Go Back  RCU Forums > RC Airplanes > RC Warbirds and Warplanes
Reload this Page >

How to Build a B-29

Notices
RC Warbirds and Warplanes Discuss rc warbirds and warplanes in this forum.

How to Build a B-29

Old 12-13-2015, 04:00 PM
  #51  
kram
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (7)
 
kram's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: ames, IA
Posts: 1,603
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 3 Posts
Default

Thanks, ragtop!

Just trying to tap into some serious skill and experience that only a few guys would know about otherwise
Old 12-16-2015, 07:37 PM
  #52  
kram
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (7)
 
kram's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: ames, IA
Posts: 1,603
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 3 Posts
Default



A view down the bottom side of left wing

All ribs, flaps and other surfaces are a continuous smooth line, with no dips or humps or ripples. Sheeting will lie flat for attachment and require minimal further work for finishing
Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_1866.JPG
Views:	1298
Size:	230.9 KB
ID:	2136128  
Old 12-16-2015, 07:47 PM
  #53  
kram
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (7)
 
kram's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: ames, IA
Posts: 1,603
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 3 Posts
Default



Aileron and flap servo mounting:

Set servo on 1/32" ply before gluing gussets and placing servo screws. Then servo will be mounted perfectly when ply is removed

Servo mounting frame glued into wing under sheeting. The removable servo fixture screws to this frame

Both servo mounting fixture and aileron horn flush with sheeting

Du-Bro #366 control horns for flaps

Make sure control horn for the flap and the servo horn are perfectly aligned so there is no load on flap servo in the UP position
Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_1867.JPG
Views:	1277
Size:	352.1 KB
ID:	2136129   Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_1868.JPG
Views:	1275
Size:	278.3 KB
ID:	2136130   Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_1869.JPG
Views:	1276
Size:	342.2 KB
ID:	2136131   Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_1870.JPG
Views:	1273
Size:	226.9 KB
ID:	2136132   Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_1871.JPG
Views:	1254
Size:	205.8 KB
ID:	2136133   Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_1872.JPG
Views:	1307
Size:	393.2 KB
ID:	2136134   Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_1873.JPG
Views:	1257
Size:	229.3 KB
ID:	2136135  
Old 12-19-2015, 08:54 PM
  #54  
kram
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (7)
 
kram's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: ames, IA
Posts: 1,603
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 3 Posts
Default



Critical tools for the steps to come:

Master Air Screw hand plane
Air saw
Permagrit in several different grits and shapes
Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_1892.JPG
Views:	1262
Size:	268.9 KB
ID:	2136665   Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_1909.JPG
Views:	1264
Size:	237.3 KB
ID:	2136666   Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_1910.JPG
Views:	1267
Size:	237.2 KB
ID:	2136667  
Old 12-19-2015, 08:58 PM
  #55  
kram
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (7)
 
kram's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: ames, IA
Posts: 1,603
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 3 Posts
Default



LANDING GEAR

Make a retract jig out of 3/32" balsa with a 1/32" ply laminate
Jig sands easily and simplifies getting a good fit
Then trace off jig to cut the REAL 1/4" LG plate
Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_1893.JPG
Views:	1236
Size:	260.9 KB
ID:	2136668   Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_1894.JPG
Views:	1235
Size:	245.9 KB
ID:	2136669  
Old 12-19-2015, 09:01 PM
  #56  
kram
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (7)
 
kram's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: ames, IA
Posts: 1,603
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 3 Posts
Default



I make the mount with two laminated 1/4" aircraft ply plates and 4 blind nuts
Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_1895.JPG
Views:	1245
Size:	320.4 KB
ID:	2136670  
Old 12-19-2015, 09:05 PM
  #57  
kram
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (7)
 
kram's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: ames, IA
Posts: 1,603
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 3 Posts
Default



Make another jig of scrap 3/32" balsa that fits exactly in the top of the well, butting nicely against ribs on the side, front and rear spars on ends

Then, once you get that perfect fit, trace and cut the real thing out of 1/4" BALSA and glue it to the top sheets and all the aforementioned sides. This will help spread the load of imperfect landings to the whole retract well, heck the entire inner wing

(see previous video of Mark's landing)
Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_1896.JPG
Views:	1223
Size:	301.3 KB
ID:	2136671  

Last edited by kram; 12-21-2015 at 04:14 PM.
Old 12-19-2015, 09:14 PM
  #58  
kram
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (7)
 
kram's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: ames, IA
Posts: 1,603
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 3 Posts
Default



With wing still glued to table at ZERO degrees center, level plywood mounting plate to ZERO degrees in all directions.

Mark this position on ribs to either side and rear spar
Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_1898.JPG
Views:	1263
Size:	277.1 KB
ID:	2136672  
Old 12-19-2015, 09:19 PM
  #59  
kram
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (7)
 
kram's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: ames, IA
Posts: 1,603
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 3 Posts
Default



Next, shape two rails for the gear plate of laminated 1/4" aircraft ply and 1/4" lite ply (1/2" total) to glue to front and rear spar and ribs on either side.

