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Sig Spacewalker II 1/4 scale

Old 07-30-2013, 05:53 PM
  #526  
ovationdave
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Default RE: Sig Spacewalker II 1/4 scale

Trailer looks good Anthony. I have to build the front bench in mine still (and the wing rack). Not sure how I want to hold wings yet, maybe I can get some ideas from you! I am going up north this weekend to go camping with the family so I will be out for a bit. Get the wing rack done so I can have some ideas when I return! LOL.

Dave
Old 07-31-2013, 02:44 AM
  #527  
VincentJ
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Default RE: Sig Spacewalker II 1/4 scale

Anthony your trailer is looking fantastic! How organized you Robert and Dave will be... Where you putting the hammock...LOL
Old 07-31-2013, 03:36 AM
  #528  
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Default RE: Sig Spacewalker II 1/4 scale

ORIGINAL: ovationdave

Trailer looks good Anthony. I have to build the front bench in mine still (and the wing rack). Not sure how I want to hold wings yet, maybe I can get some ideas from you! I am going up north this weekend to go camping with the family so I will be out for a bit. Get the wing rack done so I can have some ideas when I return! LOL.

Dave

Here's a wing retention rack that may serve your purpose. It's mounted on hinges so that it will swing out of the way if the trailer is needed for non-modeling usage.
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Old 07-31-2013, 07:58 AM
  #529  
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Default RE: Sig Spacewalker II 1/4 scale

Very nice Tom, I'm sure you gave them food for thought...All of the control horns have been installed on the rudder and elevator. I used Du-Bro's Heavy Duty Control Horn system #866 for the elevator and the Heavy Duty Dual Pull-Pull System #883 for the rudder.Before this process began I made sure to install hard points (3/8" hardwood dowel) in all of the control horn locations. Installing hard points prevents the balsa from crushing when tightening down the nuts/bolts of the control horns. You can see in the photo that I use two mixing sticks along with a spring clamp to hold all the control surfaces in their neutral positions. After the guide tubes were installed I supported them using some lite ply to prevent the 4-40 rod from flexing.
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Old 07-31-2013, 08:00 AM
  #530  
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Default RE: Sig Spacewalker II 1/4 scale

Wasn't able to post last pic due to Error message! Will try later on... Boy this site is screwed-up again!
Old 07-31-2013, 09:17 AM
  #531  
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Default RE: Sig Spacewalker II 1/4 scale

Looks good Vincent. I went to the LHS yesterday and low-and-behold, I found the robart hinge jig.......go figure, right by the hinges! Its nice though, much better than what I was using.

Dave
Old 07-31-2013, 10:04 AM
  #532  
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Default RE: Sig Spacewalker II 1/4 scale

Last photo finally loaded.Dave do yourself a favor and modify it as Robert had suggested, it works so much better.
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Old 07-31-2013, 10:34 AM
  #533  
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Default RE: Sig Spacewalker II 1/4 scale

I take all the food for thought I can get. My brain need's the assistance. I think after I finish the big Pitts I am going to have to do a SW. A club member brought out a big one today to maiden. Ohhhhhhhh But then I do also have that Ryan in the line up. Ohhhhhh to many choices!!!!  My head hurts....
Old 07-31-2013, 11:12 AM
  #534  
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Default RE: Sig Spacewalker II 1/4 scale

spoken like a true builder. now that you have a little more space, you figure you have to fill it up.lolheck, i would too.
Old 07-31-2013, 03:06 PM
  #535  
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Default RE: Sig Spacewalker II 1/4 scale

VJ I hope you don't get a trailer you will just make mine look bad.

I mounted the shelves tonight, I have plenty of room to store planes now. I picked up the supplies to make the wing racks. It will probably be the weekend before I get them installed.

Here is a pick with the shelves folded away and a couple with the in position and my planes in place. I still need to add some "D-rings and eye screws for securing the planes. So far I am happy with the results.
Later!!
Anthony
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Old 07-31-2013, 03:41 PM
  #536  
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Default RE: Sig Spacewalker II 1/4 scale

Bravo! That is a sweet set-up you have there Anthony. You will be the envy of your club...
Old 07-31-2013, 05:26 PM
  #537  
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Default RE: Sig Spacewalker II 1/4 scale

Nice Trailer Anthony. I haven't committed yet to my tie-down system, I want something (almost) infinitely adjustable for different aircraft, but I just can't quite seem to get the right combination yet. When I get back from my trip, I will be back to work on it. BTW, the trip to the LHS? I went there to pick up a micro-copter to get some practice in while I am camping. Should be lots of fun with lights and all........and get me away from my wife's 30-person family camping group! LOL

Dave
Old 08-01-2013, 03:53 AM
  #538  
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Default RE: Sig Spacewalker II 1/4 scale

