Charlie Kellogg's TBM Avenger Build
#3451
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (15)
Got it Larry, I have that hi cost blue aluminum balancing unit, EZ Balancer, Xmas gift. Had started to set up the Vanessa jig to the overhead beams in the shop. Seems to me the key to that unit is to get the rods used to raise or lower the nose of the model. .I would have installed knobs, star knobs for example, on to the rods that you twist to raise or lower the models' nose. Never heard anything bad about the unit with regards to balancing the model. My concern is that modelers make the mistake of not "Laterally" balancing the model. Thanks Larry. Chic
#3454
My Feedback: (15)
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Iowa City, Iowa (again!)
Posts: 1,579
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
The Vanessa rig is perfect for big heavy models (aside from getting scales, we they use for real planes). One example:
http://www.xicoy.com/downloads/CGBasic.pdf
Expensive, but very accurate!
I was always concerned about pressure points on the wings when using one of those standard balancers. So I exclusively used the Vanessa rig approach for my bigger models (>20 lbs). There are some pictures of my F7F Tigercat being balanced in that old thread.
RCU Forums - View Single Post - Giant Scale Twins F7F Tigercat
Keep up the great work, Chic!
http://www.xicoy.com/downloads/CGBasic.pdf
Expensive, but very accurate!
I was always concerned about pressure points on the wings when using one of those standard balancers. So I exclusively used the Vanessa rig approach for my bigger models (>20 lbs). There are some pictures of my F7F Tigercat being balanced in that old thread.
RCU Forums - View Single Post - Giant Scale Twins F7F Tigercat
Keep up the great work, Chic!
#3455
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Piedmont,
OK
Posts: 429
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Noah,
I've thought about getting the scales vs. using the Vanessa rig, is your experience been that the scales are better regardless of the price or does the Vanessa rig equal the scales for less money?
Boyd
I've thought about getting the scales vs. using the Vanessa rig, is your experience been that the scales are better regardless of the price or does the Vanessa rig equal the scales for less money?
Boyd
#3457
My Feedback: (15)
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Iowa City, Iowa (again!)
Posts: 1,579
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
I have never used the scales... only witnessed them being used... and it was sort of a cluster! In the end they got it right, but it required too much thought, planning, math, and accurate calculations (and it also required about $200 for the damn scales).
The rig pictured in that F7F thread cost me about $4.00 (I didn't have to buy the set-punch that I used as a plumb bob)!
So, if I were facing these decisions, I would opt for the $4.00 rig and a plumb bob that points to the CG!
The rig pictured in that F7F thread cost me about $4.00 (I didn't have to buy the set-punch that I used as a plumb bob)!
So, if I were facing these decisions, I would opt for the $4.00 rig and a plumb bob that points to the CG!
#3459
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (15)
OK Guys - I am allowed to discuss another of life's circumstances that has affected this family. I haven't worked on the Avenger for a couple of weeks due to another "Cancer" scare. Shirley has survived kidney cancer for the last several years. However, she had a continual source of pain in the area of her right knee. If kidney cancer metastases elsewhere in the body, it usually goes to the bones. That was the scare. After what seems like 20 or so blood, x-ray, scans, mri, and on and on tests, we were just told today that the spots seen on the numerous film results are not cancer. Relieved to say the least we are very happy and back to enjoying life again. Scared us both to say the least, but our prayers to God were answered "AGAIN". We shed a few tears, had a glass of wine, only one, and a great meal. I went out to the shop late this evening, dusted off the cob webs, and gave it ago for an hour or so between a few extra tears without her around. God is Good. Chic
#3461
My Feedback: (15)
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Iowa City, Iowa (again!)
Posts: 1,579
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Wow, Chic.... so happy to hear the good news. And so sorry to know you and Shirley have had this horrifyingly heavy weight pressing on you both for the past few weeks.
Thrilled to hear all is well.
Best
Noah
Thrilled to hear all is well.
Best
Noah
#3463
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (15)
"Well" - is all I can say. It took four (4) sets of rudder cable to get the rudder connect correct and two (2) sets of steering wheel cable to get it all nice and tight. That my friends was terribly frustrating. Now to connect/install the air lines and main gear/tail wheel. Up and On Ward. Happy Thanksgiving to "All of You". Chic
#3464
Chic,
so sorry to hear what you guys just went through but over keyed to hear the outcome. Please give Shirley my best and a hug.
great news about the cables, I on the other hand am rebuilding my balancing jig for the Avenger in between working on the Trojan
have a great Thanksgiving guys
Larry
so sorry to hear what you guys just went through but over keyed to hear the outcome. Please give Shirley my best and a hug.
great news about the cables, I on the other hand am rebuilding my balancing jig for the Avenger in between working on the Trojan
have a great Thanksgiving guys
Larry
#3473
My Feedback: (98)
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Gaithersburg,
MD
Posts: 240
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Looks fantastic Chic! You should be really proud. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family as well.
Should be 54degrees and sunny today. Just sayin’ ;-)
I’m looking Forward to seeing this “Turkey” at WoD in July.
Paul
Should be 54degrees and sunny today. Just sayin’ ;-)
I’m looking Forward to seeing this “Turkey” at WoD in July.
Paul