Top Flite Cessna Skylane Kit build thread

frajolex · January 16, 2015, 12:15:37 AM

Okay, so I've sanded the stab / elev tips to match the profile, and now it seems the are in an acceptable shape. The next step is to add the ringes and finally make it one piece. Meanwhile, I've started the Fin / Rudder, despite some little issues with the first rib (biggest), I'm quite happy with the results. I was able to cover the first side of the fin, but I just remembered that I would like to add the plastic tube for the beacon... so therefore, I can't close the fin yet.... can someone give me some advice on that? My plan is to add scale lights, so I want to make sure this works well.

In any case, I will bring both pieces next monday to Colonel's Mustard for a final review with the pros....

battlestu · January 16, 2015, 08:34:37 AM

looking good.

personally i would punch out some holes and rough in the wires. Then clean it up once your close to finishing it off (or use some string and then pull the wires. Like arfs kits do for ailerons)

frajolex · January 16, 2015, 01:52:15 PM

Ended up drilling the holes and adding the plastic tube Greg.... both fin and rudder are done, but I still need to carve the tips... I will probably do it later....

Next step... wing

sihinch · January 16, 2015, 02:42:20 PM

Doesn't anyone work around here?

Michael · January 16, 2015, 04:04:20 PM

Quote from: sihinch on January 16, 2015, 02:42:20 PM
Doesn't anyone work around here?

I'm at the office right now, working (on finding parts for an upcoming scratch-built model).

frajolex · January 16, 2015, 11:18:52 PM

Wings already started.... center piece first..... I must say.... interlocking is AWESOME!

This kit is really surprising me... I really thought it would be very, very difficult to build this bird... but so far so good....

Despite talking to Michael and Piker about having a 3-piece wing, I've decided to do one piece.... so lets make sure this is right!

frajolex · January 18, 2015, 04:38:20 AM

And the wing construction continues... I must say, I was pretty scared with the dihedral, but it seems it was easy to build the right wing (remember, this wing is upside down)... Still have tons of work to do...

Michael · January 18, 2015, 08:10:08 AM

... looks amazing!

frajolex · January 18, 2015, 10:17:13 AM

Thanks Michael, not as good as yours, but I think I'm doing fine for a first timer.

piker · January 19, 2015, 10:07:27 AM

Yes Andre! Lookin' good.

That looks like a fun kit to build.

frajolex · January 23, 2015, 02:18:56 AM

Folks, Red alert! $:-\$

My right wing got a bit warped, out of nowhere. I've humidified the area with a wet cloth, and used some weight to reverse the issue.... the wing looks good now, but I'm afraid that this problem might return in a near future...

I've noticed that all the wood plates containing the fuselage pieces are warped too.. check the video below (I've sent this video to hobbico)...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyt1C3hgSoo

Is this a permanent problem? is there an easy way to fix it?

Michael · January 23, 2015, 09:53:58 AM

You can spray the warped area with Windex, and then weigh it down to twist it back to the correct shape, and let it dry.

WARNING - if you soak it and twist it (contract some areas) too much, then the balsa may deform somewhat.
This happened to one of my Albatross wings, although it only became bumpy and wavy on the bottom of one wing. The covering hid most of the problem.

piker · January 23, 2015, 10:09:33 AM

I don't understand how everyone is getting warped wings. Are you building on a flat building board/bench? Is it because you guys are using water based glue? Removing the wings from the board before the glue is fully cured? Wetting the balsa to help bend then removing from the board before dry? I don't know.

I build with CA on a fairly flat table, almost never wet the sheeting, and my wings are always straight. At least within reason

frajolex · January 23, 2015, 10:28:09 AM

Yes Piker, flat surface (hard thick foam), and the Rudder, Fin, Horizontal Stab, Elev, center and right wing are absolutely perfect.

I have no idea on why this is happening!

here i what I've decided to do.. Yesterday, I've removed all the laser cut pieces from the boards and placed them over my office hardwood... woth lots of weight on top of it.

One of the things that I've used is a Wood glue to reinforce the joints on the wings.... (the one Simon had on our previous scratch build session)... do you think this might be causing the problem?

In any case, I'm not continuing any work until we meet this Monday on Colonel's Mustard.. I'll bring the wings so you guys can have a look.

Papa · January 23, 2015, 11:23:45 AM

The amount of moisture you might introduce using wood glue (aliphatic resin) is so minimal that it is unlikely to cause this kind of warping. Warping is a result of uneven contraction of one side of a piece of wood relative to the other side. It frequently results from the location of the cut in the tree. The outer side closest to the bark will shrink less than the inner side. If the wood is properly dried and stabilized before it is worked it should remain flat. Your wood may have been used before it's time.

As Micheal said reintroducing moisture and then allowing it to stabilize for a number of days under pressure should alleviate the problem. Alternatively use the warp in a counteractive manner so one warp works against another warp and neutralizes
both warps.

Jack.