Toronto Electric Model Aviation Club Forum

Toronto Electric Model Aviation Club (TEMAC) => Building / Construction => Topic started by: Michael on December 01, 2012, 04:50:19 PM

Title: RC Guys Piper Cherokee 101" wingspan
Post by: Michael on December 01, 2012, 04:50:19 PM
I've just started by December project, the RC Guys 1/4 scale Piper Cherokee.

This is a ARF, but due to its size, there's a lot of work. I hope to finish it on the holiday break.

The model has a 101" wingspan and will weigh close to 20 pounds.

It will be powered by an E-Flite 160 brushless motor.

First step was to glue together the plywood engine/motor mount.

Title: Re: RC Guys Piper Cherokee 108" wingspan
Post by: Gregor77 on December 01, 2012, 06:10:37 PM
OMG!
Title: Re: RC Guys Piper Cherokee 108" wingspan
Post by: piker on December 01, 2012, 10:06:57 PM
Very nice, Michael.

I know you told me your plans for this plane, but I can't remember.  Did you say you'll be using 11 cells?

Robert
Title: Re: RC Guys Piper Cherokee 108" wingspan
Post by: Michael on December 02, 2012, 11:20:15 AM
10 or 12 cells.

One magazine review used a 22" prop and mentioned close ground clearance.
Our slightly bumpy field concerns me a bit.

I used an 18/8 prop (12S) on my 18 pound P47 Thunderbolt, which has nearly as big a fuselage but smaller (less area and wingspan) wings.
I'm sure this would be adequate to fly a civilian model in a scale manner.

I'll either use a 20" prop on 10 cells or an 18" prop on 12 cells.
(I'm using a 110 amp 12S Castle Creations ESC.)

On 12 cells there will be some low-end torque loss, but more watts to fly.

What do you think?

Title: Re: RC Guys Piper Cherokee 101" wingspan
Post by: Michael on December 19, 2012, 09:50:54 PM
Motor installation complete.

Still need to do the cowl, spinner, battery installation, and final radio adjustments.

Maybe a fake interior.

There were some challenges with the supplied hardware and the instructions, but it's generally straight-forward and fun to build.
Title: Re: RC Guys Piper Cherokee 101" wingspan
Post by: sihinch on December 20, 2012, 01:10:58 PM
It's great to see that everyone is making use of the holiday season to build models!!!!  ;)

Looks awesome, Michael.  As does Jack's build too.
Title: Re: RC Guys Piper Cherokee 101" wingspan
Post by: Michael on December 20, 2012, 01:13:21 PM
In all fairness, Jack's is a scratch-build, and mine is a big assembly.

I am really impressed with all the model-building going on in the club.
Title: Re: RC Guys Piper Cherokee 101" wingspan
Post by: Gregor77 on December 20, 2012, 01:41:58 PM
Too many models and no time!  ::)
Title: Re: RC Guys Piper Cherokee 101" wingspan
Post by: piker on December 21, 2012, 12:21:48 PM
This is going to be an awesome plane, Michael.  It'll have a real presence in the air!

Robert
Title: Re: RC Guys Piper Cherokee 101" wingspan
Post by: Michael on December 22, 2012, 10:41:38 PM
A few adjustments and a pilot to be added, but basically done.

It is big!

I'll have to build a cradle for field assembly.

Title: Re: RC Guys Piper Cherokee 101" wingspan
Post by: Andy Hoffer on December 22, 2012, 11:56:57 PM
Quote from: Michael on December 22, 2012, 10:41:38 PM
A few adjustments and a pilot to be added, but basically done.

It is big!

I'll have to build a cradle for field assembly.

I'll be watching for you at 1000' when I fly over the TEMAC field !! :)

Andy
Title: Re: RC Guys Piper Cherokee 101" wingspan
Post by: thehaze on December 23, 2012, 10:28:29 AM
Looks awesome.

Title: Re: RC Guys Piper Cherokee 101" wingspan
Post by: Michael on May 04, 2013, 06:54:53 PM
Maiden flight today; successful!

Smooth take off, medium speed (scale) circuits, and landed nicely at 4 1/2 minutes.

It's a big plane and takes quite a bit of "runway".

A bit bumpy in the air due to the wind, but flew easily at just over half-throttle on 12 cells.

A good flier!

Title: Re: RC Guys Piper Cherokee 101" wingspan
Post by: sihinch on May 04, 2013, 07:14:20 PM
Looked fabulous!  Congrats Michael.

My 2 maidens today ended in disaster - glad to see yours are going well.

S
Title: Re: RC Guys Piper Cherokee 101" wingspan
Post by: Michael on May 04, 2013, 10:12:15 PM
Sorry Simon.

We've all been there, and will likely go there again.

Title: Re: RC Guys Piper Cherokee 101" wingspan
Post by: Michael on June 15, 2014, 08:02:22 PM
Video from TEMAC, June 15, 2014.

Greg C filmed, I flew.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTxMSfHcujs&feature=youtu.be (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTxMSfHcujs&feature=youtu.be)
Title: Re: RC Guys Piper Cherokee 101" wingspan
Post by: Papa on June 16, 2014, 07:04:22 AM
It flies so realistically. It think it cries out for a cockpit and more decals.


What do you guys think?


Jack.
Title: Re: RC Guys Piper Cherokee 101" wingspan
Post by: Michael on June 17, 2014, 08:49:21 AM
It already has a pilot, but I'll do more interior work, and I'll add some decals or numbers.

The video has been posted on the retailer's website (good advertising for TEMAC).

http://rcguys.com/cherokee.htm


Title: Re: RC Guys Piper Cherokee 101" wingspan
Post by: battlestu on June 17, 2014, 09:14:53 AM
very cool!!

do you have room to add a lighting system?
Title: Re: RC Guys Piper Cherokee 101" wingspan
Post by: Michael on June 17, 2014, 11:15:47 AM
Quote from: battlestu on June 17, 2014, 09:14:53 AM
very cool!!

do you have room to add a lighting system?

I have room to add a couple dozen full-size light bulbs!
Title: Re: RC Guys Piper Cherokee 101" wingspan
Post by: battlestu on June 17, 2014, 11:19:11 AM
looking forward to seeing an RC plane with a working disco ball :)
Title: Re: RC Guys Piper Cherokee 101" wingspan
Post by: piker on June 17, 2014, 01:06:30 PM
I think you should build in a sound system... not for realistic engine sounds, but rather so you can blare Beatles songs as you fly.

Now THAT would be awesome... right?
Title: Re: RC Guys Piper Cherokee 101" wingspan
Post by: Ededge2002 on June 29, 2014, 08:04:15 PM
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x5qwir_the-beatles-flying_music

Look they even wrote a song for it.