Q500 Smorgasbord
06-24-2014, 04:47 PM
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Q500 Smorgasbord
There are several fine composite Q500 designs as well as Q500 kits.
So what do you do if you want to Mix and Match?
Here are a few of the popular models:
So what do you do if you want to Mix and Match?
Here are a few of the popular models:
- Seeker
- Candy Kane
- Mad Dog
- Sam-Rai
06-24-2014, 04:53 PM
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Q500 Smorgasbord
You are in luck if you like to build.
I've emailed the designer of each model and each has given me permission to publish sketches specific to each model.
The following are the tail surface for each design.
I've emailed the designer of each model and each has given me permission to publish sketches specific to each model.
The following are the tail surface for each design.
08-02-2014, 04:52 PM
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Q500 Smorgasbord
There are several different wing configurations for the Q500 model.
The following are suggestions based upon my personal experience:
The following are suggestions based upon my personal experience:
- 424 class: Wings with a lifting airfoil such as used on GP Viper or Matney's Models Mad Dog work well.
- 426 class: I've had excellent results with both the 66-012 airfoil and the Sam-Rai airfoil on my models.
08-02-2014, 05:18 PM
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Q500 Smorgasbord
I purchased 1/16" x 10.5" x 48" lightweight balsa sheets from National Balsa.
Two sheets were taped together to make a sheet of balsa approximately 21" x 48".
A 7/8" wide piece of carbon fiber was tacked in place on the lower balsa sheet.
A layer of 1.6 ounce fiberglass cloth is applied over the wing sheeting.
Carbon fiber tow is used to make the leading edge for my model. Eight widths of 12K tow were laid over the sheeting at taped joint.
Two sheets were taped together to make a sheet of balsa approximately 21" x 48".
A 7/8" wide piece of carbon fiber was tacked in place on the lower balsa sheet.
A layer of 1.6 ounce fiberglass cloth is applied over the wing sheeting.
Carbon fiber tow is used to make the leading edge for my model. Eight widths of 12K tow were laid over the sheeting at taped joint.
Last edited by sahartman21; 08-02-2014 at 05:26 PM.
08-02-2014, 05:38 PM
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Q500 Smorgasbord
The 426 or 428 wing must be strong and this is accomplished by adding a vertical carbon fiber sheer on the top.
I used a 14 thousandths x 1/2" x 18" piece of carbon lamenant for the vertical sheer.
A hobby saw was used to cut a grove for the vertical sheer.
Some finishing epoxy was applied to both sides of the sheer and it was slid in place.
I used a 14 thousandths x 1/2" x 18" piece of carbon lamenant for the vertical sheer.
A hobby saw was used to cut a grove for the vertical sheer.
Some finishing epoxy was applied to both sides of the sheer and it was slid in place.
08-02-2014, 05:41 PM
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Q500 Smorgasbord
Finishing epoxy was applied to the carbon fiber tow until it was damp.
One ounce of finishing epoxy was mixed and was applied to each side of the wing half. A plastic squeegee was used to spread out the finishing epoxy.
One ounce of finishing epoxy was mixed and was applied to each side of the wing half. A plastic squeegee was used to spread out the finishing epoxy.
Last edited by sahartman21; 08-02-2014 at 05:44 PM.
08-02-2014, 05:52 PM
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Q500 Smorgasbord
The wing core was placed on top of the bottom wing sheeting. The sheeting was then folded at the taped joint located at the wing leading edge.
The wing parts were then laid on the bottom shucks and aligned as required. Parts were then pinned in place.
The top wing shuck was aligned and then pinned in place. I followed by taping all parts together.
The wing parts were then laid on the bottom shucks and aligned as required. Parts were then pinned in place.
The top wing shuck was aligned and then pinned in place. I followed by taping all parts together.
08-02-2014, 06:01 PM
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Q500 Smorgasbord
The following is how I vacuum bag the wing:
1) Place the wing on an oversized piece of plastic tarp. I typically purchase approximately 4 mil thick by 36" wide.
2) Put a piece of rope on the outside of the wing to provide ventilation.
