My Wood & Foam Bridi UFO Build
05-10-2010, 09:48 PM
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My Wood & Foam Bridi UFO Build
Hi All,
I've been lurking around RCU for quite awhile now and thought that it's about time I came out of the shadows and participate a bit!
I'd been looking for a new project for a few months when I came across [link=http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_4017336/mpage_1/key_/tm.htm]rainedave's great UFO build[/link]. I've always wanted a UFO, I even had a glass & foam kit back in the early 80's. Ended up selling the kit instead of building it, BIG MISTAKE! I've always regretted that decision. Rainedave's thread renewed my interest in the UFO. If my build comes even remotely closed to the quality of rainedave's UFO I'll be a Happy Camper!
So I ordered a set of plans from [link=http://www.rcmplans.com/]RCM Plans[/link] which I received last week. In the interest of saving time(I'm a really slow builder) I'm going to go with a foam wing and stab. I ordered the cores last night from Don at [link=http://www.eurekaaircraft.com/]Eureka Aircraft[/link]. This was the first time I've dealt with Eureka and I was impressed with the service I received from Don. I had emailed him late Sunday night about pricing and wasn't expecting a reply until least Monday. About an hour later I received his reply and I ordered the cores. Today I received an email, with a tracking number, stating that the cores were shipped! Hopefully the foam cores will be as high quality as Don's service! Has anyone else had any experience with Eureka cores?
While I wait for the cores to arrive I'll clear the bench and setup a new building board. I'm looking forward to this project. It's been several years since I actually built a "real" model, other than ARF's! Yes, I admit it, I have "assembled" an ARF or two, or three! What can I say, I'm weak!
Feel free to heckle, cajole, harass, boo, applaud and just comment in general as this build progresses!
Ralph
I've been lurking around RCU for quite awhile now and thought that it's about time I came out of the shadows and participate a bit!
I'd been looking for a new project for a few months when I came across [link=http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_4017336/mpage_1/key_/tm.htm]rainedave's great UFO build[/link]. I've always wanted a UFO, I even had a glass & foam kit back in the early 80's. Ended up selling the kit instead of building it, BIG MISTAKE! I've always regretted that decision. Rainedave's thread renewed my interest in the UFO. If my build comes even remotely closed to the quality of rainedave's UFO I'll be a Happy Camper!
So I ordered a set of plans from [link=http://www.rcmplans.com/]RCM Plans[/link] which I received last week. In the interest of saving time(I'm a really slow builder) I'm going to go with a foam wing and stab. I ordered the cores last night from Don at [link=http://www.eurekaaircraft.com/]Eureka Aircraft[/link]. This was the first time I've dealt with Eureka and I was impressed with the service I received from Don. I had emailed him late Sunday night about pricing and wasn't expecting a reply until least Monday. About an hour later I received his reply and I ordered the cores. Today I received an email, with a tracking number, stating that the cores were shipped! Hopefully the foam cores will be as high quality as Don's service! Has anyone else had any experience with Eureka cores?
While I wait for the cores to arrive I'll clear the bench and setup a new building board. I'm looking forward to this project. It's been several years since I actually built a "real" model, other than ARF's! Yes, I admit it, I have "assembled" an ARF or two, or three! What can I say, I'm weak!
Feel free to heckle, cajole, harass, boo, applaud and just comment in general as this build progresses!
Ralph
05-11-2010, 08:19 PM
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RE: My Wood & Foam Bridi UFO Build
ORIGINAL: dhal22
excellent! what engine are you planning on using?
excellent! what engine are you planning on using?
I've been thinking a lot about the engine but I haven't decided on one yet. I'd like to go with a current production engine. I'd prefer an OS but the FX .61 seems to be a bit porky at almost 20 oz. Plus I'm not crazy about the rear mounted needle valve. The Webra Speed .61 is a possibility as is the HP .61 Gold Cup. These engines are 3-5 oz lighter than the OS. I'm open to suggestions/recommendations!
RG
05-11-2010, 08:20 PM
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RE: My Wood & Foam Bridi UFO Build
ORIGINAL: doxilia
Ralph,
welcome to the forum. Looking forward to your build.
David.
Ralph,
welcome to the forum. Looking forward to your build.
David.
RG
05-11-2010, 08:24 PM
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RE: My Wood & Foam Bridi UFO Build
ORIGINAL: Free Bird
I had Don custom cut a set of cores for me a while and they're of excellent quality. You shouldn't have any issues with your UFO cores.
FB
I had Don custom cut a set of cores for me a while and they're of excellent quality. You shouldn't have any issues with your UFO cores.
FB
RG
05-12-2010, 10:37 AM
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RE: My Wood & Foam Bridi UFO Build
looking forward to the build....
if your into classic pattern you might want to check out www.classicpatternassociation.com
scott
if your into classic pattern you might want to check out www.classicpatternassociation.com
scott
05-12-2010, 08:29 PM
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RE: My Wood & Foam Bridi UFO Build
Hey Crank, how attached are you to that NIB OS .61 SF? 
