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RE: Skybolt hangar and clubhouse - 2/28/2010 6:34 AM   
Jaybird


 

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From: Hallowell, ME, USA
Status: offline 		A little more work today on the tail servos and pushrod tubes after finally gluing the fuselage together up to the firewall and the front end of the tank mounting plate last night. I'm still waiting for the engine to arrive so I can layout the mount on the firewall (wow, what awful splintery plywood supplied for that). I can still spread the front of the fuselage apart far enough to slip the firewall in and out. I made some reinforcing plates to support the landing gear mount and added a bass wood cross member to the half former that goes on the bottom of the tank plate (also an awful piece of plywood). I'm hoping it will spread some of the landing loads better than the kit design. I put in two bass wood rails to mount the servos to with one rail removable to allow the tank to go in and out through the wing saddle area (thanks to those that mentioned that it would fit). I have gone with two separate pushrods clamped together for the elevator halves instead of the single center horn. I'm quite happy with the outcome so far, although there are a lot of very crude die crushed balsa and plywood pieces making for some interesting assemblies. I have the upper wing cabane struts glued into their holders but I haven't mounted them yet since the tank and firewall aren't attached. I saw in one build thread where a high end laser level with vertical and horizontal beams was used to align different assemblies. I found a small Royobi single beam unit at Home Depot for under $30 and I've used it quite a bit to check alignment of the fuselage formers and the tail. It will be very handy for installing the cabane struts. I drew centerlines on all the formers and it really helps sighting by eye and is great with the red laser sight line.

I hope to start the wings soon.

Jaybird

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< Message edited by Jaybird -- 3/1/2010 5:18 PM >

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RE: Skybolt hangar and clubhouse - 3/1/2010 3:02 AM   
Zor



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Status: offline 		Jaybird,

I am following your progress with great interest.

Have a good laugh at me. My laser beam consisted of a #10 white sewing thread under tension. It worked fine.

You probably plan to wait cementing the cabane base after you have your top wing available to insert in position and check the top wing incidence.

Keep us posted at your convenience.

Cheers

Zor




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RE: Skybolt hangar and clubhouse - 3/1/2010 5:28 PM   
Jaybird


 

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Status: offline 		This weekend I was busy with my other hobby...Barbershop style four-part harmony...I sing in a quartet (four people) and a chorus (41 people) and we had a workshop coaching day on Saturday.

I did get a little more done with the tail and added wedges to the vertical fin post so that it will mate up with the angled side plates as they come together. The laser came in handy to make sure the vertical fin was vertical. I found that the side plates need a little help coming together so that the fin is straight up and not tilted to one one side. It's pretty subtle but makes a big difference in alignment. I also hinged the elevator halves and now they need to be finished shaped.

I'll be taking the fuselage and tail to a couple of club meetings this week so folks can see my progress first hand.

Jaybird

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RE: Skybolt hangar and clubhouse - 3/2/2010 12:07 AM   
stevenmax50


 

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Status: offline 		Hi fellas.  Can you still buy the Skybolt in kit form?  I do not see anything other than an ARF at the Great Planes site.

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RE: Skybolt hangar and clubhouse - 3/2/2010 12:11 AM   
Jaybird


 

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Status: offline 		Only if someone has it hiding in a closet or crashed in a box.

My kit was manufactured in 1992. I don't know exactly when they stopped but it was several years ago for the Great Planes kit anyway. There may be other manufactures...some have mentioned SIG>

Jaybird

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RE: Skybolt hangar and clubhouse - 3/2/2010 12:56 AM   
hrrcflyer


 

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Status: offline 		Stevenmax50,

I have a 60 size Great Planes and a Sig Skybolt kit at home that I've been thinking about selling. Send me a PM if you're interested.

David

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RE: Skybolt hangar and clubhouse - 3/2/2010 1:11 AM   
Avaiojet


 

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Status: offline 		I have the GP Skybolt ARF NIB.

PM if interested.

Charles

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RE: Skybolt hangar and clubhouse - 3/8/2010 4:13 PM   
Zor



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Status: offline 		Hello everyone,

Went to the flying field yesterday (Sunday).
It is still all soaked with melted snow and nearly got stuck in mud with the car.