3) Tape the vacuum hose near the rope.
4) Lay a layer of paper towel on top of the wing shucks.
5) Apply a bead of latex caulking around the edge of the bag.
6) Close the bag and mash the caulking for a good seal.
7) Turn on the vacuum pump. Mine is set to provide about 6" of Hg vacuum.
The air should pull out of the bag and the pump should turn off when the vacuum is reached.
Double check for leaks after a few minutes of operation. If there are leaks, specifically check around the creases of the plastic tarp.
1) Place the wing on an oversized piece of plastic tarp. I typically purchase approximately 4 mil thick by 36" wide.
2) Put a piece of rope on the outside of the wing to provide ventilation.
3) Tape the vacuum hose near the rope.
4) Lay a layer of paper towel on top of the wing shucks.
5) Apply a bead of latex caulking around the edge of the bag.
6) Close the bag and mash the caulking for a good seal.
7) Turn on the vacuum pump. Mine is set to provide about 6" of Hg vacuum.
The air should pull out of the bag and the pump should turn off when the vacuum is reached.
Double check for leaks after a few minutes of operation. If there are leaks, specifically check around the creases of the plastic tarp.
Last edited by sahartman21; 08-02-2014 at 06:18 PM.
08-03-2014, 01:12 PM
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Q500 Smorgasbord
My fuselage had "Wash Me" on it, which is a reminder to wash any residual release agent from the fiberglass fuselage.
I used shampoo and water to complete the cleaning task.
I used shampoo and water to complete the cleaning task.
08-03-2014, 06:19 PM
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Q500 Smorgasbord
The leading edge was trimmed so that it extended about 1/8" past the foam. Shape the edge to shape.
The trailing edge was trimmed until the cord was 9 7/8" wide.
Use a maker to indicate where to sand the trailing edge. Carefully sand until the trailing edge is properly shaped.
The trailing edge was trimmed until the cord was 9 7/8" wide.
Use a maker to indicate where to sand the trailing edge. Carefully sand until the trailing edge is properly shaped.
09-06-2014, 11:25 AM
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Q500 Smorgasbord
The wing dowel inserts were installed at the center section.
The Sam-Rai or Vortex style wing tip works well. The pictures show construction in progress.
The Sam-Rai or Vortex style wing tip works well. The pictures show construction in progress.
Last edited by sahartman21; 09-06-2014 at 11:28 AM.
09-07-2014, 11:26 AM
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Q500 Smorgasbord
The following pictures shows the fabrication of the ailerons:
The ailerons are cut on the bottom and torque rods are installed.
A mixture of finishing epoxy and micro-balloons fills the slots. This is allowed to dry and will later be shaped flush.
The ailerons are cut on the bottom and torque rods are installed.
A mixture of finishing epoxy and micro-balloons fills the slots. This is allowed to dry and will later be shaped flush.
09-07-2014, 04:57 PM
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Q500 Smorgasbord
After a couple hours the finishing epoxy and micro-balloon mix has the consistency of soap.
A scrapper blade leveled the surface in just a few minutes.
The wing weighs in at 16.9 ounces, which is a little heavy. A lightweight color coat and clear coat will be required to keep the weight down.
A scrapper blade leveled the surface in just a few minutes.
The wing weighs in at 16.9 ounces, which is a little heavy. A lightweight color coat and clear coat will be required to keep the weight down.
09-13-2014, 05:33 PM
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Q500 Smorgasbord
The majority of my models need nose weight or a longer nose to balance.
I typically lengthen the nose by adding a 3/8" thick spacer of plywood behind the motor mount.
The following pictures show how to make the spacer:
I typically lengthen the nose by adding a 3/8" thick spacer of plywood behind the motor mount.
The following pictures show how to make the spacer:
09-24-2014, 11:01 AM
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Q500 Smorgasbord
The following pictures shows the construction of the "V" Tail.
A mixture of micro-balloons and finishing epoxy was used to fill the groove.
A mixture of micro-balloons and finishing epoxy was used to fill the groove.
Last edited by sahartman21; 09-24-2014 at 11:07 AM.