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Top RC Zero from Gator R/C

Old 02-05-2016, 05:44 PM
  #151  
Stratotanker
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Here is the updated version of the crank.
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Old 02-05-2016, 07:04 PM
  #152  
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that looks great chris . on another note tried the new and improved retract controller and is seems to be the same as the old one maybe im missing something has anybody had luck with these units
Old 02-05-2016, 07:21 PM
  #153  
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very impressive...would like a pair of these for my Zero that arrives next week.
Can we assume the spring loaded inner doors will hang down during transportation?
Old 02-05-2016, 08:06 PM
  #154  
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That would be a correct statement. I will see if I can come up with a simple disconnect so that the doors can be closed for transport. I just put the last jig on the 3D printer so that the final bend can be produced on the tube. Really hoping to have this thing working by the end of tomorrow. Once all is good to go, I will make complete kits with hardware for those interested in a set!

Cheers,
Chris
Old 02-06-2016, 10:14 AM
  #155  
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Jig for second bend complete. Loading up print for cross drilling tubes right now. Really hoping to get this thing working today!

Chris

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Old 02-06-2016, 03:25 PM
  #156  
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Getting closer!


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Old 02-06-2016, 03:40 PM
  #157  
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Looks good !
Old 02-06-2016, 06:21 PM
  #158  
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That is a great engine combination. I wish I had thought of it when I made mine. BTW, where can I get one of the starter cones you used on your drill to start your engine. I have seen that before but never seen where to buy one.
Old 02-07-2016, 07:23 AM
  #159  
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Originally Posted by TimD.
OK, just got back from the field today. Was planning on it last weekend but it was a high of 46 degree, I am from Florida so standing outside in 46 degree weather does NOT work for me. Anyways I put five flights on mine today.
I texted a friend to see if he wanted to met me out there. He said sure , he needed to Review a couple of planes anyways.

I balanced mine at 6 1/8" or 155cm not the 145cm or 5 3/4" stated. The wing planform said it would be nose heavy. I have a Evolution 7-77 radial and the stock gear it came with. This is the first plane that I have owned in 30yrs that has electric retracts. Mine came in at 32lbs with 1.25lbs lead up front.

First flight went ok , but was lacking power 22x12-3blade so I landed it . Touched down perfectly, but an e-clip came off the right wheel and dropped and broke the gear door in half. (SAD) Luckily a buddy had extra e-clips.
I thought OK I can go steal the prop off of my Corsair a 20x14-3blade ( cool back in action). Second flight was much much better good speed and power scale like. The plane handled fine trim only took 2 clicks down and 2 clicks right aileron. Now she is flying like it is on rails. Loops, rolls stalls very clean and smooth. The Zero is very predictable like a pattern ship. I would say flies just like my TopFlite P-51.
Flight three , I started having fun, spins, stalls any maneuver you can think of . Low speed passes are crawling along it floats. Anyways fourth flight , just happy with the design. Fifth Flight I let my buddy " Barracuda" a highly regarded RC reviewer for several magazines , online company's and manufactures have it. He agrees it is a docile beauty and liked it very much.
He took several photos and videos of the flights and will be posted on RCU and Youtube soon. All five flights were greased in on the mains, running true to scale. Gear worked Flawlessly!!

!!!!! I give it two thumbs up !!!!!

Now Gator just needs to do a P-47 for us.
Thanks Tim
I sent you a new wheel cover yesterday. Glad you like the way it flys. I truly think it's the best feature of the TopRCModel planes. Even the Pattern plane we sell the 2 meter Caelus is great.
It takes a lot to satisfy pattern fliers because the idea of using a plane in a serious aerobatic competition puts a lot of pressure on the designers and manufacturer.
As far as what we will have to sell soon I can tell you that we have huge plans to expand the lineup.
Coming in the next year are indeed a P-47. Also an FW-190 and a Corsair.
The first new introduction will be the 4 Jets we have coming.
http://www.gator-rc.com/f9f-cougar-b
Also check out toprcmodel.com to see the other Jets the Super Galeb a Scale Yugoslavian Jet Fighter, The Sport Aspire and the Sport Odyssey.
These planes will be ready to display at Toledo in both the Robart and Gator-RC booths.
As you can see the plans with TopRCModel are proceeding and we are growing to be a brand name.
Thanks, Mike Mueller

Last edited by mups53; 02-07-2016 at 07:51 AM.
Old 02-07-2016, 07:24 AM
  #160  
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This is a copy from another thread that involves the Spitfire.
We are now scheduled to be at the WRAM show in 3 weekends.

If you've never been there check out this link:
http://www.wram.org/
We'll be showing all the Warbirds as well as bringing planes to sell.
You can save shipping costs by having us bring you one to the show.
If interested give us a call and we will include a show special incentive if you prepay.
If anyone had any doubts about the quality of the TopRCModel lineup this will be a good opportunity for you to see them up close and personal.
Hope to see you there. If you plan to attend let us know so we can look for you.
Thanks and have a great day.
Mike Mueller
Old 02-07-2016, 10:18 AM
  #161  
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Originally Posted by LtMash1A
where can I get one of the starter cones you used on your drill to start your engine. I have seen that before but never seen where to buy one.
Its a Sullivan Starter hub. You can order just the hub from towers or horizon. I put a 1/4" bolt through it and grab that with the drill.
Old 02-07-2016, 10:23 AM
  #162  
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Originally Posted by mups53
Thanks Tim
I sent you a new wheel cover yesterday. Glad you like the way it flys. I truly think it's the best feature of the TopRCModel planes. Even the Pattern plane we sell the 2 meter Caelus is great.
It takes a lot to satisfy pattern fliers because the idea of using a plane in a serious aerobatic competition puts a lot of pressure on the designers and manufacturer.
As far as what we will have to sell soon I can tell you that we have huge plans to expand the lineup.
Coming in the next year are indeed a P-47. Also an FW-190 and a Corsair.
The first new introduction will be the 4 Jets we have coming.
http://www.gator-rc.com/f9f-cougar-b
Also check out toprcmodel.com to see the other Jets the Super Galeb a Scale Yugoslavian Jet Fighter, The Sport Aspire and the Sport Odyssey.
These planes will be ready to display at Toledo in both the Robart and Gator-RC booths.
As you can see the plans with TopRCModel are proceeding and we are growing to be a brand name.
Thanks, Mike Mueller

AWSOME, Thank You.

