RE: PHOENIX TUCANO .40-.51 ARF  
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RE: PHOENIX TUCANO .40-.51 ARF - 3/31/2008 12:12:59 AM   
mR JoLLy



Posts: 382
Joined: 11/16/2003
From: Doncaster, UNITED KINGDOM
Status: offline 		Right then Picture time !!!!!

Modifications to the Tucano are as follows.

Stripped all covering
Removed hard wood rails in wings and installed ply former for retracts.
Cut holes in wing for wheels and lined with 1/64 ply
Cut lower sheeting off behind firewall
Installed ply former to hold retract system
Installed shims to hold the tank in position (height not altered)
Purchased a replacement shorter tank to make room for the retracting front wheel as standard tank was too long.
Installed retract servo in wing root.
Installed additional servo in the fuselage for the front wheel system
Re-covered with Black Solarfilm (black is a horrible colour to work with I have found)
Produced graphics and applied (that's what I do for a living by the way )

There is another modification with a small servo in the wing (visible from one of the pictures) That's a surprise for someone so cant say here just in case he is watching, but I will reveal at the weekend!

The retracts I have used are an old (15 years) set of EZ brand mechanicals I think. The front unit had to be altered slightly to work correctly.

I will take a look at the air retract measurements to see if there is room in the wings. I think there should be by all accounts. I will report back. . .

If you guys have any questions fire away.

JoLLy


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(in reply to rcjets_63)
       Post #: 76

RE: PHOENIX TUCANO .40-.51 ARF - 3/31/2008 1:03:30 AM   
rcjets_63



Posts: 240
Joined: 2/26/2008
From: Albuquerque, NM, USA
Status: offline 		Jolly, thanks for the great photos. We all appreciate it and I think that several of us will be taking your lead in retrofitting retracts into this plane. I have several sets of the EZ brand retracts. Between having a set in hand and your great photos, I don't need the measurements; there is plenty of room in the wing.

By the way, your plane really looks fantastic. I am ultra impressed with the eject lines that you put on the canopy. I'm guessing that the second servo in the wing center is for a drop tank or speedbrake but maybe that's too obvious. I shall look forward to reading about it when you reveal the secret.

A few questions:
- What replacement tank did you use (brand/length)?
- What is the balsa block and screw for that is immediately forward of the nose retract? I'm thinking that it is the door stop for the nosewheel door.
- What engine/muffler are you using? Are you also using a muffler extention?
- When the main gear is extended, what is the distance from the wingskin to the axle?
- Same question, but for the nose gear axle to the underside of the fuselage?
- Are you using the wheels from the kit. If not, what diameter of wheels are you using?
- Did you have any trouble getting the nosewheel to fully tuck up into the fuselage?

Once again, really beautiful work. You must post photos of the plane in the air!!!! Thanks for all the info and for posting the photos.

Incidentally, can I talk you into selling me a set of the canopy lines?

Jim

(in reply to mR JoLLy)
       Post #: 77

RE: PHOENIX TUCANO .40-.51 ARF - 3/31/2008 2:38:34 AM   
dlan


 

Posts: 82
Joined: 6/15/2005
From: french valley, CA, USA
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: mR JoLLy
...If you guys have any questions fire away.

JoLLy



Um, can I ship my plane to you! LOL I really admire what you have accomplished here with the bashing, nice job!
I'm starting to think I may fly with the wire gear for now only cause I don't have the patience to perform this operation
at this time. I TRULY do appreciate you taking the time to help us all out!! I have file this information for future use!!!!

Thanks Jolly!

(in reply to mR JoLLy)
       Post #: 78

RE: PHOENIX TUCANO .40-.51 ARF - 3/31/2008 4:35:16 AM   
rcjets_63



Posts: 240
Joined: 2/26/2008
From: Albuquerque, NM, USA
Status: offline 		Well I'm definitely putting in the retracts so thanks for the photos Jolly. I have about 3 complete sets of those EZ retracts. I had them in a variety of planes (most of all a Great Planes UltraSport 40 which weighs about 6 pounds) and the things I remember most are:

- the struts are weak. I had to bend them back into place after every flight. It was almost like they would deform if a gust of wind hit the model when it was on the ground. It looks like you've replaced the struts too. Is that a ground down wheel collar holding the nose gear strut into the retract? I was surprise that you have straight struts on the mains. Why didn't you put in a coil.
- you have to be very careful bending the struts back into place. If you put too much pressure on them (particularly the mains), you'll crack the plastic. I have several that are broken.
- the mains use a brass threaded insert that really isn't that strong. I was forever tightening up the set screws.

