jwharkinz

Here is my first attempt to build a model aircraft from the plans only. Listed is the photo documentation of my progress as well as some modifications to this design. First off, I decided to create new drawings for the fin/rudder and stabilizer/elevator so that they are built up construction as opposed to solid pieces of balsa. I am open to any comments concerning my choices for this build. I have constructed many kits since this hobby got into my blood back in the mid 1980’s.

Here is the new tail control surface I drew and then built. Using the dimensions from the plans I decided to increase the rudder size by adding half an inch to the length. The stabilizer and elevator also were increased by about 1/8th inch to each side. I wanted to have a little more surface as I intend to build the larger wing configuration with ailerons on both wings.

This will begin with construction of the stabilizer and rudder.

CrateCruncher

My Feedback: (1)

Great start JWH! I built the kit stock out of the box a couple of years ago. Many prefer upper wing ailerons and two servo's mounted in the lower wing over the stock single servo with bellcranks. Pull-pull rudder etc. I was surprised how much frontal area that huge radial cowl adds to an otherwise rather slender fuselage. Maybe consider a faired in engine like Andrews original? The top wing bolts are kind-of a pain to install using a stubby screwdriver but its workable and definately a visual improvement over the old rubber band version. Since you're scratching I suggest foregoing the erector set landing gear in favor of a nice T6 aluminum unit.

The plane is a robust design overall and a nice performer. I too built mine with both wings swept and added a Supertigre G-61 for motivation. Keep up the great work.

jrbmoto

Nice job so far jwharkinz! I like the idea of built up tail feathers, are you going to sheet them or leave the open structure? I agree with CrateCruncher about the dual aileron sevos mounted in the bottom wing and the aluminum landing gear and yes the top wing bolts are a pain to get to. I just kept the top wing on all the time, it fit in the back of my PU assembled. I'm working on the Aeromaster's monoplane sister the Sportmaster

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_7750322/tm.htm

Here are a couple of pics of the GP Aeromaster I built in the late '90s, like a fool I sold it after less than 20 flights.

-Johnny-

jwharkinz

Wow, Those look great!

I have been debating the whole landing gear thing myself. I Really like CrateCrunchers Cowl. What kind is that? Can they still be obtained?
As far as the Tail section, The Stab and Fin are bilt up and sheeted, while the rudder and Elevators are open design.

Here are some updated photos of this project as it slowly moves along.

The next thing to do is begin the fuse sides and the fun task of bending piano wire, weeee....

Rodney

Here the Great Plains Aeromaster built from a kit purchased about 8 years ago. Flies great. 22.5 pounds, Quadra 72cc, pull-pull on elevator and rudder. All tail surfaces are built up just as the kit included.

CrateCruncher

My Feedback: (1)

I got the Waco-style cowl from Fiberglass Specialties. They also have the pants too. The canopy may be harder to locate.
[link=http://www.fiberglassspecialtiesinc.com/catalog.htm]Fiberglass Specialties Link[/link]

jwharkinz

As this photo illustrates, I am comparing my parts made to those of the original kit. My hope is to complete this project without disturbing the integrity of the original. I have a very large table vise which was used to cold bend piano wire up to 5/32 inch. Most of the wire needed is 1/8 inch., oddly though the only wire to give me trouble was the 3/32 inch wire; it was breaking during bends exceeding 90 deg.

While this upper wing can be held onto the plane with only the center cabane, I plan to add some outer supports to this build. I feel it will enhance the look and assist in stabilizing the wing for the aileron setup I’ll be using. Upper and lower wing will have ailerons with a servo in each side of the lower wing, utilizing a tie rod to the top wing.

I am exploring several ideas to attach the top wing without needing to use a herd of screws for this process…

Live Wire

On the wing, use a modified Goldberg 10-300 way of mounting. Just a thought

jwharkinz

Here are some more photos of the build so far. Work has slowed due to the holidays, I'll definitly get more time later on after all the family fun is over...
As for the idea of using a modified system similar to the Goldberg 10-300, Well the fuse was already done with the plans style of wire. I'm leaning toward a more unique type of configuration based on the original design. More to reveal as this will be an engineering trial and fit type of operation. It will be easier to accomplish once the top wing becomes built.

This is where the build is so far.

jwharkinz

I am getting close to the completion of this airplanes fuselage. The tail section has been installed and the cowl is near complete as per the original plans. I am looking into the idea of adding the rocker details to the cowl. The build is progressing quite well and hopefully I will be able to fly it this coming summer season. I have made arrangements to utilize a pull-pull rudder control as well as a single servo to each individual elevator. My choice for power is this old O.S. .91 Surpass I have from an old trainer.

Here are some current photos…

bart5495

Nice to see a thread about the Aeromaster. I think one of the best biplanes. Flies wonderful and fun to build. Please post pictures of the pull pull set up for the rudder and elevator.

bill_spitfire

Hi Guys
Can any one tell me where i can get the plans for GP Super Aeromaster as i do not seem to be able to find
a Don Anderson web site to purchase them.
Thanks Bill

jwharkinz

I purchased my plans and cowl with the canopy from this guy; [email protected]
I do believe he also has wheel pants as well. I don't remember how much it was, not too expensive tho.

