Toronto Electric Model Aviation Club Forum

Toronto Electric Model Aviation Club (TEMAC) => Building / Construction => Topic started by: Michael on March 07, 2013, 09:34:47 PM

Title: Scratch built depron micro Macchi 72 Schneider racer
Post by: Michael on March 07, 2013, 09:34:47 PM
This will be a semi-scale Macchi 72 Schneider Cup racer scratch built from depron and E-Flite micro floats, and the guts from an E-Flite micro Beast biplane.

I have no plans and will be basing the model on photos and what seems right at this size.

I'll be using my own personal judgement and experience to decide on a good balance of size, wingspan and wing-loading for what I hope will be the best compromise for a good flyer.

The photo shows the main components that will magically transform into a new model within a few weeks.
Title: Re: Scratch built depron micro Macchi 72 Schneider racer
Post by: Michael on March 10, 2013, 11:13:39 AM
... and we're off !!!

Wing and fuselage sides are 1/8" foam, tail is 1/16", all with 'grain' lengthwise.

Wingspan is 18". Projected (hoped for) weight without floats is 2 ounces.

Title: Re: Scratch built depron micro Macchi 72 Schneider racer
Post by: Michael on March 10, 2013, 04:34:20 PM
Wing sanded to undercambered airfoil, ailerons cut, basic fuselage construction started, motor mount fashioned, and floats assembled.
Title: Re: Scratch built depron micro Macchi 72 Schneider racer
Post by: Papa on March 10, 2013, 09:26:58 PM
Jacques Schneider would be very impressed. Looks every bit a cup racer.

Well done.

Jack.
Title: Re: Scratch built depron micro Macchi 72 Schneider racer
Post by: Michael on March 10, 2013, 11:04:22 PM
About 3+ hours for this little bit behind the cockpit.

Still a bit of sanding needed.
Title: Re: Scratch built depron micro Macchi 72 Schneider racer
Post by: sihinch on March 11, 2013, 08:51:58 AM
Will the kits be for sale!?

It looks very nice.
Title: Re: Scratch built depron micro Macchi 72 Schneider racer
Post by: Michael on March 11, 2013, 10:43:49 AM
Just so you know, Simon, that head-rest thingy that runs to the back of the fuselage, is made of 5 layers of different thickness foam, with the center layer left open at a specific point for the fin to be placed.

The layers were carefully epoxied together.

Then it was rough cut to shape, and then sanded to shape.

I will not be making kits.  ;D
Title: Re: Scratch built depron micro Macchi 72 Schneider racer
Post by: piker on March 11, 2013, 10:51:04 AM
Looking good, Michael.

At this rate you could build every Schneider racer ever built, before the water turns soft again.
Title: Re: Scratch built depron micro Macchi 72 Schneider racer
Post by: Wingnutz on March 11, 2013, 07:17:20 PM
Great project! Can't get over how quickly it's coming together! The floats in reply#2 look pretty neat...scratch built or RTF?
Title: Re: Scratch built depron micro Macchi 72 Schneider racer
Post by: Michael on March 11, 2013, 08:33:33 PM
E-Flite Micro floats.
Title: Re: Scratch built depron micro Macchi 72 Schneider racer
Post by: Michael on March 11, 2013, 09:53:16 PM
More progress: fuselage top and pilot opening, cowl and spinner.

More sanding is needed but basic construction is done and it now looks like a Macchi 72.

Title: Re: Scratch built depron micro Macchi 72 Schneider racer
Post by: piker on March 12, 2013, 10:54:08 AM
Well, I've seen it in person already, but I just wanted to state publicly that this plane is WAY COOL!  It really does look like a Schneider racer.  It'll look even better when all painted up fine!
Title: Re: Scratch built depron micro Macchi 72 Schneider racer
Post by: Michael on March 12, 2013, 09:20:50 PM
Steady progress, a tiny bit by tiny bit.

Windshield frame cut and glued in; made a slightly larger than scale scale fin and rudder; receiver in place; tail linkages prepared.

About 2 hours work.
Title: Re: Scratch built depron micro Macchi 72 Schneider racer
Post by: Michael on March 14, 2013, 10:25:12 AM
I worked on the ailerons last night, and started painting.

Motor for my Nooner has arrived, so I may work on that and give this a short rest.

