Top-Flite 1/5th F4U Corsair ARF Group Build and modification thread
04-14-2013, 08:15 AM
#251
RE: Top-Flite 1/5th F4U Corsair ARF Group Build and modification thread
No, They are the stock arf hinges. But if your going for scale, this is a pic I took of the full scale door and hinge set up. The robarts are kinda close. Wish they made more than one size of those hinge types as they are usually too big.
04-25-2013, 06:32 PM
#252
RE: Top-Flite 1/5th F4U Corsair ARF Group Build and modification thread
Well I couldn't resist posting a pic or two. It's not completely done yet, but it's getting there.
Getting the decals on and doing a little more detail work.
Hopefully will have it off the bench and outside for a test run by next week. (if it ever warms up around here)
I know, my shop is a mess.
Getting the decals on and doing a little more detail work.Hopefully will have it off the bench and outside for a test run by next week. (if it ever warms up around here)
I know, my shop is a mess.
04-26-2013, 08:39 AM
#253
04-26-2013, 02:30 PM
#255
RE: Top-Flite 1/5th F4U Corsair ARF Group Build and modification thread
Thanks for the compliments guys.
RT, The ARF is at 5-3/4" as well. Haven't heard or read anything on the suggested C.G. being a problem.
Anyone out there flying it already have any input on the CG for this bird?
RT, The ARF is at 5-3/4" as well. Haven't heard or read anything on the suggested C.G. being a problem.
Anyone out there flying it already have any input on the CG for this bird?
04-26-2013, 03:43 PM
#256
My Feedback: (6)
RE: Top-Flite 1/5th F4U Corsair ARF Group Build and modification thread
Wm
As I said my first build was by the book, on maiden it flew good but at altitude when you solwed it done it was squirley, had to hold a bunch of down and we had the trim all the way, we got it down and went back to the shop did some calucations and and found that 5 1/2 was the point, but beeing a old geeeser and not absoultly sure of my calc's I went with 5 1/4 flew great but abit nose heavy but decided to go with it till I got used to it. On flight # 6 had an engine quit at about 10 to 15 ft and as all corsairs when with out power they are a brick. damage did not look to bad but it turned out to be a total lose,
So on the secound build I set the C/G @ 5 3/8 and have worked my way to 5 1/2 and I don't think I will change it further.
I have not seen the ARF up close and personal, and I am not by any strech an accomplished stand off scale guy the corsair was my first venture, If I were to do it again I would most likly do a build as I love building but I no now how to make it a lot lighter.
Sorry to being so long winded Hope this helps
Cheers Bob T
corsair Brotherhood #6
AMA13377
04-28-2013, 06:51 AM
#258
RE: Top-Flite 1/5th F4U Corsair ARF Group Build and modification thread
BALANCING:
Just a friendly reminder as it's easy to forget.
When balancing the plane to obtain the proper CG, Make sure you balance the plane upside down with the wheels "retracted".
Failure to do this will cause one to inadvertently balance the plane tail heavy.
Which is not a good thing
Just a friendly reminder as it's easy to forget.
When balancing the plane to obtain the proper CG, Make sure you balance the plane upside down with the wheels "retracted".
Failure to do this will cause one to inadvertently balance the plane tail heavy.
Which is not a good thing
06-08-2013, 02:52 PM
#259
RE: Top-Flite 1/5th F4U Corsair ARF Group Build and modification thread
Well I finally got a chance to get out and test fly the plane. (For once it wasn't raining.) Had the HD video cam and all ready too go. Unfortunately, I couldn't get the engine started[:@]
Turns out it's got a bad coil. First time I ever had a problem like that with a Zenoha. Oh well, better luck next time.
Turns out it's got a bad coil. First time I ever had a problem like that with a Zenoha. Oh well, better luck next time.
06-23-2013, 03:58 PM
#261
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RE: Top-Flite 1/5th F4U Corsair ARF Group Build and modification thread
Has anyone flown this plane using the Troy Built 3 blade prop? First ground runs, the blades were to flat, no thrust and lots of RPM. I re pitched them to what the directions said was 14 degrees, huge difference. 7000 rpm and lots of thrust. Looking closely at the laddes, all three are not identical in pitch, but vibration levels seemed ok and blade tip tracking was good. Plan to fly it next weekend.