Flywilly, I'm thinking the .75AX might be a tad too much motor! Nice looking engine though!
Thanks for the link Scott. I'll have to peruse that site.
RG
Flywilly, I'm thinking the .75AX might be a tad too much motor! Nice looking engine though!
Thanks for the link Scott. I'll have to peruse that site.
RG
05-12-2010, 09:00 PM
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RE: My Wood & Foam Bridi UFO Build
The foam cores arrived today! Overall they look pretty good. UPS managed to squash the box a little on one end which resulted in the leading edge of one of the wing tips to be compressed a bit. I don't think this will be an issue, worst case I might have to fill a small cavity after the sheeting and leading edge are applied.
I checked the cores against the plans and the airfoil shape for the wing and the stab are right on, both at the root and tip. The plan form of the stab is right on, the wing however is off a little. The sweep cut into the cores will put the wing tip about 1/2" further back than the plans show. You can see the difference in one of the attached photos. I don't think this will be a problem. Any thoughts?
Looks like this build will officially begin this weekend!
RG
I checked the cores against the plans and the airfoil shape for the wing and the stab are right on, both at the root and tip. The plan form of the stab is right on, the wing however is off a little. The sweep cut into the cores will put the wing tip about 1/2" further back than the plans show. You can see the difference in one of the attached photos. I don't think this will be a problem. Any thoughts?
Looks like this build will officially begin this weekend!
RG
05-12-2010, 09:12 PM
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RE: My Wood & Foam Bridi UFO Build
ORIGINAL: dhal22
there's at least 2 for sale right now in the marketplace here. the nib is well priced too.
there's at least 2 for sale right now in the marketplace here. the nib is well priced too.
RG
05-12-2010, 09:45 PM
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RE: My Wood & Foam Bridi UFO Build
RG,
I built a Dirty Birdy from RCM plans 2 years ago. I do not know if there is a size difference between the UFO and Dirty Birdy. I powered my D.B with an OS55AX. I could not be happier with the airplane/engine combination. The AX55 has more power than the .60's used in the 70's. The vertical performance is excelent, but not unlimited. The UFO may be larger but if it is the same as the D.B. the .55AX is not a bad choice.
Jim
I built a Dirty Birdy from RCM plans 2 years ago. I do not know if there is a size difference between the UFO and Dirty Birdy. I powered my D.B with an OS55AX. I could not be happier with the airplane/engine combination. The AX55 has more power than the .60's used in the 70's. The vertical performance is excelent, but not unlimited. The UFO may be larger but if it is the same as the D.B. the .55AX is not a bad choice.
Jim
05-13-2010, 04:53 AM
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RE: My Wood & Foam Bridi UFO Build
ORIGINAL: jim52519
RG,
I built a Dirty Birdy from RCM plans 2 years ago. I do not know if there is a size difference between the UFO and Dirty Birdy. I powered my D.B with an OS55AX. I could not be happier with the airplane/engine combination. The AX55 has more power than the .60's used in the 70's. The vertical performance is excelent, but not unlimited. The UFO may be larger but if it is the same as the D.B. the .55AX is not a bad choice.
Jim
RG,
I built a Dirty Birdy from RCM plans 2 years ago. I do not know if there is a size difference between the UFO and Dirty Birdy. I powered my D.B with an OS55AX. I could not be happier with the airplane/engine combination. The AX55 has more power than the .60's used in the 70's. The vertical performance is excelent, but not unlimited. The UFO may be larger but if it is the same as the D.B. the .55AX is not a bad choice.
Jim
more power than what 60's? are you including a ys .60? or a rossi, an ops?
05-13-2010, 11:23 AM
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RE: My Wood & Foam Bridi UFO Build
David,
I think Jim might be referring to engines like the ST G60 and similar - true 70's engines. I tend to think of Rossi's, OPS's and YS's as 80's engines even though companies like Rossi have been around a long time - especially in the speed event.
A DB or UFO built to 7 lbs or under should perform quite nicely on a 55AX.
Jim,
There's is not too much difference in size between the DB and UFO. The latter has a swept wing and stab and a larger fin & rudder. The actual fuse is ever so slightly different but hard to detect at first glance. The wing construction changed slightly to a more modern building approach. I'm not sure if the airfoil of the wing also changed but I believe the chord aspect ratio changed slightly. The stab has a reduced airfoil so it is thinner and more in line with the Japanese designs of the time.
David.
I think Jim might be referring to engines like the ST G60 and similar - true 70's engines. I tend to think of Rossi's, OPS's and YS's as 80's engines even though companies like Rossi have been around a long time - especially in the speed event.
A DB or UFO built to 7 lbs or under should perform quite nicely on a 55AX.
