2nd Newbie Build- GP Super Skybolt  
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2nd Newbie Build- GP Super Skybolt - 11/17/2005 2:07:25 PM   
Mods-R-Me



Posts: 799
Joined: 6/13/2005
From: Antelope Valley, CA, USA
Status: offline 		I've been waiting to start this build for 8 months. Today is the day! This is only my second build but my modeling skills have increased from my first aircraft so what the hell. For starters, I plan to mod the aircraft in three ways to stregthen the airframe and improve performance:

1. Smoke System (inverted flat spins with smoke on look amazing)

2. Flying wires (like the idea adding strength while doing 3D maneuvers)

3. Increasing the aileron length on each wing to 20"-22". (The ailerons per the plans are only 6" for a 57" wingspan! The 40 size ultimate bipe has at least a 15" aileron for a 41" winspan) I will compensate for the additional servo strain by using high torque futabas. I'm sure there will be more to come and I'll post them when i do.


Won't start until this weekend so I can review the plans a couple of days. This also gives me time to purchase supplies. Here's some of the hardware I plan to use:

1. Engine: Evolution 1.00NX (I've heard very good things about this engine and for $169.00 w/ free overnight shipping!)
Evolution 1.00NX

2. Sullivan Tailwheel Bracket (Absorbs shock and is relitively cheap)
Tailwheel Bracket

3. 2-1/2" Aluminum Spinner (Just beacuse)

Below is a sketch of the color scheme and a photo of the box as I received it. I'm still not sure how to cover the bottom yet, but there's plenty of time to figure that out.


Attachments
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< Message edited by Mods-R-Me -- 11/17/2005 2:15:08 PM >

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Kelvin "Mods" Verrett
www.MRM-RCModels.com
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RE: 2nd Newbie Build- GP Super Skybolt - 11/17/2005 2:26:18 PM   
MinnFlyer



Posts: 19375
Joined: 4/22/2002
From: Willmar, MN, USA
Status: offline 		Ok, first the bad news... You can forget about doung 3-D with it.

The GP Skybolt is one of my all-time favorites, but it was not designed for 3-D and it's just too heavy to attempt it. Add in the extra weight of a Smoke System and you can pretty much throw out any thoughts of hovering.

Next, Really take your time. While I think ALL GP kits are great, and their instructions are excellent, the SkyBolt is probably the most difficult build in the GP Line-up.

Aside from that, the Evo 100 should pull it extremely well, and if you like aerobatics, you'll LOVE the skybolt!

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Mike B.
AMA# 42400 www.gettingairborne.com

"Those are my principles. If you don't like them, I have others." - Groucho Marx

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RE: 2nd Newbie Build- GP Super Skybolt - 11/17/2005 3:39:55 PM   
Red B.


 

Posts: 1010
Joined: 8/29/2002
From: Jonkoping, SWEDEN
Status: online 		Hi Mods-R-Me!

I'm looking forward to follow your build of what IMHO is the most beautiful bipe available

I too have recently started building a Skybolt. Unfortunately it will probably take a long time for me to finish it, because I have other duties taking up my time at the moment.

The cowl is a two-piece ABS affair that I didn't like so I ordered a very nice GRP cowl from Quantum Models. It appears that they don't sell it any more but you could probably locate other sources for this item.

Don't bother with flying wires. The construction is plenty strong enough for any maneuvers.

If you want to go 3D-ing you are probably better off with another aircraft. From my point of view the Skybolt with its sleek lines is all about graceful aerobatics, performing big loops and really slow rolls at medium to high speed. Therefore, I will not modify the ailerons.

Good luck and happy building!

/Red B.




< Message edited by Red B. -- 11/18/2005 5:09:55 PM >

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/Red B.

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RE: 2nd Newbie Build- GP Super Skybolt - 11/18/2005 2:55:35 AM   
Mods-R-Me



Posts: 799
Joined: 6/13/2005
From: Antelope Valley, CA, USA
Status: offline 		No 3-D!

Well, all is not lost. This bird looks too good to hold that against it. I've seen a skybolt fly and the roll rate wasn't fantastic (due to the tiny ailerons). I'm building the model up in G3 and will test the mod out in virtual reality first.

You were not kidding about this being a "challenging" model to build. The cabanes set up looks like it will raise my skill level. Any suggestions on how to ease the assembly of this?

Question

By increasing the aileron length, this would also increase the roll rate. The increased roll rate would put extra stress on the tail surfaces during maneuvers. How do you know when to add flying wires? (I've never got a straight answer on this)

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Kelvin "Mods" Verrett
www.MRM-RCModels.com

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RE: 2nd Newbie Build- GP Super Skybolt - 11/18/2005 3:16:12 AM   
Mods-R-Me



Posts: 799
Joined: 6/13/2005
From: Antelope Valley, CA, USA
Status: offline 		First and foremost, this is the best packed kit I've ever seen. The quality of the wood and clarity of the manual are phenominal. I could not help starting the build a little early. The rudder and fin skeleton are completed. I reallly like that 85% of the aircraft surfaces are sheeted. Until recently, my sheeting skills were lacking; no, more like horrid. I upgraded this skill and many more by learning new techniques at airfieldmodels.com. If I had just 1/3 of his skill..... The techniques are intelligent and easy to learn. Must read for any modeler.

