Scratch built depron micro Macchi 72 Schneider racer

[Michael]

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.

[Michael]

... 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.

[Michael]

Wing sanded to undercambered airfoil, ailerons cut, basic fuselage construction started, motor mount fashioned, and floats assembled.

[Papa]

Jacques Schneider would be very impressed. Looks every bit a cup racer.

Well done.

Jack.

[Michael]

About 3+ hours for this little bit behind the cockpit.

Still a bit of sanding needed.

[sihinch]

Will the kits be for sale!?

It looks very nice.

[Michael]

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. 

[piker]

Looking good, Michael.

At this rate you could build every Schneider racer ever built, before the water turns soft again.

[Wingnutz]

Great project! Can't get over how quickly it's coming together! The floats in reply#2 look pretty neat...scratch built or RTF?

[Michael]

E-Flite Micro floats.

[Michael]

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.

[piker]

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!

[Michael]

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.

[Michael]

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. 

[Gregor77]

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!