Jim,
There's is not too much difference in size between the DB and UFO. The latter has a swept wing and stab and a larger fin & rudder. The actual fuse is ever so slightly different but hard to detect at first glance. The wing construction changed slightly to a more modern building approach. I'm not sure if the airfoil of the wing also changed but I believe the chord aspect ratio changed slightly. The stab has a reduced airfoil so it is thinner and more in line with the Japanese designs of the time.
David.
05-13-2010, 02:23 PM
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RE: My Wood & Foam Bridi UFO Build
RG - I think that one he is talking about, went yesterday, at a give away price, and it was complete, altho it was the ABC version. The ringed version's are bringing a little more dough. Price's are a little depressed riignt now, looks like some guys are holding on to them. Keep watching the auction site : the bay.
Crank
05-13-2010, 02:39 PM
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RE: My Wood & Foam Bridi UFO Build
ORIGINAL: crankpin
RG - I think that one he is talking about, went yesterday, at a give away price, and it was complete, altho it was the ABC version. The ringed version's are bringing a little more dough. Price's are a little depressed riignt now, looks like some guys are holding on to them. Keep watching the auction site : the bay.
Crank
RG - I think that one he is talking about, went yesterday, at a give away price, and it was complete, altho it was the ABC version. The ringed version's are bringing a little more dough. Price's are a little depressed riignt now, looks like some guys are holding on to them. Keep watching the auction site : the bay.
Crank
[img]{akamaiimageforum}/upfiles/13719/Ki18698.jpg[/img]
05-13-2010, 04:40 PM
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RE: My Wood & Foam Bridi UFO Build
Hey Jeff - Sure does. That SF is movie star category. Carpet looks great, we used to call that Berber carpet. It is put away with the other's in a special place. If my house caught afire, or another hurricane came our way, there is a sign on the room they are in that sez: GRAB ME FIRST ! Thanks for selling it to me.
Vince (Crank)
Hobe Sound, FL
Vince (Crank)
Hobe Sound, FL
05-13-2010, 09:08 PM
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RE: My Wood & Foam Bridi UFO Build
ORIGINAL: jim52519
RG,
I built a Dirty Birdy from RCM plans 2 years ago. I do not know if there is a size difference between the UFO and Dirty Birdy. I powered my D.B with an OS55AX. I could not be happier with the airplane/engine combination. The AX55 has more power than the .60's used in the 70's. The vertical performance is excelent, but not unlimited. The UFO may be larger but if it is the same as the D.B. the .55AX is not a bad choice.
Jim
RG,
I built a Dirty Birdy from RCM plans 2 years ago. I do not know if there is a size difference between the UFO and Dirty Birdy. I powered my D.B with an OS55AX. I could not be happier with the airplane/engine combination. The AX55 has more power than the .60's used in the 70's. The vertical performance is excelent, but not unlimited. The UFO may be larger but if it is the same as the D.B. the .55AX is not a bad choice.
Jim
I love the paint scheme on your Dirty Birdy! Classic, simple and attractive! My favorite colors too!
RG
05-13-2010, 09:14 PM
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RE: My Wood & Foam Bridi UFO Build
ORIGINAL: crankpin
RG - I think that one he is talking about, went yesterday, at a give away price, and it was complete, altho it was the ABC version. The ringed version's are bringing a little more dough. Price's are a little depressed riignt now, looks like some guys are holding on to them. Keep watching the auction site : the bay.
Crank
RG - I think that one he is talking about, went yesterday, at a give away price, and it was complete, altho it was the ABC version. The ringed version's are bringing a little more dough. Price's are a little depressed riignt now, looks like some guys are holding on to them. Keep watching the auction site : the bay.
Crank
If we are talking about the same engine I would be the one that purchased that engine!
I put the check in the mail today!
RG
05-13-2010, 09:37 PM
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RE: My Wood & Foam Bridi UFO Build
I'm sure some of you have lost some sleep wondering what kind of builder this RG guy is! So I thought I'd post a couple of photos of the last airplane that I scratch built about 12 years ago. It's not RC but it's the same type of construction, foam wing, wood everything else. It's not perfect, but it's light, straight and flies well. If this UFO project turns out that way I think I'll be happy!
RG
So I thought I'd post a couple of photos of the last airplane that I scratch built about 12 years ago. It's not RC but it's the same type of construction, foam wing, wood everything else. It's not perfect, but it's light, straight and flies well. If this UFO project turns out that way I think I'll be happy!RG
05-14-2010, 08:56 AM
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RE: My Wood & Foam Bridi UFO Build
RG
That is an outstanding U control model. I only flew Cox u control planes and 2 Lil' Satans, but I've always admired planes built like yours. I loooove the UFO and Dirty Birdy and I am just waiting to watch your work unfold. If I can get my other projects finished I will begin my UFO scratch build. Keep up the good work.
Gene
That is an outstanding
U control model. I only flew Cox u control planes and 2 Lil' Satans, but I've always admired planes built like yours. I loooove the UFO and Dirty Birdy and I am just waiting to watch your work unfold. If I can get my other projects finished I will begin my UFO scratch build. Keep up the good work.Gene