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Skymaster F-15 construction

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Skymaster F-15 construction

Old 10-29-2004, 02:55 PM
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Lt. Dan
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Default Skymaster F-15 construction

(Starting a new thread with just the construction photos)

All the photos of my progress will be loaded to my [link=http://www.kc-10.net/gallery/view_album.php?set_albumName=album16]RC Gallery[/link]

Specs so far:

JR 10X
945 receiver
JR 8611's on the elevons
JR DS-168's on the rudders
I4C C-volt
Skymaster Whip antenna
UP3 Retract/door valve
Jet-Tech 148oz fuel tank set
JetCat P-120
Tams pipe

Right out of the box:

[link=http://www.kc-10.net/gallery/albums/album16/DSC01782.jpg][/link]
Old 10-29-2004, 02:57 PM
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Lt. Dan
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Default RE: Skymaster F-15 contruction

Masking off the first wing

[link=http://www.kc-10.net/gallery/albums/album16/DSC01801.jpg][/link]

After about ten light coats of Intl Orange from the can

[link=http://www.kc-10.net/gallery/albums/album16/DSC01804.jpg][/link]

The leading edge corner of the orange looks jagged because I followed the panel lines around the wing. I have other plans for this area.
Old 10-29-2004, 03:02 PM
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Default RE: Skymaster F-15 contruction

Wing leading edge is being painted in Pewter metallic. It looks quite stunning in the sunlight!

[link=http://www.kc-10.net/gallery/albums/album16/DSC01808.jpg][/link]


I've discovered today that the 3M plastic fine line tape I've been masking with is a bit too sticky to use over my paint, you can see in the photos were it lifted some of the orange as I pulled the tape off. I'm going to switch to the medium-low adhesion 3M painters tape in these areas. This wing will have to be resprayed.

[link=http://www.kc-10.net/gallery/albums/album16/DSC01809.jpg][/link]

Underside:

[link=http://www.kc-10.net/gallery/albums/album16/DSC01810.jpg][/link]
Old 10-29-2004, 03:57 PM
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Default RE: Skymaster F-15 contruction

Thanks Lt. Dan for your tips. I will be buying my F15 early next year and like you I am getting the all white version. Your tip on using too sticky of masking tape, and all your photos, have gone into my F15 Building Tips file. I also plan on using the P-120. Looking at your photos, it looks like a nice fit.
Did you purchase the 148 oz. tank from Skymaster? I have only seen the 110 oz. tanks. Every ounce helps.
Thanks again Lt. Dan, please keep us posted on your progress.

Wayne
Old 10-29-2004, 04:05 PM
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Default RE: Skymaster F-15 contruction

ORIGINAL: 552transco

Did you purchase the 148 oz. tank from Skymaster?
I bought the 148 oz, four-tank set from Jet-Tech. You can purchase them from [link=http://www.dreamworksrc.com]DreamworksRC[/link]. Here's the direct link to the tanks http://www.dreamworksrc.com/catalog/...roducts_id=363
Old 10-29-2004, 04:54 PM
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Default RE: Skymaster F-15 construction

Thanks for the info Lt. Dan. I checked them out. They look good and there Kevlar. I read for a long time Kevlar tanks for the F15 were coming soon. I am glad to see they finally arrived. I've added Dreamworks to my notes.

Thanks again,

Wayne
Old 10-31-2004, 07:21 PM
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Default RE: Skymaster F-15 construction

Well, the learning curve continues. As I was prepping the right wing slats for paint, the alcohol that I was using to clean the surface got on the orange area and made some white spots. []

I went down to the paint store that I get my spray cans from and talked to the owner a bit, he was very helpful. One of the things he told me about this paint is that you can tape over it and spray a new color within an hour! I had been waiting a couple days before applying the next color. Not any more!

I told him about my alcohol problem (no pun intended) and he recommended some PPG cleaner/degreaser that does an amazing job of cleaning. It can be wiped right over the paint that's been put down without damaging the paint.

He also hooked me up with some higher quality 400 and 600 grit sandpaper that does a much better job of surface prep. I found that by using these finer papers when I prep, I can actually get some gloss out of this semi-flat paint. I prepped and resprayed the right wing orange area and it came out much better! I'm going to respray the left side as well.