... Or maybe, I'll work on both at the same time.  ;D
Title: Re: Scratch built depron micro Macchi 72 Schneider racer
Post by: Gregor77 on March 14, 2013, 11:14:36 AM
That is the spirite!

Just stop by the retirement home and offer some of the guys a chane to build your planes.  That is my secret!  lol!  Just kidding!
Title: Re: Scratch built depron micro Macchi 72 Schneider racer
Post by: Wingnutz on March 15, 2013, 05:21:52 PM
Quote from: Gregor77 on March 14, 2013, 11:14:36 AM
That is the spirite!

Just stop by the retirement home and offer some of the guys a chane to build your planes.  That is my secret!  lol!  Just kidding!
Hey! Watch those pokes at retired seniors! Some of us wield a vicious cane! Just kidding...
Title: Re: Scratch built depron micro Macchi 72 Schneider racer
Post by: Michael on March 15, 2013, 09:57:27 PM
started painting ....

Title: Re: Scratch built depron micro Macchi 72 Schneider racer
Post by: Skyking on March 15, 2013, 10:34:31 PM
Michael,

You are starting to build them as fast as Greg.
Maiden season is going to be a big big deal this year.

Ken
Title: Re: Scratch built depron micro Macchi 72 Schneider racer
Post by: sihinch on March 16, 2013, 09:52:01 AM
Another "Rogo-special" - very nice indeed.

What are you selling next, to make way for all these aeroplanes you keep building?!
Title: Re: Scratch built depron micro Macchi 72 Schneider racer
Post by: Ededge2002 on March 16, 2013, 10:03:47 AM
Great work Michael.  An inspiration to see these small wonders come to life.

If anyone is interested I have a new in package AR6400LBL for sale.  Make an offer
Title: Re: Scratch built depron micro Macchi 72 Schneider racer
Post by: Michael on March 16, 2013, 08:23:51 PM
... more painting ...
Title: Re: Scratch built depron micro Macchi 72 Schneider racer
Post by: Michael on March 21, 2013, 10:39:56 PM
More painting and a few details.

Still have the entire hardware installation (except the motor; already in), scale struts for the floats, scale rigging wires to support the wing and finally a light coat of water-based polyurethane.

Title: Re: Scratch built depron micro Macchi 72 Schneider racer
Post by: Michael on March 24, 2013, 10:21:35 PM
4 more hours invested!

Floats glued on; ailerons, rudder and elevator hinged with fiber tape; receiver and servos installed; functional support wires installed and glued in place; scale float struts prepared - still need to be painted.

Title: Re: Scratch built depron micro Macchi 72 Schneider racer
Post by: sts41 on March 25, 2013, 06:45:51 AM
Those servos look like the same Spektrum Servos in my Blade mCPx. Interesting Receiver,servo,ESC all together in one unit.

Steve
Title: Re: Scratch built depron micro Macchi 72 Schneider racer
Post by: Michael on March 26, 2013, 06:54:28 PM
Hatch with magnet, float fairings painted and glued on, propeller installed, and battery tray installed.

Total weight, ready to fly, with floats and battery: 2.4 ounces.

The plane scoots around a carpet floor with ease at low throttle, and rudder is extremely effective, turning on the carpet with a 2 foot radius.

A pilot is pending.

Obviously, I'll have to adjust the throws for flight, but it's finished and ready to fly!  ;D
Title: Re: Scratch built depron micro Macchi 72 Schneider racer
Post by: piker on March 27, 2013, 11:07:17 AM
Looks good!  Too bad the snow's melting (or is it gone already at TEMAC?).  That would make a great snow plane :-)

I'm looking forward to seeing it in the air!

Robert
Title: Re: Scratch built depron micro Macchi 72 Schneider racer
Post by: Wingnutz on March 27, 2013, 04:59:25 PM
Yet another Rogozinsky model is ready for the air...well done! Looks like it too could do 440 mph (maybe not on the carpet). Mike, I'm really impressed at the rate you finishunique quality builds. Do you actually manage to finish each one before you start the next?
Title: Re: Scratch built depron micro Macchi 72 Schneider racer
Post by: Michael on March 28, 2013, 02:37:58 PM
Usually one at a time, but in this case, it was built simultaneously alongside my Nooner, as I waited for parts, or for paint to dry.