Kombat Kid Flying Wing Build
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Kombat Kid Flying Wing Build
Hello everyone,
I had some time this afternoon to throw one of these short kits together. The thread that started it all can be found here: http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_9303432/tm.htm
The original thought was that I would simply draw a straight line for the main spar on a piece of paper, then mark out the rib spacing and center rib locations - just to prove that a kit could be built without any type of plans.
Then, when I pinned down the main spar (using a straight edge as a guide) it covered my meticulously placed tick marks! So, I just put the marks on the spar itself... which I should have done in the first place! (The rib spacing on the 32" long spar is 2.5", except in the center, where the ribs are spaced the width of the engine box.)
I had some time this afternoon to throw one of these short kits together. The thread that started it all can be found here: http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_9303432/tm.htm
The original thought was that I would simply draw a straight line for the main spar on a piece of paper, then mark out the rib spacing and center rib locations - just to prove that a kit could be built without any type of plans.
Then, when I pinned down the main spar (using a straight edge as a guide) it covered my meticulously placed tick marks! So, I just put the marks on the spar itself... which I should have done in the first place! (The rib spacing on the 32" long spar is 2.5", except in the center, where the ribs are spaced the width of the engine box.)
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RE: Kombat Kid Flying Wing Build
The key to building without plans, is to make sure the ribs are perfectly perpendicular to main spar - a combo square is used here to assist in gluing in the ribs.
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RE: Kombat Kid Flying Wing Build
When I reached the center two ribs, I used the firewall to space them appropriately. (What you can't see here is the center mark on the firewall.)
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RE: Kombat Kid Flying Wing Build
I just kept gluing in ribs till I was done, paying particular attention to the tip ribs. Since they support the fins, it's important that they are vertical and perpendicular as best as you can get them.
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RE: Kombat Kid Flying Wing Build
When gluing in the remaining spars, I like to use my 48" level to hold all the ribs down onto the building board.
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RE: Kombat Kid Flying Wing Build
Here you can see the trailing edge blocking - the TE will need to be pinned off the board by about 7/16" before it is glued in place.
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RE: Kombat Kid Flying Wing Build
After the top center section sheeting is installed, the wing is unpinned from the board and flipped so the bottom sheeting can be installed as well as the 1/4" tri stock that supports the servo trays. (The bottom, center sheeting was done after this picture.)
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RE: Kombat Kid Flying Wing Build
Here the fuse sides and engine box is started. The box won't be glued in until after it and the wing is covered. The bottom sheeting is 1/8" cross grain balsa.
The box is removed from the wing and tri-stock corner bracing is installed, as well as the bits that make up the top and hatch. Cross braces were cut from scrap 3/8" sq TE, but the 1/4" sq LE stock scrap could have been used as well. (The hatch is also made from scrap bits.)
The box is removed from the wing and tri-stock corner bracing is installed, as well as the bits that make up the top and hatch. Cross braces were cut from scrap 3/8" sq TE, but the 1/4" sq LE stock scrap could have been used as well. (The hatch is also made from scrap bits.)
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RE: Kombat Kid Flying Wing Build
The area behind the engine box will be filled in with balsa scrap and blended into the top and bottom sheeting. Again, the box will not be glued in place until covering is completed on the wing and box.
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RE: Kombat Kid Flying Wing Build
Here the trailing edge stock is shaped using a Master Airscrew razor plane. I've had this particular one for almost 20 years and I don't know what I'd do without it!
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RE: Kombat Kid Flying Wing Build
Here's the completed framing, ready for final sanding, covering, and radio instalation. All the laser cut bits went together well and there were no surprises. Total time of this build was around 4 hours, and that includes time spent taking pictures, breaking for lunch, and BS'in with visitors!
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RE: Kombat Kid Flying Wing Build
Joe, it's going to take quite a shot to punch through all the pretty work of your's![sm=tongue_smile.gif]
If this kit of your's doesn't inspire some "monkey spankers" to get off their duffs and make just a tiny bit of sawdust, nothing ever will.
If this kit of your's doesn't inspire some "monkey spankers" to get off their duffs and make just a tiny bit of sawdust, nothing ever will.
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RE: Kombat Kid Flying Wing Build
ORIGINAL: forsakenrider
perfect! what a great idea for such a simple and fun plane. I can't wait till you approve it and take some orders
perfect! what a great idea for such a simple and fun plane. I can't wait till you approve it and take some orders
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RE: Kombat Kid Flying Wing Build
ProBroJoe,
Great first thread on this design!!! Now a Super follow up thread like this... Nice Job!
Than I get to Mr Pigs post,,,, I go off like a lawn sprinkler! lost half of my "HighLife" when I got to the monkey spankers part. lol[]
Great stuff
Great first thread on this design!!! Now a Super follow up thread like this... Nice Job!
Than I get to Mr Pigs post,,,, I go off like a lawn sprinkler! lost half of my "HighLife" when I got to the monkey spankers part. lol[]
Great stuff
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RE: Kombat Kid Flying Wing Build
Thanks for the kind words guys! I think this build was proof enough for me. There's a couple of things I'd like to talk to the cutter about, mostly packaging related, i.e. making the "kit" shipping friendly... but other than that, I think it's a go. Stay tuned...
Windy City.... Good ole CP has a way with words, doesn't he? Gotta love it...
-Joe
Windy City.... Good ole CP has a way with words, doesn't he? Gotta love it...
-Joe
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RE: Kombat Kid Flying Wing Build
OK guys, I was looking back through my thread and guess what I forgot to add.... shear webs.
As the pics show, I like to cut strips of vertical grain balsa to height first (1.25" in this case), then mark, cut, and glue each one individually for the closest possible fit between the ribs - this is how they're most effective. I'll even cut them a tad long so that they bow slightly and need to be compressed to be glued down - with a bit of practice, it's easy to get the fit "just right".
As the pics show, I like to cut strips of vertical grain balsa to height first (1.25" in this case), then mark, cut, and glue each one individually for the closest possible fit between the ribs - this is how they're most effective. I'll even cut them a tad long so that they bow slightly and need to be compressed to be glued down - with a bit of practice, it's easy to get the fit "just right".
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RE: Kombat Kid Flying Wing Build
This is pretty much how I envision the fairing at the back of the engine box. I used 3/8 thick balsa sheet, but a couple laminations of other balsa would also work... The top and bottom of the engine box will be done this way, covered separately then glued in place after the engine box is permanently attached.
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RE: Kombat Kid Flying Wing Build
Speaking of covering and attaching the engine box, here's the way I do it.... each item is covered separately, covering removed in key areas, and a light smear of five minute epoxy is used to attach the box. If you're good, and work quickly, slow CA would certainly be sufficient (but I need that extra time).