reblacklaf

Some time ago a friend of my son and I started a 1/16 scale Cleveland models B-17G kit. We looked at the kit and decided to build from scratch as the balsa was only 1/16 and we were planning on making it a R/C electric. So we have spent 90+ hours cutting 1/8 light ply parts out. We have finished the Stabilizer and sheeted it with 1/20th balsa applied 2 coats of sealer and puttied the low spots. At the moment we are at 3.5oz for this part of the tailplane. Yesterday we dry fit the main wing. We have added an extra exterior rib bay to make it an 85.5" giant scale model. We have a proof of concept for a fowler flap and will add ailerons. Yesterday we dry fit all the main wing parts and it was quite impressive to see the 3d bones laid out on the table. Now to slice the ribs to put in the fowler flaps and the ailerons and we will be off to the races on the main wing.

Astroflight is winding special brushless motors for us and we have modified some 60-120 E-Flight 85 degree retracts to work. The motors will be wired with the 2 inside motors on 1 battery and the 2 outside on a second battery. The servos will be powered with a Castle 25Amp BEC and separate battery. All servos will be digital.

Randy Black

Pictures will be posted and updates added as we proceed if anyone is interested.

reblacklaf

OK, we have some pictures to share.

reblacklaf

First through third show dry fit of the main wing. The next is my ugly puss holding the stabilizer unit. Then we have the main wing, nacelles and fuselage parts shown after first cut. Next up are the first cut for the rudder and stabilizer parts. Next 2 are additional pics of the main wing and stabilizer first cuts. The next to last shows another pic of me holding the stabilizer and the last shows the layout for control of both elevators.

Randy

PS if interest is shown I will continue talking about the details of the build and post pictures.

reblacklaf

Building has halted for a short time. We are building 2 60+inch wingspan tail dragging trainers to sharpen our flying skills for when we complete the B17 should be back to it next weekend.

Randy

ToxicSludge

I'm interested in your thread.With regards to the flaps,aren't the B-17's equipped with just split flaps?

reblacklaf

Yes and we are going back to split flaps for the build. We thought that fowler flaps would give us more lifting power but decided that the wing really didn't need them. The splits should work well enough and give a scale appearance to takeoffs.

Randy

reblacklaf

Well we got to thinking and realized we would need something to haul it around in. My cousin donated a 4x8' tilt trailer that is over 40 years old. We are getting the rust off and building a box to cover it. We will post pictures of this build along with the B17.

Randy

reblacklaf

Still working on trailer will post pics of the build in next couple of days. Just a short update, the graphics arrived from Calley and Astroflight has shipped the motors. Expecting the motors in this coming week and we can work on the mounting plates for them.

Medical update have to have my right knee replaced so I don't know how it is going to effect our build schedule.

Randy

reblacklaf

Here are some pics of the trailer project.

First you see the bed being stripped of 40 years of rust and broken welds rewelded. You can see part of the 2x4 floor subframe under the trailer and tarp.



Next the underside of the trailer is being primed.



Finally the bed painted and the bulldog attached.



Randy

ToxicSludge

That's going to be a great looking trailer when your finished.I have a 12x6x6 ft cargo trailer I bought new about 14 or more years ago.When I finally get to building a plane that is how it will travel.Good luck on your knee,I hope it all goes well for you.This thursday I will finally get my carpal tunnel thingy done.

reblacklaf

Been there 40+ yrs ago and I wish you well. Thanks for the response.

Randy

ToxicSludge

I had my right hand done back in the 80's,now it's the left,lol.

reblacklaf

Here is the floor module loaded and ready for the box.

Here is the bottom of the trailer waiting for it's undercoat.

Here it is undercoated

Here is a rear shot where the drop gate will be.

Here is the front shot. You can see Robb Pfaff in the background. He's helping build A Bit O' Lace.

Here is the side shot.

Much more internal bracing must be placed along with the interior pegboard walls. Then the front, top and tailgate will be added.

We will be hitting the junk yards for small windows for the side and front panels. We will also install a top vent that will have 2 12 volt pancake fans to move air. We are slowly getting there.

Randy

reblacklaf

So Toxic you were a member of the vomiting buzzard's! USMC Force Recon Sniper myself.

Randy

ToxicSludge

Yeah Randy....I wuz.Even worse,I was a senior cav scout.I flew in a OH-6A,light observation heli.Flew my second tour right up on th' Z,your neck of the woods.We used to brief every now and then at Camp JJ Carroll.Been to Khe Sahn more times then I can count.Welcome home bro,and thank you for your service.

reblacklaf

You also bro.

Randy

reblacklaf

Well, just got home from Doc's will have knee replacement surgery on the 23th so I'm going be slowed a bit in my activities. I still hope to build on the plane if the trailer hasn't been completed by then.

Randy

ToxicSludge

I wish you the best of luck and a speedy recovery Randy.I'm hoping I won't have to go through that in the future.I know you probably won't get much done on the 17 while your recovering,but please stay in touch.
-george

reblacklaf

Will do Bro but I'll go crazy if I can't work on something.

Randy

reblacklaf

Was only able to put the front on the trailer today with the doc appointment taking up my morning and rain until mid afternoon so here are the front and back pics of the front of the trailer panel.



Randy

ToxicSludge

Your doing a fine job on that trailer.If I didn't already have my cargo trailer,I would be building one myself.Ya know,getting your knee done now will put a crimp in your summer flying...BUT,having it done now means you might be able to get to building this coming winter.For me,I still have to wait for one of my sons to get his stuff out of my garage so I can put together my shop and actually start building a plane myself.So with some luck,and a bit of pain,we both might be building this winter.I used to own a outlaw harley shop so I have been building stuff most of my life.I fully understand goin' crazy without putting our hands to good use.I have every confidence that once I start,I won't want to stop.This is going to be a great new adventure for me.Btw,from my experience with my trailer,you might want to consider putting in a roof vent,and insulation too.Your planes will really like that.
-george

reblacklaf

All ready planed for that. Putting in windows in front and sides and vent on top. The vent will have 2 12 volt pancake fans for ventilation.

Randy

reblacklaf

Well the motors arrived and they look like a very compact package. They are less than an 1" in diameter. They are supposed to supply 300watts at 30amps on a 2C lipo swinging an 8.5x6 3 bladed prop. Lot of weight savings there.



Randy

reblacklaf

Got the roof installed. Hope to get lights and fenders done tomorrow. Then off to the DMV. Still have to find used windows, sand edges, seal, put on mouldings, do drop gate and paint.


Shots of the front, top and insides in that order.



Randy

ToxicSludge

Morning Randy,
Those motors look good.They look like they are long can brushed? What is your target weight on the 17? Also,your making great progress on your trailer too.All I have to do to mine is the insulation,and run some 12 volt and 110 volt electrics.The shelving will be dependent on my needs once I get some builds under my belt.
-george