Blue Angel - Build
02-28-2006, 08:09 PM
#1
Blue Angel - Build
In the late 80s one of my fellow RC club members built and flew a FK SBA Speeda in pattern competition. He offered to let me fly it a few times and I really liked its flying characteristics. It was powered by an OS 61SF LS pumper with a 12X10W APC prop and pipe and had Spring Air retracts. It was super fast and so graceful, with incredibly large loops and it could do a slow roll from horizon to horizon. I loved the design but try as I may I could not get a kit from the US distributor, Mutchler’s hobbies located in Corydon, Indiana. I had one on back order for many months and finally in mid 1992 gave up and ordered a Great Planes Tiporare. You can see my Tiporare build thread at http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_2827386/tm.htm
I love my Tiporare but the awesome beauty and flight of the SBA Speeda kept pulling me back and after some research here on RCU I discovered that the SBA was actually a fiberglass knock off of the MK Blue Angel kit. MK no longer makes the Blue Angel but one of the RCU forum members generously agreed to send me a set of plans so I can scratch build one. The plans are on their way and I’ll be documenting the build on this thread.
I haven’t seen the plans yet but I understand the FK kit design is pretty complicated so depending how detailed they are I plan on paying for the setup cost to have a foam wing cores custom cut and build the fuse from the typical balsa and plywood. The foam wing should simplify the construction and be lighter than the built up wing used in the kit. I’ll build the fuselage light and glass the outside for strength. MonoKote will be used for the wing and horizontal stab and MonoKote paint for the fuselage.
I’ll be using one of my OS 61SF LS pumpers for power with a 12X10W APC prop and of course the requisite tuned pipe slung under the wing. Tri-gear Spring Air retracts will be used for the undercarriage to keep the tail up where it belongs on one of the great classics from the rocket ship era.
The image on the left is the MK Blue Angel and the one on the right is the FK SBA Speeda on a page from a 90s vintage Mutchler’s hobbies sales brochure. T.Yoshioka won the 1973 world championship in 1973 flying the Blue Angel.
This will be my fourth build thread (Blog) on RCU. You can see my Kwik Fli III taper wing build at http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_2434444/tm.htm and my Cold Duck build at http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_3092876/tm.htm
To be continued…
I love my Tiporare but the awesome beauty and flight of the SBA Speeda kept pulling me back and after some research here on RCU I discovered that the SBA was actually a fiberglass knock off of the MK Blue Angel kit. MK no longer makes the Blue Angel but one of the RCU forum members generously agreed to send me a set of plans so I can scratch build one. The plans are on their way and I’ll be documenting the build on this thread.
I haven’t seen the plans yet but I understand the FK kit design is pretty complicated so depending how detailed they are I plan on paying for the setup cost to have a foam wing cores custom cut and build the fuse from the typical balsa and plywood. The foam wing should simplify the construction and be lighter than the built up wing used in the kit. I’ll build the fuselage light and glass the outside for strength. MonoKote will be used for the wing and horizontal stab and MonoKote paint for the fuselage.
I’ll be using one of my OS 61SF LS pumpers for power with a 12X10W APC prop and of course the requisite tuned pipe slung under the wing. Tri-gear Spring Air retracts will be used for the undercarriage to keep the tail up where it belongs on one of the great classics from the rocket ship era.
The image on the left is the MK Blue Angel and the one on the right is the FK SBA Speeda on a page from a 90s vintage Mutchler’s hobbies sales brochure. T.Yoshioka won the 1973 world championship in 1973 flying the Blue Angel.
This will be my fourth build thread (Blog) on RCU. You can see my Kwik Fli III taper wing build at http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_2434444/tm.htm and my Cold Duck build at http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_3092876/tm.htm
To be continued…
02-28-2006, 09:09 PM
#5
My Feedback: (57)
RE: Blue Angel - Build
ORIGINAL: rainedav
What year/timeframe is this plane from?
What year/timeframe is this plane from?
Mr. Yoshioka built a Blue Angel and modified the tail of the plane from the original Blue Angel. He called this plane Blue Angle Modified. This plane won him the World Championship in 1973. The "Speeda" is this version of the Blue Angel.
