As far as the better news goes... Ifinally started on my 40" span Pico!
Alcarafa (RCU ID) was perhaps the first one to adopt this little model (that I'm aware of) and build one around a Magnum 15 with a Mac's 2.5cc TP. Acording to all comments, he really enjoyed this little rocket. Ibelieve two or three were built and flown by fellow modelers of his club. Rafa did an excellent job on the Pico, but he made some changes in the tail section (much like Mark did) making his empennage from sheet balsa (he also made a built up balsa wing). While this is perfectly acceptable at these scales, I personally like the idea of keeping to the plans and building a true mini Tipo. So,... that's exactly what I'm doing. Unfortunately, Rafa's Pico met an untimely demise due to a DX7 Tx failure. Iunderstand he's now building another one which will be electric.
Like Mark, I decided to build the Pico around a simple concept. Iwas planning on using three servos, no landing gear, a 28-35-1500 KV motor (AXI has a nice one but I'll be going a cheaper route with Dualsky - CDN$44 quoted this morning) and a 2100 3s lipo on an 8x6 or 9x5 folding prop. Power should be in the 250-300W range
. I've since re-considered and may use two servos in the wing center section on torque rods to allow independed flaperon control. I may also install some landing gear blocks in the wing and a 1/2A nose gear mount on the FW in the event Idecide to put some wheels on it (unlikely).
The motor I've chosen is part of a new series of motors being produced by a number of manufacturers (Dualsky, AXI, Hyperion) intended for power gliders and small aerobatic aircraft
. Note that this is a long can 28mm OD motor which complements these models perfectly as it allows the use of short standoffs and fits nicely in the nose of the Pico. More common similar powered motors are also available in the 35-30-1500 dimensions (a little heavier) but can't be fit unless the fuse is widened to around 20% from F3 forward. I've widened mine to 10% which brings the forward dimensions to a nice profile for 1.5" spinners.
Attached are a few snaps of my Pico in progress. The foam core wing and stab are finished (have to join the wing and install the servos) and weigh 1 and 5.5 oz respectively
(my similar sized Deception wing w/ retracts and belly pan weighs 10 oz
). Rudder was built up per plans and fin assembly has been cut and is ready to be built once the fuse is assembled. The fuse sides have also been cut and I've lightened them where I've used 1/64" ply doublers. I'm in need of a nice piece of light 1/4"for the fuse top and bottom front sections and some tri stock to assemble the fuse. Ihave to bore out my formers as well which are made of 1/8" ply (FW) and 1/16" ply (nose ring, F2 & F3). The wing will be supported by two dowels in the front going into F2 and backed by a piece of 1/2" tri stock and two nylon screws in the back on either side of the torque rods. The canopy will be made removable on the angled front via two small dowles into the nose ring back and held down by magnets on the top 1/4" sheet at the fuse top. Servos will be laid out according to the sketch below.
Ihope you enjoy the pics and happy building!
Ed, Ilook forward to following your thread.
David.