DR-1 from Free Sky

[GuyOReilly]

Step one, read the instructions, done, there are none.
Step 2, layout plan on building surface.  Foam board is used as the kit uses tabs and keys for alignment.   Photo #7776
Step 3, figure out what part goes where.     Photo 7777
There are no plans for the fuselage, only step-by-step pictures of a build available online.
That should be a fun time.
The DR-1 was delivered instead of a Tiger Moth kit, so I will build 3 wings instead of 2.
All electronics and power yet to be determined.

[Frank v B]

Guy,

Is that the same plane as I fixed/flew for Jim Spence last year? https://temac.ca/smf/index.php?topic=7713.0

With DR-1's, move all the weight up forward (servos, battery, install a larger/heavier motor, extend the motor box as much as possible from the firewall, etc.).
WW1 planes are notorious for being tail heavy.

The TEMAC expert on DR-1's is Greg Cadez.  The balance point is just ahead of the spar of the middle wing.  Make sure it is nose heavy or it will wallow on take-off like a drunken sailor.

Frank

[GuyOReilly]

Trial fitting the top wing, nothing glue yet.
This is the only one with ailerons and the most complex due to servo installation needs.
At least I hope the others are simpler.
There are 56 half ribs, but only 48 spots to place them.
Given the quality of the kit, I do not think this is a mistake... but where do they go?!?

[GuyOReilly]

Top wing done except for joining right and left side and adding control horns and hinges. See photo 7780
Great build so far, very impressed with the laser cut and parts fit quality. See photo 7779 tiny pieces.
 

[Michael]

That's nice laser-cut material.

Can you post a website link?

[GuyOReilly]

@Michael I am not sure if this link will work:  https://www.banggood.com/Fokker-Dr_I-770mm-Wingspan-Balsa-Wood-Triplane-Warbird-RC-Airplane-KIT-p-1155643.html?cur_warehouse=CN&rmmds=buy

It is a DR-1 770mm from Dancing Wings, although the plan says it is Free Sky.
Also, the image does not correspond to the plan or material include.  For example:
1- There are no machine guns.
2- There is not wing between the landing gear.
3- The wheels are not as per the picture.
4- There is NO ENGLISH INSTRUCTION regardless of what the website states, only a large number of pictures.
5- You have to guess as to location and identification of parts.
6- Good luck with build sequence as some parts interlock and dry-fitting is needed to ensure proper location, part identification and fit.

Having said all that, I am still enjoying the build.
Guy

[GuyOReilly]

Can any club member translate this text?!?
It is about the cabin struts, but I have no clue what the instruction means.
Any help is appreciated.
Guy

[GuyOReilly]

Rudder, elevator and stab glued.
Took about 15 minutes.
Parts fit is excellent, very light sanding and cutting to remove them.

[GuyOReilly]

Wings completed, saved for sanding and hinging of the control surfaces.
The weight of each component:
Rudder: 0.1 ounce
Elevators: 0.1 ounce
Stab: 0.2 ounce
Bottom wing: 1.2 ounce
Mid-wing: 1.3 ounce
Top wing: 1.3 ounce
Ailerons: 0.3 ounce
Total 4.6 ounces - some rounding by the scale resulted in the all-up weight not being 4.5, go figure. 

Now on to the fuselage.

PS: A Pin-Mystery for @Andy Hoffer to resolve.   

[GuyOReilly]

Fuselage started.
Discovered that an unfortunate twist exists when I dry fitted the rear formers.   
I discounted the significance of a plywood warp; hopefully that will not affect wing set-up too much.
I am thinking semi-transparent covering.
Photo 7782 front made and glued, with the permanent twist.
Photo 7788 trial fitting just to see the results so far.

Still reasonably happy with the results.

[GuyOReilly]

Fuselage done, 3.5 ounces.
Not happy with the twist in the tail; I have to figure out how to fix that.

[Andy Hoffer]

Fuselage done, 3.5 ounces.
Not happy with the twist in the tail; I have to figure out how to fix that.

Hi @GuyOReilly ,

@Frank v B 's cure-all for twisted fuselages is the judicious application of the TX trim levers !! 

I think he wrote an encyclopedia on the many variations on this theme!

Andy

[GuyOReilly]

I think that there is no amount of TX trim available to fix this @Andy Hoffer. 
Perhaps acetone could be used to remove the glue and then free the formers, else a hacksaw...

[octagon]

Hey Guy. Have you tried applying a good spray of windex and then clamping it in the opposite direction of the twist. I have successful done that with balsa, might work on ply.

[GuyOReilly]

@octagon I did not try that.     I will keep you posted.
Thank you.