Check dry fit for ZERO degree plate mounting in all directions before gluing
Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_1900.JPG
Views:	1205
Size:	258.2 KB
ID:	2136673   Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_1901.JPG
Views:	1234
Size:	247.0 KB
ID:	2136674  
Old 12-19-2015, 09:26 PM
  #60  
kram
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (7)
 
kram's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: ames, IA
Posts: 1,603
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 3 Posts
Default



Straight in all directions!

Take a deep breath!

(or start on the other side)
Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_1902.JPG
Views:	1776
Size:	407.5 KB
ID:	2136675   Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_1903.JPG
Views:	1724
Size:	292.9 KB
ID:	2136676   Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_1904.JPG
Views:	1748
Size:	243.9 KB
ID:	2136677   Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_1905.JPG
Views:	1730
Size:	267.7 KB
ID:	2136678   Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_1906.JPG
Views:	1729
Size:	220.9 KB
ID:	2136679  
Old 12-19-2015, 09:33 PM
  #61  
kram
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (7)
 
kram's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: ames, IA
Posts: 1,603
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 3 Posts
Default



Trim and smooth the surface at center-wing for the ply doublers.

Epoxy doubler in place

Custom carve and glue some little plywood wedges to fill the gaps between between doubler and bottom spars

Obviously, this joint needs to be really strong for such a long-winged bird
Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_1907.JPG
Views:	1277
Size:	211.5 KB
ID:	2136680   Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_1911.JPG
Views:	1258
Size:	260.9 KB
ID:	2136681  
Old 12-19-2015, 09:43 PM
  #62  
kram
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (7)
 
kram's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: ames, IA
Posts: 1,603
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 3 Posts
Default

6-32 bolts and blind nuts for the main gear mounts
Old 12-21-2015, 04:24 PM
  #63  
kram
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (7)
 
kram's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: ames, IA
Posts: 1,603
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 3 Posts
Default



Center bottom spar joined and 1/2" balsa fit and epoxied to spar doubler

Added air tanks.

I will cut opening in top wing from first rib to first rib and front to back spar to provide access to brake controller, retract valve and other stuff

Glued hardwood wedges to fill gaps twixt spars and spar doubler

Robart hinge pockets (#315) EIGHT per flap in wing TE

1/8" Robart hinges (#307) will glue into flap LE
Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_1927.JPG
Views:	1213
Size:	284.8 KB
ID:	2136959   Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_1928.JPG
Views:	1238
Size:	372.8 KB
ID:	2136960  
Old 12-26-2015, 12:06 PM
  #64  
kram
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (7)
 
kram's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: ames, IA
Posts: 1,603
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 3 Posts
Default



To pinpoint location for control horns and servo mounting, I cut wood screw tips and mount them in mounting holes, then press bottom sheeting down gently to mark the cut-out locations

I use T-pins to line up the wing sheeting before applying CA

Sheeting is simple after all the work I did and the ribs, etc, to make them perfect gluing contacts. Having servos, control horns and gear completed prior to sheeting makes both the sheeting and the hardware installation faster and more accurate
Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_1937.JPG
Views:	1206
Size:	255.4 KB
ID:	2137683   Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_1938.JPG
Views:	1215
Size:	308.7 KB
ID:	2137684   Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_1939.JPG
Views:	1192
Size:	259.5 KB
ID:	2137685  
Old 12-26-2015, 12:10 PM
  #65  
kram
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (7)
 
kram's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: ames, IA
Posts: 1,603
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 3 Posts
Default



Working on wing tip plug-ins
Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_1963.JPG
Views:	1209
Size:	259.5 KB
ID:	2137689   Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_1964.JPG
Views:	1183
Size:	316.6 KB
ID:	2137690   Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_1966.JPG
Views:	1194
Size:	296.6 KB
ID:	2137691  
Old 12-26-2015, 12:27 PM
  #66  
kram
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (7)
 
kram's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: ames, IA
Posts: 1,603
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 3 Posts
Default



Bottom of center wing with the four 4-40 screws that hold the wing tips to the plane


I use two 1/32" ply rib caps, then slide the wing tips in place with epoxy on the tip side and center side of the 1/32" caps. Slide the tips tightly into place and lock them, then there will be no gaps and the assembled wing will look like one seamless piece.


