Foam Core to Built-up Wing
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Foam Core to Built-up Wing
Guys
I am thinking about scratch building a plane over the winter months. The plans call for a foam core wing and tail feathers. I have never worked with foam, so I am considering modifying the build to go with a built-up wing and tail. The tail will be easy to do; however, the wing is another story. The plane has a tapered symmetrical wing and the plan only shows the Root and Tip outlines – if I’m going to go with a built-up wing, I’m going to have to figure out the rib outlines between the Root and Tip. How do I do this? This is a printed plan (not in CAD).
For those interested, this is the IL-2 Stormovik plan published in last October’s Model Aviation.
Thanks!
I am thinking about scratch building a plane over the winter months. The plans call for a foam core wing and tail feathers. I have never worked with foam, so I am considering modifying the build to go with a built-up wing and tail. The tail will be easy to do; however, the wing is another story. The plane has a tapered symmetrical wing and the plan only shows the Root and Tip outlines – if I’m going to go with a built-up wing, I’m going to have to figure out the rib outlines between the Root and Tip. How do I do this? This is a printed plan (not in CAD).
For those interested, this is the IL-2 Stormovik plan published in last October’s Model Aviation.
Thanks!
#2
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RE: Foam Core to Built-up Wing
The AMA will cut the cores for that plane if you like. I am currently building the MIg 3 designed by Sarpolous.
Otherwise, you can make a template of the root and then the tip and stack all of your ribs sandwiched between these templates. Sanding at an angle to create the correct height.
I personally would try to find someone to cut your coeres for you though. It will be much easier.
Otherwise, you can make a template of the root and then the tip and stack all of your ribs sandwiched between these templates. Sanding at an angle to create the correct height.
I personally would try to find someone to cut your coeres for you though. It will be much easier.
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RE: Foam Core to Built-up Wing
ORIGINAL: vertical grimmace
The AMA will cut the cores for that plane if you like. I am currently building the MIg 3 designed by Sarpolous.
Otherwise, you can make a template of the root and then the tip and stack all of your ribs sandwiched between these templates. Sanding at an angle to create the correct height.
I personally would try to find someone to cut your coeres for you though. It will be much easier.
The AMA will cut the cores for that plane if you like. I am currently building the MIg 3 designed by Sarpolous.
Otherwise, you can make a template of the root and then the tip and stack all of your ribs sandwiched between these templates. Sanding at an angle to create the correct height.
I personally would try to find someone to cut your coeres for you though. It will be much easier.
IF I decide to go the foam core route, what internet resources do you guys know of that can sort of "show me the ropes"? Can anyone recommend an "Airfield Models" type site for building with foam cores?
Thanks again! Oh and Dan, that flying foam site looks great should I decide to go that route.
-MA
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RE: Foam Core to Built-up Wing
For those keeping score at home, here' an [link=http://www.airfieldmodels.com/information_source/how_to_articles_for_model_builders/construction/make_tapered_wing_ribs/index.htm]example[/link] of what Mr. Grimmace mentioned in his post.
-MA
-MA
#6
RE: Foam Core to Built-up Wing
ORIGINAL: MasterAlex
IF I decide to go the foam core route, what internet resources do you guys know of that can sort of "show me the ropes"? Can anyone recommend an "Airfield Models" type site for building with foam cores?
IF I decide to go the foam core route, what internet resources do you guys know of that can sort of "show me the ropes"? Can anyone recommend an "Airfield Models" type site for building with foam cores?
Mark
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RE: Foam Core to Built-up Wing
Thanks Mark!! Exactly what I was after ...
This looks like a bit more work than I was expecting. I will probably go the built-up route. This tutorial, however, is awesome.
Thanks everyone.
-MA
This looks like a bit more work than I was expecting. I will probably go the built-up route. This tutorial, however, is awesome.
Thanks everyone.
-MA
#8
My Feedback: (1)
RE: Foam Core to Built-up Wing
ORIGINAL: MasterAlex
Thanks Mark!! Exactly what I was after ...
This looks like a bit more work than I was expecting. I will probably go the built-up route. This tutorial, however, is awesome.
Thanks everyone.
-MA
Thanks Mark!! Exactly what I was after ...
This looks like a bit more work than I was expecting. I will probably go the built-up route. This tutorial, however, is awesome.
Thanks everyone.
-MA
#9
RE: Foam Core to Built-up Wing
ORIGINAL: vertical grimmace
I have always felt it was more work to build a built up wing.
I have always felt it was more work to build a built up wing.
Mark
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RE: Foam Core to Built-up Wing
ORIGINAL: vertical grimmace
I have always felt it was more work to build a built up wing.
I have always felt it was more work to build a built up wing.
-MA
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RE: Foam Core to Built-up Wing
If you wanted to send me the drawing pics you have, I could design all the rib shapes and print it to paper for you, or email them back to you so you could print the ribs out.. This way at given points along the wing you would know what the shape was and sand the foam to match. Its just an offer. For those that havent done the ribs from crappy 3-view drawings it can be a pain. send me a PM if you are interested. Yes it would be free.
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RE: Foam Core to Built-up Wing
ORIGINAL: FLYBABY6
If you wanted to send me the drawing pics you have, I could design all the rib shapes and print it to paper for you, or email them back to you so you could print the ribs out.. This way at given points along the wing you would know what the shape was and sand the foam to match. Its just an offer. For those that havent done the ribs from crappy 3-view drawings it can be a pain. send me a PM if you are interested. Yes it would be free.
