New Balsa USA Smoothie XL Build
11-09-2016, 03:40 AM
#53
Got the landing gear assembled. First washed thoroughly the wires with dawn dishwashing detergent and scrub brush. sanded the wires bright and shiny. Pre 
tinned the wires and assembled them in the landing gear blocks. Washed everything with lacquer thinner and wrapped tightly with copper wire. Soldered everything together with just enough heat to flow the solder. Washed everything with soap and water again to remove flux. Rewarded with a nice strong solder joint that is bright and shiny.
11-09-2016, 04:19 AM
#54
Hey Check6, thank goodness you are a better builder than you are at taking pics! LOL You are making great progress in this build, you just might get the maiden in before the snow flies...
11-09-2016, 11:38 AM
#58
Not only is that a smart idea, but many gas engine manufacturers suggest more than 1/4" firewall thickness as well as additional blocking/bracing to ensure a solid mount.
11-09-2016, 01:16 PM
#59
Hi Vincent,
Yes I'm very firewall conscious. There are two 3/4 in X 3/8 x2 1/2 hardwood blocks in front on either side and 3/4 hardwood triangle stock in the rear, locking everything in. I finished framing the nose, sheeted each side and mounted the cowl. Starting to look like a plane. Spinner is a Dave Brown 5 in. P 51. Pics below
11-10-2016, 09:39 AM
#63
I made a wire joiner for the elevator. This is 5/32 music wire with a wheel collar and a 6 /32 bolt with a nylon connector. I file a flat on the wire and torque down the bolt with lock tite applied. This makes for a nice strong single push rod setup. eliminates one servo. Pics below
11-10-2016, 09:49 AM
#65
My Feedback: (20)
It is an extra large version (hence the XL) of the Balsa USA R/C Smoothie which is based on Palmer's old C/L Smoothie.
The little Smoothie is one of my favorite planes in my hangar. I've built 4 or 5 of them over the years.
I'm very interested in getting one of these large ones. Hope it flies as well as the little one..
Don
The little Smoothie is one of my favorite planes in my hangar. I've built 4 or 5 of them over the years.
I'm very interested in getting one of these large ones. Hope it flies as well as the little one..
Don
11-10-2016, 01:50 PM
#66
Join Date: Oct 2006
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On the cowling: it doesn't look like you have much, if any, exit for cooling air (or the exit appears to be much smaller than the inlet under the spinner. Aren't you worried about cooling capacity?
11-10-2016, 02:22 PM
#67
Hi Pappy35,
Good point! The designers have figured this out. The area under the scoop is designated for cooling. The large hatch before the landing gear will have cooling slots cut in. Hot air will exit there also. I'll get some pics for you. Pretty clever idea.
Thanks,
Fred
Good point! The designers have figured this out. The area under the scoop is designated for cooling. The large hatch before the landing gear will have cooling slots cut in. Hot air will exit there also. I'll get some pics for you. Pretty clever idea.
Thanks,
Fred
11-10-2016, 04:26 PM
#68
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Ah. OK. I've seen that on others as well I just wasn't sure you were also doing that. If it's in the instructions I haven't gotten that far yet. 
I just finished the tail surfaces and dry-fit the fuselage plywood parts.
I just finished the tail surfaces and dry-fit the fuselage plywood parts.