Balsa P47 conversion

Michael · January 10, 2013, 09:22:27 AM

All this balsa building fever has finally got me infected, but I'm trying something different.

I've just started a 17.5" Dumas P47 rubber-powered free-flight "stick and tissue" kit, which I will convert to 4-channel electric RC. This is intended for outdoor use.

It's been a long time since I built anything like this.

piker · January 10, 2013, 09:34:22 AM

Very cool, Michael!

And some fast progress.

That's a pretty small plane. Do you think the weight will be reasonable with the radio, motor and batt? There's not a lot of room for error in that size, but I know you have experience with it.

I'll be following so I can learn what works. I like the concept.

Michael · January 10, 2013, 09:40:54 AM

I built a 28" Piper Cub that weighs between 3 and 4 ounces.

My target weight here is about 2 to 2 1/2 ounces, but I still want to do as nice a job as possible making this thing scale-like and with details.

Laser cut parts and CA glue are a big advantage over kits from years ago, but it still takes patience.

wollins · January 10, 2013, 09:49:50 AM

Awesome! Will you still cover it with the dope/tissue method or "regular" iron on covering?

Colin

Michael · January 10, 2013, 10:05:21 AM

It will be tissue covered but with water-based products.

Ededge2002 · January 10, 2013, 12:52:42 PM

I have one of those spectrum brushless rx boards with the two servos on it if your interested. Its new in package. AR6400LBL

Michael · January 10, 2013, 02:28:56 PM

I'll be using the guts from an E-Flite micro Sbach; 180 brushless motor, recvr/esc, 4 super micro servos and a 2 cell battery.

Ededge2002 · January 10, 2013, 03:00:27 PM

Yes I think this is the same main board. That should work great Michael

Michael · January 10, 2013, 11:18:21 PM

The conversion has started!

Fuselage has been modified so that the upper portion can be removed (for battery changes and radio installation), and the wing has been modified to accept ailerons.

Ededge2002 · January 10, 2013, 11:43:06 PM

Wow Michael. Kicking ass and taking names. Why do these other balsa builds take so long? LOL

Looks great and I can't wait to see it in person. Much more attractive than a hunk of foam

battlestu · January 11, 2013, 12:43:24 AM

At this rate she will be flying by next week

Btw she great

gordonbw · January 11, 2013, 08:31:25 AM

Erm.... That wing spar looks a little too thick.

piker · January 11, 2013, 10:43:21 AM

Quote from: Ededge2002 on January 10, 2013, 11:43:06 PM
Wow Michael. Kicking ass and taking names. Why do these other balsa builds take so long? LOL

Ya! What's the deal?! Stop making everyone else look bad!

Sure is cute as a button, though

Michael · January 11, 2013, 11:41:46 AM

It's a small model so the construction goes pretty quickly.

However, the custom work takes longer; Cutting off the top half of the fuselage and altering but maintaining the integrity of the structure took longer than building the fuselage, and cutting out and re-enforcing the aileron bays took longer than building the wing.

Michael · January 12, 2013, 11:43:19 PM

Stabilizer/elevator and fin/rudder done, with tiny CA hinges (not glued yet), ailerons done with hinges, micro servos in wing, (no linkages yet), motor and recvr/esc in place.