Sidewalk Flyers Big Chief Field Box Mk-2B Review  
View related threads: (in this forum | in all forums)

Tower Hobbies
Enter up to 4 keywords or Tower stock numbers
Logged in as Guest



Users viewing this topic: none
  Printable Version
       

All Forums >> Radios, Batteries, Clubhouse and more >> User Product Reviews >> Sidewalk Flyers Big Chief Field Box Mk-2B Review
Page: [1]

Login
Message << Older Topic   Newer Topic >>
Sidewalk Flyers Big Chief Field Box Mk-2B Review - 5/7/2002 3:37:50 AM   
RCadmin



Posts: 13216
Joined: 11/28/2001
From: Belle Mead, NJ, USA
Status: offline 		I first spotted the Sidewalk Flyers Big Chief Field Box at the Toledo show and it looked like the granddaddy of all flight boxes to me. I am one who likes to have everything plus the kitchen sink when possible in the box in case of any unanticipated event at the field. The Big Chief Field box looked like just the ticket.

It arrived at my door in it's box with all the parts in side well packed to ensure no damage would occur during transit.

Attachments
Click to see fullsize image.
Click for fullsize


_____________________________

Marc
RCU Site Admin
RCU Videos. Free Video Sharing. - www.rcuvideos.com
Visit RCU''s New Banner Free E-flight Only Website: www.WattFlyer.com
       Post #: 1

Parts Display - 5/7/2002 3:41:21 AM   
RCadmin



Posts: 13216
Joined: 11/28/2001
From: Belle Mead, NJ, USA
Status: offline 		I laid all the parts out here so you could get a good look for everything and also to match them up to the pictures on the instructions so I could get an understanding of what each piece was and where it was going to go.

Attachments
Click to see fullsize image.
Click for fullsize


_____________________________

Marc
RCU Site Admin
RCU Videos. Free Video Sharing. - www.rcuvideos.com
Visit RCU''s New Banner Free E-flight Only Website: www.WattFlyer.com

(in reply to RCadmin)
       Post #: 2

Pre-Assembly - 5/7/2002 4:27:01 AM   
RCadmin



Posts: 13216
Joined: 11/28/2001
From: Belle Mead, NJ, USA
Status: offline 		All the parts are cut on a CNC machine (Computer Numerical Controlled Router) to insure a good accurate fit of all the parts. This made putting together the box like fitting a jig saw puzzle together...very easy with little room for error.

Pre-Assembly

Finishing Decision:
First you must decide at the beginning if you are going to use the Wax & Orange Oil Satin Stain which can optionally be purchased for $6.95 from Sidewalk Flyers to coat the box. If you are going to paint the box that should be done after the box has been assembled but before installing things like the fuselage cradles. I opted to use only the wax from the optional finishing kit to coat the wood and fuelproof it for my box.

Sanding:
Next you must sand all the part edges and surfaces with 100 grit sandpaper supplied with the kit. This smooths out any irregularities in the wood or edges and is easiest to do at this time.

Handles
For the handles you glue 3 pieces together (one each for the main box handle and the battery box handle) so each one is a 3/4" assembly when done. Once the glue is dry you can sand so it's comfortable for your grip.

Tool Needed
Some basis tools are needed going forward to complete the kit. Most shops will have these basic tools. Phillips screwdriver, 1/16" twist drill, box knife, adjustable wrench, hammer or soft mallet.

< Message edited by RCadmin -- May 7 2002 4:18AM >

(in reply to RCadmin)
       Post #: 3

Assembly - 5/7/2002 4:37:31 AM   
RCadmin



Posts: 13216
Joined: 11/28/2001
From: Belle Mead, NJ, USA
Status: offline 		The Main Box as well as the rest of the assembly is very straight forward. Parts are assembled in the order outlined in the instructions with the main box first and then the battery box.

Parts are aligned and then you predrill for the small wood screws which hold the box together while the glue is drying (you can keep the screws in when complete).

The side panels are attached to the handle and then the top, bottom and back of the main box. The parts fit together thanks to the dado cuts in the sides so everything is aligned automatically.

Fuel Shelf Decision Time:
Next you must decide if you are going to use plastic one gallon fuel cans or plastic bottles. Fuel shelfs for both are included. I opted to not glue my shelf in but rather secure it only with the screws in case a change was needed later to the can format. The slots in the shelf end panel and the dados keep the shelf sturdy and secure. This was very well thought out on the part of the designer.

Next the optional fuel pump bracket can be installed above the area where the fuel container sits. It is simply bolted in using the 1/4-20 bolts supplied. These bolts also act as holders for the fuselage cradles which will be installed later.

Velcro strips are fastened using a screw and washer and this is used to hold the fuel bottle or can securely.

Here is a picture of the fuel bottle area and velcro strips.

Attachments
Click to see fullsize image.
Click for fullsize


< Message edited by RCadmin -- May 7 2002 12:23AM >

(in reply to RCadmin)
       Post #: 4

Cradles - 5/7/2002 4:42:18 AM   
RCadmin



Posts: 13216
Joined: 11/28/2001
From: Belle Mead, NJ, USA
Status: offline 		Cradles

The cradles are put together with a bolt, washer and wing nut. They are nicely engineered in that you can really create quite a bit of adjustment to accommodate a wide array of sizes of fuselages.

The cradles sit on the bolts which are on the inside of the flight box. The fit is snug and a wing nut will go over the 1/4-20 bolt to secure the cradles one they are on.

Here is a picture of the bolts they rest on.