By the way, nice mod to the nose gear stearing arm. Cute. Was there a problem with the original?

(in reply to dlan)
       Post #: 79

RE: PHOENIX TUCANO .40-.51 ARF - 4/1/2008 7:47:57 PM   
mR JoLLy



Posts: 382
Joined: 11/16/2003
From: Doncaster, UNITED KINGDOM
Status: offline 		OK been away for a day so just catching up on things!

To answer your questions from earlier:

I have no idea what tank it is as I have had it in my "I'll use it some day box" for some time. I will try and measure it but I suggest you get the wheel retracting as far aft as possible and when it's installed measure for yourself, there could be differences!

The block at the front of the retract is the stop block for the retract. It's an old unit and it's suffering a little so the block just adds a little security. The screw holds it in position and a grub screw in the retract adds extra security. It's made from solid hardwood! The modifications to the front retract were all driven by the fact that the original parts had long since disappeared!

The engine is a standard Irvine 53 and a standard "silent" exhaust. I don't know if you have the same parts as in the UK but every Irvine 53 has this exhaust. I will be running it with 10% Nitro and all synthetic fuel at 16%.

Nose wheel - Fuse skin to axle is approx 94mm and 120mm to the bottom of the wheel. I made the front wheel retract as far back as possible in the space provided. Initially I was going to make it retract into the model but chose not to after a re-think. Putting a bend in the bar would compromise some strength I think. The wheel door was modified accordingly. Kit supplied wheel was used.

Wing wheels - Skin the axle is approx 102mm and 133mm to the bottom of the wing. The wing retracts were measured after the front wheel was sorted as my thinking was the wing wheels were easier to adjust. As it was they worked out just fine with minimal interruption of the wing ribs. Again the kit wheels were used. I have not but a spring wind in the wire as I couldn't be bothered. All flights in the next 2 weeks will be on RAF bases and I will be landing in the main runways (allegedly).

There are a few more pictures to support what I have said here.

Ask again if you need any further explanations.

I can sort out the cockpit explosive lines for you. I will send you a PM to sort things out!

JoLLy.

PS the extra servo in the wing is for none of the things you have suggested


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(in reply to rcjets_63)
       Post #: 80

RE: PHOENIX TUCANO .40-.51 ARF - 4/1/2008 11:03:39 PM   
rcjets_63



Posts: 240
Joined: 2/26/2008
From: Albuquerque, NM, USA
Status: offline 		Hi Jolly,

Thanks for the info and I will look for the PM on the cockpit lines. I have one of those "I'll use it one day boxes" (actually, I have many of them but am trying to reduce the number). Thanks for measuring the length of the gear struts for me, that gives me some guidelines. I'm quite interested in hearing about how your model flies and seeing if you have the bounce problem that I'm having with asphalt. Lucky you to have runways provided courtesy of the RAF. I'm also looking forward to my next test flights with the fixed gear but adjustable axles. I now have reduced the wing incidence and will see if that helps the plane stick to the runway. Unfortunately I won't be able to test it until Sunday. By that time, you'll have flown your model.

I may also have to change to an inverted engine mount as with the current side mount and Pitts muffler, the exhaust is on the centerline right in front of the nose ger strut. Exhaust would blow into the nosewheel well. Ah, it's always something.

Clear skies to you,

Jim

(in reply to mR JoLLy)
       Post #: 81

RE: PHOENIX TUCANO .40-.51 ARF - 4/5/2008 11:47:35 PM   
dlan


 

Posts: 82
Joined: 6/15/2005
From: french valley, CA, USA
Status: offline 		Ah indecision!!

I need some advice. I have two options to use for powering my Tucano 40, either FS 70 or TS 53.
The 70 (OS Surpass, not Surpass II) will take more modification, add more weight where as the 53 (Magnum)
will slip right in.

My question: Will the 53 provide sufficient power? I think yes but would really like to hear from experienced
pilots their opinion. I know the plane specs a 46 but I am hearing mixed opinions on that size engine.

As always, thanks in advance!!

