What size engine should I use?
03-13-2016, 04:27 PM
#26
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Assorted size hole saws will get the lightening holes made. For cases where you want an oval hole just make two close or overlapping holes with the hole saw and connect the sides with a key hole saw to create an oval hole. Of course some clean up with sandpaper will be needed. Cover with your favorite covering material when the "Swiss cheese job" is done. Look at other similar size and type airplanes to get a a idea of where to make the lightening holes without weakening the structure. It seems like 2 weeks ago you were about to do a test flight, and now you are about to put this lead sled on a diet including cutting sanding and covering! As an outsider (it's not my time, effort, money or my airplane), but I am wondering about the wisdom of this venture. Just saying, a new 60 size G.P. Stick ARF is just $199 ! (G.P. Stick kits are NLA). If you're still having fun with this project then go for it and get the hole saw out.
03-13-2016, 06:07 PM
#28
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Yea, it's been windy around here too. Sometimes these restoration projects may not make "dollars and sense" on a practical basis, but have great value on a learning and self satisfaction basis. I've been in "too deep" on some I've undertaken also but used them as a nothing to loose trying this or that project. Anyone can just buy a new ARF, but only a few of us can build a kit or rebuild an old neglected plane. As long a you have an open mind and are enjoying the rebuild then you are doing the right thing even if it takes more time and money. Press on!
03-14-2016, 06:23 AM
#29
Sounds like the fuse is way over-built. If the wing is good, I would build a new fuselage and tail feathers for it. You can use the landing gear and pushrods from the one you have. The rest is as simple as an airplane can possibly be. I agree with the others; the plane is too heavy to be much fun to fly.
Jim
Jim
03-14-2016, 08:52 AM
#30
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Could you post some photos? Very possible you have one of those cheap ARF's that were so common 10-15 years ago. They used very heavy materials and wallpaper/shelf liner for covering really heavy plywood and stick construction (cheap).
They use hot glue for assembly.........re-covering helps a bunch.
They use hot glue for assembly.........re-covering helps a bunch.
03-14-2016, 03:45 PM
#32
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Jack,
From the amount of paint and other material present it's no mystery why the weight. I suspect it's one of the early ARF's Ie, the first photo shows grainy course wood not consistent with good lite-ply. Think I would fly it as is and let the chips fall where they may? It may surprise you on how well it will do. Cheaper to buy a new one than try rescue this one, in my opinion?
Fly it until it dies.
From the amount of paint and other material present it's no mystery why the weight. I suspect it's one of the early ARF's Ie, the first photo shows grainy course wood not consistent with good lite-ply. Think I would fly it as is and let the chips fall where they may? It may surprise you on how well it will do. Cheaper to buy a new one than try rescue this one, in my opinion?
Fly it until it dies.
03-14-2016, 07:26 PM
#33
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Gizmo thinks it's an early ARF, my guess is it's an over done kit built Stick but who knows for sure. I agree with gizmo's advice to fly it as is (with C/G balancing) and see what you got before going to the extent of cutting lightening holes and recovering it. After flying it you can then reassess your plan to go further with this plane or use it as is. Just my approach, there is no right or wrong.
