Building a TOP FLITE ELDER (Full Version)

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rlenty -> Building a TOP FLITE ELDER (1/2/2008 3:56:32 AM)

Hi everyone. I am thinking about building an Elder from Top Flite, but i have a doubt that i would like to solve. Machine guns? What am i supposed to use? and the pilot.? TOP FLITE recommends william brother's product, but in towerhobbies are not available. Where can i find this products? Do you guys have a better option? help me please.
Thank you.



Dr1Driver -> RE: Building a TOP FLITE ELDER (1/2/2008 12:28:22 PM)

BUSA makes a nice Spandau gun, but I don't know if they hav the right scale for the Elder. Check Arizona Model Aircrafters, too. You should be able to find WB products still available. I believe the line was purchased by someone who has started production again. I think the website is operating, too. Do a Google.

Dr.1



thibor -> RE: Building a TOP FLITE ELDER (1/2/2008 12:36:43 PM)

Hey,

I'm starting on the Elder to! I think within a month or so. Can you make this a nice build threat please??
It is my first kit build and I'd love to be able to fall back on build threat.

I'm planning on using a Saito .56 for power, wich servo's are you gonna use?

Have much fun building!
Phil



rlenty -> RE: Building a TOP FLITE ELDER (1/2/2008 12:44:04 PM)

Hello Thibor: I am using futaba's 3004. The plane according to Top Flite doesn't need high torque. 44 oz. of torque will be enough. Remember that wire wheels are a good choice.



thibor -> RE: Building a TOP FLITE ELDER (1/2/2008 1:10:52 PM)

Thanks rlenty for the info on the servo's, I'm gonna buy them this weekend. The whire wheels look indeed like a good choice.

I have been looking for a bisson pitts style muffler for the saito 56. Slimline offers these exhausts for 4-stroke engines but only from a 1.00 and up. Anyone know a source where I could find this for the .56?

Thanks,
Phil



Don41 -> RE: Building a TOP FLITE ELDER (1/2/2008 5:39:34 PM)

The Williams Bros accessories are sold by Sig Manufacturing. I bought the Parabellum machine gun (1/6 scale) WBR16300. It comes with an ammo belt. I chose the 1/6 scale pilot WBR17600. Keep in mind you'll need plastic glue and a selection of paint (I ordered Testors enamel from Tower Hobbies).

Just looking at the dimensions I was a little leery of the TopFlite wire wheel's 4" diameter however when placed on the fuselage they look fine. They are a little heavy but I doubt they'll be too heavy.

I'm mounting my Saito 56 with stock muffler.

I used the recommended Monokote color but it has been a little uncooperative while trying to place it on the wingtip. It has been a humbling experience (:-). If you go with the standard color scheme I found the Monokote self adhesive trim colors work well on the rudder.

I varied from the recommended construction in a few places but even though I meant to take pictures I always seemed to forget so I can't post picts. Sorry.

I would recommend using wet 1/16th sheets of skin on the nose. Two layers laminated with wood glue worked well and were easier to shape to the compound curves.

Don't add the gussets to the top rear fuselage where the stab is attached otherwise you will have to relieve the stab in order to fit flush to the fuselage.

As suggested by someone else, mount the engine so you have room to add soft balsa to the tip of the nose. This will allow you to create a rounded look. Not too rounded though or you may have trouble adding the chrome Monokote trim.

More than you asked for but you touched my gabby bug (:-).

Regards






rlenty -> RE: Building a TOP FLITE ELDER (1/3/2008 2:35:07 AM)

Thank you very much Don41. As soon as i start to build it i let you know



nhpdofficer -> RE: Building a TOP FLITE ELDER (1/4/2008 11:40:05 PM)

nice to see a Forum on this. I got the kit for Christmas, I just finnished the Revolver I also got, so now I am about to start building the elder. I'm also wanting to add a gun, but not sure witch one. I also got the T.F. scale wire wheels. I plan to use a FX46 on mine.



thibor -> RE: Building a TOP FLITE ELDER (1/9/2008 9:05:26 AM)

Hey,

how are the builds going? Would love to see some tips and photo's.

Phil



papermache -> RE: Building a TOP FLITE ELDER (1/9/2008 12:26:46 PM)

rlenty,

One suggestion for your Elder. I don't know what kind of engine you'll be using, but if it's a 2-stroke, I'd suggest a horizontal mount instead of inverted. 2-strokes just don't run as well inverted.

papermache



Skinny Bob -> RE: Building a TOP FLITE ELDER (1/9/2008 2:19:07 PM)

Here is the Williams Bros. URL: http://www.williamsbrothersmodelproducts.com/



FlyingPilgrim -> RE: Building a TOP FLITE ELDER (1/9/2008 9:08:54 PM)

Here's some pics of mine.



