Canadair Waterbomber 48" wingspan

Michael · January 23, 2022, 05:33:09 PM

I've built several Waterbombers over the years, and it's time for another one. This one will be a semi-scale model, all balsa (maybe some plywood), with a wingspan of about 48", and will be a simple 4-channel operation.

The first step was to produce a 3-view drawing, exactly ¼ the size of the model. This way, I measure the drawing, multiply by four, and cut balsa as needed. Basically, I'm making it up as I go along.

Michael · January 23, 2022, 05:34:17 PM

Fuselage sides and some formers fabricated.

octagon · January 23, 2022, 06:41:13 PM

Nice project.

Michael · January 24, 2022, 05:49:33 PM

Stabilizer and elevator under construction: parts fabricated.

Michael · January 25, 2022, 09:55:56 AM

Stabilizer/elevator assembled and glued, sheeted, shaped and sanded.

Next, I prepared a drawing of the fin/rudder.

GuyOReilly · January 25, 2022, 10:22:04 AM

@Michael is the stab and elevator covered in 1/32 or 1/16 balsa?
Just curious.
Looks great.
Guy

bfeist · January 25, 2022, 02:00:03 PM

I saw the first post dated Jan 23 and that it was Michael, and fully expected to scroll down and see a completed airplane. Michael, you're slowing down in your old age.

sihinch · January 25, 2022, 02:11:00 PM

He's also getting smaller, I think!

Michael · January 25, 2022, 04:08:49 PM

Quote from: GuyOReilly on January 25, 2022, 10:22:04 AM
@Michael is the stab and elevator covered in 1/32 or 1/16 balsa?
Just curious.
Looks great.
Guy

Very light 1/16th.

Michael · January 25, 2022, 04:10:35 PM

Quote from: bfeist on January 25, 2022, 02:00:03 PM
I saw the first post dated Jan 23 and that it was Michael, and fully expected to scroll down and see a completed airplane. Michael, you're slowing down in your old age.

I just finished another bigger model on January 14.

However, it is true, I'm working slower to spread out the fun.

Michael · January 25, 2022, 04:11:56 PM

Quote from: sihinch on January 25, 2022, 02:11:00 PM
He's also getting smaller, I think!

Smaller SUV.

Michael · January 25, 2022, 05:37:15 PM

Fin/rudder: pieces cut, assembled, glued, sheeted, shaped and sanded.

Very light but very strong.

Michael · January 25, 2022, 08:13:38 PM

Tight and secure fit (not glued yet).

Michael · January 26, 2022, 05:32:01 PM

V-shaped bottom/hull: a support structure is constructed, sheeting applied, and sanded smooth.

Medium-hard 3/32" balsa sheeting at the front; 1/16" sheeting at the rear.

Michael · January 27, 2022, 09:36:50 PM

Starting on the wing. This will be fully sheeted when finished; hopefully light but strong. I'm doing a lot of thinking as I progress, planning the construction and considering the layout of the wiring, nacelles, servos, ailerons, tip-floats, etc. I'm working slowly and carefully so all the parts fit precisely. The bottom sheeting, upon which I will build, is cut straight so pieces can be glued together. The edges of the balsa sheets are not always straight, even when purchased brand new. The square carbon fiber tube in the photos is extremely strong.