Balsa USA 1/4 Scale Nieuport 28 Build
02-25-2017, 02:06 PM
#677
If this thing flies as clean as your build is!! Man you have been precise with the fit and finish. Love to see it fly in person with my electric 1/4 N11, and soon to be 1/4 Camel.
03-03-2017, 11:26 AM
#678
Thread Starter
Im waiting on some micro Piano Hinge to complete the cowl. Initially I was just going to cut a hole but I'm glad I changed my mind, and decided to go with a hinged hatch. It would have looked "hacked" if i just cut the battery access hatch and discarded the cutaway. The plan is to hinge one side and use a simple thumb screw to secure the other side.
A hatch will keep the cowl looking complete and will hide any wires which may have hung below the bottom of the hole.
Was a little scary making a cut because I have to save the parts on both sides of the cut. I used a razor saw to make the initial score line then moved onto a cut-off wheel and a dremel. I taped the cowl off on both sides of the cut lines to provide a guide and to protect the cowl if i accidentally bumped it with the cut-off wheel. With a little patients it went smoothly.
The hinge will be where the blue tape is in the photo.
SunDevilPilot
A hatch will keep the cowl looking complete and will hide any wires which may have hung below the bottom of the hole.
Was a little scary making a cut because I have to save the parts on both sides of the cut. I used a razor saw to make the initial score line then moved onto a cut-off wheel and a dremel. I taped the cowl off on both sides of the cut lines to provide a guide and to protect the cowl if i accidentally bumped it with the cut-off wheel. With a little patients it went smoothly.
The hinge will be where the blue tape is in the photo.
SunDevilPilot
03-07-2017, 08:07 PM
#679
Thread Starter
Was waiting for the piano hinge material to arrive so I made the threaded knob which will secure the hatch. I wasn't sure on a size so I whipped up three of various dimensions. The parts are drilled and tapped for a 4-40 stud which will be installed later.
Turning brass on the lathe is really enjoyable. It just cuts so smoothly.
I got the brass piano hinge today from micro-mark so hopefully I can begin the installation this weekend.
SunDevilPilot
Turning brass on the lathe is really enjoyable. It just cuts so smoothly.
I got the brass piano hinge today from micro-mark so hopefully I can begin the installation this weekend.
SunDevilPilot
03-13-2017, 07:16 AM
#680
Thread Starter
Well....
The piano hinge I received was really nice, but way too small. Looked for something more in line with what I was thinking but couldn't find anything. So, I purchased some smaller hinges (Standard non-piano style) and knocked out the hinge pins. After trimming one hinge to get the proper length, and after adding a single long hinge pin to join them all together, I had what I wanted. It took 2 1/2 hinges to get the proper length. I made a drill guide out of ply and double side taped the guide to the cowl pieces for perfect drilling.
After the latch side is done I will do the final installation of the hinges.
SunDevilPilot
The piano hinge I received was really nice, but way too small. Looked for something more in line with what I was thinking but couldn't find anything. So, I purchased some smaller hinges (Standard non-piano style) and knocked out the hinge pins. After trimming one hinge to get the proper length, and after adding a single long hinge pin to join them all together, I had what I wanted. It took 2 1/2 hinges to get the proper length. I made a drill guide out of ply and double side taped the guide to the cowl pieces for perfect drilling.
After the latch side is done I will do the final installation of the hinges.
SunDevilPilot
Last edited by SunDevilPilot; 03-13-2017 at 09:47 AM.
04-01-2017, 04:17 PM
#681
Thread Starter
I used a can with some sticky back sandpaper to true up the inner hole. A template was used to make sure the hole was perfectly round. (Cut a circle with the CriCut, taped it to the fuse, and marked the edges).
First bit of primer is on the cowl. This layer will be sanded almost completely off the then I will switch to the Klass Kote primer... Then paint. I was really happy to see just 2 or three tiny pin holes. Really well made cowl from Fiberglass Specialties.
Still trying to figure out the paint scheme for the cowl and what colors to use.