If you wanted to send me the drawing pics you have, I could design all the rib shapes and print it to paper for you, or email them back to you so you could print the ribs out.. This way at given points along the wing you would know what the shape was and sand the foam to match. Its just an offer. For those that havent done the ribs from crappy 3-view drawings it can be a pain. send me a PM if you are interested. Yes it would be free.
Thanks!
-MA
#13
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RE: Foam Core to Built-up Wing
ORIGINAL: MasterAlex
For those keeping score at home, here' an [link=http://www.airfieldmodels.com/information_source/how_to_articles_for_model_builders/construction/make_tapered_wing_ribs/index.htm]example[/link] of what Mr. Grimmace mentioned in his post.
-MA
For those keeping score at home, here' an [link=http://www.airfieldmodels.com/information_source/how_to_articles_for_model_builders/construction/make_tapered_wing_ribs/index.htm]example[/link] of what Mr. Grimmace mentioned in his post.
-MA
One other method is the lost foam method by Bob Hunt the old MA Editor. He has this method well documented and you could get a copy by contacting him. It's fairly simple and extremely accurate, as accurate as a well cut foam wing.
He first cuts the foam, then he cuts chordwise where the ribs would fit. The airfoil at the stations is then traced on and cut from balsa of correct thickness (3/32"). He then uses the cut foam as fill while the wing is aligned.
Once the glue has dried, he removes the foam. The technique builds extremely lightweight structures as long as you don't sheet the whole thing. Carbon veil applied with nitrate stiffens the wing greatly. Finishes in silkspan usually for Stunt flying. How's 7 ozs for 700 sq inches sound??
MattK
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RE: Foam Core to Built-up Wing
ORIGINAL: MTK
Masteralex,
One other method is the lost foam method by Bob Hunt the old MA Editor. He has this method well documented and you could get a copy by contacting him. It's fairly simple and extremely accurate, as accurate as a well cut foam wing.
He first cuts the foam, then he cuts chordwise where the ribs would fit. The airfoil at the stations is then traced on and cut from balsa of correct thickness (3/32"). He then uses the cut foam as fill while the wing is aligned.
Once the glue has dried, he removes the foam. The technique builds extremely lightweight structures as long as you don't sheet the whole thing. Carbon veil applied with nitrate stiffens the wing greatly. Finishes in silkspan usually for Stunt flying. How's 7 ozs for 700 sq inches sound??
MattK
Masteralex,
One other method is the lost foam method by Bob Hunt the old MA Editor. He has this method well documented and you could get a copy by contacting him. It's fairly simple and extremely accurate, as accurate as a well cut foam wing.
He first cuts the foam, then he cuts chordwise where the ribs would fit. The airfoil at the stations is then traced on and cut from balsa of correct thickness (3/32"). He then uses the cut foam as fill while the wing is aligned.
Once the glue has dried, he removes the foam. The technique builds extremely lightweight structures as long as you don't sheet the whole thing. Carbon veil applied with nitrate stiffens the wing greatly. Finishes in silkspan usually for Stunt flying. How's 7 ozs for 700 sq inches sound??
MattK
Thanks!
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RE: Foam Core to Built-up Wing
I agree with you. Why learn to build a heavier weaker wing? Here's the old manual draftsman method. Draw the wing half top view on a piece of brown wrapping paper. Make sure to draw the spar and the outline of the leading and trailing edges. then divide up the length by the number of ribs you want less one rib...we just want the number of spaces between ribs. Using that spacing draw in each middle rib. Cut out the end ribs and slot them for the spar. prop them up on the plans with the bottom spar and add a spar on top.
Now, you have the rectangle measurement of all the ribs and the spare location. So make rectangles for each new rib and cut the spar slot. Use the existing ribs to draw the proper curves on the rib next to it. Start at each end and work your way to the middle.
Next use tack spray glue to make 2 layers of wood usually about 3/32 and hard. next tack the rectangles to the 2 layers and cut the ribs out on a jig saw. cut them a little big and sand to shape...now your have two of each rib and a spare template for next time.
That's the old modeler way!
Now, you have the rectangle measurement of all the ribs and the spare location. So make rectangles for each new rib and cut the spar slot. Use the existing ribs to draw the proper curves on the rib next to it. Start at each end and work your way to the middle.
Next use tack spray glue to make 2 layers of wood usually about 3/32 and hard. next tack the rectangles to the 2 layers and cut the ribs out on a jig saw. cut them a little big and sand to shape...now your have two of each rib and a spare template for next time.
That's the old modeler way!
#17
RE: Foam Core to Built-up Wing
I love sheeted foam core wings, so much in fact that I built a CNC foam cutter with info from http://www.8linx.com/ I still do built up wings if I want the looks, but I do mostly sheeted foam anywhere from 12 inch wingspans up to 6 feet. My personal preference is only foam and balsa for the wings, but some people do really nice jobs with glassed wings.
Foam core wings CAN be lighter and stronger than built up wings. Just like anything else, it's the building techniques that make the difference. Don't add weight with CF spars, loads of glue, heavy foam, heavy sheeting etc.
It's personal preference really. Built up is tried and true, and if you're more comfortable with it...
Here are some I've made with foam cores. The reason I'm posting so many pics is to show different sizes and how some are fully sheeted and some use LE & TE sheeting with cap strips.
Foam core wings CAN be lighter and stronger than built up wings. Just like anything else, it's the building techniques that make the difference. Don't add weight with CF spars, loads of glue, heavy foam, heavy sheeting etc.
It's personal preference really. Built up is tried and true, and if you're more comfortable with it...
Here are some I've made with foam cores. The reason I'm posting so many pics is to show different sizes and how some are fully sheeted and some use LE & TE sheeting with cap strips.