Build Blog
Post by: sihinch on November 19, 2014, 07:35:58 PM
Nope, it won't take any more taper. Sides are too stiff.

Time to cut some new formers!
Title: Re: Simon's Skywriter Build Blog
Post by: Papa on November 19, 2014, 08:23:55 PM
If you saw through the 1/4" longerons about 3/16" deep every 1/2" then the sides will bend more easily and if that is not enough you can come back and saw every 1/4". If you do that you can soak the cuts with glue and it will be very strong. @sihinch


jack.
Title: Re: Simon's Skywriter Build Blog
Post by: sihinch on November 22, 2014, 12:51:30 PM
Well I did it. Thanks to Jack, who cut my smaller F1 and F2.

Some of it has worked great, some not so good.  The biggest issue is that when I was pulling the sides in, one side split. The result of which is that one side has pulled in more than the other. So the taper is not quite symmetrical.

I tried to fix it with a brace, which did improve things, but it's not 100%. Oh well!

I have increased the height of the cockpit too, which should look good. But it means I've got a compound curve to sort out (I think.)
Title: Re: Simon's Skywriter Build Blog
Post by: piker on November 24, 2014, 12:27:53 PM
Your mods are looking great!  It's a little catastrophic when the side breaks like that (it happens to us all) as it's now very difficult to get them bending the same.... as you know.  Good recovery.  It'll work out fine.
Title: Re: Simon's Skywriter Build Blog
Post by: sihinch on November 25, 2014, 12:32:20 PM
This is the motor I'm thinking of using. 


http://www.headsuphobby.com/Emax-BL2820-07-Outrunner-Brushless-Motor-F-291.htm


It's not as long as the Turnigy D3542 790kV motor that I origonally bought for the Skywriter/Fury, which may help now that I moved the firewall forward.


I have it left over from an old foamy conversion, and was very happy with it on 4S.  Looks like a 10x5 prop might be the best option on 4S, although I think that maybe a little small in diameter for the model.  If that is the case, I'll change to a 12x6 on 3S.
Title: Re: Simon's Skywriter Build Blog
Post by: sihinch on December 02, 2014, 06:42:15 PM
It's taking shape!  :)

Here is my first ever balsa sheeted compound curve!
Title: Re: Simon's Skywriter Build Blog
Post by: Papa on December 02, 2014, 06:51:17 PM
Looks fine.


keep going.


Jack.
Title: Re: Simon's Skywriter Build Blog
Post by: piker on December 02, 2014, 08:04:18 PM
Looks GREAT! 


Keep going  :)
Title: Re: Simon's Skywriter Build Blog
Post by: Michael on December 02, 2014, 08:22:12 PM
That may actually look nicer than mine!

Isn't there a rule against that, or something ????
Title: Re: Simon's Skywriter Build Blog
Post by: sihinch on December 14, 2014, 03:16:17 PM
Very pleased with today's progress! Managed to get the top wing mounted and the undercarriage done so I can plank the nose tomorrow, in class.

And I'd say that's pretty level, wouldn't you? Although I think there is a slight negative incidence. Nothing some shims can't sort.
Title: Re: Simon's Skywriter Build Blog
Post by: sihinch on February 17, 2015, 09:48:38 PM
It's been quite a while since I posted but I have made lots of progress. Both wings are/can be mounted now, the front hatch for battery is done and the nose is finished.

I'm really happy with the result and will be a fabulous Hawker Fury lookalike, in my opinion.

No comments on the state of my workshop - we are in the middle of a basement reno. That's my excuse and I'm sticking to it!
Title: Re: Simon's Skywriter Build Blog
Post by: Papa on February 17, 2015, 11:26:26 PM
Looks good and will look much better when it's covered.




