96" Grumman Albatross flying boat kit/scratch built model

[wollins]

So, what may appear on my model to be less-than-perfect fiberglass covering, poor sanding, non-exact painting, etc., will actually be the results of my intensive efforts to reproduce an accurate airplane.

LOL! I like that!

[Michael]

"Windows" (black Monokote trim) done.

The model is ready for radio and power system installation (motors are already installed), and then basic assembly, balancing, and then control adjustments.

[bweaver]

Another masterful build is coming together.  I wish I had one tenth of your skill and dedication to aircraft construction and finishing.

[wollins]

Man, that's lookin' good! What grey did you use Mike? I'm looking for a rattle can match for my stabs and this looks awful close. Luvin' your scheme!

C

[Michael]

Another masterful build is coming together.  I wish I had one tenth of your skill and dedication to aircraft construction and finishing.

The secret is that it's 30% skill, 70% dedication (or rather ego and stubbornness).

[Michael]

Man, that's lookin' good! What grey did you use Mike? I'm looking for a rattle can match for my stabs and this looks awful close. Luvin' your scheme!

C

Temclad glossy winter grey, from Home Depot, over Tremclad grey primer.

[sihinch]

That looks fabulous! Congratulations!

[piker]

I don't know about that.  I don't see enough "scale" detail.  I think you sanded too much.   

It sure does look fantastic!

Will you bring it to the meeting tomorrow?

[Michael]

 ... and subject it and myself to all that criticism?

Maybe.

[Michael]

Hinges done, linkages done, cowls on, etc. All need to be fine tuned, and the tip floats need to be secured.

Still to do
- secure carbon fiber wing joiners
- water proof wing-fuselage joint
- install speed controls, wiring, and battery tray.
- balance
- adjust radio, and program steering by rudder-throttles mix.

[Papa]

Looks super, should be a real hit at Show & Tell tomorrow.


Jack.

[piker]

It was so nice to see the Albatross at the meeting on Wednesday.  It looks wonderful and will be fantastic at the summer float flys!!!

[Michael]

OK, so the power system is a bit more work than I expected, and I'm not even trying to mix rudder with throttle yet.

The ESC's and wiring are installed, and both radio-control leads are plugged (with a Y connector) into the throttle port on the receiver. The props are turning in opposite directions, the top of the arc towards the fuselage.

With 9/7 3-blade props and a 3-cell lipo pack, full throttle draw is about 36 amps, which is about 400 watts, which is about 50 watts per pound. It feels OK, but just OK.

The exact same system but with a 4 cell lipo pack draws about 70 amps - way too much for the 60 amp ESCs, even though I'll never need that much throttle.

I think now I'll try 10/7 props with 3 cells. The props take time to install, as the rear/bottom hole (it's not a dirty joke; stay calm) of the prop has to be widened to fit the prop adapter. The 9/7s look a bit small anyway.

[wollins]

400 watts, which is about 50 watts per pound.

So you're AUW as of now is around 8 pounds?  Could you weigh your wing and fuse (without battery) separately please?

Thanks!

Colin

[Michael]

I'll try to weigh it later this weekend, as I'm testing things assembled.

In the meantime, 10/7 props draw a total of close to 48 amps, which 'feels' better than adequate.

I'll stick with that. It feels really strong and probably more than enough to fly off grass and water.