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Carden Cuda Build

Old 12-05-2005, 06:59 PM
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RobT
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Default Carden Cuda Build

This is my third Carden build. My first was a 40% Extra 330S, the second was a 35% Edge. When Carden came out with the Cuda I thought it would be an amazing 50cc beater.

As you can see from the photos Cardens come packed as if each one was a gift especially for you, with real photo's to aid in the build. Parts are hand labeled . . . right down to which sheeting should be used on the wing, stab, etc.
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Old 12-05-2005, 07:02 PM
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RobT
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Default RE: Carden Cuda Build

As with any carden the parts come straight out of the bag onto the plane. Precut to the size you need.
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Old 12-05-2005, 07:05 PM
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RobT
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Default RE: Carden Cuda Build

Since the stab is non removable you need to build a shoulder for the stab to fit on as you build the truss side.

I used a French curve to transfer the shape to some scrap paper (hard to see the scrap in the photo but it is the second dark line that is up from the first. The top pen line is now my template, and the bottom is the original stab line on the plans), and then used that template to carve the wood.
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Old 12-06-2005, 01:09 PM
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as722
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Default RE: Carden Cuda Build

Looking good Rob, I've been thinking about getting one of these next. Can't wait for a flight report.

Albert
Old 12-06-2005, 02:33 PM
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jmiracle
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Default RE: Carden Cuda Build

I just framed one up and am now working on covering. The build itself was pretty straightforward....the only part I didn't like was building the stab saddle and getting everything aligned perfect. Installing a stab tube is much simpler IMO.

I deviated from the plans just a bit though.....I've read the cuda can come out a little nose heavy, so I modified the back of the fuse to accept a servo just below the horz. stab. This way I can move the rudder servo wherever it needs to go easily without hacking up the fuse too badly. I would actually prefer to put the servo in the tail, cause I hate running pull-pull cable![:'(]

I've got a DA50 on the shelf waiting to go in....just need to order up some new hitec servos

I'm anxious to see how it flies as well....so far I think it should be a winner!
Old 12-06-2005, 02:40 PM
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Default RE: Carden Cuda Build

There are plenty of Carden build sites / posts up so I wont bore people with the little things, but I will try to show things that are different about the Cuda. . . Like the stabs.

I made a few photocopies of the stab area of the plans, and cut them out to use as templates. I then used these templates to cut the tail saddle off of the rear of the fuse.

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Old 12-06-2005, 08:31 PM
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RobT
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Default RE: Carden Cuda Build

I then mounted the stab on fuse and set incidences etc as usual. Finally I replaced the top piece of the fuse and sheeted over the top with 1/8th balsa as a fin mount / stab lock.
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Old 12-06-2005, 09:03 PM
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CAPtain232
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Default RE: Carden Cuda Build

Lookin' good Rob.

I actually have 2 of these kits to build for myself (for a change).....

I am thinking of selling one due to the fact that I doubt I will have the time to build 2. The thing I like about the CUDA is it is something different from what everyone else is flying. You see Extras, CAPs, Edges and Yaks everywhere, but you don't see anything that flies as well that is completely different.....


Good luck with the build
Old 12-07-2005, 08:37 AM
  #9  
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Default RE: Carden Cuda Build

Rob,

Thanks for the great pictures and explanations !! Allot of extra work on your part to post this info, for all of us to enjoy and learn from, thanks.

Ward
Old 12-07-2005, 09:47 AM
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btomlinson
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Default RE: Carden Cuda Build

Anyone flown the Cuda ? Im thinking about buying one and a DA 50...[8D]

Old 12-07-2005, 11:59 AM
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Default RE: Carden Cuda Build

There are a number of reviews on Carden's web site.


Woops
Old 12-07-2005, 09:42 PM
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RobT
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Default RE: Carden Cuda Build

ZZ and cap thanks for the kind words.

JM, I just saw your post about using a vacuum bag and poly-u without gluing the sheeting together. I vacuum bag with epoxy and always glue the sheeting together. Here are my questions for you: 1) you said you did the turtle deck of the Cuda without edge gluing first. Is the tape enough to keep the edges of the seems closed on that tight radius? I actually change from white glue (on the wings and stabs) to zap for the turtle deck because I know I am going to wet the wood before it goes into the bag.

2) Have you ever done a weight analysis on using the poly? I would be very curious.

Thanks.
Rob
Old 12-07-2005, 09:55 PM
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Default RE: Carden Cuda Build


ORIGINAL: RobT


JM, I just saw your post about using a vacuum bag and poly-u without gluing the sheeting together. I vacuum bag with epoxy and always glue the sheeting together. Here are my questions for you: 1) you said you did the turtle deck of the Cuda without edge gluing first. Is the tape enough to keep the edges of the seems closed on that tight radius? I actually change from white glue (on the wings and stabs) to zap for the turtle deck because I know I am going to wet the wood before it goes into the bag.
Rob, I did NOT edge-glue the sheeting on the turtle deck of the cuda, just tape the wood together, then tape the seams. The pressure of the vacuum is enough to keep the wood together. The turtle deck turned out nearly flawless and once I finish-sanded with 220 grit, friends had a hard time even finding the seams.
I was a little nervous when sheeting the turtle deck because it's such a tight radius, but the vac setup handled it just fine. I did baby-sit the setup for the first 15-30 minutes to make sure the skin didnt shift....I ended up pulling vacuum twice as the first try the skin shifted and didn't fully cover the turtle deck.

