Step one, read the instructions, done, there are none. ::)
Step 2, layout plan on building surface. Foam board is used as the kit uses tabs and keys for alignment. Photo #7776
Step 3, figure out what part goes where. ??? Photo 7777
There are no plans for the fuselage, only step-by-step pictures of a build available online.
That should be a fun time.
The DR-1 was delivered instead of a Tiger Moth kit, so I will build 3 wings instead of 2.
All electronics and power yet to be determined.
Guy,
Is that the same plane as I fixed/flew for Jim Spence last year? https://temac.ca/smf/index.php?topic=7713.0
With DR-1's, move all the weight up forward (servos, battery, install a larger/heavier motor, extend the motor box as much as possible from the firewall, etc.).
WW1 planes are notorious for being tail heavy.
The TEMAC expert on DR-1's is Greg Cadez. The balance point is just ahead of the spar of the middle wing. Make sure it is nose heavy or it will wallow on take-off like a drunken sailor.
Frank
Trial fitting the top wing, nothing glue yet.
This is the only one with ailerons and the most complex due to servo installation needs.
At least I hope the others are simpler.
There are 56 half ribs, but only 48 spots to place them.
Given the quality of the kit, I do not think this is a mistake... but where do they go?!?
Top wing done except for joining right and left side and adding control horns and hinges. See photo 7780
Great build so far, very impressed with the laser cut and parts fit quality. See photo 7779 tiny pieces.
That's nice laser-cut material.
Can you post a website link?
@Michael I am not sure if this link will work: https://www.banggood.com/Fokker-Dr_I-770mm-Wingspan-Balsa-Wood-Triplane-Warbird-RC-Airplane-KIT-p-1155643.html?cur_warehouse=CN&rmmds=buy
It is a DR-1 770mm from Dancing Wings, although the plan says it is Free Sky.
Also, the image does not correspond to the plan or material include. For example:
1- There are no machine guns.
2- There is not wing between the landing gear.
3- The wheels are not as per the picture.
4- There is NO ENGLISH INSTRUCTION regardless of what the website states, only a large number of pictures.
5- You have to guess as to location and identification of parts.
6- Good luck with build sequence as some parts interlock and dry-fitting is needed to ensure proper location, part identification and fit.
Having said all that, I am still enjoying the build.
Guy
Can any club member translate this text?!?
It is about the cabin struts, but I have no clue what the instruction means.
Any help is appreciated.
Guy
Rudder, elevator and stab glued.
Took about 15 minutes.
Parts fit is excellent, very light sanding and cutting to remove them.
Wings completed, saved for sanding and hinging of the control surfaces.
The weight of each component:
Rudder: 0.1 ounce
Elevators: 0.1 ounce
Stab: 0.2 ounce
Bottom wing: 1.2 ounce
Mid-wing: 1.3 ounce
Top wing: 1.3 ounce
Ailerons: 0.3 ounce
Total 4.6 ounces - some rounding by the scale resulted in the all-up weight not being 4.5, go figure. ::)
Now on to the fuselage.
PS: A Pin-Mystery for
@Andy Hoffer to resolve.
Fuselage started.
Discovered that an unfortunate twist exists when I dry fitted the rear formers. >:(
I discounted the significance of a plywood warp; hopefully that will not affect wing set-up too much.
I am thinking semi-transparent covering.
Photo 7782 front made and glued, with the permanent twist.
Photo 7788 trial fitting just to see the results so far.
Still reasonably happy with the results.
Fuselage done, 3.5 ounces.
Not happy with the twist in the tail; I have to figure out how to fix that.
Quote from: GuyOReilly on April 05, 2021, 11:34:42 PM
Fuselage done, 3.5 ounces.
Not happy with the twist in the tail; I have to figure out how to fix that.
Hi
@GuyOReilly ,
@Frank v B 's cure-all for twisted fuselages is the judicious application of the TX trim levers !! ;D
I think he wrote an encyclopedia on the many variations on this theme!
Andy
I think that there is no amount of TX trim available to fix this
@Andy Hoffer. ;)
Perhaps acetone could be used to remove the glue and then free the formers, else a hacksaw... >:(
Hey Guy. Have you tried applying a good spray of windex and then clamping it in the opposite direction of the twist. I have successful done that with balsa, might work on ply.
