Balsa USA Northstar

Michael · April 02, 2022, 05:17:55 PM

I'm happy to report the maiden flight went really well. Only minor trim was needed, and I was confident enough to do several rolls on the maiden flight. Took off smoothly and landed gently on grass. No repairs nor adjustments necessary.

Michael · January 18, 2024, 04:34:55 PM

It (my second Northstar) flew great for a year, until I flew high-alpha at too-low altitude, made a mistake, and totaled it, early 2023!

I was lucky enough to buy a mostly built model a couple months ago. I finished the construction, converted it to electric power, and have begun to finish it.

I started fiber-glassing with water-based poly-urethane. I'll post more images as I make progress.

GuyOReilly · January 18, 2024, 04:59:03 PM

Let me know if you run short on fibreglass. I bought 10 meters and I can spare some.
Great looking model.

Michael · January 21, 2024, 01:31:26 PM

Thanks Guy, but I have enough.

In the mean time, I started painting the model (fiber-glassed where I felt it was needed) with a white-primer. When dry, it'll be easier to see any areas needing improvement. I'll then improve what's needed, and start the colour painting.

I made a modification to the tail. The fin and stabilizer are supposed to be glued to the nacelle (at the rear). I decided to make it detachable (like many ARFs) in case I need to work on stuff that's in there: wiring, the speed control, elevator connection, etc.).

Michael · January 24, 2024, 11:09:57 AM

Painting ...

GuyOReilly · January 24, 2024, 11:53:50 AM

Looks great, looking forward to seeing it fly.

Michael · January 25, 2024, 04:39:04 PM

Painting mostly finished.

I added a thick coat of epoxy on the bottom of the front-fuselage and the tip-floats; the areas that will slide on the grass, or takeoff area.

Also, a skid was installed at the rear bottom to protect the rudder from being pulled off by grass.

msatin · January 26, 2024, 08:29:50 AM

Very nice Michael!

Michael · January 28, 2024, 10:17:54 AM

Since I bought this plane with most basic construction completed, not everything was built as I would have done. The ailerons, formed as per the kit instructions, taper to a thinner width towards the outer wing. They would probably function alright, but thinner ailerons are not as effective as wider ailerons, especially at the outer wing area. So, I constructed new non-tapered ailerons instead.

Michael · January 30, 2024, 05:05:31 PM

Finished, and ready to fly!

Triple-rates programmed for the 'flippy' surfaces; electronic-gyro-stabilizer installed, model is balanced, one more coat of high-gloss clear-coat, and decals applied.

The power system reaches 60 amps at full throttle with a 5-cell 5,000mah lipo battery pack, 60amp speed control, and a 3-blade 11/8 propeller, which produces 1,100 watts of power.

Note the raised motor for propeller clearance, and the neat radio installation.

Now I'll wait for a nice soft layer of snow, or I'll wait for spring.

msatin · January 30, 2024, 11:16:50 PM

Congrats on finishing the rebuild!