RCU Forums - View Single Post - Foam Kit Building
View Single Post
Old 11-19-2005 | 08:23 PM
  #2  
Demon
 
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 463
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
From: SE, CT CT
Default RE: Foam Kit Building

Wow! That's a tall order!

Forget about 2105 because no one has been flying that class. The bigger engines in 2610 make the planes launch easier and fly better. Another class of scale combat known at 2548 is on the horizon, and may be worth your while to check out:
http://www.rccombat.com/forum/forum.asp?FORUM_ID=34

For the most durable scale construction techniques, study this site:
http://www.jkaerotech.com

More specifically, this page:
http://www.jkaerotech.com/FWTA152bs.htm

An important variation on their techniques for more strength is covering the airframe with a low-temp iron-on film. Be sure to mist spay adhesive on the foam parts before covering.

Opinions vary on airfoils. My personal favorite is the E205:
http://www.ae.uiuc.edu/m-selig/ads/afplots/e205.gif

Coroplast for the tail feathers (4mm) and fuselage 'doublers' (2mm) can be bought in a variety of colors from Harbor Sales:
http://www.harborsales.net/fullsheet...=Foam%20Boards

"Plazamate" blue foam by Dow is the best for wings because it is rated at 60psi crush strength. It is normally used for under freezer floors and under sidewalk pavers.

Regular pink or blue foam insulation will work fine for fuselages, and is a both a little lighter and a lot cheaper than the Plazamate. Check your local builder's supply houses for both of those.

TONS of good info on cutting foam parts can be found on this thread (unfortunately for an electric, but most of the info still applies):
http://www.rccombat.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11510

Some more information:
http://www.spacemodeling.org/new/how_to/Foam_Cutter.htm
http://www.rccombat.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11049
http://www.techlib.com/hobby/hotwire_foam_cutter.htm
http://www.charlesriverrc.org/articl...gmancutter.htm
http://www.hhhh.org/~joeboy/resource...am_cutter.html

HTH,
D