02-28-2006, 09:52 PM
#6
My Feedback: (2)
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Palm Bay, FL
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RE: Blue Angel - Build
I was reading the March '75 issue of MAN and an article is in it about the first TOC. World champ Yoshioka crashed his Blue Angel on the very first airborne maneuver. It seems that no one bothered to tell him that flying on 27MHz in America at the height of the CB craze wasn't a good idea.
03-02-2006, 07:30 PM
#8
My Feedback: (57)
RE: Blue Angel - Build
Yes I did. I tried to PM you back... but it appears that you have your PM settings set so that you have to OK a person to send you PMs. It said it was undeliverable. I tried to re-send it with the same results. I have it ready for you. It will be on its way 8178.
Mark
Mark
03-02-2006, 07:49 PM
#9
RE: Blue Angel - Build
ORIGINAL: impactiq
Yes I did. I tried to PM you back... but it appears that you have your PM settings set so that you have to OK a person to send you PMs. It said it was undeliverable. I tried to re-send it with the same results. I have it ready for you. It will be on its way 8178.
Mark
Yes I did. I tried to PM you back... but it appears that you have your PM settings set so that you have to OK a person to send you PMs. It said it was undeliverable. I tried to re-send it with the same results. I have it ready for you. It will be on its way 8178.
Mark
03-04-2006, 05:38 PM
#10
RE: Blue Angel - Build
My benefactor with the MK plans sent me the plans. The good news is that the plans arrived in great shape but the bad news is that they do not have drawings of the root and tip airfoil for the wing and horizontal stab needed to make the foam wing templates. So I’ve contacted him and I’m waiting to see if he will be willing to trace the ribs I need.
View of the plans. Because the fuselage has so many compound curves the construction is very complicated but the beauty of the design is stunning.
To be continued…
View of the plans. Because the fuselage has so many compound curves the construction is very complicated but the beauty of the design is stunning.
To be continued…
03-04-2006, 05:49 PM
#11
RE: Blue Angel - Build
I pulled some images of the Spring Air retracts from their website then scaled them and printed them to use as templates to check their fit. I want to make sure I order correct type for the Blue Angel. I’m going to use the Spring Airs because they are the best quality and their service is absolutely super. I’ll get my Spring Air order in on Monday.
I will need to use a slightly smaller nose wheel to clear the back of the retract unit.
To be continued…
I will need to use a slightly smaller nose wheel to clear the back of the retract unit.
To be continued…
03-04-2006, 07:20 PM
#13
RE: Blue Angel - Build
ORIGINAL: Paternguy
What are you planning on doing with the canopy ?
What are you planning on doing with the canopy ?
I keep thinking it would be neat if the completed fuselage could be used as a plug for a mold to make fiberglass fuselages.
03-05-2006, 03:59 PM
#16
RE: Blue Angel - Build
ORIGINAL: rainedav
Those plans are a work of art. The Japanese aesthetic sensibility, even when it comes to utilitarian things like mechanical drawings, never ceases to amaze me.
Oh, and the plane itself is magnificent. Great taste 8178.
Those plans are a work of art. The Japanese aesthetic sensibility, even when it comes to utilitarian things like mechanical drawings, never ceases to amaze me.
Oh, and the plane itself is magnificent. Great taste 8178.
03-05-2006, 04:08 PM
#17
RE: Blue Angel - Build
My benefactor on the forum, Ron Ellis (grotto2) came through with the rib template tracings along with the measurements I need to have the foam wing and stab made. Thank you very much Ron.
Dan Hines, frequent contributor to this forum and owner of Carolina Custom Aircraft [email protected] has generously agreed to setup to make my foam wing and stabs. After he gets the templates made for my wing they will be available as part of his kits and parts line up. Thank you very much Dan.
Dan manufactures the T2A MK I, T2A MK II, T2A MK III, Tanglefoot, New Orleanian, A-6 Intruder, Equalizer, Patricia, and the Brushfire kits. He also does custom building.
My plans and templates will be on the way to Dan Monday.
To be continued…
Dan Hines, frequent contributor to this forum and owner of Carolina Custom Aircraft [email protected] has generously agreed to setup to make my foam wing and stabs. After he gets the templates made for my wing they will be available as part of his kits and parts line up. Thank you very much Dan.