It is a Great plane and engine combo. Let me know when the F9F Cougar is in I would like one.
Old 02-07-2016, 01:04 PM
  #163  
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Ok everyone, after a week of Solidworks and 3D printing tools, jigs and pieces the concept has proven itself effective. There are still a few minor tweaks, parts to make and hook the return spring up. Hope you all like it!!!


Chris

https://youtu.be/Tc3Eq5oTfSU

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Old 02-08-2016, 06:00 AM
  #164  
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Chris
I love it!!!
Mike Mueller
Old 02-08-2016, 06:19 AM
  #165  
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The gear door actuators look great! Hopefully you can get the spring set up with the right tension so that it holds the gear open, but is still weak enough for the gear to overcome it and close the door.

I'll be interested in a set when you get them working and ready to sell.

Got some time on the cockpit this weekend. The camera flash causes the paint to show up different than the original color, but in the sun it seems much closer. Anyway, here's a couple of photos. I used some pieces I had laying around, and scratch built some others.

I'm getting my pilot painted and will be installing the cockpit soon. Notice I used Velcro on the butt and feet attachment points to help hold the Best Pilots Saburo Sakai in place.

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Old 02-08-2016, 11:49 AM
  #166  
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Thanks Todd. I am going to wire in my multimeter to get an amperage reading. I will be testing with a peaked battery pack today, everything was good with a 6 volt pack yesterday that had been depleted down. More to follow!

Chris
Old 02-08-2016, 11:50 AM
  #167  
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Mike,

When all is finalized, I will forward a set to you for evaluation.

Chris
Old 02-09-2016, 10:25 PM
  #168  
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I have the doors functioning with the spring. Have some geometry changes to make with the crank then all should be good. As others mentioned the sweet spot with the retraction and spring tension is still to be determined. I am going to have to get some airflow over the doors to see how they react. Gear is good to go though....for now that is!

http://www.reiteraviation.com/top-rc-93-zero.html

Chris
Old 02-10-2016, 06:21 AM
  #169  
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looks like your almost there...very nice job
Old 02-10-2016, 06:23 AM
  #170  
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I thought it was a real cockpit at first...terrific
Old 02-10-2016, 08:58 AM
  #171  
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Originally Posted by Stratotanker
I have the doors functioning with the spring. Have some geometry changes to make with the crank then all should be good. As others mentioned the sweet spot with the retraction and spring tension is still to be determined. I am going to have to get some airflow over the doors to see how they react. Gear is good to go though....for now that is!

http://www.reiteraviation.com/top-rc-93-zero.html

Chris
Chris, There is an even sweeter spot for the spring. The best way they could function would be if they spring open AND spring closed. That would allow them to be closed for transport. It has the added advantage that it takes very little pressure to actuate and the door is not pushing back on the gear when retracted. To do that, you have to get the spring angle correct so that the spring moves through the hinge line. I'm not sure if it will be possible with the scale type actuators you're creating, but it would sure be nice if they worked that way.

As I think about it, the best way to make this happen would be to have the spring function with the hinge, not hook it to your actuator. I'd use some control horns to create a spring system that holds the doors open and closed.

Let me know when you're ready to ship out your actuator. I'll need two sets since I have a friend who has a Zero as well. If I come up with a spring system that works better I'll be sure to post it.
Old 02-10-2016, 11:10 AM
  #172  
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Getting close to completing my cockpit. Saburo Sakai from Best Pilots is painted and ready for duty (shown in the photo below hanging out with Gunther Rall). Initial tests to check fitting indicate he'll look good in his new digs. I had to warm up the legs to bend them down a bit, and propped him up on the seat some to get him looking right. Here's a couple photos taken during some of the test fitting. I'll be getting it mounted in the next couple days, just a few more finishing touches to do.

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Old 02-10-2016, 12:00 PM
  #173  
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Best Pilots stuff is crazy awesome, I have one in my P-51
Old 02-11-2016, 06:33 AM
  #174  
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I got the cockpit mounted and everything fit fine. The sliding canopy works great and opens up far enough to make it easy to see the detail. It's not easy to get decent cockpit photos indoors, but here's a couple that shows the fit. I think the Best Pilot's Saburo Sakai is a good match. Be aware if you put one in your TopRC Zero you'll have to bend the legs quite a bit. Use a heat gun and go slow so you don't crack the plastic I was concerned he may look a bit small in this 1: 4.6 scale plane, but comparing how he looks to photos it seems about right.

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Old 02-11-2016, 07:38 AM
  #175  
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My Zero arrived today. I've had several large models over the years but this is by far the highest quality. The fit is tight, the detail is good, and its very light as advertised by Mike and others. Here is the new baby with some grown-ups. Not seen is an ESM Dornier 335... my 35 pound electric.
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