Joining the 1/4 scale club/ BUSA Sopwith Pup

electroflyer · January 19, 2014, 07:39:27 PM

Thanks guys,
Horizontal stabilizer and elevator completed today. Also set two wing servos into the Highlight Glider purchased at the London swap meet.

Gregor77 · January 20, 2014, 09:08:01 AM

I also had some time last night and installed the power system in Stephens D7 (3000 watts should be good on 10S using a 20X8 prop). Just need to get some of the electronics sorted out and install the servos in the wings. It seems to be balancing about the same as the BUSA kit and the H9. So It should be close.

I also started working on one of the framed pups that I had in the WW1 room. I had to fix some of the wood and add some gusets here and there just for some added strength. I have to rebuild the alerions as the hinges where cut? I am assuming it was because they pulled the covering off the plane and I saw some repairs to the main fuse.. But man talk about over kill.. the guy stapled the hinges and use tooth picks! Grrrr... So it is going to be painfull to cut them out. Going to head to pin afterwork and get some wood.

I originally had some issues with the blue pup (See mainpage pictures), I had to find a place to stuff two 5S, 5000 packs. I ended up placing them behind the file wall with a opening under the landing gear. But now with more experience, It would have been easier to make a hatch at the bottom of the aluminum cowl and slide the batteries up the nose. They do fit and then strapping them in. The issue was that I had to add a ton of weight to get the C/G close. It am still a bit behind the C/G but the plane still reacts the same way with more nose weight. I did notice a fair amount of elevator down in level flight.

Glenn where are you going to install the batteries? Also are you thinking of adding suspension? All my pups have a different set up if you want to take a look.

electroflyer · January 20, 2014, 01:50:50 PM

Hi Greg,

I just started looking at the drawings yesterday evening. For a large plane, it is not as convenient as one would have thought to load and unload batteries into the nose. I would like to see your Pup's though. Any tips and visuals are always appreciated.

Glenn

electroflyer · January 24, 2014, 09:27:29 PM

Well, still plugging away. The rudder and fin as well as the horizontal stabilizer and elevator are assembled. The construction is very simple and straight forward but also very rewarding. Here are a couple of photos.

electroflyer · January 24, 2014, 09:34:30 PM

Moving on to the fuselage. The two halves are assembled and I am in the process of locating the correct positioning of the formers. D'oh, time to start reading the manual.

Michael · January 24, 2014, 10:34:46 PM

You're progressing fast!

piker · January 25, 2014, 12:05:39 AM

Very nice!

Speaking of battery access on these WWI planes... now you can see why I was so thrilled with the ready made, easy access and east balance on the SE5a. I hope you're able to figure out a great solution.

Colin described my SE5a, when he say it being built, as just a big slow flyer. It's true! Compared to later fighter aircraft with retracts and flaps, they're really quite simple with only 4 basic functions. What makes them fun and interesting is all the exposed details, like guns, engines, rigging, etc.

Andy Hoffer · January 25, 2014, 04:50:56 PM

Quote from: electroflyer on January 24, 2014, 09:27:29 PM
Well, still plugging away. The rudder and fin as well as the horizontal stabilizer and elevator are assembled. The construction is very simple and straight forward but also very rewarding. Here are a couple of photos.

That Bowflex rowing machine looks like it would make a good sanding platform. And you have two options: either the plane rides the seat or the builder! Your builds are always inspirational!! Way to go.

Andy

electroflyer · January 25, 2014, 10:07:21 PM

Hi Andy, keen eye spotting the bow flex.lol
I have been working on the fuselage through out the day. Having a small back saw has definitely helped to keep the joints straight and clean. Tomorrow I will flip the fuselage and start the upper decking.
I am looking at a side load option for battery installation as despite the size of the plane it is quite cramped for my batteries.

electroflyer · January 27, 2014, 09:08:01 PM

Well after considering all the options, I found that the easiest method of making my 10s 4900mah batteries fit with in the confines of my Pup was a side load. After checking the batteries against the drawings it became obvious that flipping the plane over to change the batteries would grow tiresome very quickly. Adding spruce 3/8"square wood on either side of the fuselage would allow the extra width I require to provide a shelf without having to radically having to alter the landing gear. The best part is that I still have the batteries providing the nose weight required.

Michael · January 27, 2014, 11:54:57 PM

Beautiful airplane!

... and you're really building fast!

electroflyer · January 28, 2014, 07:26:26 AM

Thanks Michael,

It is a fun build.
As it stands though, I think I am more excited about seeing the maiden of your DC-3!!

Michael · January 28, 2014, 09:58:56 AM

As it stands, I'm less nervous to see the maiden of your Pup!

piker · January 29, 2014, 10:51:43 AM

The Pup is coming along nicely. Good solution to the battery mounting problem.

I'm Lookin' forward to the next update

electroflyer · February 07, 2014, 05:40:27 PM

Well things have slowed down a bit as my motor choice is being shipped. I went with the g160 245 kv but I need the motor so that I can set the proper bolt location. The blind nuts also need to be installed to facilitate the completion of the battery box. In the meantime I am going to the sunny Caribbean for a week.
Cheers