Jack.
Title: Re: Simon's Skywriter Build Blog
Post by: Wingnutz on February 18, 2015, 11:34:48 AM
Looks fast and "furious" and your workbench looks better than mine...Nice work!
Title: Re: Simon's Skywriter Build Blog
Post by: sihinch on April 11, 2015, 08:57:28 AM
Well, it's not perfect (some would probably say it's not even good) but it's mine and I built it.......
Title: Re: Simon's Skywriter Build Blog
Post by: Papa on April 11, 2015, 12:27:35 PM
I think its fabulous. Such a different look with a small amount of alteration. Great achievement!


Jack.
Title: Re: Simon's Skywriter Build Blog
Post by: wollins on April 11, 2015, 09:32:30 PM
Quote from: sihinch on April 11, 2015, 08:57:28 AM
Well, it's not perfect (some would probably say it's not even good) but it's mine and I built it.......

You gotta be kidding right? Looks amazing! Word is that silver covering is the toughest to apply ... did you find that to be the case?

Colin
Title: Re: Simon's Skywriter Build Blog
Post by: sihinch on April 11, 2015, 09:38:42 PM
Well, it's only the second fuse I've covered (I've done 4 wings before this) so I'm no expert but I'd say its reputation is worse than reality. It doesn't shrink as much as the other colors I've used before and it does show every imperfection but it wasn't a big problem. I did struggle around the nose taper and have 2 creases.

But as Michael says "you'll not see them at 50mph and 50ft!" That's why I say it's not perfect but for my second ever fuse covering I'm happy. It won't win any scale awards but it's a model I now love very much!
Title: Re: Simon's Skywriter Build Blog
Post by: piker on April 11, 2015, 10:13:25 PM
That looks fabulous, Simon!  Wow!  Great work!
Title: Re: Simon's Skywriter Build Blog
Post by: Frank v B on April 12, 2015, 08:16:44 PM
Simon,


After your maiden flight just tell people the two creases were due to a subsonic high speed dive. 8)


Just finished my Skywriter today.  Will try to post a picture (tougher than building the plane as Jack would say)


Frank
Title: Re: Simon's Skywriter Build Blog
Post by: sihinch on April 20, 2015, 10:01:27 PM
Last class tonight! Now I have to finish on my own.....

Thanks to Robert, Frank & Jack for the covering help.

Still to do:
Ailerons for top wing
Connect ailerons
Make interplane struts
Make axle for main wheels
Fit tail wheel
Balance

Should be ready for May 9th.
Title: Re: Simon's Skywriter Build Blog
Post by: Michael on April 20, 2015, 10:26:55 PM
Wow! That's nice!
Title: Re: Simon's Skywriter Build Blog
Post by: piker on April 21, 2015, 09:47:43 AM
It sure is!  I can't wait to see it flying!
Title: Re: Simon's Skywriter Build Blog
Post by: wollins on April 21, 2015, 10:08:09 AM
Damn!  Those classes must be good!  ;D

Colin
Title: Re: Simon's Skywriter Build Blog
Post by: sihinch on May 02, 2015, 09:49:31 AM
Just a few little things to do now.  Should be good for next weekend's maiden....... :)
Title: Re: Simon's Skywriter Build Blog
Post by: sihinch on May 04, 2015, 08:15:39 AM
Please can someone describe the correct way to balance a biplane? For example right side up or upside down? Top wing or bottom wing? Etc.

Thanks
Title: Re: Simon's Skywriter Build Blog
Post by: Papa on May 04, 2015, 08:40:48 AM
Always on the upper wing.
What I have done is to take a piece of heavy thread, stretch it straight and soak it with thin CA and kicker.
I cut this into 1/2" lengths and glue them on the CG. If there is a range I will use two or more.
When you turn the plane right way up you can feel the threads with your finger tips.
No one will notice them on the model.
I have also used half round tooth picks instead of thread.


Jack.
Title: Re: Simon's Skywriter Build Blog
Post by: Wingnutz on May 08, 2015, 02:27:11 PM
Wow! Harry Hawker would be proud! Nice work!