Top Flite Cessna 182 build
11-03-2014, 07:47 PM
#1027
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Hi my name is nate and I'm a Topflite 182 builder. Been building it off and on for about 2 yrs. I haven't been active on the forums... Though, I have been following, in particular, this one. It seems to have a life of it's own and I'd like to join in. While I haven't been actively posting, there is a lot I've learned from this forum. So to jump into the fray, a description of where I'm at in the build is posted below along with some pics. I'm sure I'll follow up with specific questions, or answers, if asked. Though, for now, just thanking everyone for their willingness to share without fear of judgement. I'd like to do the same.
Basic stats - the plane is being prepped for final colors. It was built as per kit plans with kit wood and parts (mostly). Purchased fiberglass cowl and wing tips. Almost purchased new corrugated strips after cat ate some of them... tho I was able to eke out 99% of them without problem. The other 1% adds character. All balsa sheeted exterior parts were glassed with 0.73oz glass cloth from ACP composite, set with minwax waterbased polycrylic, defts sanding sealer and, several coats of high build filler primer. Currently, the exterior is being given a spritz of sealing primer to give semi-scale panel lines and dap of elmers glue for rivets. The Thunder Tigre 91fs is already broken in and ready to go with a three blade Graupner prop. Futaba FASST radio with standard size digital servos give the controls life.
It hasn't been fun to build the whole time. The parts that weren't fun were when I rushed through to achieve a self imposed deadline, quality of workmanship or, budget. Though, it got fun again when I stopped worrying about that stuff. I'll try to leave a picture trail behind before It turns into toothpicks again!
Basic stats - the plane is being prepped for final colors. It was built as per kit plans with kit wood and parts (mostly). Purchased fiberglass cowl and wing tips. Almost purchased new corrugated strips after cat ate some of them... tho I was able to eke out 99% of them without problem. The other 1% adds character. All balsa sheeted exterior parts were glassed with 0.73oz glass cloth from ACP composite, set with minwax waterbased polycrylic, defts sanding sealer and, several coats of high build filler primer. Currently, the exterior is being given a spritz of sealing primer to give semi-scale panel lines and dap of elmers glue for rivets. The Thunder Tigre 91fs is already broken in and ready to go with a three blade Graupner prop. Futaba FASST radio with standard size digital servos give the controls life.
It hasn't been fun to build the whole time. The parts that weren't fun were when I rushed through to achieve a self imposed deadline, quality of workmanship or, budget. Though, it got fun again when I stopped worrying about that stuff. I'll try to leave a picture trail behind before It turns into toothpicks again!
11-04-2014, 12:02 PM
#1029
Banned
11-04-2014, 12:48 PM
#1031
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Hah! Well to correct myself it's a thunder tiger f-91s. It's a little beefy at 26.2 oz but
Seems to run strong and reliably. This is my first 4stroke. All my other flyable engines are O.S. 2strokes
Seems to run strong and reliably. This is my first 4stroke. All my other flyable engines are O.S. 2strokes
11-05-2014, 03:07 PM
#1033
A friend had this same engine in his. He found that his model flew the most realistically at 14 pounds, and he was at 5000' !
He actually added weight on the CG to get it there.
11-10-2014, 04:56 PM
#1034
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Good to hear regarding the weight. The estimated flying weight is 14.5lbs so far which, should be in the realm of good flying characteristics. Also, FIOKC, I'll look through the thread to see if I can find any pics you've posted of the muffle. I'd like to go with the TF in-cowl muffler as well (when I get there). Also, a couple of updated pics from the past week. Finished priming and prepping the semi-scale panel lines and rivets. This is with an emphasis on "Semi"... accidentally worked off a skyhawk tail as the template. The mid line on the rudder should also be perpendicular to the hinge axis. Not technically correct but, big picture is I'm happy with this technique and optimistic about how it will look when it goes to color. Also, any recent unposted flying pics or video from anyone? I love seeing everyone's progress. Thanks!