Today's progress:

I sanded and filled the nose seams, then repainted the black stripe (I also decided to do the whole radome as well).

[link=http://www.kc-10.net/gallery/albums/album16/DSC01815.jpg][/link]

I also started laminating the gear doors using some 1/32" basswood after discussing various methods with Todd (love2flyrc). Here you can see the gear door in the closed position with the basswood laminate filling the opening. It sits nearly flush with carbon fiber and will make hinge installation a snap.

[link=http://www.kc-10.net/gallery/albums/album16/DSC01816.jpg][/link]

Finally, I resprayed the orange on the right wing, it turned out much better this time, so I'm going to respray the left wing before I paint the leading edge.


[link=http://www.kc-10.net/gallery/albums/album16/DSC01813.jpg][/link]
Old 10-31-2004, 10:51 PM
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Default RE: Skymaster F-15 construction

Thanks Lt. Dan., I've added more cautions and tips to my F15 file.

Lt. Dan, Are you going to install the airbrake?

Thanks for keeping us informed.


Wayne
Old 11-01-2004, 06:31 AM
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Default RE: Skymaster F-15 construction

Dan,

One problem I had in mine...see those holes in the former in the front section of your plane? Thats the former your retract mounts to. Dont know why they would put holes in a high stress former. I recommend laminating that too with some thicker ply especially while there is nothing else in there. All it takes is one hard landing or a landing with no nosewheel (which was my case) and it will crack that former between the holes.

Mike
Old 11-01-2004, 07:16 AM
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Default RE: Skymaster F-15 construction

ORIGINAL: 552transco

Are you going to install the airbrake?
I'm still debating it. The aircraft really doesn't need one, but I love the look.
Old 11-02-2004, 12:48 AM
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Default RE: Skymaster F-15 construction

ORIGINAL: mnmills

Dan,

One problem I had in mine...see those holes in the former in the front section of your plane? Thats the former your retract mounts to. Dont know why they would put holes in a high stress former. I recommend laminating that too with some thicker ply especially while there is nothing else in there. All it takes is one hard landing or a landing with no nosewheel (which was my case) and it will crack that former between the holes.

Mike
I've got some spare gear blocks from my Avonds F-15 and they are nearly identical. The lightening holes do just that - save weight -and also give you a place to route hoses and wires through. One time, my Avonds departed the runway and when the nose gear hit the mud, that's where the plate broke, saving the fiberglass. If it proves to be too weak, I might just laminate the Avonds blocks on top of them.

Have you shot any color on your plane yet?
Old 11-02-2004, 06:39 AM
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Default RE: Skymaster F-15 construction

Nope,

Im going to wait until after FIJR. Then Ill paint it. Those weight saving holes cant save much whatsoever, but Im tellin you it makes that plate a whole lot weaker. I realize it may save the glass....but the fuse seems really strong and I hate gear problems. I rolled the dice and laminated the former

Mike
Old 11-02-2004, 05:00 PM
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Default RE: Skymaster F-15 construction

A few people have asked what paint I'm using so...

Its Tempo brand and I get it from a local automotive paint store. They can put any color in a rattle can in 24 hours. I'm using base coat, which behaves like a primer, only much smoother. This stuff goes on nearly as thin as paint shot from a gun, and just as smooth. I lay down 8-10 tack coats and let the paint build up without shooting any wet coats.

As soon as the last coat is on I start pulling the tape. I lay an extra layer of tape over my fine line tape so I can lift that first to check the adhesion of the coat, if it comes off gooey, I give it a few more minutes and try again. This paint can be taped over and another color sprayed within an hour.

[link=http://www.kc-10.net/gallery/albums/album16/DSC01818.jpg][/link]
Old 11-03-2004, 06:01 AM
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Default RE: Skymaster F-15 construction

Hey Lt Dan

Looking Good!

I have to agree with Mike though on that front plate for the nose gear. Strong enough for normal use, but if you off road once in a while like me then there will be a good chance of a repair to do.

Mike I passed you suggestions on to Eric and Mr. Lin tks.

Keep up the good work!
Old 11-03-2004, 06:21 AM
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Default RE: Skymaster F-15 construction

Duke,

I put flights 14 and 15 on the F15 last weekend. Im going to FIJR this weekend and I cant wait. I just cant find the time between flying to paint the thing! Did you get some mail from me?

