gene6029

Thanks Andrew! I'll try it at work tomorrow on our large printer......Gene

Tee Bee

This sure seems like a small elevator for a model this size. Not much chord. I'm curious if it's gonna have enough authority at lower speeds. Not looking for 3D maneuvers, just the ability to flare for a nice three-pointer. Any thoughts?

gene6029

Tee Bee, im sure it will be fine. Your work looks clean & neat....Gene

Rubbernecker

My Feedback: (22)

Gotta agree with Gene on this. These things use small control surfaces and they get squirrely pretty quick if the throws are too great. Just look at the Page Boy's rudder. Looking good!

John

Tee Bee

I'm sure y'all are correct. The Page Boy indeed has a tiny, yet effective rudder. Also went back and looked at your Jr Falcon's similarly small elevator.

Making the hour-long(each way) run to the LHS today for a few building supplies. Hope to get some more work done on it tonight. The covering and wheels are on order. Splurged for some big Trexlers! I've been wanting to try some of those for a while and this seemed like a great plane to put them on. Should give it a "bush" look.

Tee Bee

Inching along. A bit more sanding, sealing, etc. and she'll be ready for covering. Got the new Trexler balloon wheels in the mail yesterday from Stevens Aero.

fit90

Looks great! The wheels add a lot of personality.

Andrew

I love the look of Trexler's on the older style planes. I just wish the prices had not gotten so high. Here's a link to the company - there is a history section some of you might find interesting

[link=http://www.trexlerballoonwheel.com/]Trexler Balloon Wheels[/link]

gene6029

Looking Good Tee Bee! I like the Trexler wheels myself, they kinda fit the time period of the model. I prepped mine for covering, & then started my May Fly build I guess im in the building mood....Gene

Toysareforkids

My Feedback: (4)

I like the looks of the Trexler tires, had many pairs. I just wish they would last longer.They should for what they cost. Just threw out my last pair.

Pat

Tee Bee

I didn't know they were short lived. That's a shame since I plan to fly the MM from concrete and lots of touch-n-goes are on the agenda.

Andrew

Tee Bee -

I don't think the lifespan is tied so much to usage as it is to aging. They can be prone to dry rot or sun rot. Don't store them fully inflated and keep the weight off the wheels if possible. If they have been inflated with moist air and allowed to flatten, the rubber can stick to itself. You can also get sidewall cracks over time if allowed to deflate with the plane on its wheels. If my plane was going to be put up for some time, I removed the wheels, let the air out and stored them in the original box to block all light.

Tee Bee

They sound high maintenance. More tasks to fill a busy schedule with limited modeling time. They do look neat, though. Will probably get some foam backup wheels. I don't really want to spend 30 minutes tinkering with wheels every time I go fly it.

Started the covering today.

Andrew

I would bet that you could get some ultra-lite foam wheels that were a little oversized, chuck 'em in a drill press and with a little sanding block work, shape them into a nice plump cross-section.

Tee Bee

Wings done. Gonna try to get more done tonight. In retrospect, I wish I had chosen a transparent for the wings and tail.

Andrew

I think that's a great color choice. I like your wing number, too.

skaliwag

My Feedback: (1)

I agree. Can't wait to see the Body Coat

Tee Bee

Here's something you won't see at your local hobby shop, a Minnie Mambo ARF.

gene6029

Tee Bee, that looks GREAT!!! I hope mine turns out as well as yours. ....Gene

Andrew

That plane captures the true essence of classic Half-A, from the Trexlers to the color scheme. Super job!!

Tee Bee

Thanks guys. As you well know, there's still a lot to be done to get her finished.

Tee Bee

An update. The stabilizers are epoxied on. Made some tri-stock filets for the vertical since I'm known to bump models against door jambs while moving them, often knocking off tail pieces in the process. Made a steerable tailwheel from 1/16" music wire and brass sheet, then spent an entire afternoon figuring out and installing the throttle assembly. My last attempt at one of these throttles resulted in the pushrod operating above the firewall and exiting thru the windshield. Effective but not a very clean install. This time, I was able to route it thru the firewall keeping the pushrod and throttle arm tucked out of the way by utilizing a U-bend in the pushrod. Still need to install the radio, servos, linkages, etc. Then I can disassemble everything and do the final fuel-proofing. She came out tailheavy as equipped even with everything moved as far forward as practical. Will need some ballast up front to get her balanced.

She's sporting lite foam wheels right now but I'll reinstall the Trexlers when everything is finished and she's ready for the final rollout, pre-maiden pics with the better camera.

Rubbernecker

My Feedback: (22)

That is really sharp looking Tee Bee. Hope it flys as good as it looks. Got 5 more flights on the Jr Falcon today. Changed props from a cut down 5 X 4 to a full size 6 X 3 trying to slow it down and darn if that didn't speed it up. Looked Like a pylon racer! Will try a 6 X 4 next. Guess 14 oz with a 1/2 A will be quick.

John

Tee Bee

I'd like to hear suggested control throws. None shown on my plans. I'm rigging up the horns and rods. Rubbernecker, where did your Jr Falcon end up? Thanks.

Rubbernecker

My Feedback: (22)

Tee Bee, think I started out with 1/4 each way on rudder and elevator on the Jr Falcon and settled with about 3/8. I run expo I think about 30% so that does soften it up around neutral. Haven't flown any more since my last post. Storms pretty much each afternoon.

John