Author's Note:

I always hate reading build threads that start, but never finish the build. Either the builder gives up, or moves on, or simply forgets to continue updating the thread.

So....

I started this build a long time ago... and finished the airplane tonight. It's after dark, so I'll get completed pictures in the sunlight tomorrow.

But onto the build....

Date: October 3, 2007

Tonight I started building a Senior Telemaster. This is not a full kit as sold on the internet, but a laser cut "short kit" that I bought elsewhere.

There are some differences between this and what the plans dictate. If I can remember, I will point out these differences.

Now, starting with the wings. The first difference. The original plans dictate a 3/8" by 1/2" balsa spars. The modified version has 1/2" by 1/2" spars. To get this dimension, I glued two smaller spars together. First, I didn't have the larger dimension balsa, and second, two pieces glued together is stronger than one single piece of equal dimensions.

While the first two spars were drying, I took the time to separate all the wing parts from the balsa sheets.

When you look at the pile/inventory of parts, you'll probably realize there are a lot of parts there. Indeed, when I ordered the short kit, I actually ordered two. I have enough for two complete airplanes.

Now, for another difference between the my bird and the stock. The wing is designed to be a two-piece wing. The innermost 3 ribs are 1/8" plywood for added strength. They also have holes cut in them in front of the spars to allow a aluminum joiner tube. You will notice rib #3 has that hole near the bottom, rib #2 has it in the middle, and rib #1 has in at the top. This is to allow some dihedral to be built into the wall. Also, all ribs have a 1/2" hole cut in them just behind the spars. This is for servo wires. Finally, possible the largest difference, the full built wing. Notice the rear of the ribs end in a point. This is for 1/16" sheeting to for the top and bottom of the trailing edge. The TE reinforcements are to be spaced in between the ribs to provide extra strength. Finally, rib #1 as a 1/4" hole near the back. This is for an alignment pin. I will probably glue a threaded wood block to one side, and use a nylon screw to help hold the wing halves together. I may also put another alignment/bolt hole in the front of the rib.

Things to figure out: How to provide a mounting point for the CA hinges, once the wing is completed and the aileron is cut away. I will need a band-saw to do a good job cutting the aileron away from the wing.


#1. Plan taped to building board
#2. Wing plan taped down (stack of wing parts in background
#3. Spars glued and clamped up
#4. Trailing edge reinforcements. 1/8" thick. (count 126)
#5. Front Rib sections. 1/4" thick, (count 50)
#6. 3/16" balsa ribs (count 8), 3/16" Trailing edge reinforcments (count 7)
1/8" ply ribs (3 types, 4 each)
#7. 1/8" balsa ribs (count 63), 1/32" ply center rib cover (count 4)