retransit

My Feedback: (18)

I used Poplar. You can get it at Home Depot or Lowes.

The lower wing dihedral and stagger built in will determine the N-strut dimensions. I'll measure mine and get back to you. I'm off to our weekly club cook-out right now.

Bob

HOT COALS

Plans call for balsa. I made mine using bass wood. Also K&s have aluminum air foils. I use mostly.

smkrcflyer

Here are some pictures. It looks like a mouse was living in it. It’s a very nice plane and was built with a lot of detail. It needs cleaning, all new electronics, N struts, fuel lines, rudder and one elevator are warped. Any suggestions of how to fix the warped parts?

Fleet

Build a new part. Warps are funny things. You might be able to twist and heat with some success but sooner or later, it will return.

I've a slight warp on my Fleet's aileron and just gave up on it. It isn't that much and after 6 or so years , it just doens't faze the flying.

Elevator may be more important.

I'm truely smitten by the lower wing attachment adaptation. I wish I'd thought of that with my 1/3 scaler.

Ray W
#7

smkrcflyer

I agree that new parts should be made. It looks like they were hit and the wood was damaged. The problem with making new parts is matching the paint. I don't know what type or colors were used. I also don’t have plans. I guess I could build new ones by taking the old ones apart.

retransit

My Feedback: (18)

What part is warped? I built a new tail assembly on my last Fleet and it warped too. A different structure design should have been used.

Planejaw (John) copied his plans and sent the copies to me. It's good to have the plans, but you can build from existing parts. I've rebuilt a number of ARFs that way.

Bob

retransit

My Feedback: (18)

smkrcflyer,
Here are my dimensions. Keep in mind the dimensions are different from aircraft to aircraft because of minor build differences between models.

Bob

HOT COALS

    Looks good Steve. glad you got a set of plans , a ltc. . I have several plans, if anyone wants a copy. Let me know. Best to rebuild. warped  parts. when I built my stab. & wings  I use bass wood &  1/16 ply & 1/8 ply. after 30 yrs.  No problems. No difference in wgt.          HANK   FLEET #20      

retransit

My Feedback: (18)

Steve, I used landing gear straps bent to the proper shape and held on at the wing with #2 socket head sheet metal screws. The brackets themselves are secured to the struts with 2-56 socket head screws and blind nuts. I leave the struts on the upper wing when transporting to the field.

By the way, do you want a Fleet Brotherhood number?

Bob

gordon_mcln

My Feedback: (2)

Hank,

I'd be interested in a set of plans if you still have an extra set. As I mentioned earlier I'm building from the Ron Weiss plan, but sized to the Concept 1/4 scale fleet...Let me know how much they are and I can send a check or paypal.

Thanks,

Gordon

smkrcflyer

Hank,
I don't have a set of plans so if you have an extra copy I could sure use it.

Bob,
Thanks for the N strut drawing and information. My only issue will be matching the covering and paint.

I would like a Brotherhood number.

retransit

My Feedback: (18)

Steve, you are #22.

What type of covering is on your aircraft? If a color match is needed and you have paint spray equipment available, you can contact Klasskote to find out if you can send them a sample so that they can scan it. Sometimes if the finish is kind of on the satin side, brushing with Klasskote and the gloss hardener will suffice.
If you have an auto paint supply store near you, you might be able to do the same thing with them.

Bob

smkrcflyer

Thanks for the Brotherhood #22.

It has cloth covering not sure what type. I sent an email to the guy I got it from to see if he knows anything about it. Here are some pictures of the problem areas. I need to get a better picture of the rudder.

Fleet

From the pix, I'd lay money that the fuse is "Tennessee Red" which is a Randolphs product color. The yellow I can't explain but maybe a lemon yellow...don't know. If matching is an issue, just repaint the same shade on the entire aircraft. Lots of work there.

Elevator warp is most obvious. I had to replace alot of wood that was in my kit.

My N struts are maple that are pined with 1/8 dowel, wrapped with carpet thread, embedded 2-56 nut plates and epoxy covered. Still hanging after near 20 years.

I have a 50mph rule for most of my appearance standards. What details are missed with a 50mph flyby. ex. I don't simulate fabric tape or stitches on the bottom of the wings or stab.

Added: I've been on my 1/3 scale for over 2 years. I took some time off from it off and on as working on real airplanes leaves no desire to fill my evenings with the same.


Ray #7

smkrcflyer

I'm not real concerned with how it looks. The main thing is to fix it the best I can and see how it fly's. I'm a very slow builder I've been working on an Ultra Sport 60 for two years. It should be ready for Spring but maybe not.

Thanks for all the help I will keep you updated on the progress.

Fleet

Does the lighter color appear more of a cream than a yellow?

Ray W

smkrcflyer

Its more like yellow.

Fleet

A pic of my 1/4 Fleet of Tennessee Red and Diana Cream. In the sun, sometimes a bit yellow comes out but not as yellow as yours.

Ray W
#7

retransit

My Feedback: (18)

Hey that looks like my empennage! I fixed it with trim. It took me 15 seconds. I work fast.

The pic below I found on the web. May have even been here. It cracks me up. Click on it.

Bob

retransit

My Feedback: (18)

Hey Steve, if you want to build another empennage, you might try what a few others have done and build it with balsa sheet. You can then lay down some balsa strips for ribs. I have strip ribs on my Stearman's 1/16" balsa sheet covered foam wing. Worked out well with Solartex covering.

Bob

HOT COALS

    Steve, I will get you a copy of the plans. Do you need a copy of the hand book ?  I am 40 mi. south of worth, Tx. I will go monday, after the traffic dies dwn. Since you have the basic structure, I would tear it dwn, inspect it. Just to be safe. Wood glue over time will crack. Not knowing how old she is. I use F & M products. A little extra work . Worth every penny. here in Texas.

HOT COALS

!! OK !! I need to know how many brother's need copy's ?  I know Steve & Gordon ON the list. Let me know by sunday. So i can make 1 trip.  HANK  FLEET # 20.

smkrcflyer

Thanks Bob,
Love the Stearman's it will most likely be my next build.

smkrcflyer

HANK,
Sent you a PM with my address.

Fleet

Bob..(retransit)  ... is that a Sterling or Royal Stearman?

Ray W.
#7