Last edited by 18Echo; 11-10-2014 at 04:58 PM. Reason: text missin
12-04-2014, 08:56 AM
#1036
Looking good 18Echo! You would probably have the best luck with the TF In Cowling Muffler for the Bonanza TOPQ7917. Here is a typical installation picture from their website. The TOPQ7917 has the outlet in the correct spot this looks like a different muffler that was modified before they brought the correct muffler into production.
Mike
Mike
06-28-2015, 11:44 AM
#1037
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Hi all, can't believe this thread is still going.
Just rebuilt my Sailaire after it suffered RX battery failure last year and "landed" in a tree. Damage was extensive but, it has been rebuilt and almost ready to fly. Since it weighed in @ 8 1/2 lbs I lightened it up by removing the aluminum ballast tubes since I no longer fly competetion. In addition I had 3 steel wing rods for winch launching, no longer needed as I electrified it. I have reduced the 3 to 2. I now want to replace the steel rods with carbon fiber but I have not worked with carbon fiber and need some guidance as to what would work. I think there was a post regarding this change but I haven't been able to locate it. It involved inserting aluminum rod into the carbon fiber tube resulting in superior strength and low weight.
Would appreciate any info,
Thank,
Jack
Just rebuilt my Sailaire after it suffered RX battery failure last year and "landed" in a tree. Damage was extensive but, it has been rebuilt and almost ready to fly. Since it weighed in @ 8 1/2 lbs I lightened it up by removing the aluminum ballast tubes since I no longer fly competetion. In addition I had 3 steel wing rods for winch launching, no longer needed as I electrified it. I have reduced the 3 to 2. I now want to replace the steel rods with carbon fiber but I have not worked with carbon fiber and need some guidance as to what would work. I think there was a post regarding this change but I haven't been able to locate it. It involved inserting aluminum rod into the carbon fiber tube resulting in superior strength and low weight.
Would appreciate any info,
Thank,
Jack
Last edited by Jack McC; 07-03-2015 at 06:56 AM. Reason: Wrong Thread
07-07-2015, 02:05 AM
#1038
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Location: Braunschweig, GERMANY
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Hey guys,
I would like to share some nice impressions for pushing the builders..!
The plane is still in service, the pics where took by a buddy of mine yesterday in the evening sky before sun-set..!
It's a nice flyer and a big toy..!
Cheers
Martin
I would like to share some nice impressions for pushing the builders..!
The plane is still in service, the pics where took by a buddy of mine yesterday in the evening sky before sun-set..!
It's a nice flyer and a big toy..!
Cheers
Martin
01-16-2016, 05:26 AM
#1039
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Hi, All,
I am in need of a replacement Mars Beacon Light for my TF Cessna 182?
Would anyone know where I could buy one? Or perhaps someone could suggest a
substitute? Thanks.
jim
I am in need of a replacement Mars Beacon Light for my TF Cessna 182?
Would anyone know where I could buy one? Or perhaps someone could suggest a
substitute? Thanks.
jim
01-17-2016, 09:02 AM
#1040
Senior Member
07-16-2016, 01:37 PM
#1041
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Guys I hate to do this but I am trying to sell my cessna because I need the money for another project.
It is like brand new has only couple flights in it. Everything in the build was brand new for the project and I didn't spare any expenses. Has hitec high voltage metal gears all around DLE 20RA tech aero IBEC fortitude V2 tank miracle switch, electronic switch for lights. Let me know if anyone is interested
It is like brand new has only couple flights in it. Everything in the build was brand new for the project and I didn't spare any expenses. Has hitec high voltage metal gears all around DLE 20RA tech aero IBEC fortitude V2 tank miracle switch, electronic switch for lights. Let me know if anyone is interested
10-10-2016, 01:53 PM
#1042
02-12-2017, 09:07 AM
#1044
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Any concerns of the fuel tank being mounted sideways? I know the instructions say that they had no issues, while test flying the model, but it would nice if they said how the tank was assembled inside. Would the fuel pickup be assembled toward the middle of the tank?