SunDevilPIlot
First bit of primer is on the cowl. This layer will be sanded almost completely off the then I will switch to the Klass Kote primer... Then paint. I was really happy to see just 2 or three tiny pin holes. Really well made cowl from Fiberglass Specialties.
Still trying to figure out the paint scheme for the cowl and what colors to use.
SunDevilPIlot
04-02-2017, 01:21 PM
#682
Thread Starter
Went ahead and put on the white. Hopefully next weekend I can spray the red.
Im going with the design on the grey and red version but using white and red for my colors.
There are so many variations of the cowl on this plane it makes choosing difficult.
Here are a few examples. As you can see the cowl with the red and white is slightly different at the front.
SunDevilPilot
Im going with the design on the grey and red version but using white and red for my colors.
There are so many variations of the cowl on this plane it makes choosing difficult.
Here are a few examples. As you can see the cowl with the red and white is slightly different at the front.
SunDevilPilot
04-07-2017, 08:28 PM
#683
Thread Starter
I was planning on going with the lightening bolt type scheme on the cowl but I quickly became frustrated with trying to mask that pattern off on the rounded cowl.
So.... I got a little lazy and went with a more simplistic scheme on the cowl. In the end I am really happy with how its looks. Possibly more than the lightening scheme.
It didn't follow the traditional scheme of this type, the red on mine is thinner and doesn't cover the entire forward portion of the cowl. I just made it up as I went.
I couldn't wait to put it on. The red still needs to cure but I threw it on with extreme care.
SunDevilPilot
So.... I got a little lazy and went with a more simplistic scheme on the cowl. In the end I am really happy with how its looks. Possibly more than the lightening scheme.
It didn't follow the traditional scheme of this type, the red on mine is thinner and doesn't cover the entire forward portion of the cowl. I just made it up as I went.
I couldn't wait to put it on. The red still needs to cure but I threw it on with extreme care.
SunDevilPilot
04-08-2017, 01:38 PM
#685
Thread Starter
Installed the Hinge Pin back into the cowl, making it complete.
I'm really glad I decided to make the hatch. I think it would have looked like a "Hack Job" if I just cut the hole as originally planned.
SunDevilPilot
I'm really glad I decided to make the hatch. I think it would have looked like a "Hack Job" if I just cut the hole as originally planned.
SunDevilPilot
Last edited by SunDevilPilot; 04-08-2017 at 01:44 PM.
05-07-2017, 12:23 PM
#686
Thread Starter
I haven't had much time for building lately but I did manage to "revisit" the landing gear. The original design was far too stiff and had zero ability to flex on those not so perfect landings. Balsa USA's original design had the spreader bar simply rubber banded to the main gear. I didn't really like that setup so my first design had just a wooden spreader, hard mounted. Once it was built I knew it was not going to work. The gear or fuselage would have likely been damaged due to the inability of the main gear to flex.
For the V2 spreader bar I went with a telescoping design, one brass tube inside another. The main tubes are cut in the middle. Both tubes on one side have inner tubes permanently installed which slide into the other side allowing the parts to telescope as needed. The gear is pulled back together by means of a spring in the middle. The spring is suspended by cables, secured to the mounting bolts at each end of the landing gear.
SunDevilPilot
For the V2 spreader bar I went with a telescoping design, one brass tube inside another. The main tubes are cut in the middle. Both tubes on one side have inner tubes permanently installed which slide into the other side allowing the parts to telescope as needed. The gear is pulled back together by means of a spring in the middle. The spring is suspended by cables, secured to the mounting bolts at each end of the landing gear.
SunDevilPilot
05-07-2017, 05:00 PM
#687
"zero ability to flex on those not so perfect landings"
Like that ever happens to U!
30 here this morning but some guys were out to the field. Sunny and in the 60's thru Saturday then the 70's
Thursday May 11 I go in for the Catheterization and a possible stint.
Like that ever happens to U!
30 here this morning but some guys were out to the field. Sunny and in the 60's thru Saturday then the 70's
Thursday May 11 I go in for the Catheterization and a possible stint.
05-07-2017, 07:05 PM
#688
Thread Starter
Glad you made it back home safe.... I heard the insurance was giving you grief. Maybe this plane will be ready when you come back next season!