@octagon I did not try that. ::) I will keep you posted.
Thank you. :D
Quote from: octagon on April 06, 2021, 10:43:40 AM
Hey Guy. Have you tried applying a good spray of windex and then clamping it in the opposite direction of the twist. I have successful done that with balsa, might work on ply.
Hey
@GuyOReilly If nothing else
@octagon 's suggestion will result in a nice clean windsceen on your DR-1! ;D
Andy
Hi Guy,
Here is the translation of the two Chinese instructions of the DR-1
1) Break the aluminum strip at the midsection and bend them.
2) Adjust both sides wing using the two aluminum strips.
Regards.
Manny
This is starting to look like a DR-1...
Thank you
@Manny for the translation, I hope it was not too much trouble.
The instructions are essentially non-existent; what a pity, such a nice kit.
It would be a FANTASTIC kit with any degree of information, such as part count and identification and instruction or construction sequence.
@octagon in the end I decided not to use the Windex method as I was afraid it would delaminate the plywood.
I will live with the twist... :-[
Quote from: GuyOReilly on April 11, 2021, 05:33:50 PM
This is starting to look like a DR-1...
Thank you @Manny for the translation, I hope it was not too much trouble.
The instructions are essentially non-existent; what a pity, such a nice kit.
It would be a FANTASTIC kit with any degree of information, such as part count and identification and instruction or construction sequence.
@octagon in the end I decided not to use the Windex method as I was afraid it would delaminate the plywood.
I will live with the twist... :-[
Go
@GuyOReilly Go !!! ;D
(Second video comes with explicit twist instructions, just in case the first video does not provide sufficient guidance. Failing that, call
@Frank v B - he has some really wicked aerial manoeuvres on an extension ladder he can show you!!)
Andy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=im9XuJJXylw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CCgDvUM4TM
May I introduce Baron von Spinz, DR-1 pilot extraordinaire!!!
Yah, zass iss goot
@GuyOReilly ! Ze Baron vill be takken ze goot care oof der flugenplane!! ;D
Andy
Quote from: Andy Hoffer on April 12, 2021, 07:02:01 PM
Yah, zass iss goot @GuyOReilly ! Ze Baron vill be takken ze goot care oof der flugenplane!! ;D
Andy
By the way,
@Andy Hoffer the Baron knows the twist from the very informative youtube videos you so graciously shared.
Hi
@GuyOReilly ,
The "Twist" will definitely help the Baron master his aerobatic manoeuvres! 8)
Andy
New wood propeller installed. ;)
But seriously, just a wood dowel holding the motor mount firmly in place while the epoxy is drying.
A bit of built-in down thrust for good measure.
Great clamping technique
@GuyOReilly ! Very elegant solution.
Andy
Quote from: Andy Hoffer on April 13, 2021, 08:56:42 PM
Great clamping technique @GuyOReilly ! Very elegant solution.
Andy
Thank you
@Andy Hoffer .
There is another dowel inside holding the other end of the rope, then a couple of "twists" and all is tight.
There might be some epoxy that seeped onto the rope, making part of it a permanent fixture.
I decided not to use the supplied flat aluminium bar for wing strut construction.
Instead an airfoil shaped aluminium tube will be used.
More stylish, me thinks. ;D
Quote from: GuyOReilly on April 21, 2021, 03:10:49 PM
I decided not to use the supplied flat aluminium bar for wing strut construction.
Instead an airfoil shaped aluminium tube will be used.
More stylish, me thinks. ;D
Panache est tout
@GuyOReilly ! ;D
Andy
Cabane struts done, it was much easier than I ever feared.
Next, servo installation and pushrods forming.
I can almost see the Red Baron now! 8)
Andy
Quote from: Andy Hoffer on May 04, 2021, 07:54:28 AM
I can almost see the Red Baron now! 8)
Andy
Das ist Baron von Spinz für dich, mein Freund!!
DR-1 covering started.
Not conventional, but I like the transparent covering.
@Andy Hoffer will no doubt notice the pilot that was drawn by my son some 25 years ago on the drafting table.