3Dflight
3Dflight
06-30-2013, 04:53 PM
#262
RE: Top-Flite 1/5th F4U Corsair ARF Group Build and modification thread
Sorry for the late reply RT.
Yes I got it fixed and running, No I haven't been able to maiden. I haven't had much time this summer for flying with work schedules and all. And when I do get a chance to go, it's been constant T-storms, wind and rain. The weather just not cooperating with me I guess. Hopefully Monsoon season will be over for July.
3D. let us know how it workes out. I have one of those set ups as well but alittle skeptical of using it.
Yes I got it fixed and running, No I haven't been able to maiden. I haven't had much time this summer for flying with work schedules and all. And when I do get a chance to go, it's been constant T-storms, wind and rain. The weather just not cooperating with me I guess. Hopefully Monsoon season will be over for July.
3D. let us know how it workes out. I have one of those set ups as well but alittle skeptical of using it.
07-01-2013, 12:38 PM
#263
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RE: Top-Flite 1/5th F4U Corsair ARF Group Build and modification thread
Here is mine, finally finished. Work keeps getting in the way. The plane had plenty of thrust to fly with the Troy Built 3 blade prop. Still had to add almost a pound to balance. It is fast in the air. We had our Warbird flyin this past weekend and rain got us in the afternoon. www.blacksheepclub.org click on 2013 Warbird link.
Here is my gear operating, Robart electrics with the main gear doors driven by a micro servo on each side. They drive Sullivan #507 cables. They are in the wing right behind the wheel wells.
http://youtu.be/9sMaSRZNcxQ
3DFlight
Here is my gear operating, Robart electrics with the main gear doors driven by a micro servo on each side. They drive Sullivan #507 cables. They are in the wing right behind the wheel wells.
http://youtu.be/9sMaSRZNcxQ
3DFlight
07-01-2013, 02:59 PM
#264
RE: Top-Flite 1/5th F4U Corsair ARF Group Build and modification thread
Functional Cowl Flaps Mod
This is a test or prototype for a later CARF Corsair build so I thought Id post some photos. Ive had a lot of problems with the stock TF cowl in the way its attached and the poor hardware. The cowl has come loose several times even with thread lock. It has interfered with the prop and was damaged as well as the prop so being fed up Im redesigning the set up.
Similar to how others have done this before I spaced the main cowl 1/4 ply ring out further from the mounting blocks. I went to Ace Hardware and found #6 hole nylon 1 inch spacers. These were cut down to 3/4in simply by chucking each one up in a basic drill press and using a Zona razor saw against the chucks face you get a nice square clean cut. See photo. I also purchased 3in 6-32 all thread rods and used red thread lock to bond them into the stock mounts.
With the threaded studs at full length I assembled the cowl ring with washers and locknuts before cutting off the extra length. I left a short amount of threads exposed so there is still an adjustment range.
I sanded the outer edge of the cowl ring a bit to adjust the ring to fit further in the owl because its tappered. The cowl was prepared by cutting off the cowl flaps at the panel line. The new edge is aliged to the cowl ring back face. Since the ring is 1/4in thick I decided to use it to thread button head wood screws into it to hold the cowl. See photo.
Now the fun begins, the cowl flaps are not accurate on the stock cowl so you must decide now if this matters. I decided to move on. There should be a "small" flap at 3/6/9 oclock positions so the bottom one is missing as they alternate around.
I used wide nylon hinges and sanded off the dubro logo on each tab. I used 1/64 plywood sheet to space off the hinge from each surface. The geometry is tricky when your trying to keep the leading edge tight to the cowl panel. I put the hinge pin center on the egde of the flap. When it pivots out the flap leading edge will touch the cowl trailing edge.
Between each flap I used 0.010in G10 fiberglass to make the secondary surface.
