Toronto Electric Model Aviation Club Forum

Toronto Electric Model Aviation Club (TEMAC) => Building / Construction => Skywriter Scratch-build Class => Topic started by: bfeist on March 19, 2014, 08:35:09 PM

Title: Ben's Skywriter Build
Post by: bfeist on March 19, 2014, 08:35:09 PM
Finally started tonight. Started with the rudder.
After getting some details clear on the plans (thanks jack) the build went relatively smoothly. It really feels like it's been a long time since I've done this. I guess nooner building doesn't count.


Rudder weighs in at 12g after rough sanding.

Title: Re: Ben's Skywriter Build
Post by: sihinch on March 20, 2014, 08:46:56 AM
It's great seeing everyone's build coming together. I love that they're all slightly different.
Title: Re: Ben's Skywriter Build
Post by: Michael on March 20, 2014, 11:45:59 AM
Come together, right now, over me!  ;D
Title: Re: Ben's Skywriter Build
Post by: bfeist on March 22, 2014, 01:15:09 PM
More progress this morning with some help from my little helper.
Title: Re: Ben's Skywriter Build
Post by: Papa on March 22, 2014, 02:06:17 PM
Looks great, so does the wood work!

Jack.
Title: Re: Ben's Skywriter Build
Post by: bfeist on March 22, 2014, 03:30:39 PM
Thanks Jack,
Plugged away a little more.


I'm thinking about the sheeting problem. Why are we sheeting the tail feathers to begin with? My 40 size Spitfire, my 25 size Supercub, and almost every plane I've owned has an open frame tail. My aerobatic 70 size Revolver is fully sheeted, but it takes a serious beating in the air. I don't think balsa sheeting would add much strength, but would provide a fiberglass surface. If I plan on using monokote, do I need to even bother?


Title: Re: Ben's Skywriter Build
Post by: sihinch on March 22, 2014, 04:37:10 PM
I think it added some torsional rigidity to mine.
Title: Re: Ben's Skywriter Build
Post by: Papa on March 22, 2014, 10:47:27 PM
I think the sheeting is more aesthetics than anything else. Sure it adds strength but that is as close to a solid stabilizer you can get.
I think that either way you go will work perfectly.

Jack.
Title: Re: Ben's Skywriter Build
Post by: Frank v B on March 23, 2014, 03:25:05 PM
My opinion: this plane is over-built!!


Build it to fly (light) not to survive a crash (heavy)


Frank (Captain Crunch!)
Title: Re: Ben's Skywriter Build
Post by: bfeist on March 28, 2014, 07:24:43 PM
Extended the plans onto paper with a pencil and ruler. Didn't take long at all, and looks to be more accurate than my scan/flip/print technique that resulted in being a few mm off on everything.


I'm planning on building the wing all at once, then cutting it in the center. Bad idea? Good idea?
Title: Re: Ben's Skywriter Build
Post by: Papa on March 28, 2014, 08:00:01 PM
Worked for me so I like it. Just remember you can only build the outer sections. Then cut and add the dihedral brace. Then add the rest of the ribs etc.


jack.
Title: Re: Ben's Skywriter Build
Post by: Michael on March 29, 2014, 06:29:32 PM
I got a full-size mirror-image photocopy at Staples, for $5.03.



Title: Re: Ben's Skywriter Build
Post by: bfeist on March 31, 2014, 07:37:45 PM
Built the wing one half at a time. Still making progress, have to get the CA smell out of my nose for a while before I continue. I think Frank's wife might be on to something. Rest of the build might just be epoxy.


Note the carefully omitted servo lead holes on the left side. Oops.



Title: Re: Ben's Skywriter Build
Post by: Papa on March 31, 2014, 09:50:49 PM
Your looking good Ben. Consider the LePages 'Express' wood glue from HD and others. It sets almost as quick as Epoxy but without the mess.


Jack.
Title: Re: Ben's Skywriter Build
Post by: bfeist on April 01, 2014, 02:18:34 PM
Thanks Jack. You might of mentioned it, but is the Express glue water soluble? I want to leave my float plane options open.
Title: Re: Ben's Skywriter Build
Post by: Papa on April 01, 2014, 02:31:55 PM
It's water resistant. It will stand a dunking without a problem but not sustained immersion. I have used it exclusively on my Northstar and I'm not concerned.


Jack.
Title: Re: Ben's Skywriter Build
Post by: piker on April 01, 2014, 03:52:24 PM
Quote from: bfeist on April 01, 2014, 02:18:34 PM
Thanks Jack. You might of mentioned it, but is the Express glue water soluble? I want to leave my float plane options open.

Atta Boy!   ;D
Title: Re: Ben's Skywriter Build
Post by: bfeist on April 01, 2014, 08:27:52 PM
Inspired by Rob, I added my dowel. Anything left before tomorrow's meeting?
Title: Re: Ben's Skywriter Build
Post by: Wingnutz on April 03, 2014, 12:04:55 AM
Hmmm...sold the Curtiss so you could build the Skywriter..??? ???
Title: Re: Ben's Skywriter Build
Post by: Papa on April 03, 2014, 12:53:59 AM
Don'tcha just love big hair!


Jack.
Title: Re: Ben's Skywriter Build
Post by: bfeist on April 03, 2014, 07:16:34 AM
You'll notice that a plane in one of those photos is flying.
Title: Re: Ben's Skywriter Build
Post by: Wingnutz on April 03, 2014, 10:51:56 AM
Plane?
Title: Re: Ben's Skywriter Build
Post by: Ededge2002 on April 09, 2014, 07:04:36 PM
Quote from: Papa on April 03, 2014, 12:53:59 AM
Don'tcha just love big hair!


Jack.

Yes Jack I do!