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TopFlite DC-3/C-47 questions

Old 11-28-2004, 10:33 AM
  #51  
RDeBoss
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Default RE: TopFlite DC-3/C-47 questions

To the guys that fiberglassed their plane. How did you cover the rudder and elevator cores. Did you just lay glass over them or did you use some other method. I just started mine today but after looking at some of the pics questions popped up.
thanks for the info.
Bob
Old 11-28-2004, 04:57 PM
  #52  
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Default RE: TopFlite DC-3/C-47 questions

Bob,

I got some of the very thin plywood sheet, is it 1/64" (0.4mm) and covered the rudder and elevator with that and then coated the ply with a thin layer of epoxy to seal the surface before painting. My view was that with the ply even at 0.4mm thick there would be enough strength. OK, I get a smooth surface rather than a scale rippled surface effect from fabric covering but it looks OK and survives the hanger rash.

Peter.
Old 11-29-2004, 10:19 AM
  #53  
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Default RE: TopFlite DC-3/C-47 questions

ORIGINAL: RDeBoss

To the guys that fiberglassed their plane. How did you cover the rudder and elevator cores. Did you just lay glass over them or did you use some other method. I just started mine today but after looking at some of the pics questions popped up.
thanks for the info.
Bob
I used Monokote, and it looked like crap. Don't do it. Sheet it or use dope & fabric (which is probably the more appealing option).
Old 11-29-2004, 01:07 PM
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Default RE: TopFlite DC-3/C-47 questions

I was curious about what every body had done. Will most likely use silk and dope as I would like to keep the ripple.
Any other suggestions would be appreciated.
thanks for the answer.
Bob
Old 11-29-2004, 02:48 PM
  #55  
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Default RE: TopFlite DC-3/C-47 questions

Hello!
I have used silver Oratex (same brand as Oracover, Ultracote to you Americans) to cover my Marutaka DC-3 elevator halves and silk and dope to cover the side rudder...and painted it with Sikkens autocryl 2-part acrylic auto colour (silver).
Each elevator half weights 17g.
I silk and doped the elevator halves first but didn't get it right (and it was too heavy)so I just teared the silk away, which was real easy..and covered the elevator halves with silver Oratex instead.
If you haven't tried Oratex ...do so...it is even better than Solartex.

Regards!
Jan K
Sweden
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Old 12-12-2005, 02:53 AM
  #56  
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Default RE: TopFlite DC-3/C-47 questions

wx
Old 01-10-2006, 01:31 PM
  #57  
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Default RE: TopFlite DC-3/C-47 questions

Hello,

I have the TF kit, Robart Retracts and two OS48FS. I want to build it in Wisconsin Central Airlines (howard the duck) theme. Does anyone have documentation on this airplane? What I have is limited. 4 black and white photos - that is it. All help is appreciated. I will start construction in about two weeks.

Thanks,

BR549
Old 01-16-2006, 09:38 PM
  #58  
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Default RE: TopFlite DC-3/C-47 questions

I was curious about what every body had done...............

========I used Worldtex on the surfaces, lghtly primed and sprayed. Looks very authentic.
Randy
Old 01-17-2006, 12:51 PM
  #59  
fliir
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Default RE: TopFlite DC-3/C-47 questions

For proper appearance, I would recommend one of the "-tex" iron on coverings or silk-and-dope.
Old 01-18-2006, 12:17 PM
  #60  
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Default RE: TopFlite DC-3/C-47 questions

Bernard:

Was Wisconsin Central the predecessor of North Central? I found some photos of a North Central DC-3 in the old red trim (not the later North Central Teal) with the duck on the fuselage behind the cabin door. I can e-mail them to you...

David
Old 06-17-2006, 11:48 PM
  #61  
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Default RE: TopFlite DC-3/C-47 questions

HAs anyone tried electric power for the Top flite DC3/C47.

I have a friend who has a kit and asked me if I thought electric power would work. Any sugestions as to motor size, battery size.

Thanks
Old 06-18-2006, 04:46 AM
  #62  
fliir
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Default RE: TopFlite DC-3/C-47 questions

Tommy:

I am currently doing an electric build of the plane (I am bashing it to be a Basler BT-67 conversion). I selected 350w outrunner motors and LiPo batteries. This is a full featured build - scale rudder, flaps, retracts - but I am building as light as I can. Final weight less than 8.5lb(3.9kg).

Here is a link to my abbreviated build thread: http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=456671

Down a few posts, there is a link to an article by Trevor Hewson on his electric build. It is old-school electric, with NiCads and "can" motors.