All of the guide tubes have been trimmed off flush to the sides of the fuselage. You may note that I have added some balsa pieces to the sides in the rear tail section. This will provide support for the rear of the guide tubes as well as provide adequate surface area for the covering to attach. All of the pull-pull cables as well as the 4-40 rod for the elevator will be cut to fit during final assembly after paint. Next I need to install the fuel fill cap, then it's time for final sanding!
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Old 08-01-2013, 04:21 AM
  #539  
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Default RE: Sig Spacewalker II 1/4 scale

Oh, I just noticed that I didn't carve my wing tips yet...
Old 08-01-2013, 05:05 AM
  #540  
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Default RE: Sig Spacewalker II 1/4 scale

looking good vj. youll be doing the maiden in no time.
Old 08-01-2013, 05:11 AM
  #541  
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Default RE: Sig Spacewalker II 1/4 scale

Looking good! Once you cut the 4-40 elevator control rod to length, how do you make the connection between it and the clevis?
Old 08-01-2013, 05:51 AM
  #542  
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Default RE: Sig Spacewalker II 1/4 scale

Tim I use these threaded couplers that I solder onto the ends. They come not only in 4-40, but 2-56 as well. BTW, we missed you Tue. evening, we had a great turnout!
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Old 08-01-2013, 06:15 AM
  #543  
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Default RE: Sig Spacewalker II 1/4 scale

I was sorry to miss Tuesday, but I had a laundry list of things Ihad to get done after work and just couldn't fit it in. I did make it out yesterday.

On soldering those threaded couplers, what are the steps? Do you do it like a bullet connector to an ESC wire where you tin the end of the wire/rod, then fill the coupler "cup" and finally heat the cup until the solder liquifies and plunge the rod in place? Or do you put the rod into the coupler first and then sweat the solder into it?
Old 08-01-2013, 06:23 AM
  #544  
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Default RE: Sig Spacewalker II 1/4 scale

I am a fan of the solder on couplers, but have had 2 of the break where the threads start. In both cases, they were the brass couplers. It is disappointing when they break while flying.

It appears the ones you show are the steel type, which have always served me well.


Old 08-01-2013, 07:11 AM
  #545  
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Default RE: Sig Spacewalker II 1/4 scale

nk3t, sorry to hear that you had that type of failure. I'm assuming the failure was the soldered connection and not the coupler breaking...correct me if I'm wrong.Tim, I will be sure to go over the steps with photos when I get to that stage, but to answer your question now here's what I do: First make sure the areas that are to receive the solder are clean and lightly sanded with some 400 grit paper. Flux the joints and assemble the coupler to the rod. Here's where it gets a little tricky. I use a small Ultra Torch to do that type of soldering, some may prefer to use a soldering gun. Either way you apply the heat to where you want the solder to flow without using too much heat. Finally let cool and do not disturb it or you will be fooled into thinking you have a good joint when what you really have is one that will fail down the road.Here is where I placed my fuel filler. I had to add a piece of blocking to the area to allow the filler to conform to the outside shape of the fuselage. Wingtips next!
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Old 08-01-2013, 07:12 AM
  #546  
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Default RE: Sig Spacewalker II 1/4 scale

Tim I use those couplers a lot myslef, I have always lightly sanded the end of the rod, then applied a little flux, put the coupler on and sweat the joint.......as soon as the flux bubbles wick in a little solder (it doesn't take much). I have never had one come lose with that method........

Dave
Old 08-01-2013, 07:27 AM
  #547  
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Default RE: Sig Spacewalker II 1/4 scale

Thanks Dave and Vinnie. Your approach makes sense and I'll look forward to seeing the tools and process in action down the line.
Old 08-01-2013, 08:15 AM
  #548  
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Default RE: Sig Spacewalker II 1/4 scale

Carving a good wing tip starts with good wood...A while back while shopping at the LHS I saw three nice looking 3/4"x 4"x36" balsa planks that were very light. I was on the fence at that time as to buying tips from Fiberglass Specialties, using the supplied ABS tips that came in the kit or making my own. When I saw this wood the decision suddenly became clear to me. Now if you think you're going to save money by carving your own tips think again. Its about the same, so why carve my own?...because I think these tips, once made will give beauty and strength to this model...So the process began by cutting these planks into 15" lengths which I then glued and clamped. I should be able to start to carve them this evening...
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Old 08-01-2013, 09:29 AM
  #549  
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Default RE: Sig Spacewalker II 1/4 scale

I use silver solder on those, it is alot stronger.
Old 08-01-2013, 09:43 AM
  #550  
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Default RE: Sig Spacewalker II 1/4 scale

In both cases it was not the solder joint failing, but the coupler broke where the threads start, basically breaking the coupler in two. The couplers were the brass style, not sure of the manufacture, possibly Dubro or Sullivan.

I prefer the Stay-Brite silver solder available at most hobby vendors. I polish the rod a bit with the Dremel, clean everything with alcohol, apply flux, heat the joint and allow the solder to wick into the joint.

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