Michael's Skywriter build thread

Michael · March 14, 2014, 08:31:34 PM

I'm starting my own thread for my construction of the Skywriter biplane.

I'll post images as I move along, and point out deviations from the plans or instructions.

Any changes I make are for my own personal building preference, and should not be considered better or worse.

Some of these changes might be to save weight, make building easier, or maybe because I'm lazy and I found a way to do things faster.

First, the rudder and fin have been built and partially sanded. First deviation from plans: the fin is sheeted with 1/32nd balsa instead of the supplied plywood.

Starting the stabilizer /elevator.

Michael · March 14, 2014, 08:35:59 PM

Elevator and stabilizer are built, sheeted with 1/32nd" balsa instead of the supplied plywood, all sanded, the elevator halves joined with a wire, and hinged (hinges won't be glued until after the model is covered and partially assembled).

The cut 1/4" sheet parts in the stabilizer are slightly different than what is shown on the plans.

The 1/32nd sheet is delicate once glued on; I broke through it with my thumb during sanding, and then repaired the hole.

The built rudder/fin weighs 15 grams.
The built elevator/stabilizer (with wire joiner) weighs 52 grams.

I'm only posting weight because others are in other threads.
I don't normally keep track of details like that.

sihinch · March 17, 2014, 08:04:11 PM

I'm worried that my elevator joiner is too flimsy. What size/gauge or wire did you use, Michael? Is there any flex in it?
I may be adding carbon rod to mine!

Michael · March 18, 2014, 10:16:45 AM

I used 3/32" wire.

Carbon-fiber rod, if glued on to both halves securely, would probably be OK.

Michael · March 29, 2014, 06:25:26 PM

Lower wing under construction.

I will be using an extremely simple method of mounting aileron servos; see the image.

sihinch · March 29, 2014, 07:20:42 PM

Looks great! I started mine and am upset because I think it's crooked!

Piker? Frank? Help!

Michael · March 30, 2014, 04:07:41 PM

Lower wing construction completed.

Still to do:

1. plywood wingbolts support

2. more sanding

3. aileron control horns.

sihinch · March 30, 2014, 04:14:08 PM

Hey, that's cheating! You went passed the homework assignment!

piker · March 30, 2014, 05:35:30 PM

Yes he did. He can't control himself.

He'll have to sit in the corner during next class

piker · March 31, 2014, 11:33:41 AM

Hey Michael and others,

Did you guys remember to include the FORWARD wing joiner, on the front of the spar, at the center section of the wing? I don't remember seeing it on anyone's build yet.

Papa · March 31, 2014, 01:06:49 PM

I did, it was buried in that box I made for the dowel.

Also don't forget the scrap filler at the TE for the mounting bolts!

Also don't forget the 1mm ply on the bottom of the TE at the centre!

Jack.

Michael · March 31, 2014, 03:29:10 PM

My forward wing is joined by glue.

I don't know what you're talking about; I'll check the plans at home tonight.

sihinch · March 31, 2014, 03:57:21 PM

Frank will be showing us those bits this week, right Jack?

Papa · March 31, 2014, 04:26:42 PM

Right Simon!

Jack.

Papa · March 31, 2014, 04:35:35 PM

What Rob is referencing is a cross piece that seats the dowel and braces the wing joints.

Jack.