Dan manufactures the T2A MK I, T2A MK II, T2A MK III, Tanglefoot, New Orleanian, A-6 Intruder, Equalizer, Patricia, and the Brushfire kits. He also does custom building.
My plans and templates will be on the way to Dan Monday.
To be continued…
03-06-2006, 07:20 PM
#20
RE: Blue Angel - Build
Jon_Wold,
Thanks, glad you are interested. Take a look at this lucky guy with a Speeda http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_3531509/tm.htm
Paterguy,
Sadly, although you and a few others are jazzed about having a glass Blue Angel kit, the market for a kit is just not strong enough. For me it would most likely be easer to build a plug rather than the complex balsa fuselage but the time and effort to make the mold is too much for the few kits that might sell. I feel very fortunate that I’ll have a foam wing available to use and that others might want.
There has been a lot of discussion on RCU about the impact ARFs are having on our hobby and this is one of them. There are very few RC flyers now-a-days that have the interest or in a few cases the skills to build a kit so there is no or a limited market for them.
There is not much anyone can do about it, but for me I’d rather build a kit or build from plans because I find it easy to do and I like being able to create the exact aircraft I want. No compromises are needed in aircraft selection, fit, finish or quality!
Thanks, glad you are interested. Take a look at this lucky guy with a Speeda http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_3531509/tm.htm
Paterguy,
Sadly, although you and a few others are jazzed about having a glass Blue Angel kit, the market for a kit is just not strong enough. For me it would most likely be easer to build a plug rather than the complex balsa fuselage but the time and effort to make the mold is too much for the few kits that might sell. I feel very fortunate that I’ll have a foam wing available to use and that others might want.
There has been a lot of discussion on RCU about the impact ARFs are having on our hobby and this is one of them. There are very few RC flyers now-a-days that have the interest or in a few cases the skills to build a kit so there is no or a limited market for them.
There is not much anyone can do about it, but for me I’d rather build a kit or build from plans because I find it easy to do and I like being able to create the exact aircraft I want. No compromises are needed in aircraft selection, fit, finish or quality!
03-06-2006, 07:56 PM
#21
RE: Blue Angel - Build
My plans and templates left in the Fedex truck on their way to Dan for the foam wing and stab construction. I’m very grateful that Dan decided he would use his time to build the templates and cut the foam for me. I’m anxious to see the wing cores because Dan is known for excellent work.
I ordered the Spring Air retracts today. I’ll be using the tri gear set #202 that have 5/32” struts and the nose gear that flat mounts on a cross member behind the firewall. The folks at Spring Air are wonderful to deal with and are a bright spot in our hobby.
I’ve been spending time looking over the plans and started my wood and hardware parts list. I group my list by aircraft area, wing, stab, fuselage, etc. to make sure I do not miss anything. Most of the metric sizes cross over to inches, e.g. 2mm = 1/16” for wing sheeting. The fuselage construction is pretty complex but once I get started I’m sure it will look awesome!
To be continued…
I ordered the Spring Air retracts today. I’ll be using the tri gear set #202 that have 5/32” struts and the nose gear that flat mounts on a cross member behind the firewall. The folks at Spring Air are wonderful to deal with and are a bright spot in our hobby.
I’ve been spending time looking over the plans and started my wood and hardware parts list. I group my list by aircraft area, wing, stab, fuselage, etc. to make sure I do not miss anything. Most of the metric sizes cross over to inches, e.g. 2mm = 1/16” for wing sheeting. The fuselage construction is pretty complex but once I get started I’m sure it will look awesome!
To be continued…
03-06-2006, 08:36 PM
#22
RE: Blue Angel - Build
8178, this build is going to be a great ride. As you know, I'm starting an all-wood UFO this week. Since I always get inspiration and learn a lot from your threads I think I'll build my plane in a sequence that follows your build. There are enough similarities like carved nose blocks and top and bottom fuse shaping that it will be helpful to see your techniques. I'm especially interested in how you will shape the fuse around the stab slot and build the wing fillets.