Thanks,
Mike
Old 11-03-2004, 06:40 AM
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Default RE: Skymaster F-15 construction

ORIGINAL: Aero65

Hey Lt Dan

Looking Good!

I have to agree with Mike though on that front plate for the nose gear. Strong enough for normal use, but if you off road once in a while like me then there will be a good chance of a repair to do.

Mike I passed you suggestions on to Eric and Mr. Lin tks.

Keep up the good work!
Hey Duke,

When you say 'off road' do you mean unintentionally departing the runway or flying off of grass?
Old 11-03-2004, 06:56 PM
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Default RE: Skymaster F-15 construction

Work continues. The orange on both wings has been resprayed and both turned out great. Its been raining the last few days so I haven't been able to get any more painting done. []

The Jet Tech fuel cells arrived today, Gary Mueller was great to deal with and will definitely be getting my business in the future!

148oz should give a good 8-9 minute flight with plenty of reserve on the P-120.

These tanks are a work of art...

[link=http://www.kc-10.net/gallery/albums/album16/DSC01820.jpg][/link]

And they fit like a glove...


[link=http://www.kc-10.net/gallery/albums/album16/DSC01823.jpg][/link]

Progress so far...

[link=http://www.kc-10.net/gallery/albums/album16/DSC01821.jpg][/link]
Old 11-11-2004, 12:40 PM
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Default RE: Skymaster F-15 construction

Hi Lt. Dan,

How is your progress coming along? Haven't had any updates lately.
Do you have anymore pictures yet?
Keep us posted,

Wayne
Old 11-11-2004, 02:07 PM
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Default RE: Skymaster F-15 construction

I haven't made much progress in the past week, its either been raining or I've been flying. Look for some updates this weekend.
Old 11-13-2004, 03:08 AM
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Default RE: Skymaster F-15 construction

Santa came early!

[link=http://www.kc-10.net/gallery/albums/album16/DSC01828.jpg][/link]

I installed the mains tonight and will do the nose tomorrow as that one is gonna take some time.

Installing the mains was pretty straight-forward. I did have to reconfigure the Robart 630's so the cylinders would face forward when the gear is retracted.

A little trimming of the gear opening lip is required to clear the struts, but it only took a few moments. I've outlined the trimmed area in red:

[link=http://www.kc-10.net/gallery/albums/album16/DSC01840.jpg][/link]

Inside shot:

[link=http://www.kc-10.net/gallery/albums/album16/DSC01838.jpg][/link]

Both mains installed:

[link=http://www.kc-10.net/gallery/albums/album16/DSC01837.jpg][/link]
Old 11-13-2004, 03:10 AM
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Default RE: Skymaster F-15 construction

I decided to mock her up again to check out the stance. I clamped the nose gear in place for this shot. I also trimmed out the hinge openings and put the airbrake on. This was truly simple and only took me about 30 minutes of trimming and fitting to get her installed.

[link=http://www.kc-10.net/gallery/albums/album16/DSC01835.jpg][/link]

You can also see from this photo tha I got one of the elevators painted yesterday.
Old 11-13-2004, 03:09 PM
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Default RE: Skymaster F-15 construction

Looking good Lt. Dan. Nice clear pictures.
Is that the new hatch cover with air-brake installed I see in your early Christmas gift photo?
Thanks for the update.

Wayne
Old 11-13-2004, 05:08 PM
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Default RE: Skymaster F-15 construction

Yes, that's the airbrake kit from Skymaster. It doesn't get much easier, just take off your original hatch, cut out the hinge lines (already molded into the fuse) and drop in the new hatch with airbrake. The cylinder is an air-up, spring-down type so you only need to run one air line to the brake. I'll post more photos of that when I actually set it up.
Old 11-14-2004, 12:10 AM
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Default RE: Skymaster F-15 construction

Thanks Lt. Dan.
The new air-brake setup is nice, well worth the extra money.
I'll be looking forward to seeing more pictures of your progress.
Thanks for taking the time to post your building, setups and even your mistakes. They are all appreciated.

Wayne
Old 11-14-2004, 12:54 AM
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Default RE: Skymaster F-15 construction

Mistakes? Who makes mistakes?

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