Don41 -> RE: Building a TOP FLITE ELDER (1/9/2008 10:59:59 PM)

Very nice Pilgrim. I really wish I had not gotten in a hurry and painted my exposed structure black (didn't have brown that day). At this point I can't decide whether to try adding brown over the black (assuming I can find some) or just leave it as is.



FlyingPilgrim -> RE: Building a TOP FLITE ELDER (1/9/2008 11:08:15 PM)

I ended up staining my exposed wood with Minwax stain, then clear polyurathane over it. The oil content of the stain cause minor problem with the epoxy bonding the wood pieces (I stained all parts first, then assembled to avoid clear glue joints). I would think painting brown over the black paint should yield good results, you could even simulate added wood grain using a dry-brush technique, giving some contrast to the color.



Don41 -> RE: Building a TOP FLITE ELDER (1/10/2008 12:38:30 AM)

That's a good thought. I'm a little concerned I might dig a whole that's hard to get out of but the fact is I don't like the black so it's worth a shot.




jdr43 -> RE: Building a TOP FLITE ELDER (3/7/2008 4:31:19 PM)

Here are is a pic of mine, have not had a chance to fly it yet.

Jim R




FlyingPilgrim -> RE: Building a TOP FLITE ELDER (3/7/2008 9:04:13 PM)

Nice job, Jim. Did you use the tail wheel or the skid? I used the music wire skid on mine, and found ground handling a challenge. Once in the air, it's just like a trainer, and looks great on those low fly-bys. Hope you enjoy yours.



jdr43 -> RE: Building a TOP FLITE ELDER (3/8/2008 2:47:57 AM)

Hi pilgram, I fly off a grass field and installed a Sullivan Tail Wheel on my Elder




FlyingPilgrim -> RE: Building a TOP FLITE ELDER (3/8/2008 5:08:37 AM)

If anyone is still building this kit, I would suggest the tail wheel. I may even convert mine at some point. I knew before I built it that ground handling would be "interesting", but was surprised at just how much. On paved runway, it is difficult to limit how much it swings on the skid, even by giving short bursts of throttle. On grass, the blades of grass tend to catch and bunch up where the wires of the skid form a "V" shape in back. On one take-off, it wouldn't move. I kept giving it more and more throttle, then BOOM, she launched as the grass blades tore out of the ground. When I landed, there was a clump of grass still there. It does not like to turn while on the grass, either. I think if you wanted a skid, a better design would be a hardwood piece that turns with the rudder, but easiest would be just to use the wheel.



cdaubs -> RE: Building a TOP FLITE ELDER (3/8/2008 5:28:31 AM)

I had a Top Flight Elder 40 way back in the mid 80's. Mine had a Saito 45 and flew great. In fact, I liked it so much that I recently located another "old stock" kit and am going to build another one. I plan on using another Saito 45 and detailing like the palnes above. Good luck to you on your plane.



thibor -> RE: Building a TOP FLITE ELDER (4/14/2008 10:21:50 AM)

Hey,

Been out for a while, I''m rebuilding my garage to a workshop. Within a few weeks I can get started on the Elder kit.

What''s the progress with the builds??
Any good info or pics??

Thanks,
Phil



jdr43 -> RE: Building a TOP FLITE ELDER (4/14/2008 12:32:28 PM)

Flew mine last week for the first time. Flew very well, took off at about half throttle with an OS 56fs. very little rudder correction on take off.

Jim R




thibor -> RE: Building a TOP FLITE ELDER (4/14/2008 1:07:29 PM)

Hey Jim,

Did you come across any faults in the manuel??
Any tips for the build? Did you need to reinforce something?

Which servo''s did you use?

Does the .56 fit or did you have to modificate? Does the Elder fly realistic with it? I always build a bit overpowered and then fly at 3/4 throttle.
...

Sorry for the many questions, but since it''s my first kitbuild, I want the best prep I can have ;-)

Thanks,
Phil



jdr43 -> RE: Building a TOP FLITE ELDER (4/14/2008 1:32:41 PM)

Hi Phil,
The Elder flys very realistic, I used the motor mount that came with the kit with no modification. The manual was pretty good I didn''t have any problems. I used Hitec standard servos HS-325.

Jim R




thibor -> RE: Building a TOP FLITE ELDER (5/11/2008 11:58:50 AM)

Hey,

well my garage is now a very nice workshop, still have to do the final work, but couldn't resist on starting the elder...

I just got the stab done, just one question:

The manuel tells me to glue cap strips on the ribs. Is this aswel top as bottom?? I would think so, but ask anyway.
My real question: on the plan it says to remove the cap strips on the left side of the stab...

Can anyone tell me what to do. I'm thinking of glueing cap strips left and right, top and bottom. I'll sand them down to the shape on the cross section of the plans.

Thanks for your thoughts.

Phil




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