I'm really not use to building this time of year. Given the weather though, rain , rain and more rain, I find it quite easy to justify. Now that I am past the OH MY GOD the fuselage is not all there stage, I have moved on. I will say the fuse looks good. The interlocking parts went together well, alignment has remained straight. I spent the evening sorting out all the balsa sticks. Very good quality balsa has been included in this kit. I labeled all the pieces and have started constructing the fin and rudder. I chose to build them at the same time on the plan hoping that it will guarantee the best fit. I also chose to build the kit without making any major changes. So far on the rudder itself I have decided to leave the trailing edge straight. According to the plan they want the TE shaped like a bow and supported. I think I like the straighter look. You can see it in the picture below. No surprises on the fin or rudder so far, all parts were easily identified and as I mentioned, excellent quality balsa!
The fin and rudder turned out well. Lots of sanding though due to the difference in thicknesses throughout. The laser cut parts once laminated are slightly thinner than the trussing etc. Nothing that would bother the average builder I'm sure but I will have to sand it When you are constructing these pieces do not dispose of any or make any mistakes, there is just enough stick to complete the parts. Not too much concern about length in regards to the pieces that you choose to use, so far the only certainty is the LE and TE on the stab. Do make sure you use the 24 inch 1/4 x 5/16 as the TE and only use the 1/4 x 5/16 16" for the LE.
As I started to place all parts in step 4 under tail construction on the plan, it became known quite quickly that the plans have changed quite dramatically from their original state. To deal with this I relied on the construction manuals dimensional information. Knowing these parts were cut specifically to these listed sizes, I was confident in my choices once parts were outside of the plan. Paying careful attention to straightness and of course remaining square was my only concern. Upon completion I am quite happy with the results. You can see in the pictures below just how much the plans differ from the actual part.
My goal now will be to build the elevators as one piece. Concern here is simply the mounting of! I need not build two seperate halves and I am certainly not keen on the push rod assembly technique included with the kit. It will be interesting to see what I come up with.
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Joined: 3/31/2004 From: Port Washington,
WI, USA Status: offline
As long as the outside dimensions match, I wouldn't be too concerned about the interior structure matching up exactly with the plans. IIRC, it all gets sheeted anyway. Depending on how you plan to fly the plane, I would think you would have more positive control in the elevator using the split control rod and independant elevator halves. After all, it is a proven design. But that's just my opinion.
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Joined: 10/3/2002 From: Lakeside, CA, USA Status: offline
I am thinking more inline with Krossk on this one. My .02 would say build it per plan that works then try to make it better. If you don't like the split push rods go with two servos. I talked to some 3D friends and thay all told me you want both ele. half moving the same or it could induce a roll. And that just my .02 worth.
Gene Remember....This is what these build threads are for.
I would think you would have more positive control in the elevator using the split control rod and independant elevator halves.
I'm not sure about this Both halves controlled with a split push rod equals potential trouble. I think, utilizing the kit included setup allows for either elevator to flex from its central position. Maybe not much but nonetheless, without them being connected it would allow them to move. I would like to hear more after you hear my idea for sure. Thanks for the reply!
quote:
I talked to some 3D friends and thay all told me you want both ele. half moving the same or it could induce a roll
Exactly, my point and fear; too much flex would be my concern. Using two elevator servos adds more weight and in the past I never really utilized the mixing functions available to such a setup.
After placing the stab on the fuse and pinning the fin in place it became apparent that the options are limited. The hinge line is forward of the rudder by an inch and three quarters. I think the best approach will be to counter sink a stiff pre shaped wire (I have one from an old kit) and utilize both the joined halves and the split control rod. It will help but not as good as I hoped for.
Posts: 83
Joined: 10/3/2002 From: Lakeside, CA, USA Status: offline
I just got back from the Model airport. Just so happens one of our kit builders were there with his CG SU-26. I bent his ear quilt abit about your build and and what to do on my plane. He told me to build it "PER PLAN" it's a great plane as kitted. Build strait. The control loads are light. I looked at his servo set-ups HS-425BB all around.
I quite agree, great plane great kit, build as per plan but, I urge you to reconsider the elevator setup. DO run independent halves with 2 servos or perform the small improvement equal to what I have done. Learn from others and from the manufacturers, lots has changed since the design of this kit as well as the way we fly them
< Message edited by Hughes500E -- 7/4/2005 8:06:55 AM >
I just finished up the tail. Need to do a bit of finish sanding but I am quite happy with the results. I did add two small re-enforcement scrap pieces to the trailing edge of the outside corners as well as the ones per plan. Will be working on the mounting of everything and sorting out pieces of the wing soon. My kids are saying we will be flying this one soon, they may be right
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Joined: 12/26/2002 From: Va.Beach,
VA, USA Status: online
Looks good so far Hughes! I'm heading out to the field now to fly my Sukhoi. There is a pretty good cross wind and with that huge rudder it makes things a bit interesting.
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RE: Sukhoi SU-26 MX build - 