Here is a real professional at work...

jwharkinz

Finishing up this project for my nephew.
This is a C.G. Sukhoi SU-26M ver-1.
Modified with carbon fiber inlaid wing spars, hardwood tail feather spars, aircraft hardwood replaced firewall and landing gear location points.
Y.S. 140 DZ and pitts style muffler, c.g. mounted fuel tank and onboard glow ignition.

CrateCruncher

My Feedback: (1)

JW,
Nice progress on the Aeromaster. I wish I had gone with pull-pull rudder on mine. The separate servos for each elevator half may be overkill on this size plane and it's easy to build overweight. Just a thought. Also, something I'm thinking of redoing is the front cowl. That Waco style cowl adds a great deal of drag and frontal area to an already dirty airframe. A little Pitts style cowl with cheeks would look good and reduce that.

What design did you come up with for the interplane struts?

jwharkinz

The elevators are going to be single servo with a "Y" at the servo and two cables one to each side. The cabane for the center will consist of a spring latch that I'll detail as I begin the wing build this summer. What I plan to do is set 4 music wire rods inside a piece of copper tube and solder a spring to hold it across the gap securing the wing onto the wire cabane and eliminating all those screws. Gotta finish one more kit that has been hanging on the wall for a year now (Giles 202).
I'll be doing an aluminum interplane strut cut from an old computer case side I have. I’ll cut it to lighten it then most likely paint to match. I'm going to work out the attachment process later, definitely a method to facilitate convenience for sure.

jwharkinz

As activities pertaining to life settle into a more mundane routine I am finding time to resume my efforts to build this airplane. So far I have completed most of the lower wing for this build. I plan to install 4 small servos to operate the ailerons. My goal is to build in 4 ailerons (2 top and 2 bottom) in an effort to gain better roll and more precise control. Not to mention it is all my own modifications to the original design.

Here are some photos taken just prior to my move...

Gungadin

Nice build ! It's good to see this airplane in the build stage. Maybe it will give me some incentive to build the NIB kit I've had on the shelf for ten or more years. If I can find the time, or maybe I should sell it. Would make a good winter project though.

jwharkinz

Now that I have hade some spare time to spend on my project build recently I can show the results for my efforts in the upper wing mounting system.
This is what I have so far, my front cabane will slot into the wire groove then the rear will have a spring tension pin to hold the wing onto the cabane.
I plan to use four small servos in the wings to activate my ailerons. The next step is to mount the upper and lower wing to the fuse and then make the
outer wing struts, as of yet I haven't decided whether I will use aluminum or wood to construct the parts.

Bax

My Feedback: (11)

You can buy a set by inquiring here:

[email protected]

prgonzalez

jw,

I like the quality of your workmanship. Keep the good work and continue posting pictures of the airplane.

Pedro

stevenmax50

My Feedback: (1)

Beautiful work!  I sure am glad I found this thread as I just bought an Aeromaster on Ebay.  I just paid for it tonight so it hasnt even shipped yet.  I am also probably 85% complete on a Tiger 60 build.  So I will finish that before I start to build. 
I built one of these back around 1988 so your pics sure do take me back.  And you have some very good ideas.  I only slightly remember the upper wing hold down screws.  But your spring loaded clip looks awesome.  Where did you get the hardware?  Did you put that together yourself? 
And the nose cowl.  Does it come with a fiberglass inlet?  I just dont remember alot.  I never flew it cause I was too much of a rookie.  My ex bought it for me not understanding trainer a/c and expert level stuff.  I sold it back in 91. 
Your shear ties look very good also.  I assume that is your mod as I know that was not part of my '88 kit. 
I would like to see pics of your rudder as I have never built a pull/pull system. 
I think I will go with 2 aileron servos and connecting rods.  

Keep the pics coming mr. jwharkinz.  Your workmanship is a pleasure to see.   

stevenmax50

My Feedback: (1)

I recieved my Aeromaster today!!!  Inventory looks good.  I wonder when this model was actually discontinued?  It wll be a few weeks before I start as I painted on my Tiger today and hope to maiden it in a couple of weeks.  Plus I need to go to Kinkos to copy the plans.  Any suggestions on an engine?

jwharkinz

stevenmax50

Great news about the arrival of the kit. Mt plans are to power my plane with an O.S. .90 that I have, it's an older engine but it pulls great.
I'm also considering a possible swap to a SAITO 1.00 if i can get a good deal on one. If you want 3-D performance go with a Y.S. 1.10 or
something similar and use the short wingspan option.

Here is the latest bunch of photos for the build, these are the I struts I'm using for this build, they are hard balsa ply and balsa. there will be
pins made to hold these in place as i'm not going to use any screws for this application. I made the pins from two sizes os brass tube and
soldered washers to the smaller diameter tube which will be drilled to accept the clips made from piano wire. The larger diameter tube is used
as the sleeve in the other part for the wing mount.

stevenmax50

My Feedback: (1)

I am in the painting stage on my Tiger 60 and my workbench was calling out to me. So over the last few days I have built the fuselage on my Aeromaster. I havent decided on the engine yet but I do like the looks of the Saito 1.00.
I did go ahead and solder the main gear, but I may still change it out with a prefab gear.
I will try to load pics in the next day or two.

A couple of things....
Iwould like to add the top ailerons but Ithink I would like to stick with only 2 servos.
And Iam interested in the pull/pull rudder, but have never done that and Iam not familier with the details. Any suggestions?
Iam also considering starting a build thread in the kit building forum as mine is not a scratch or plans built model. Mine is 100% kit with maybe a mod or two.