Pong Two build thread
09-12-2007, 07:33 PM
#26
Thread Starter
RE: Pong Two build thread
I've worked with Monokote and Ultracote recently and prefer the latter. Don't flame me, it's just what I like to work with. I just got one wing done today. I will probably add some purple stripes later. Now I'm going to hunker down and watch Tropical Storm Humberto pass directly overhead tonight. Hope the worst is over before I have to leave for work in the am.
09-13-2007, 05:46 PM
#27
Thread Starter
RE: Pong Two build thread
Ok, here's today's work. Got the 2nd wing covered in it's base color of Apple Green Ultracote. This will probably be my last update for a bit since I'll be busy with other things like work, attending a large RC fly-in/airshow this weekend, and working on my 4 Star until it's finished. I hope to be back on the Pong Two projects in a week or so.
09-17-2007, 02:52 PM
#28
Thread Starter
RE: Pong Two build thread
No progress on the Pongs in the last few days but something relevent did arrive in the mail today! It's a Stage 3 Skyline .049 I ordered from Tim Wiltse. What a nice little engine. Can't wait to break it in and mount it to one of my little planes. For those who don't know of him, here's his website: http://www.hypercolor.biz/index.html
Having trouble with the pic upload. Will try again later.
Having trouble with the pic upload. Will try again later.
10-21-2007, 05:59 AM
#31
Thread Starter
RE: Pong Two build thread
I've been busy lately building my LA Stick and putting the finishing touches on my 4 Star 60. It's nice to get back to this project and update the thread again.
Here's the fuse side doublers being glued w/Titebond 2.
Here's the fuse side doublers being glued w/Titebond 2.
10-21-2007, 06:04 AM
#33
Thread Starter
RE: Pong Two build thread
The vertical and horizontal stabilizers were built over the plans. At this stage I began wondering again why I decided to build 2 of these at the same time.
10-21-2007, 06:08 AM
#35
Thread Starter
RE: Pong Two build thread
For the rudders and elevators, I used a zerox machine to copy the parts on the plans. Then I cut them out and traced them onto 1/8th sheet.
10-21-2007, 06:14 AM
#36
Thread Starter
RE: Pong Two build thread
It's mockup time. Using rubber bands to hold the fuse sides to the bulkheads. Will take a bit of sanding, trimming, and shaping to make it all fit well. The wing saddles will need some adjustment, too. I'm getting a little excited to see them looking like planes finally.
10-21-2007, 06:41 AM
#37
Thread Starter
RE: Pong Two build thread
I've decided to use my Tim Wiltse-built Hypercolor Skyline 049 on my next project(Skydrill kit) as it is more suited to that plane than a docile, 2-channel Pong Two. That way I can build one of these by the plans and use a new Black Widow that I've got lying around in the box. The spring starter will be nice, allowing me to fly it in the field next to my house without requiring a starting assistant and lots of equipment to be carried to the site. It will be nice to have a plane I can fly at home without a drive. The other one will get an internal tank to supply a Cox .09. I'll plan on using a starter on that one and fly at a location where help is available. I'm hoping to fit at least a 1.5 oz tank in the nose.
10-21-2007, 07:30 PM
#38
Thread Starter
RE: Pong Two build thread
I enjoy mocking things up as I progress thru a model's construction. All the time spent making 2 of every part is starting to pay off.
10-22-2007, 06:05 AM
#39
Thread Starter
RE: Pong Two build thread
Alrighty folks. The fuse halves have been joined, the formers glued in, the firewalls epoxied in place, and the Sullivan pushrod sleeves roughly installed. Also cut a hole in the center of the horizontal stabs to "dry fit" the vertical stab in place. The checklist on the right helps me keep track of building tasks needing done, things to buy next time at the hardware store, etc.
10-22-2007, 05:59 PM
#40
Thread Starter
RE: Pong Two build thread
One of the goals of this project was to keep it economical. I had a couple of Futaba flight packs with standard S3004 servos that I intended to use on these planes even though they are heavier than micro-sized stuff. I now realize that there is no easy way to fit them into the fuselages since they are very skinny. I have a couple of Hitec 81 micros that were going to be used on a future project that fit quite nicely, however. So much for saving money. I went ahead and installed servo rails to fit the 81s in one of the fuselages. Now I need to order 2 more micro servos and will have lots of new standard servos sitting around unused. I still intend to use the standard receiver and battery pack from Futaba. These planes have 44" wings and should carry the extra weight with no problem.
This picture shows how much better the little Hitecs will fit.
This picture shows how much better the little Hitecs will fit.
10-23-2007, 05:56 AM
#42
Thread Starter
RE: Pong Two build thread
After that, I mounted the servo rails and servos. I only have 2 of these so I used them again in the other plane so everything will be ready when I get the new ones. I made sure they weren't touching the sides, bottom, or servo rails themselves to eliminate vibration problems. Still need to cut off the extra horns so they can move without restriction.
10-23-2007, 06:02 AM
#43
Thread Starter
RE: Pong Two build thread
I made a pushrod guide for each plane from balsa and glued the pushrod sleeves to them after test fitting everything. This should prevent them from moving/binding under aerodynamic loads. The sleeves were also glued at the bulkhead and fuselage side exits. The fuselages are now ready to add some sheeting.
10-23-2007, 07:31 AM
#44
Thread Starter
RE: Pong Two build thread
This thread doesn't seem to be getting too much response from folks, but I'll keep it up anyway. It seems like noone is building small glow-powered planes from scratch anymore. When I was a kid, the model magazines were full of pictures, features, and plans for 1/2A sized Cox powered beauties. I couldn't afford it then, but am really enjoying it now. I always was a day late and a dollar short.
Maybe some day a new scratchbuilder will find this thread helpful and entertaining. Or maybe it will help inspire someone on the fence to go ahead and give it a try. There's life beyond ARFs.
Maybe some day a new scratchbuilder will find this thread helpful and entertaining. Or maybe it will help inspire someone on the fence to go ahead and give it a try. There's life beyond ARFs.
10-23-2007, 08:03 AM
#45
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RE: Pong Two build thread
Some of us are silent followers. I thoroughly enjoy scratch building and starting to rethink 1/2A. I often go for the .25 size planes. Nothing bigger. Keep up the posts please!
10-23-2007, 08:16 AM
#47
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RE: Pong Two build thread
If you install the servos in a staggered arraignment, with one servo forward of the other, you will be able to fit them in the fuse.
This would be a great place to experiment to see exactly how much performance is lost with the extra weight of the standard servos. Two standard servos will weigh roughly 3 ozs, whereas 2 hs-81's weigh about 1 oz. That is a big difference in a 1/2a airplane.
This would be a great place to experiment to see exactly how much performance is lost with the extra weight of the standard servos. Two standard servos will weigh roughly 3 ozs, whereas 2 hs-81's weigh about 1 oz. That is a big difference in a 1/2a airplane.