Dlan

(in reply to mR JoLLy)
       Post #: 82

RE: PHOENIX TUCANO .40-.51 ARF - 4/6/2008 12:26:23 AM   
mR JoLLy



Posts: 382
Joined: 11/16/2003
From: Doncaster, UNITED KINGDOM
Status: offline 		Well I gave mine a maiden flight yesterday and it went very well. Controls were very sensitive and gad to be reduced for comfortable flying.

I will weigh the model in the morning to give you an idea of the AUW, but the model has good power for most manoeuvres. It won't go vertical, It won't do a large loop, but I did not expect that from it after the mods seen above.

The Irvine 53 was certainly capable, and it managed very good speed with level flight.

If the TS 53 is as good as the Irvine you will be happy with it I am sure, but then we all want different levels of performance! So the final choice sits with you

JoLLy


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(in reply to dlan)
       Post #: 83

RE: PHOENIX TUCANO .40-.51 ARF - 4/6/2008 1:01:07 AM   
dlan


 

Posts: 82
Joined: 6/15/2005
From: french valley, CA, USA
Status: offline 		Jolly thanks for your input. It's what I assumed but to hear from others experience it always helpful.
I will go with the 53 as it will allow me to have the plane ready quicker. I love FS engines but am a
little too anxious... but then again, I have to wait for the kids ball season to end...

I really do like what you have accomplished with your kit! Can't wait to hear more reports.

Thanks again!

Dlan

(in reply to mR JoLLy)
       Post #: 84

RE: PHOENIX TUCANO .40-.51 ARF - 4/6/2008 7:59:46 AM   
mR JoLLy



Posts: 382
Joined: 11/16/2003
From: Doncaster, UNITED KINGDOM
Status: offline 		No worries. I know what you mean about $ stroke engines. I have a few Laser engines which started my migration to 4 strokes. I now have a 120 FS pumper for my 109 and an unused FS70 which was intended for the Tucano (just like you

I am sure it will end up in a small aerobatic model soon.

You might find it necessary to start a new thread to attract fresh input. Add a link to this thread in the new one for reference sometimes helps.

JoLLy.

(in reply to dlan)
       Post #: 85

RE: PHOENIX TUCANO .40-.51 ARF - 4/7/2008 4:19:38 AM   
rcjets_63



Posts: 240
Joined: 2/26/2008
From: Albuquerque, NM, USA
Status: offline 		Jolly,

Glad to hear that your flight went A-OK. The bird looks fabulous.

Dlan (and any others),

Further to all the posts above concerning retracts, I started putting them in tonight and have uploaded some photos. The nose retract is nowhere near as hard as I thought it might be. There is more than enough room. I think the toughest part will be putting in the main gear as the ribs are too lightweight and will have to be reinforced/replaced. Here are the photos:

Photo 1 - Wing covering cut away from underside to expose the ribs and fixed landing gear.

Photo 2 - Fixed landing gear block cut away leaving the wing ribs with their "stock" reinforcement

Photo 3 - Nose with lower sheeting cut away to give plenty of room to work. Save the sheeting as it is "pre-curved" and can be used to make the wheelwell door. The bottom portion of former #2 has to be cut away. Save the former as a guide as it will have to be replaced later. The EZ retracts are installed on hardwood rails running between the back of the firewall and former #2. The glue joints will be reinforced later as the photo shows the assembly tack-glued in place. The rails are at about a 10 degree angle. This allows the wheel to retract fullying into the nose. A 2-1/4" Dubro wheel was used. The "stock" tank was also used. In it's fully retracted position, the wheel just misses the tank so I glued a piece of black foam tape to the tank to provide a bit more protection against wear should the strut ever bend back. A balsa block was used to mount the steering pushrod. A servo mounting box was constructed from hardwood and balsa and glued behind former #3 and against the inside of the fuselage to mount the retract servo. The box is just over an inch high and the ball-link for the pushrod easily clears the upperside of the wing. Note the shape of the pushrod which remains clear of the tank and wheel.

Photo 4- Nose wheel in retracted position.

Photo 5 - Side view showing the retracted nose wheel. The added red line shows the outline of the lower sheeting (to be reinstalled) and that the wheel will fully retract into the fuselage.

More photos will be posted of the main gear installation as it progresses during the week. The intent is to fly the plane next weekend.



(in reply to mR JoLLy)
       Post #: 86

RE: PHOENIX TUCANO .40-.51 ARF - 4/7/2008 4:21:36 AM   
rcjets_63