RC Guys Piper Cherokee 101" wingspan

Michael · 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.

Gregor77 · December 01, 2012, 06:10:37 PM

OMG!

piker · 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

Michael · 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?

Michael · 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.

sihinch · 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.

Michael · 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.

Gregor77 · December 20, 2012, 01:41:58 PM

Too many models and no time!

piker · 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

Michael · 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.

Andy Hoffer · 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

thehaze · December 23, 2012, 10:28:29 AM

Looks awesome.

Michael · 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!

sihinch · 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

Michael · May 04, 2013, 10:12:15 PM

Sorry Simon.

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