03-07-2006, 07:47 PM
#24
RE: Blue Angel - Build
Completed my Tower Hobbies order today:
Macs Long Tuned Pipe Adapter O.S. .61 SF/FX/FP 1 26.29
Sullivan R-12 Standard Round Tank 12 oz. 1 4.99
Dubro Treaded Lite Wheels 2-1/4" (2) 1 6.99
Great Planes Axle for Wire 1-1/4x5/32" (2) 1 3.49
Top Flite MonoKote Jet White 6' 1 10.99
Top Flite MonoKote Missile Red 6' 1 10.99
Top Flite LustreKote 10 oz. Spray Paint Primer White 1 6.99
Top Flite LustreKote 10 oz. Spray Jet White 1 6.99
Dubro Heavy Duty Strip Aileron Horn Set 1 3.89
Sullivan Gold-N-Clevis 4-40 (2) 1 1.59
Goldberg Wheel Collars 5/32" (4) 1 2.49
Goldberg Link Rods (6) 1 1.99
Tower Hobbies Plywood 1/4x6x12" (1) 1 1.79
Tower Hobbies Plywood 1/8x6x12" 5-Ply (1) 1 1.79
Dave Brown Spinner 2-1/2" Standard 2-Blade Aluminum 1 21.99
Dave Brown Adapter Nut Short 5/16-24 1 5.69
Dave Brown .60 Hush Clamp Vibration Mount 1 7.59
$20 Promotional Discount 1 -20.00
SHIPPING AND PAYMENT
In-Stock Items: $106.53
Standard Shipping: $7.99
Total $114.52
I have a lot of stuff on hand, hinges, glue, MonoKote, paint, etc. so the list does not reflect all the parts that will be used. Because of the limited space in the nose I decided to use the fiber impregnated motor mount that came with my Tiporare GP kit rather than the Sullivan flex mount like I used in the Tiporare. Because the fuselage is balsa and plywood it should absorb some of the engine shock.
I’m still working on the Dynamic Balsa order.
To be continued…
Macs Long Tuned Pipe Adapter O.S. .61 SF/FX/FP 1 26.29
Sullivan R-12 Standard Round Tank 12 oz. 1 4.99
Dubro Treaded Lite Wheels 2-1/4" (2) 1 6.99
Great Planes Axle for Wire 1-1/4x5/32" (2) 1 3.49
Top Flite MonoKote Jet White 6' 1 10.99
Top Flite MonoKote Missile Red 6' 1 10.99
Top Flite LustreKote 10 oz. Spray Paint Primer White 1 6.99
Top Flite LustreKote 10 oz. Spray Jet White 1 6.99
Dubro Heavy Duty Strip Aileron Horn Set 1 3.89
Sullivan Gold-N-Clevis 4-40 (2) 1 1.59
Goldberg Wheel Collars 5/32" (4) 1 2.49
Goldberg Link Rods (6) 1 1.99
Tower Hobbies Plywood 1/4x6x12" (1) 1 1.79
Tower Hobbies Plywood 1/8x6x12" 5-Ply (1) 1 1.79
Dave Brown Spinner 2-1/2" Standard 2-Blade Aluminum 1 21.99
Dave Brown Adapter Nut Short 5/16-24 1 5.69
Dave Brown .60 Hush Clamp Vibration Mount 1 7.59
$20 Promotional Discount 1 -20.00
SHIPPING AND PAYMENT
In-Stock Items: $106.53
Standard Shipping: $7.99
Total $114.52
I have a lot of stuff on hand, hinges, glue, MonoKote, paint, etc. so the list does not reflect all the parts that will be used. Because of the limited space in the nose I decided to use the fiber impregnated motor mount that came with my Tiporare GP kit rather than the Sullivan flex mount like I used in the Tiporare. Because the fuselage is balsa and plywood it should absorb some of the engine shock.
I’m still working on the Dynamic Balsa order.
To be continued…
03-08-2006, 05:19 PM
#25
RE: Blue Angel - Build
ORIGINAL: impactiq
Looking forward to this one 8178! PM or e-mail me your address and I will send you a neat artical about the Blue Angel.
Looking forward to this one 8178! PM or e-mail me your address and I will send you a neat artical about the Blue Angel.
It’s great inspiration. What a beautiful design!
Tsugutaka started with a single stick TX and then moved on to a two stick system!