The field is in a park in an industrial area and everything closed on Sundays.
Thought I would have to call a tow truck that could also have got stuck in mud.
All nice grass hiding the mud condition. I found out as the tires started slipping and digging down.

The nearest phone was unknown. The tires dug down to the frozen level then were just spinning on the frozen layer.

A bit of luck and I managed to get to more solid ground and got out. Did not see another vehicle on the road for 2 miles. It would have been a long walk trying to find a phone.
I do not have a cell.

jaybird _ _ _ how you progressing on the Skybolt?

The flying season here will not start for another month at the field.

Regards to all readers,

Zor


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RE: Skybolt hangar and clubhouse - 3/8/2010 4:53 PM   
Jaybird


 

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Status: offline 		I haven't done much as I've been waiting for my engine to arrive from my brother in Michigan. I'm also on mandatory overtime at work so my evenings and weekend time has been minimal. I did finally get started on the firewall drilling with the engine and mount. I didn't trust the splintery firewall material to perform by itself so I added a 1/4 lite ply backer to encompass the blind nut mounts and add to the cabane strut mount slots behind the firewall. I then drilled through that piece after the glue dried and added a full area 1/4 ply plate to the front using the die cut pieces as a template. Once that was dry I drilled through that and will shape it to match the die-cut parts. I also found that the fuselage tail had a bend to the right sighting down from the nose and even though I had tried to reposition it with the triangle insert at the stab saddle, it was still off. So there was a fair amount of time required to cut that piece free from the fuselage and clean up the mounting area. I've made new parts using the punch out as a template.
I also did some finish edge sanding on the elevator halves. I've also started trying to sculpt the fuselage bottom to match the formers.

I did get some flying in on Saturday after going into work at the Portland field. All of our snow is gone and the field is completely clear and just a little soft in some places. Our access road was fine (sorry to hear of your trouble) and although it was blustery I got in a couple of flights as the sun was setting..

Jaybird

< Message edited by Jaybird -- 3/8/2010 8:10 PM >

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RE: Skybolt hangar and clubhouse - 3/8/2010 9:01 PM   
Cougar429


 

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Status: offline 		Hello everyone. Just thought I'd jump in. Bought a Sig Skybolt a month ago at a swap meet and am waiting for the right conditions to take it up for the first flight. Anyone familiar with the Ontario winters might know things aren't close to perfect very often. As it was, most of the snow melted in the last week, but the frozen ground does not allow for runoff. Underneath things are pretty soggy. Found even my Eagle 2 and SPAD liked to sink down in the soft gravel when throttled up, the vibrations enough to get things liquid under the tires pretty fast.

I have an EVO 46 swinging an APC 12.25/3.75 prop and since I could not find any info regarding engine size, contacted Sig and was told the motor should pull the plane, but I should increase the pitch.

The plane weighs in at 7lbs 2.4oz and balances perfectly with a 2100 pack under the tank and Higleys Heavy Hub up front. It was built with just the lower ailerons.

Any thoughts or recommendations would be welcome.

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RE: Skybolt hangar and clubhouse - 3/9/2010 12:31 AM   
Zor



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Hello Cougar429,

Hopefully someone else that has a Sig Skybolt will assist you with some information.

My comments here are generalized based on a model weighing 7 1/2 lbs. 72 inches wingspan high wing monoplane and powered with a K&B 45 engine and a wooden prop 12 x 6 or 7 (markings on the prop are gone).

By today's general practice it is underpowered. It flys very realistically. The take off run is fairly long and experiments I made gave me the feeling that maximum speed at most is about twice the stalling speed in straight and level flight. Something similar to the full size airplane.

I tried to find specs on the Sig Skybolt but could not find so I am speculating here.
Wingspan known to be 51"
Chord estimated at 7.5"
That would give an area of about 682.5 sq. in. or 4.74 sq ft.
At the weight you mention 7 lbs 2.4 oz which is 7.15 lbs or 114.4 oz
The wing loading would be close to 114.4 / 4.74 = 24.14 oz / sq ft.

A reasonably heavy wing loading.

Above are my thoghts _ _ _ below are some recommendations.

You may consider changing for a more powerful engine since the Skybolt is best as an aerobatic model. Perhaps a .61 two strokes minimum or a 1.0 four strokes.