I would be worried that the engine would be starved of fuel while in a turn.
Suggestions?
I would be worried that the engine would be starved of fuel while in a turn.
Suggestions?
08-26-2017, 04:48 PM
#1046
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wow this thread has a lot of very helpful information on it. This is only my second build so i'm learning, but i was wondering if you guys were keeping the incidence the same as the blue prints. some how my elevator is 2 deg positive. (haven't glued it in yet) the manual states be careful not to change the incidence which is 2 deg for mine and the print shows 0. not sure about the wing looks like 1/4 +-. i give you guys credit because i can only hope mine will look as good as some of the ones on here. thanks so much for taking the time to post and help people.
12-03-2017, 01:10 PM
#1047
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I don't know whether I'm posting this in the right spot, this is my first time. I have a Super Tiger 0.61 in my Top Flite Cessna 182 kit, and it flies very well. It weighs about 12lb. I'm looking to go electric and it's not as easy as I thought. I have sifted through all the motor, battery, prop options and am still quite confused. My budget it tight so I have settled on the following. If you guys can give some advise I would appreciate it.
Motor - Turnigy SK5055-430kv
Batteries - 2 x 3000mAh 3s 20c wired in series (22v)
14 x 9 x 3 Prop or
16 x 8 Prop or
16 x 10 Prop.
I realize this combination will not blaze across the sky but if it will lift off the ground and fly for 5 minutes or so I will be happy. I think this combination will be slightly lighter than with the Super Tiger but I won't know until balancing; the batteries will be at or slightly behind the CG.
Motor - Turnigy SK5055-430kv
Batteries - 2 x 3000mAh 3s 20c wired in series (22v)
14 x 9 x 3 Prop or
16 x 8 Prop or
16 x 10 Prop.
I realize this combination will not blaze across the sky but if it will lift off the ground and fly for 5 minutes or so I will be happy. I think this combination will be slightly lighter than with the Super Tiger but I won't know until balancing; the batteries will be at or slightly behind the CG.
12-04-2017, 06:32 AM
#1048
I don't know whether I'm posting this in the right spot, this is my first time. I have a Super Tiger 0.61 in my Top Flite Cessna 182 kit, and it flies very well. It weighs about 12lb. I'm looking to go electric and it's not as easy as I thought. I have sifted through all the motor, battery, prop options and am still quite confused. My budget it tight so I have settled on the following. If you guys can give some advise I would appreciate it.
Motor - Turnigy SK5055-430kv
Batteries - 2 x 3000mAh 3s 20c wired in series (22v)
14 x 9 x 3 Prop or
16 x 8 Prop or
16 x 10 Prop.
I realize this combination will not blaze across the sky but if it will lift off the ground and fly for 5 minutes or so I will be happy. I think this combination will be slightly lighter than with the Super Tiger but I won't know until balancing; the batteries will be at or slightly behind the CG.
Motor - Turnigy SK5055-430kv
Batteries - 2 x 3000mAh 3s 20c wired in series (22v)
14 x 9 x 3 Prop or
16 x 8 Prop or
16 x 10 Prop.
I realize this combination will not blaze across the sky but if it will lift off the ground and fly for 5 minutes or so I will be happy. I think this combination will be slightly lighter than with the Super Tiger but I won't know until balancing; the batteries will be at or slightly behind the CG.
12-09-2017, 07:52 PM
#1050
Starting a new build on a Cessna 182
Hello I'm new to rc universe but not new to flying or building, I've flown since I was 14, ya my mom had to drive me to the field, and ive have built almost all my planes with the exception of jets still some build but mostly formed epoxy fuselage and various parts, I've wanted this plane for years but with kids to put through college things get put on hold, the time has come, if anyone has any advice on this build please share it with me I will.share pictures and progress as I go, I haven't completely decided on a engine but the radio will be a futaba, I've always had one or two, I've used about every building material I can find so I'm hoping I'm not getting into something I will.regret, I'm looking forward to this build and any comments you may have, thank you, mike