Indentation marked with an arrow was made by tapping hinge rod at wing tip. I'll make a pocket there. This is so hinge rod can be accessed to remove the aileron without major surgery
Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_1971.JPG
Views:	1186
Size:	213.0 KB
ID:	2137692   Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_1972.JPG
Views:	1159
Size:	222.7 KB
ID:	2137693   Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_1974.JPG
Views:	1186
Size:	237.9 KB
ID:	2137694  
Old 12-26-2015, 12:34 PM
  #67  
kram
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (7)
 
kram's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: ames, IA
Posts: 1,603
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 3 Posts
Default



Time to add gap strips using 3/32" hard balsa

Great (and easy) way to smooth flow over the airfoil and improve aileron response in-flight

To ensure there is plenty of room under the gap strip for aileron LE to move freely, make sure the aileron LE is rounded precisely and the hinge rod is smack-dab in the center of the semi-circle that is the LE
Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_1967.JPG
Views:	1201
Size:	248.4 KB
ID:	2137695   Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_1968.JPG
Views:	1177
Size:	250.4 KB
ID:	2137696   Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_1969.JPG
Views:	1222
Size:	316.9 KB
ID:	2137697   Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_1970.JPG
Views:	1219
Size:	290.2 KB
ID:	2137698  
Old 12-26-2015, 12:40 PM
  #68  
kram
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (7)
 
kram's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: ames, IA
Posts: 1,603
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 3 Posts
Default



Topside, center, cut access pocket that extends to first ribs, right and left, and front to rear spar.

A LOT of "goodies" will live here

I laminate the bottom of this pocket with 1/4" balsa to strengthen. Storage, handling, assembly and disassembly of the wing commonly requires lifting from center-bottom of the wing
Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_1975.JPG
Views:	1145
Size:	259.8 KB
ID:	2137701  
Old 12-26-2015, 12:45 PM
  #69  
kram
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (7)
 
kram's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: ames, IA
Posts: 1,603
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 3 Posts
Default

I know some of you are thinking: "Dwayne can't build this fast. He's not even retired!"

"Mark must've stockpiled these photos and he's doling them out too fast"

Nope, this is real speed.

It is possible that having built several B-29's gives him a Spider Sense of where he's going every step of the way

Dang! I wish I had that!


Mark
Old 12-26-2015, 02:04 PM
  #70  
foodstick
 
foodstick's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: ankeny, IA
Posts: 5,599
Likes: 0
Received 13 Likes on 11 Posts
Default

You must have a HIGH tolerance for CA fumes to go like this ! hahahahh

It would cost an extra $1000.00 dollars to build this plane with Odorless CA

I always forget to look in the building room when I swing by Dwaynes flyin....
Old 12-27-2015, 03:26 PM
  #71  
kram
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (7)
 
kram's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: ames, IA
Posts: 1,603
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 3 Posts
Default



A couple of added hours back-fitting the leading edge:

The 1/2" thick LE planking on the plans is not quite thick enough to build the scale LE

To correct that requires cutting, sanding and adding balsa
Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_1977.JPG
Views:	1182
Size:	208.6 KB
ID:	2138010   Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_1983.JPG
Views:	1211
Size:	300.8 KB
ID:	2138011  
Old 12-27-2015, 03:28 PM
  #72  
kram
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (7)
 
kram's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: ames, IA
Posts: 1,603
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 3 Posts
Default



Wing ready for nacelles starting tomorrow

LE was a hassle, but looks great now
Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_1984.JPG
Views:	1223
Size:	245.2 KB
ID:	2138015  
Old 12-28-2015, 06:23 PM
  #73  
kram
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (7)
 
kram's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: ames, IA
Posts: 1,603
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 3 Posts
Default



Nacelle building and engine mounting starts with parts that are not on Don Smith plans

First step is making firewalls by tracing cowls on 1/4" aircraft ply

Carefully mark: Dead Center Lines, both horizontal and vertical. These will be critical later for alignment

I mount Saito .91 engines at 40 degrees from horizontal. That makes starting and adjusting easy
Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_1985.JPG
Views:	1159
Size:	173.7 KB
ID:	2138266   Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_1986.JPG
Views:	1175
Size:	290.1 KB
ID:	2138267   Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_1987.JPG
Views:	1167
Size:	138.0 KB
ID:	2138268  

Last edited by kram; 12-29-2015 at 08:33 PM.
Old 12-28-2015, 06:30 PM
  #74  
kram
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (7)
 
kram's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: ames, IA
Posts: 1,603
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 3 Posts
Default



Second piece (there will be 4 pieces for each nacelle) is the front flange of the nacelle that is right behind the firewall and the firewall bolts to it. As you can see, 24 oz fuel tank slides right through it, so can be easily accessed and serviced

Make four identical flanges of 1/4" aircraft ply
Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_1990.JPG
Views:	1172
Size:	255.4 KB
ID:	2138269   Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_1991.JPG
Views:	1166
Size:	256.1 KB
ID:	2138270  

Last edited by kram; 12-28-2015 at 06:59 PM.
Old 12-28-2015, 07:11 PM
  #75  
kram
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (7)
 
kram's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: ames, IA
Posts: 1,603
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 3 Posts
Default



Four key parts of the firewall:

1) flange for front of nacelle
2) smaller flange that glues to the back of #1 to give nacelle planking something to hold on to. Made of light ply and exactly 1/8" smaller than #1 all the way around
3) 1/4" aircraft ply firewall
4) 1/8" aircraft ply cowl ring. Bolts on to firewall to hold cowl on and allow easy accessibilty
Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_1992.JPG
Views:	1156
Size:	266.3 KB
ID:	2138282  

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.