Posts: 499
Joined: 10/14/2002 From: Cedar Rapids,
IA, USA Status: offline
Feuerwher, I like it! What did you use for the edging on the cockpit? What are you planing to use for a pilot? I got a perfect pilots 1/5 scale that seems to be just the right size that I plan to use in mine. Make sure you send some finished photos, and the flight report.
Posts: 25
Joined: 3/18/2004 From: ESTACADA,
OR, USA Status: offline
Todd, I just used regular model cockpit coaming I had laying around. I am not sure what the brand name is, but I probably bought it originally at Tower or at the local hobby shop a few years back. It is the same stuff that all the hobby stores carry. I don't have a pilot picked out yet. I'll have to decide what I am going to do fairly soon. I am almost to the point I could take it up, but I would prefer to be completely finished with the aircraft before I fly the first time. I won't have the time to work on it this coming week, but I will post again when I am ready.
Posts: 25
Joined: 3/18/2004 From: ESTACADA,
OR, USA Status: offline
Thanks Stall! The wood finish did exceed my expectations. Just about everyone that sees it thinks it is real wood! It even feels like wood when you touch it. Of course I can tell the difference, but almost everone so far asks how I fit the plywood panels so well. I doubt seriously I could have done a real plywood skin and have it turn out looking as good. I don't know who puts out a quarter scale at a reasonable price. Proctor of course makes the best scale Albatros kit, but there are at least one or two other kits out there. If you a web search I would imagine you would find what you are looking for. The Funaero is reasonably priced but it is sports scale and does not come in a quarter scale size. Balsa USA puts out nice kits at a reasonable price, but has not yet came out with an albatros. I am thinking about building their DVII next year. Good luck!
Posts: 26
Joined: 10/24/2002 From: Penfield, NY, USA Status: offline
Reading this thread has been great as I'll be working on a prototype of a DVa from AerodromeRC. I've already done a DII for AerodromeRC and thought you might like to see how I did the wood finish. Its simply sanded balsa, stained and water base poly-urethaned. This model is electric powered so I don't have to content with fuel proofing. Its also quite small compared to the Albatri in this thread. The DVa I'll be doing is a bit larger (I believe it will be coming in at between 54-60 inches). The designer has sent the plans to the laser cutter and I should have the prototype in about a week. Dave Ottney
Posts: 134
Joined: 8/22/2002 From: Wonder Lake, IL, Status: offline
I have Jim Peppinos plans for a 1/4 scale DVa. Straight forward build with no major surpirses. You can easily modify his scale cable controls to direct servo if that scares you. You can build the plans much cheaper than any kit and with this one you can build as much scale detail as your junk parts drawer can support then its off to home depot for more inexpensive matieral. Plans are only 35 bucks or so. Give it a look. Plan building is easier for me than re-engineering a kit for my own tastes.
Posts: 25
Joined: 3/18/2004 From: ESTACADA,
OR, USA Status: offline
Dave, I am really impressed with your Albatros. Great workmanship, and I especially like the rigging. Your model looks a lot like the DII that Richthofen made his first kill with. I don't know whether or not that was your intention. I finished the cockpit, and mounted the Spandaus on my DIII, but still have not fabricated the wing mounted radiator. I think I will probably take the first flight next week, even if the radiator is not finished. Again, kudos to your workmanship. Jim (Feuerwehr)
Posts: 25
Joined: 3/18/2004 From: ESTACADA,
OR, USA Status: offline
First flight! Took it up for the first time today. Great fun, no surprises, a stable and predictable flyer. I didn't even have to adjust the trim. I managed four flights, but did not take any chances with fancy aerobatics. I am not a hotshot pilot at any rate. I did a few loops and some not-so-pretty rolls. Flys like most any bipe, turns nice and sharp, holds its altitude in the turns as long as you don't cut the throttle too much. Stalls consist of mushing down straight ahead, no sideways wing dropping. Ground handling is good. With the wheels as far forward as they are there is no tendency to nose over. I am using a saito 91 with the in-cowl straight exhaust. The 91 seems to be just about right for this aircraft. I did add an on board glow driver which comes on at low throttle. Certainly not necessary, but does make low idle much smoother. I was somewhat concerned the Saito might overheat in the closed cowl, but it does not appear to be a problem. I did leave about a 1/4 inch gap for the nosecone to provide a little more ventilation. I flew with a 15-5 wood zinger which works out well. I have not found a plastic or composite prop that is really usable because the aluminum albatros nosecone plate is fairly thick and does not leave sufficient thread on my saito to tighten down the thicker props safely. The large nosecone makes it difficult to use an electric starter. Besides, mine is painted white, and even if I did get a large enough starter insert I would be afraid of marring the finish. I don't really consider hand starting the Saito a problem, since it usually takes only 4 or 5 flips. I will post a in-flight photo when I get the chance to take one.
< Message edited by Feuerwehr -- 7/6/2004 10:02:06 PM >
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RE: Albatros D.III Build along - 