David
Old 06-18-2006, 09:40 AM
  #63  
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Default RE: TopFlite DC-3/C-47 questions

Thanks David,

That is just what I am looking for.


Regards

Old 06-18-2006, 11:03 AM
  #64  
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Default RE: TopFlite DC-3/C-47 questions

JAKA,

Where did find that strobe light? Did you purchase it or was it fabricated? I am looking for ideas for my project.

Mike
Old 06-19-2006, 02:44 PM
  #65  
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Default RE: TopFlite DC-3/C-47 questions

Hi!
The red light at the top of the fin is a thing I found at an electronic shop over here in Stockholm (WWW.elfa.se) It is just a plastic cover that contains a flashing light emitting diod (See page 947 in the Elfa catalog).

Regards!
Jan K
Sweden
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Old 10-06-2006, 01:40 PM
  #66  
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Default RE: TopFlite DC-3/C-47 questions

I just purchased a DC3 kit and trying to decide if I should paint or cover the plane. Ideas anyone?
Old 10-06-2006, 04:17 PM
  #67  
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Default RE: TopFlite DC-3/C-47 questions

Hi!
If you want a good flying model...keep it light! That means covering it in plastic film. Best film is definitely Oracover (Ultracote to you Americans).
My Marutaka DC-3 is covered in Chrome Oracover (hundreds of stripes of it on the fuselage ) wet sanded on a piece of glass to have it look like aluminum. Mine weights 3,6kg ready to fly powered by twin OS FS.26 four-strokes.

Regards!
Jan K
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Old 10-10-2006, 09:12 AM
  #68  
mulligan
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Default RE: TopFlite DC-3/C-47 questions

0.5 oz. or 0.75 oz. fiberglass suits this plane beautifully, especially over those much to thin skins on the outboard wing sections. Added weight is very minimal, and was not an issue for my plane (Wankels on my plane). This plane flies better a little heavier IMHO. A little higher wing loading = more stable, scale-looking flight. You can add all the extras (flaps, retracts, lights, on-board glow were all on mine) without worrying about too high of a weight on this plane.

Of course the bonus of fiberglass and paint is the durability and easy clean-up. Use a panel line pen, too- very nice on this bird.
Old 10-10-2006, 10:07 AM
  #69  
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Default RE: TopFlite DC-3/C-47 questions

Hi!
Sorry! But extra weight is never good in a scale model! In a sailplane ...yes...it could be to! But never in a powered model
Keep it light and it flies good and survives!

Regards!
Jan K
Old 10-13-2006, 03:19 AM
  #70  
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Default RE: TopFlite DC-3/C-47 questions


ORIGINAL: mulligan

I used the Wankels, and they are great. Very good performers; reliable and plenty of power for the plane. Even on mine, with an added on-board glow system and a fiberglass & paint finish, the plane could easily have flown on one engine, although I never had to.
It looks like the wankels have been discontinued.
I was going to brush the dust of my kit and start building but haven't bought the engines yet. With the Wankels no longer available, what options are there?
I really didn't want a cylinder head sticking out as far as a FS52 engine would
Old 10-13-2006, 08:59 PM
  #71  
Simi Mike
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Default RE: TopFlite DC-3/C-47 questions

I just might have an answer to your problem.
I have two new in the box Wankles that I bought this year and a TF DC3 kit that may never see the light of day. I was hoping to build this bird but now that the wife is back to work my days are too full to attempt a project of this scale. I hate to part with my dream but my practical side says take the loss and move on. I also purchased the scale retracts and some other stuff.

Mike
Old 10-14-2006, 01:18 AM
  #72  
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Default RE: TopFlite DC-3/C-47 questions

Thanks Mike, I have everything except the engines so I won't need retracts etc etc.
I even bought nav lights for the plane.
What are you looking for for your Wankels?
Old 10-14-2006, 04:16 PM
  #73  
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Default RE: TopFlite DC-3/C-47 questions

Hi!
The OS wankels are way to powerful for the Top Flite DC-3 ...go with OS 25 LA instead! I assure you ! Those are perfekt for it!

Regards!
Jan K
Old 10-14-2006, 05:41 PM
  #74  
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Default RE: TopFlite DC-3/C-47 questions

Jan,

I love the way you have done your DC3
Did you do those rivets after covering or did you put down drops of glue before putting the Oracover on?
Old 10-15-2006, 01:18 PM
  #75  
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Default RE: TopFlite DC-3/C-47 questions

Hi!
There are no rivets on it...[] Just many small pieces of Oracover on the fuselage.

regards!
Jan K
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