Sliver Build Thread - A TD .020 Project
10-15-2017, 08:26 PM
#52
Thread Starter
Aileron linkages made from a Dubro 1/2A set which requires soldering little springs to the rod ends which makes threads(left hand)for the clevises. Trailing edges installed.
10-15-2017, 08:35 PM
#53
Thread Starter
Started covering some of the smaller bits with Ultracote Lite Scale White, which is actually more of a light grey color. This stuff goes on nice and smooth at low temps. Easy to work with. Here you can see the 1/32" ply elevator doubler/stiffener that will be on the bottom side out of sight.
10-21-2017, 03:43 AM
#56
Thread Starter
Wing is covered. The compound curves of the wingtips ate my lunch. I ended up using a heat gun to get them as flat as I could without risking burning a hole in the Ultracote Lite. The wrinkles won the battle. Oh well, I'll work on them some more later. The canopy was made by making a paper template and then transferring it to .008" Lexan sheet. I tinted it by soaking it in a hot solution of Rit black dye and water. I actually ruined the first 2 when I got them too hot and they rolled up. I had to settle for a lower heat and as a result, a lighter tint. In the end, I was pretty happy with it. I also spent some time tonight making graphic templates but will wait until later to reveal the covering scheme. Still lots to do on this one but I'm having tons of fun with it. I'm actually building 2 other models alongside this one and juggling them back and forth. The others will be powered by a TD .010 and a Pee Wee .020. It's almost time to start cutting out all those hinge slots, not my favorite task. I'm gonna have to spend another late night session with a big coffee cup to get that done.
10-27-2017, 07:11 AM
#61
Thread Starter
I wanted more flight time than the 2 minutes allowed by the stock Cox tank. A custom 1/2oz tank will be mounted in the fuse which should easily allow 5 minute runs of the TD .020. That's more like it! Another benefit of that setup is that it allows use of the backplate to mount the engine to the firewall. This cleans up the front end by moving the engine back to where it should be with the prop just in front if the cowl cheeks.
10-27-2017, 07:22 AM
#62
Thread Starter
As much as I hate to do it, it looks like I'll be mounting the tail servos behind the trailing edge bulkhead. That moves an already aft CG further aft. I really hate having to add nose ballast but there's just not enough space to move things forward. The compartment over the wing is full with the aileron servo/linkages and receiver/wiring. More headscratching will be needed for sure to get it all in there and working in such tight quarters. That's often one of the toughest challenges with small glow planes like this. I've toyed with the idea of a 4th channel for a throttle sleeve but it's not looking likely at this point. I actually bought a new Pee Wee .020RC recently just to rob the throttle sleeve for this TD powered plane but that may have to wait for another build.
10-28-2017, 05:58 AM
#65
Thread Starter
I'll look at it closer before committing to a servo location. Space is tight for sure. Gotta see if the canopy would fit over the servos as suggested and if the arms will clear the aileron linkages. The battery will be mounted up front with the fuel tank, essentially filling the compartment. I look forward to tinkering with it but am bogged down at work again. Stay tuned...
10-31-2017, 06:11 PM
#72
Hey Troy glad to see it panned out for you.
I have spent many an hour sorting out the layout for gear to achieve cg, ease of access.
If you can make that throttle servo happen the extra effort to use that new exhaust sleeve will
make this your favorite Tee Bee .020 plane!
Perhaps if you set it up parallel to the fuselage way up front it will clear the aileron servo?
I have spent many an hour sorting out the layout for gear to achieve cg, ease of access.
If you can make that throttle servo happen the extra effort to use that new exhaust sleeve will
make this your favorite Tee Bee .020 plane!
Perhaps if you set it up parallel to the fuselage way up front it will clear the aileron servo?
11-02-2017, 02:14 PM
#75
Thread Starter
I better try to hurry and catch up with ya, then. Only 7 mos. til' SMALL. So much building to do! Staples better arrange for some decent weather next June so we can fly all these things.
