BUSA SE5a, etc. Build

piker · October 01, 2012, 11:43:11 AM

O.K., 'bout time I started my own thread so I don't have to mess up Greg's or Gordon's thread anymore.

As you know, I'm working on a 1/4 scale Balsa USA SE5a. I hope to have it ready for next flying season.

I did manage to find time for a little building this weekend. The first set of wings are off the board, waiting for the center section to be built so it can all be joined together. I'll start taking pictures to show that I'm not just making this up...

I'll also use this thread to slot it the odd progress on a couple of other planes I'm working on (I use that term loosely). I'm recovering my old Canadair CL-215 Water Bomber that I've been flying since 1997 and have recently (a couple of years ago) stripped off the covering, refurbished the structure a bit, ran new wiring for a brushless set-up (the plane used to fly on old Astro 05 bushed motors and NiCd/Nimh cells), and have now started the recovering process. I'm really looking forward to having this plane flying again with a modern power system as it has been my best performing seaplane to date. So much fun, and easy to fly.

My other project that I'm itching to get started on is the Supermarine Seagull that I mentioned in Gordon's thread. This will be a cool little flying boat of a subject that's rarely modelled.

I would really like to have all three of these flying next year. I'll do my best, but time is limited. $:-\$

Wish me luck!!

Robert

Gregor77 · October 01, 2012, 11:46:13 AM

Very cool Robert!

Missed you this weekend, but if you got some building done, you are off the hook! lol! Good to see that we are building again!

piker · October 02, 2012, 10:55:07 AM

Well, it seems the instructions would like me to start the next set of left and right wings before I move onto the center sections and the joining of all the bits. Both the upper and lower wings are identical until the center sections are added and specific hard points are added. So I need to do it all over again.

I'll do some shaping when the next set are done. No point in messing up my shop at this point (especially when my CL-215 recovering job is in progress on the other bench. Sanding dust and covering don't mix).

Here's some proof as requested. Not much to look at yet, but progress is being made.

Robert

battlestu · October 02, 2012, 11:12:30 AM

looking good!!! Colin better watch out that wing looks strong

Gregor77 · October 02, 2012, 11:33:27 AM

Oh, no.. better get my butt in gear! Ok tonight I am building again! Yesterdays MonthEnd killed me! So tired!

piker · October 04, 2012, 11:07:44 AM

Got a couple of hours in last night. The second set of wings will be at the level of the first set very soon. Hopefully tonight.

I want to have the wings and tail feathers all finished by the end of October so I can use November for the fuselage.

It's so nice to be building again!!!

Robert

Gregor77 · October 04, 2012, 11:36:03 AM

Great! I am starting the top wing this weekend. Hopefully have it framed up by Sunday night.

piker · October 08, 2012, 11:57:30 PM

Still plugging away!

Robert

Gregor77 · October 09, 2012, 08:15:31 AM

Wow, see you could do it! You are moving!

Gregor77 · October 12, 2012, 10:13:36 AM

I had a bad/good dream last night that you had it done before me... Caused me to go in the basement and get two more steps done...

piker · October 12, 2012, 05:19:37 PM

You have nothing to worry about. I haven't been able to get to it all week, but maybe tonight.

Stop having nightmares. The hobby is getting to you!!!!

Piker aka. Future SE5a Pilot...

piker · October 15, 2012, 12:07:35 AM

I was finally able to put a little time into the SE5a tonight, but only about 45 minutes before I ran out of time and have to go to bed.

It was time to do a little shaping of the outer wing panels before I join them to the centre sections. I had almost forgotten the joy you can get from the 'chore' of sanding. Yes, it's a messy job, but I'd much rather vacuum up balsa dust than foam "dust" any day. And the joy of seeing a wing take it's smooth, final shape is a big part of the reason I enjoy building. It's the time when the structure of various bits of sticks, sheet parts, and sheeting transform into the shape of a flying machine. You can start to see the smooth shapes that the wings will take when covered and it's a very satisfying process. I'm anxious to get back at it as soon as I can.

Robert

Gregor77 · October 24, 2012, 09:13:31 AM

Any more progress?

piker · October 29, 2012, 10:52:58 AM

Ugh! I've been away for the past week, then swamped before that. I have three days left in October and I'm not done the wings yet. And, of course, I haven't started the tail pieces either.

Oh well, I'm still very motivated and will get back at building tonight. Maybe 1/2 an hour between 11:30 and 12:00

Robert

Gregor77 · October 29, 2012, 06:55:45 PM

Keep going...

I have both fuse side together now.. I have to swap the plans out now and get my but in gear.....