SunDevilPilot
SunDevilPilot
11-12-2017, 02:51 PM
#689
Thread Starter
Maiden flight imminent. This photo shows the last in the series of “Construction Photos” I’ve posted over the years. This plane took a long time to get completed. Not really sure why. Maybe because I just built when I wanted to and didn’t force the project.
With the two 4S 5000 mAh packs in the nose the plane balances perfect with no lead.
Controls throws are are all set and pending good weather Friday it will fly.
Next project, 1/3 Spacewalker.
SunDevilPilot
With the two 4S 5000 mAh packs in the nose the plane balances perfect with no lead.
Controls throws are are all set and pending good weather Friday it will fly.
Next project, 1/3 Spacewalker.
SunDevilPilot
Last edited by SunDevilPilot; 12-22-2017 at 09:34 PM.
11-13-2017, 09:11 AM
#693
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Incredible model aircraft. It is really spurring me to get back to mine. Did I read that right, that you are using 2 8s 5000 packs. If so, I'm guessing in parallel?
11-24-2017, 08:45 AM
#694
Thread Starter
Maiden Flight
Today she flew. Other than a squeaky wheel there were zero issues.
Needed quite a bit of downtrim (Expected) and a nudge of aileron trim for hands off flight. Flies like a trainer.
A friend, Tim, was kind enough to take some video as proof of flight.
Needed quite a bit of downtrim (Expected) and a nudge of aileron trim for hands off flight. Flies like a trainer.
A friend, Tim, was kind enough to take some video as proof of flight.
11-24-2017, 08:50 AM
#696
Thread Starter
With the plane in its current configuration there is zero lead and I would guess it weighs about 15 or so lbs.
I used a mere 29% of the 5000 mAh 8s battery (Two 4s packs in series) over a 5 minute flight.
I used a mere 29% of the 5000 mAh 8s battery (Two 4s packs in series) over a 5 minute flight.
Last edited by SunDevilPilot; 11-26-2017 at 04:12 AM.
11-24-2017, 09:29 AM
#697
Congratulations SDP. It may have taken longer than you would have liked, but the results both from your workbench to the air were well worth it. Enjoy the fruits of your labor...
11-24-2017, 12:43 PM
#698
Thread Starter
Last of the pre-flight photos. These were taken with my DSLR. Little better than the iPhone.
Thanks for everyones input over the years! Hard to believe this one began in April of 2012.
The kit was not difficult by any means. The build process need not take as long as it did. I just go at my own pace and build when I want.
SunDevilPilot
Thanks for everyones input over the years! Hard to believe this one began in April of 2012.
The kit was not difficult by any means. The build process need not take as long as it did. I just go at my own pace and build when I want.
SunDevilPilot
Last edited by SunDevilPilot; 11-25-2017 at 06:31 AM.
11-24-2017, 04:35 PM
#699
From and including: Thursday, April 12, 2012
To and including: Firday November 24, 2017Result: 2053 days
It is 2053 days from the start date to the end date, end date included
Or 5 years, 7 months, 13 days including the end date
Great results take time a lot of time.
Another great Job Phil.
To and including: Firday November 24, 2017Result: 2053 days
It is 2053 days from the start date to the end date, end date included
Or 5 years, 7 months, 13 days including the end date
Great results take time a lot of time.
Another great Job Phil.
Last edited by HoundDog; 11-24-2017 at 04:38 PM.
12-14-2017, 05:09 PM
#700
Thread Starter
For those of you interested.... The Sig 1/3 Spacewalker build has begun. I opted to post the build on RC Scale Builder instead of RCU. I got frustrated at the photo posting on this site so I'm giving something different a shot. That build thread is here:
https://www.rcscalebuilder.com/forum....asp?TID=27427
The site is free to "Lurk" or $20.00 a year to join (Some perks and the ability to post). Some really amazing builds over there.
SunDevilPilot
https://www.rcscalebuilder.com/forum....asp?TID=27427
The site is free to "Lurk" or $20.00 a year to join (Some perks and the ability to post). Some really amazing builds over there.
SunDevilPilot