Here's the link: Balsa Skin Tutorial

I did kind of have a problem getting the kit in the shop. Look at the pic, you'll see why.

This kit is beautiful!

Mods

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< Message edited by Mods-R-Me -- 11/18/2005 3:23:56 AM >

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RE: 2nd Newbie Build- GP Super Skybolt - 11/18/2005 10:22:34 AM   
Red B.


 

Posts: 1010
Joined: 8/29/2002
From: Jonkoping, SWEDEN
Status: online
quote:

By increasing the aileron length, this would also increase the roll rate. The increased roll rate would put extra stress on the tail surfaces during maneuvers. How do you know when to add flying wires? (I've never got a straight answer on this)

And most probably you never will get a straight answer. From my experience with other models with similar tail contruction, the tail of the Skybolt should be strong enough. But remember, that's only my opinion. If you feel otherwise you can of course add flying wires.


quote:

You were not kidding about this being a "challenging" model to build. The cabanes set up looks like it will raise my skill level. Any suggestions on how to ease the assembly of this?

Have you had a look at this: (cabanes)
The best solution usually is to make some kind of jig and measure twice before soldering the thing together.

/Red B.

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/Red B.

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RE: 2nd Newbie Build- GP Super Skybolt - 11/18/2005 1:35:49 PM   
MinnFlyer



Posts: 19375
Joined: 4/22/2002
From: Willmar, MN, USA
Status: offline 		You don't need to modify the ailerons. If your friend's Skybolt had a slow roll rate, he was using low control throws (or has large gaps)

An Ailerons effectiveness greatly decreases as it nears the center of the wing. By making them 50% longer, you may gain an extra 5%. Just go with the option of putting ailerons on both wings and seal the gaps - You will have MORE than enough roll rate.

As for the cabane and the end struts, they are one of the best features of the GP Skybolt. Just do them exactly as shown in the manual and you will have no problem. Whatever you do, MAKE NO MODS THERE!!! That system is the BEST that I have ever seen! I only wish I could modify Every Bipe that I have ever owned to use the same system! It works great, and it sets up faster than any system that I have ever used.

BTW, in case you haven't seen it, here's my old Skybolt:

Skybolt Video

_____________________________

Mike B.
AMA# 42400 www.gettingairborne.com

"Those are my principles. If you don't like them, I have others." - Groucho Marx

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RE: 2nd Newbie Build- GP Super Skybolt - 11/18/2005 1:52:15 PM   
elenasgrumpy


 

Posts: 1915
Joined: 3/28/2005
From: Tracy, CA, USA
Status: offline 		Great video Minn, Just had to tease him with the smoke & the flat spin didn't ya? Very nice plane, sorry to hear that it's your old one! Hope it's still alive & well.


Mark

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RE: 2nd Newbie Build- GP Super Skybolt - 11/18/2005 1:53:04 PM   
RCKen



Posts: 14459
Joined: 7/10/2002
From: Lawton, OK, USA
Status: offline 		Mike,
Very nice video. Great smoke there. What motor do you have in it? is this the same smoke system you have in your how to? and what size tank did you use in for the smoke?

Thanks in advance

Ken

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RE: 2nd Newbie Build- GP Super Skybolt - 11/18/2005 1:54:04 PM   
MinnFlyer



Posts: 19375
Joined: 4/22/2002
From: Willmar, MN, USA
Status: offline 		Hi Grumpy!

I gave it away in the "PIF" thread last year - It was on it's last legs. But by next spring the NEW one will be flying

_____________________________

Mike B.
AMA# 42400 www.gettingairborne.com

"Those are my principles. If you don't like them, I have others." - Groucho Marx

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RE: 2nd Newbie Build- GP Super Skybolt - 11/18/2005 1:58:39 PM   
MinnFlyer



Posts: 19375
Joined: 4/22/2002
From: Willmar, MN, USA
Status: offline 		Ken, that's a YS 91AC, and yes, it's the system I wrote about in the Got Smoke? article.

I believe the Smoke Oil Tank was a 10 oz, and there was a lot more footage of that flight that was edited out, so 10oz will make more smoke than what you see in the video

_____________________________

Mike B.
AMA# 42400 www.gettingairborne.com

"Those are my principles. If you don't like them, I have others." - Groucho Marx

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       Post #: 11

RE: 2nd Newbie Build- GP Super Skybolt - 11/18/2005 3:08:20 PM   
Mods-R-Me



Posts: 799
Joined: 6/13/2005
From: Antelope Valley, CA, USA
Status: offline 		Minn,

That made me sooo droll. That video gave me the resolve to take a off work next week and build 8 hours a day for 7 days. Now I have to use a smoke system! Thinking back, my friend did have some large gaps on his control surfaces. After seeing your video, you are the best person to answer a few questions that I have:

1. How did you set up that smoke system? This is my first attempt, so spare no detail (i.e. tank size, running tank line, part numbers and pics would be great).

2. On the ailerons, point well taken. What is the best way to seal control surface gaps?

Equation for perfect showplane: (smoke system + skybolt video) * inverted flatspin = I'm calling in sick for a few days.






< Message edited by Mods-R-Me -- 11/18/2005 3:18:41 PM >

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www.MRM-RCModels.com

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RE: 2nd Newbie Build-