If you enjoy balsa building you may consider installing aileons on the top wing like the full size Skybolt and the Great Planes models that many have built. See earlier in this hangar.

Just some thoughts. I am not trying to tell you what to do.

The Skybolt is a most enjoyable model to fly.

Zor



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RE: Skybolt hangar and clubhouse - 3/9/2010 8:36 AM   
EJWash1



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quote:

ORIGINAL: Cougar429

I have an EVO 46 swinging an APC 12.25/3.75 prop and since I could not find any info regarding engine size, contacted Sig and was told the motor should pull the plane, but I should increase the pitch.

The plane weighs in at 7lbs 2.4oz and balances perfectly with a 2100 pack under the tank and Higleys Heavy Hub up front. It was built with just the lower ailerons.

Posted are the two labels on the Sig kit box. Engine power is listed at .60 (larger 4-stroke engines weren't around back when kit was on the market). A .46 will not pull this bipe around with any authority. It really begs for a .60 to give you sport performance.

The Sig optioned the builder for either two (lower wing) full-length ailerons or four (outer wing - both wings) shorter "barn door" ailerons. Though you only gain just under two (2) sq. in. of aileron area with four ailerons, they are of course positioned at the outer area of the wing which increases roll rate and makes the model a "hotter" performer. Converting your plane to four ailerons would entail uncovering both wings and more than a bit of surgery.

I flew an Aeromaster (48" wingspan - top wing swept, lower straight) configured with two lower wing full-span ailerons on an OS .60 for years and wanted-not for more roll rate. If it were me in your place, I'd mount a .60 in that 'Bolt and fly the wings off of it as she is.

EJWash

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RE: Skybolt hangar and clubhouse - 3/9/2010 5:11 PM   
Cougar429


 

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Status: offline 		O/K. Thanks. Like to leave myself some margin for power if I need it, so now just have to find a decent motor that size. Kind of on a budget now.

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RE: Skybolt hangar and clubhouse - 3/9/2010 6:42 PM   
Jaybird


 

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Status: offline 		Here are pictures showing the OS 91 from my brother and rear firewall modifications. I bought a Fiberglass Specialties cowl but it seems a little too small at this point to fit over the front of the fuselage. The ABS plastic parts are slightly larger and fit on easier. I'll have to monitor my top and bottom planking to make sure it's small enough for the fiberglass cowl.

Jaybird

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RE: Skybolt hangar and clubhouse - 3/10/2010 3:12 AM   
nevster


 

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From: AdelaideSouth Australia, AUSTRALIA
Status: offline 		Hi Courgar429,
I have a Sig Skybolt and OS 91FS - flies beautifully with this combination. I would suggest that a 46 will be a bit underpowerd - I would recommend no less
than a good 60 two stroke. The skybolt is a real point and shoot type of plane - stays in what ever attitude you put it in. Just remember don't mix ailerons and rudder. Whilst flying
one day it suddenly did 3 snaps rolls on me - luckily I realised in time that I had bumped the aileron/rudder coulpling switch before it hit the ground.

Have fun

Nev

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RE: Skybolt hangar and clubhouse - 3/10/2010 5:48 AM   
EJWash1



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quote:

ORIGINAL: nevster
I have a Sig Skybolt and OS 91FS - flies beautifully with this combination.

That is one pretty ship!

Curious about the covering and finish. Where did you end up at in the total weight?

Thanks for sharing,

EJWash


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RE: Skybolt hangar and clubhouse - 3/13/2010 3:43 PM   
Cougar429


 

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Status: offline 		I have a chance at a Saito 80. Would that be adequate and if so, what prop?

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RE: Skybolt hangar and clubhouse - 3/13/2010 3:48 PM   
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Status: offline 		Nope.

The saito 80 has less power than most 70 size 4-strokes. It may get it in the air, but it will be all you can do to get it above treetop height.

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RE: Skybolt hangar and clubhouse - 3/14/2010 12:33 PM   
nevster


 

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Status: offline 		Hi EJwash,
I think my skybolt weighed about 8.5 lbs (it's been a while since I last flew it) . Covering is solartex painted with enamel - this turned out
to be a bit of a mistake as the paint has cracked in some places as enamel doesn't flex.