Hi
@GuyOReilly I really like the transparent covering. Very eclectic. As is the portrait of you on your drafting table. The likeness is remarkable. Your son is quite talented. I can see where he gets his strong artistic sensibilities. :D
Andy
Elevator hinged.
Got my sewing kit out for this one, too thin to cut slots in the stab and elevator.
The 1930's method still work fine.
Starting to look the part.
No scale colour scheme here, but I like the "translucent" covering.
Tail to be fitted, aligned and glued. ::)
The cowling will be painted black once sanded down.
Mostly all done.
Quite happy with this build. ;D
Weight is 1 pound 15 ounces, or 879 grams.
Painted and ready for Maiden Flight...
A few decals have been ordered.
Many thanks to
@Frank v B for the motor and servos and radio and to
@Andy Hoffer for additional servos and testing.
Looking forward to the club being opened safely.
Looks great
@GuyOReilly ! I love the transparent covering and your colour choices. Can't wait to see it in the flying in full sun.
Andy
Another beautiful build by
@GuyOReilly. Love the transparent covering which reveals the fine elegant structure within. Coming soon to a field near you!
Andy
Quote from: Andy Hoffer on May 23, 2021, 09:25:42 PM
Another beautiful build by @GuyOReilly. Love the transparent covering which reveals the fine elegant structure within. Coming soon to a field near you!
Andy
That should read "translucent"... I was once corrected...
Thank you
@Andy Hoffer for the lovely pictures. ;D
Maiden flight once the winds calm down and my nerves recover from the Minimoa maiden fright. :o
I am going to put my 2 cents in before you do a maiden....
This is from a few, I mean a few (Many) years of DR-1 experience.
1) You need larger wheels, it wont take off nicely without larger wheels.
2) aim at the wind, get up as soon as possible.
3) fly with rudder and use the ailerons to basically level the plane. No yank and bank, doesn't like that!
4) land with a bit of speed and bleed off last second and let its tail drop,
5) You elevator should have tons of expo and not too much throw, short fuse...
Quote from: Gregor77 on May 26, 2021, 01:42:36 PM
I am going to put my 2 cents in before you do a maiden....
This is from a few, I mean a few (Many) years of DR-1 experience.
1) You need larger wheels, it wont take off nicely without larger wheels.
2) aim at the wind, get up as soon as possible.
3) fly with rudder and use the ailerons to basically level the plane. No yank and bank, doesn't like that!
4) land with a bit of speed and bleed off last second and let its tail drop,
5) You elevator should have tons of expo and not too much throw, short fuse...
Thank you for your insights
@Gregor77 , much appreciated.
I would have flown using ailerons rather than rudder, great advice.
Yes, the wheels are rather small. I will seek larger ones.
Already warned about sensitivity on elevator by
@Frank v B, good reminder.
I am looking forward to the Maiden Flight (or Fright)...
Added a few decals.
Ready for Maiden Flight, this time by
@Frank v B when the wind calms down a bit...
today would not be good!
Seems the weather Gods want us grounded.
Quote from: Gregor77 on June 16, 2021, 08:25:53 AM
Seems the weather Gods want us grounded.
Because the winds are too strong for the DR-1, I will go and fly my Cessna A150M from Buttonville.
That one does not mind a stiff breeze!
Guy
Quote from: GuyOReilly on June 16, 2021, 08:36:22 AM
Quote from: Gregor77 on June 16, 2021, 08:25:53 AM
Seems the weather Gods want us grounded.
Because the winds are too strong for the DR-1, I will go and fly my Cessna A150M from Buttonville.
That one does not mind a stiff breeze!
Guy
Perfect winds for 33 at CYKZ. Volez bien
@GuyOReilly !
Andy
Well. The weather has not been great. But had a chance to add a few details to my Ziroli DR1. In the spirit of this thread. Hopefully a few maidens in the near future.
Quote from: Gregor77 on June 19, 2021, 09:26:11 AM
Well. The weather has not been great. But had a chance to add a few details to my Ziroli DR1. In the spirit of this thread. Hopefully a few maidens in the near future.
This pilot looks great! Is it 3D printed?
Your DR-1 surely is bigger than mine ::)
Looking forward to some decent weather... and some time off from work, and from house chores :-\
Guy