Balsa USA Northstar

Michael · March 08, 2022, 06:10:32 PM

Quote from: Gregor77 on March 07, 2022, 06:33:43 PM
Sorry, I was trying to say, keep the two alerion servos in the center fuse, use a bell crank set up to run the rods to the outer wing. keeps servos dry!

OK, makes sense, but I think I'll stick with the recommended linkages, based on the success of so many others built and flown.

Michael · March 08, 2022, 06:12:11 PM

Wing and ailerons are finished, and ready to be glued onto the fuselage, but I think I'll sand it smoother a few times first.

Wires for motor and speed control in place.

Michael · March 25, 2022, 11:04:53 AM

Power pod on fin. Modified with a hatch, and a new firewall, which centers the motor about a half-inch higher, allowing for a bit more propeller clearance.

Michael · March 25, 2022, 11:05:48 AM

Front (battery and radio) hatch held on with magnets.

Michael · March 25, 2022, 11:07:58 AM

Ready for covering. I will use a combination of fabric-textured iron on covering (for the open wing construction area), and fiberglass cloth and water-based polyurethane (for everything else). That will be followed by a water-based paint finish.

GuyOReilly · March 25, 2022, 11:36:58 AM

Another great build @Michael .

Michael · March 25, 2022, 03:23:21 PM

Thanks, Guy.

Fabric-textured heat-shrink covering on the open structure.

Michael · March 25, 2022, 03:23:55 PM

Fiberglass-cloth covering started.

Michael · March 28, 2022, 02:01:05 PM

White flat primer is being applied. When dry, it will be easy to see if any areas need to be further sealed/waterproofed.

Michael · March 29, 2022, 04:47:17 PM

Colour being applied. Acrylic paint out of a tube, mixed about 50/50 with water, hand brushed.

Michael · March 30, 2022, 02:03:10 PM

More paint, hand-brushed.

Michael · March 30, 2022, 05:32:57 PM

Masking tape (green) really helps with the paint colour separation.

Michael · April 01, 2022, 06:15:56 PM

Finished. 6 weeks; not bad.

Motor shimmed a bit forward to give just a bit of clearance in front of the fin.

Radio components installed including an electronic stabilizer. The stabilizer is connected to an on/off switch for safety.

The motor shaft does appear to be slightly bent, causing some vibrations. It`s not so bad, so I'll try to maiden the model as is.

Michael · April 02, 2022, 07:56:07 AM

Modifications:

The instructions call for a good amount of lead weight to be added to the nose, but I didn't do this, as there would be no (8 to 10 ounce) fuel tank in the tail, and there would be a heavy battery in the nose. The model balanced perfectly with no other added weight.

I added an air scoop (see image in post above) to allow air cooling for the speed control.

GordPayne · April 02, 2022, 08:15:17 AM

Really beautiful work Michael. You should be proud!