Im also going to use the super thin and flexible Sullivan cable with the plastic yellow tube. I have some small laser cut wire guides we use for directing remote antena wires that happen to fit the tubing. See photo. I slotted the hinge and glued the guide to the plywood.
Last night I was able to build out the left side and check that the cable works and it did very well. On the bottom 3 flaps I used 1/8in plywood triangles set to 10deg to make the flaps open. I used a plywood sheet and a hardwood block to take advantage of a natural pocket in front of the firewall where I located all the lead weights. Its removable so now these three flaps are attached to this panel and the flaps go completely around the cowl uninterrupted.
This is a test or prototype for a later CARF Corsair build so I thought Id post some photos. Ive had a lot of problems with the stock TF cowl in the way its attached and the poor hardware. The cowl has come loose several times even with thread lock. It has interfered with the prop and was damaged as well as the prop so being fed up Im redesigning the set up.
Similar to how others have done this before I spaced the main cowl 1/4 ply ring out further from the mounting blocks. I went to Ace Hardware and found #6 hole nylon 1 inch spacers. These were cut down to 3/4in simply by chucking each one up in a basic drill press and using a Zona razor saw against the chucks face you get a nice square clean cut. See photo. I also purchased 3in 6-32 all thread rods and used red thread lock to bond them into the stock mounts.
With the threaded studs at full length I assembled the cowl ring with washers and locknuts before cutting off the extra length. I left a short amount of threads exposed so there is still an adjustment range.
I sanded the outer edge of the cowl ring a bit to adjust the ring to fit further in the owl because its tappered. The cowl was prepared by cutting off the cowl flaps at the panel line. The new edge is aliged to the cowl ring back face. Since the ring is 1/4in thick I decided to use it to thread button head wood screws into it to hold the cowl. See photo.
Now the fun begins, the cowl flaps are not accurate on the stock cowl so you must decide now if this matters. I decided to move on. There should be a "small" flap at 3/6/9 oclock positions so the bottom one is missing as they alternate around.
I used wide nylon hinges and sanded off the dubro logo on each tab. I used 1/64 plywood sheet to space off the hinge from each surface. The geometry is tricky when your trying to keep the leading edge tight to the cowl panel. I put the hinge pin center on the egde of the flap. When it pivots out the flap leading edge will touch the cowl trailing edge.
Between each flap I used 0.010in G10 fiberglass to make the secondary surface.
Im also going to use the super thin and flexible Sullivan cable with the plastic yellow tube. I have some small laser cut wire guides we use for directing remote antena wires that happen to fit the tubing. See photo. I slotted the hinge and glued the guide to the plywood.
Last night I was able to build out the left side and check that the cable works and it did very well. On the bottom 3 flaps I used 1/8in plywood triangles set to 10deg to make the flaps open. I used a plywood sheet and a hardwood block to take advantage of a natural pocket in front of the firewall where I located all the lead weights. Its removable so now these three flaps are attached to this panel and the flaps go completely around the cowl uninterrupted.
07-01-2013, 03:17 PM
#267
RE: Top-Flite 1/5th F4U Corsair ARF Group Build and modification thread
Two notes about the plywood ring supplied in the ARF.
1) the wood is crap and delaminates easy. There is very little ahdeasive in the laminations so it splits or the face layer pulls off easily. Ive seen this already happen on the tail gear bulkhead when the mounting block pulled off a layer of wood.
If you drill it on edge go back and add thin CA to protect it.
2) the laser that cuts the wood had a beam divergence which makes the edge beveled not square. Use this to your advantage and orient the part to match the cowl taper. Whether your just mounting the cowl oer plan or doing this mod the angled edge will be of some assistance.
Once the cowl is centered and mounted go back to the back edge that is over hanging the cowl ring. Now sand off the excess lip and make it flush with the surface of the plywood.
I glued the hinges to the plywood cowl ring back face with CA carefully making sure of position and keeping them flush to the cowl.
1) the wood is crap and delaminates easy. There is very little ahdeasive in the laminations so it splits or the face layer pulls off easily. Ive seen this already happen on the tail gear bulkhead when the mounting block pulled off a layer of wood.
If you drill it on edge go back and add thin CA to protect it.