Even though it's a bit on the heavy side it still slows down nicely for landings

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RE: Skybolt hangar and clubhouse - 3/16/2010 12:41 AM   
Jaybird


 

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Status: offline 		I finally have a week to work on the Skybolt without that darn work to go to (furlough week) and I've spent 4-1/2 hours today finishing up some details on the fuselage. My stats so far are 24 days out of the last 38 with a total of 63 hours. The firewall is installed with the new doubler added from the previous posts. I've made the tank removeable from the radio compartment with braces on the sides and top and a stop plate that is screwed on. The pressure and fuel lines go straight through the firewall and come out behind the motor mount. The throttle pushrod tube is installed. Since many of you found that you needed to make a hatch in front of the landing gear mount I've made a box to put the battery in and mount the hatch to if I find I need to do the same. I also added 1/4 ply spacer to the landing gear mount and shaped it to support the side planking and seal up the sides. It should help with ground clearance which others have mentioned as being an issue as well. Now I can start planking the underside of the nose after I pick up some 3/16 x 2 that's a little more flexible then the kit material. I can also now proceed with the cabane mounting with the tank in place. Last week I finished up the underside of the tail and I've sanded it to shape. The rudder fin slides nicely into place and is straight up and down and in-line. I'm anxious to finish up the fuselage and get started on the wings.

I'm also taking an introductory tailwheel flight this Wednesday at the Sanford airport in a 2004 Citabria 7GCBC to add a tailwheel endorsement to my private license.

Jaybird

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RE: Skybolt hangar and clubhouse - 3/16/2010 8:48 AM   
EJWash1



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ORIGINAL: Jaybird

I'm also taking an introductory tailwheel flight this Wednesday at the Sanford airport in a 2004 Citabria 7GCBC to add a tailwheel indorsement to my private license.


* ADDICTION ALERT!!! *

I built my flight time between my private and instrument rating in Citabrias and a little bit of Great Lakes. Just over 100 hours 7ECA, 7GCBC, and 7KCAB, and another 20-some hours in the Great Lakes. Still some of most fun flying I've logged. First thing my instructor said (in a heavy French accent) was that you fly taildraggers from when you get in them until you get out of them. Man, was he right!

Have a great time!

EJWash


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RE: Skybolt hangar and clubhouse - 3/17/2010 5:46 AM   
Jaybird


 

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Status: offline 		Turtle deck is finished and I've started on the bottom planking. I've been strapping and clamping the parts in place and soaking them with Windex to get them pre-formed before glueing. It woked really well on the turtledeck sides and after glueing the bottom edge and then soaking and strapping the sides they were formed almost perfectly. The 3/16 x2 for the bottom is a little harder to form as you all know. It's done though and waiting for the sides to be formed.

I preparation for my tailwheel lesson tomorrow, I rented a plane this afternoon and did some take offs and landings at a couple of nearby fields to get my head into new situations and reading the blustery winds that will be around the next few days. Great fun, but it cuts into my building time!

Jaybird

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RE: Skybolt hangar and clubhouse - 3/18/2010 8:10 PM   
Jaybird


 

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Status: offline 		Well, I survived (and the plane did too) my first "tailwheel" introductory flight. It was prtetty ugly at times, but it's a great airplane to fly. I'm looking forward to my next lesson already.

Jaybird



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RE: Skybolt hangar and clubhouse - 3/18/2010 9:09 PM   
Zor



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Hi Jay,

You are bringing back happy memories.

The first time I flew a Citabria the CFI threw the book at me and said "read this an go and fly it". I first took my private pilot license on a Cessna 120 and I was teaching on the 120s.

You will like strong crosswind landings.
Also rapid descent side slipping.
Ask your instructor to go up and practice spins and recovery.

Enjoy,

Zor


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RE: Skybolt hangar and clubhouse - 3/19/2010 6:51 AM   
EJWash1



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quote:

ORIGINAL: Jaybird

I'm looking forward to my next lesson already.


I warned you!

Do you have to qualify in both seats for the endorsement? Do you have to demonstrate wheel landings (mains only) and three-point (full-stall)?

Back when I started flying tailwheels, there wasn't an endorsement. Just depended on the flight school's policy.

WOW, that Explorer is pretty nice! What's with the horizon?

EJWash


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