Attachments
Click to see fullsize image.
Click for fullsize


< Message edited by RCadmin -- May 7 2002 1:25PM >

(in reply to RCadmin)
       Post #: 5

Drawers - 5/7/2002 4:46:26 AM   
RCadmin



Posts: 13216
Joined: 11/28/2001
From: Belle Mead, NJ, USA
Status: offline 		Drawers

The drawers are simple to assemble as well. First you glue the bottom of each drawer to the sides and then glue in the back panel using the dado's as the guide. Screws are used to fasten as with the rest of the assembly while the glue is drying. After the bottom, sides and back are glued and screwed you attach the face plate. The fit is tight and the instructions advise you to use a soft mallet to get it to fit in. I ended up on one of them using a Dremel to slightly enlarge the dado cut in order to make it fit but the other 2 shelves went in with less difficulty.

Also supplied are some nice little drawer dividers for each of the drawers which slide easily into the draw dados.

Picture below of the drawers.

Attachments
Click to see fullsize image.
Click for fullsize


< Message edited by RCadmin -- May 7 2002 1:26PM >

(in reply to RCadmin)
       Post #: 6

Bottom of draw - 5/7/2002 4:48:09 AM   
RCadmin



Posts: 13216
Joined: 11/28/2001
From: Belle Mead, NJ, USA
Status: offline 		A shot of the draw bottom

Attachments
Click to see fullsize image.
Click for fullsize

(in reply to RCadmin)
       Post #: 7

Battery Box - 5/7/2002 4:56:54 AM   
RCadmin



Posts: 13216
Joined: 11/28/2001
From: Belle Mead, NJ, USA
Status: offline 		Assembling the Battery Box

Assembly of the battery box is similar to that of the main box. You first install the handles to the front and rear handle support plates.

Next you assemble the parts into the right hand side of the battery box one by one...once the right hand side has all the components glued and screwed into it you close it up by adding the right side panel. Make sure you do this while the glue is still not cured in case you have minor alignments to make. The dados keep everything where it should be but this will ensure you have everything perfect.

The Battery Panel Access Door
The access door for the 12 volt battery is cleverly designed to be removable. This way you can access the battery by just removing one screw. This is a simple and easy way to get to your battery and much better than most I've seen.

Power Panel
Also noteworthy is the power panel which is installed by sliding up dado slots and then secured by a screw on each side also allowing easy removal of the panel if replacement or maintenance is necessary. Again this was very well thought out. 2 panels are supplied with the kit that will fit most standard panels or you can cut out as necessary if your does not fit.

Attaching to Main Box
The battery box is attached to the main box by hanging it on the bolts on the side of the main boxes side panel. This is very secure and allows for removal of the auxiliary box in less than 2 seconds when you need to bring just your battery box for starting at the flightline.

Picture below of the battery box

Attachments
Click to see fullsize image.
Click for fullsize

(in reply to RCadmin)
       Post #: 8

Sidewalk Flyers Big Chief Field Box Mk-2B Review - 5/7/2002 4:58:38 AM   
RCadmin



Posts: 13216
Joined: 11/28/2001
From: Belle Mead, NJ, USA
Status: offline 		Another shot of the battery box removed and the attachment points on the side panel

Attachments
Click to see fullsize image.
Click for fullsize

(in reply to RCadmin)
       Post #: 9

Optional battery box fuel shelf - 5/7/2002 5:02:05 AM   
RCadmin



Posts: 13216
Joined: 11/28/2001
From: Belle Mead, NJ, USA
Status: offline 		Optional battery box fuel shelf

At this point you can install the optional battery box fuel shelf and pump mount. Installation involves using a shelf spacer and the fuel shelf of your choice supplied with the kit. I chose to omit this for my flight box but if you need it the option is supplied and only takes a few moments to add. It can also be added on later at any time if you decide you need it.

(in reply to RCadmin)
       Post #: 10

Sidewalk Flyers Big Chief Field Box Mk-2B Review - 5/7/2002 5:20:30 AM   
RCadmin



Posts: 13216
Joined: 11/28/2001
From: Belle Mead, NJ, USA
Status: offline 		Here is a picture of the box complete along with foam cradle rests.

Attachments
Click to see fullsize image.
Click for fullsize

(in reply to RCadmin)
       Post #: 11

Sidewalk Flyers Big Chief Field Box Mk-2B Review - 5/7/2002 5:22:21 AM   
RCadmin



Posts: 13216
Joined: 11/28/2001
From: Belle Mead, NJ, USA
Status: offline 		More pics

Attachments
Click to see fullsize image.
Click for fullsize

(in reply to RCadmin)
       Post #: 12

Sidewalk Flyers Big Chief Field Box Mk-2B Review - 5/7/2002 5:25:12 AM   
RCadmin



Posts: 13216
Joined: 11/28/2001
From: Belle Mead, NJ, USA
Status: offline 		Battery box panel close up

Attachments
Click to see fullsize image.
Click for fullsize

(in reply to RCadmin)
       Post #: 13

Sidewalk Flyers Big Chief Field Box Mk-2B Review - 5/7/2002 5:30:11 AM   
RCadmin



Posts: 13216
Joined: 11/28/2001
From: Belle Mead, NJ, USA
Status: offline 		The "other" side of the box. Here you can see the tool shelf out of the side of the battery box. The shelf is also on the other side (out of view).

The velcro strap with the screw and washer hold down can be seen clearly in this shot. Velcro secures your fuel can or plastic bottle.

Attachments
Click to see fullsize image.
Click for fullsize

(in reply to RCadmin)
       Post #: 14

Final Review and Thoughts - 5/7/2002 5:33:47 AM   
RCadmin



Posts: 13216
Joined: 11/28/2001
From: Belle Mead, NJ, USA
Status: <