2) the laser that cuts the wood had a beam divergence which makes the edge beveled not square. Use this to your advantage and orient the part to match the cowl taper. Whether your just mounting the cowl oer plan or doing this mod the angled edge will be of some assistance.
Once the cowl is centered and mounted go back to the back edge that is over hanging the cowl ring. Now sand off the excess lip and make it flush with the surface of the plywood.
I glued the hinges to the plywood cowl ring back face with CA carefully making sure of position and keeping them flush to the cowl.
07-02-2013, 07:24 PM
#268
RE: Top-Flite 1/5th F4U Corsair ARF Group Build and modification thread
Chris,
Thats looking pretty good so far. Are you going to sync the cowl flaps with the throttle?
3D,
Nice looking bird. Are the blades staying in place? Looking at that setup, I'm wondering if they would rotate loose outa pitch from the torque.
07-03-2013, 07:21 AM
#269
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RE: Top-Flite 1/5th F4U Corsair ARF Group Build and modification thread
ORIGINAL: 3DFlight
Here is mine, finally finished. Work keeps getting in the way. The plane had plenty of thrust to fly with the Troy Built 3 blade prop. Still had to add almost a pound to balance. It is fast in the air. We had our Warbird flyin this past weekend and rain got us in the afternoon. www.blacksheepclub.org click on 2013 Warbird link.
Here is my gear operating, Robart electrics with the main gear doors driven by a micro servo on each side. They drive Sullivan #507 cables. They are in the wing right behind the wheel wells.
http://youtu.be/9sMaSRZNcxQ
3DFlight
Here is mine, finally finished. Work keeps getting in the way. The plane had plenty of thrust to fly with the Troy Built 3 blade prop. Still had to add almost a pound to balance. It is fast in the air. We had our Warbird flyin this past weekend and rain got us in the afternoon. www.blacksheepclub.org click on 2013 Warbird link.
Here is my gear operating, Robart electrics with the main gear doors driven by a micro servo on each side. They drive Sullivan #507 cables. They are in the wing right behind the wheel wells.
http://youtu.be/9sMaSRZNcxQ
3DFlight
Also the gear door setup works well. Do you have some photos showing the actual linkage?
You've done and excellent job and thanks for anything you can add.
booker
07-03-2013, 09:56 AM
#271
RE: Top-Flite 1/5th F4U Corsair ARF Group Build and modification thread
Yes im working out how to do it since Im on my last AUX #7. I need to reverse one servo and run one normal so maybe a Matchbox or a y-harness with an inline servo reverser on the TH channel. I want to keep it cheap and simple.
07-03-2013, 10:07 AM
#272
RE: Top-Flite 1/5th F4U Corsair ARF Group Build and modification thread
Installed...
The work is pretty straight forward if you plan it out. The tedious part is prepping all the flaps and parts. There is still some adjusting to be done but for the most part its done. I used a servo tester to try it out and each side works well.
The work is pretty straight forward if you plan it out. The tedious part is prepping all the flaps and parts. There is still some adjusting to be done but for the most part its done. I used a servo tester to try it out and each side works well.
07-03-2013, 08:50 PM
#273
RE: Top-Flite 1/5th F4U Corsair ARF Group Build and modification thread
Flight test on the cowl flaps complete they held up to full speed passes. The money shot was the slow and low dirty pass with them fully extended, that made it worth the time!
Next up, A PROPER DUMMY RADIAL ENGINE! The flimsy flyer they provide is not cutting it so Im building scale model now to replace it.
Next up, A PROPER DUMMY RADIAL ENGINE! The flimsy flyer they provide is not cutting it so Im building scale model now to replace it.
07-07-2013, 02:36 PM
#275
RE: Top-Flite 1/5th F4U Corsair ARF Group Build and modification thread
Finally got it airborne today! All went good. Got a couple flights on it ( before the rain came) and it flies good. But, unfortunately the video didn't come out so good. So will try again next time.
All went good. Got a couple flights on it ( before the rain came) and it flies good. But, unfortunately the video didn't come out so good. So will try again next time.