Invertmast,

Thanks for the reply. I did end up getting the DLE55. With a slim muffler it should fit perfect, and I'd rather have a bit too much power than not enough. Hopefully that will be enough to pull the thing off water if I ever do floats, and maybe tow a reasonable size glider.

I also did upgrade to stronger servos, and ditched the 1/4 size idea. I did stick with Hobbico, though. I also did end up going with the Dubro control arms. I guess the point type hinges are a personal preference thing. Though they are easier to install, I like the idea of having the hinges glued and pinned in place, and being able to remove the control surfaces for repair or recovering.

Solder clevis wise, I've seen them done badly before, too, but I solder quite a few things and can install them properly.

Those wheels have a really nice, vintage look that would have been sharp on this plane, but I already have the Sullivans, so I guess I'll stick with them.

Malitape,

I'd be happy to post some photos of tools, and go into a lot of detail on this build, though realize I'm new to this too. I don't know what to tell you on an 85cc gas engine, as this will be my first, but I think ZDZ makes a 90 single. I've heard rumors that they are very high quality engines. DA also makes an 85.



Anyway, here are some tool shots.



I like this style for large clamps, as they will sit flat on the building board. A long straight edge is a must, and a piece of extruded aluminum angle makes a nice straight edge when you need something higher (like doing these laminate spars). Squares in several sizes are also a must-have.

The pump bottle is rubbing alcohol, which is super-handy for getting epoxy or wood glue off of things.

The sliding square is really handy to take a measurement off of a plan and transfer it to a part.

The bevel gauge is a common carpenter tool, and is handy to get an angle off of the plans and transfer a mark onto wood. I find it more accurate to take the angle off of what I'm trying to fit the part to, and use the tool to set my saw to that angle.

The razorback adjustable miter saw is super-handy.

The little pieces of aluminum are just 2" sections cut from extruded angle. They are handy for holding wing ribs and the like square (use a spring clamp) while gluing.



This is a strap clamp. I don't know if it will get used on this or not, but they are a handy thing to have around.



A butane pencil torch works well for soldering in the field. Large veterinary syringes are handy to get glue into tight spots.



A razor plane is really helpful in making leading edges, along with really big sanding blocks made from plywood and a handle on the back. The woodpecker will make perforations on shrink covering that you want to cover with more shrink covering, preventing bubbles. It can also be used to perforate wood for better glue bite. You may need a tap if you need to make threads in something. I have a set, but bought a separate one to keep in my plane building stuff. 1/4" requires #7 drill, and keeping it with the tap is handy. A tap handle of some type is also needed.

The other tool is a crimper for servo connectors, though I think I'll get one of the really nice ones.



Flex saw is handy for cutting something flush with a surface. I rarely use it for planes.



An awl is handy for making dents to make sure a drill starts where you intend. The other tool is a pen drill.



20 Ton hydraulic press. Haven't found a use for it with RC planes, other than being in the way of the drill press, which is a must for making accurate and square holes.