A. J. Clark

Here is the start of my build post for the design contest.

The first sketch I made look to small to get every thing in the fuse. I scale it up some which looked to big. This is the third sketch which I think looks about right for size and decided to go with it.

Bipe Flyer

Looks pretty cool. Kinda looks like a spaceship.

A. J. Clark

Here's a little more progress. For a small plane it seems to have a high parts count. Things are going good with the build so I am happy with it now.

Pond Skipper

Do you have a small sketch over all finished look?

combatpigg

My Feedback: (3)

It's taking shape nicely...!

A. J. Clark

No. The only sketch I have is in the first post.

MJD

My Feedback: (1)

Cool. Drawing as you go worked pretty well for the Wedell-Williams racers. Well, they did have to redesign the wings after one came off.. but then they won races.

A. J. Clark

Pictures never seem to load in the right order.

A. J. Clark

A. J. Clark

Here's some pictures of the fuse after it's all shaped up.
For one picture I cut some cardboard wings to make a mock
up of what it would look like finished. One question.
On a pusher which way should the lines from the fuel tank face?
On to the wing now.

MJD

My Feedback: (1)

If it is a clunk tank I suggest you orient it normally - fittings forward and clunk at the rear - and route the fuel line back around to the engine. If you happened to try a suction balloon tank on that SS... then because it is an air free system you just point the outlet rearwards towards the engine. Same for a pressure bladder but I don't think that was on your list of fuel system candidates.

Pushers generally happier on lighter shaft loads, like a 5-3,, but YMMV.

If your angle of wing sweep put the fuel tank on the CG and near the engine at the same time, that would be bonus.

Gonna discus launch it? Kidding - but if it's a low wing I'd think about where to grip it. Mid wing no sweat.

Now if you can just find a defunct Star Wars plastic model kit and steal all the decals!

Pusher & flying wing - is that two 10 point bonuses?

Cool project, like it.

combatpigg

My Feedback: (3)

Hold it upside down to launch..!
Now THAT would be worth extra points...!
The party balloon tank idea is some what lighter than a hard tank...after you deduct for the weight of fuel proofing a fuel compartment.

A. J. Clark

I plan on using a standard round 2oz tank. With the tank back to the engine the center line of the tank is about 1 1/8 inch behind the balance point. There will be some room to move it forward if I need too. If there's a balance problem I will try a 1oz tank. I have never used a balloon tank so I don't know what I would be getting into there. I'll put the lines forward as you said. Since the fuel tank is behind the balance point should I balance it with fuel.
The discus launch is not to far off. I plan on holding it at the wing tip and give it a sling. I have seen videos where guys hold the front of the wing with the airplane behind them and then pull it up over top of then and release it. That always looks very awkward to me.

A. J. Clark

I'm not brave enough to try a [upside down launch] on the first launch. After it's trim in and I see how it flies I [might] consider that. That doesn't mean I will.

combatpigg

My Feedback: (3)

I've done a discus launch a few times [with planes I didn't give a hoot about] and it worked just like magic. It takes a certain Leap Of Faith.The key is to start with a plane that is fundamentally straight, balanced and ready to fly. If you did this with a new plane that had a design flaw or was set up wrong, retracing your steps after a discus launch would be more difficult.
At any rate, it would be good to have video to analyze the first launch and flight with.

A. J. Clark

I have the fuse frame up, the wing panels framed, and wing tips done. Ready to start covering.

Pond Skipper

Looking like airplane well done, are you using a thrust washer on the engine prop plate?

A. J. Clark

No, I don't have the thrust washer. Would it work to make it myself. Would shim stock work.
We have some different thickness of shim stock at work.

Pond Skipper

Some use steel some phenolic washers. Best is to sacrifice the thrust washer over time rather than the aluminum is the bottom line. I prefer phenolic in hopes it wears first. If nothing is used the aluminum rubs away both prop plate and crank case allowing a larger gap over time allowing the crank pin to move back and rub on the reed valve assembly.

Yes the steel shims will work just watch for any increase slop over time and add a thicker shim if need be. The aluminum will harden some as the molecules get compressed.

A. J. Clark

More progress that I have made. Have every thing assembled and covered.
Next is installing radio, battery, fuel tank, and on/off switch.
The switch I still need to get. I have a flat pack battery.
Might have to go to a square pack to get it farther forward.
I'll try to find time tomarow and take it outside for more photos in better light.

combatpigg

My Feedback: (3)

You did a great job, congratulations..!

A. J. Clark

Pond Skipper

Very nice turn out of your competition project, color scheme should be easy to track in the air. Thrust washer installed?
What size prop do you have there? Tendency to use less load than normal to keep the engine cooler and running steady do to the shrouding and natural induced loads of a pusher configuration. Pusher planes tend to need a bit more power as the prop doesn't have clean air to grab, you have plenty of wing so it should climb out well and land with no fuss. Have you had a chance to weight it yet?

H5606

Very nice! Thanks for sharing. What did you use for covering?

A. J. Clark

Thanks for the good words Pond Skipper.

I haven't installed one yet. I was looking at making one from a aluminum pop can. The thickness looks just right (.005). Do you think this would be a suitable material to use?

6x3 is on there now.

Without battery, fuel tank, receiver, and switch it's at 6 3/4 oz.