ORIGINAL: RobT


2) Have you ever done a weight analysis on using the poly? I would be very curious.

Thanks.
Rob

I've never used anything but poly when sheeting foam, so I have nothing to compare against. I too would be very curious to find out if there is a weight difference between poly and epoxy.
Old 12-08-2005, 07:44 AM
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RobT
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Default RE: Carden Cuda Build

If anyone would volunteer a set of stab cores they have laying around for the experiment I would be very glad to sheet one half with epoxy and the other with Poly and post all the results / take all the pictures . . .

Rob
Old 12-08-2005, 04:34 PM
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as722
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Default RE: Carden Cuda Build

Hi, Rob. I don't edge glue my sheeting on wings or stabs but do it on turtle decks etc, anything with a tite radius.

Albert Santiago
Old 12-08-2005, 07:38 PM
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Default RE: Carden Cuda Build

I'm glad I found this thread....it has motivated me to start working on this project again. The Cuda has been hanging on my shop wall for a couple months now waiting for me to start covering.
Over the past week or so, I've managed to get the base colors down on the fuse....here's a couple pics of where it's at now.
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Old 12-08-2005, 07:58 PM
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Default RE: Carden Cuda Build

Mr. Miracle,

Nice shop, very nice Plane

zz
Old 12-09-2005, 06:52 AM
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RobT
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Default RE: Carden Cuda Build

JM looking good! I still am not sure what scheme I am going to do, but I just sold a Brieltling cap (Midwest kit) so I might redo that scheme.

The weight of the fuse (including fin, stab, rudder and elevator is 2lbs 13.7 oz) The only lightening done at this point was one of the bottom holes in each motor box side and all of the top holes.
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Old 12-09-2005, 07:03 AM
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Default RE: Carden Cuda Build

Without the elevators and rudder the weight was 2 lbs 7.3 oz

I then opened up the area in the front of the turtle deck, and a hole in the tank mount . . . 2lbs 7.1 oz

Next I cut two holes in the 1/4 balsa bottom (I am not going to do cans, but I opened this up anyway . . .2 lbs 6.8 oz

Lastly I cut holes down the belly of the foam 2lbs 6.4 oz.

I was going to cut holes into the elevator and rudder, but now I am wondering if it is worth the work and mess? What do yo think?
(By the way saving this 1 oz is about 0.1 oz less of wing loading)

Rob

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Old 12-09-2005, 07:39 AM
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Default RE: Carden Cuda Build

I just weighed my fuse in the same condition as the photos above (minus canopy) and it checked in at 2lbs 12oz. This included some misc. hardware for wing mounting, cowl mounting, landing gear, ect.
looks like covering will add around 4oz? In any case it was good to see my fuse was at a comparable weight to yours.

As far as all the lightening holes...I'm not sure if 1oz of weight savings is worth it to me for all the work and mess. I just don't see where you could cut too much more weight out of this. I'm shooting for 16.5lbs RTF with a DA50 and pitts style muffler (no can). Carden claims the prototype was 17lbs WITH a can. I know a single can adds a full pound of weight, so I think my 16.5lb target is reasonable.

I had an Aeroworks 27% Ultimate with this DA50 in it that weighed 16.5lbs. It was a rocket and landed like a feather. The cuda has similar wing area, so if I can hit my target weight, I'm sure it will have plenty of power and feel pretty light on the wing.
Old 12-09-2005, 08:08 AM
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Default RE: Carden Cuda Build

I can also see from your pictures that you did not cut any holes in the side of the motor box. From the holes I cut in the back of the 1/8 ply motor box I have found that a 1.5" radius hole saves .2 oz wile a 2" radius hole saves .5 oz. So I was thinking of putting holes in the side of the motor box (in front of the fuse) but again not sure if it is worth the weight savings / strength trade off. Plus with the rudder servo in the tail we might need nose weight anyway.

Rob
Old 12-13-2005, 06:57 AM
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ahallock
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Default RE: Carden Cuda Build

I am joining the group of Cuda build, this is my first Carden kit. I can only work on this project on the weekends so I will be really slow. Keep up the great posting.

Thanks,
Alan
Old 12-14-2005, 11:50 AM
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J Hallock
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Default RE: Carden Cuda Build

Looking forward to your progress on your Cuda. - Joshua
Old 12-14-2005, 02:22 PM
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jmiracle
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Default RE: Carden Cuda Build

Life has gotten in the way of my build lately. All I really have left to do is cover the wings and paint the cowl/pants/canopy.

This is the part of a build I least enjoy...it all goes so fast when you're framing it up, then screeches to a halt as soon as it's time to start the finishing work.[:'(]

Oh well...in the end, it's all worth it. [8D]
Old 12-17-2005, 11:12 AM
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Default RE: Carden Cuda Build

I've finally got both wings covered. All that's left is the trim pieces on the tail and few on the bottom of the wings and I can call the covering done. I probably won't do much more on this till spring....can't paint in the cold!

I also weighed the assembled plane with all surfaces attached, cowl and hatch. The only parts missing are the wheels and wheel pants. It checked in at 7lbs 13 oz. So far I'm happy with the weight.
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