Finally got started on the Stearman and got a couple of things done. All the covering wrinkles have been eleminated and I've cut the covering to reveal the servo mounting slots in the bottom wing. I'm going to use 2 alieron servos and the connecting rod instead of 4 servos - I think it looks better. The 2 wing joiners have been glued up -3 plys to make 2 3/8 inch joiners - one for each wing. And just for fun I cut the head off one of the pilots included with the kit and turned it about 45 degrees - turned out good. See photos.

Glynn

I like your work on the pilot !

Since you are using the connecting shafts between the airlerons, go to page 17 of the manual. Step #4: Do not use their instructions! The distance to the rear edge of the control horn is 7/8". This eliminates the binding you'll get using their instructions. I got this from R/C Report magazine and it works beautiflly on mine and several others at my field.

What engine are you planning on using? I have a G-23 in mine and it's a great match for this airplane. I can loop from level flight. Also using this or a G-26, you won't have to build the weight box and add all the extra weight to get it to balance.

Mike, Thanks for the tip. I will use E-Flite outrunner 110 but having trouble deciding what will be the best approach for the conversion to electric. I also used tge 110 on another conversion - Thunder Tiger Rare Bear - and it has gobs of power so I agree it's a good choice for the Stearman. Any advice or ideas for the Stearman will be happily taken.

Tonight I got all the hardware and misc parts sorted and organized. The bottom wing was prepped for gluing up by running the servo extensions and securing them in place. The top wing is ready for gluing but I'll start there tomorrow.

Glynn

Tonight I got quite a bit done on the Stearman - This build is really straight forward and easy (so far) - the instructons are excellant.

I've been studying the fuselage carefully and have not yet come up with a plan I like for my electric conversion.

If I decide to stay with glow I've been looking at the RCV 120. Does anyone have experience with that engine?

Glynn.

More photos

Took a little break from the fuselage / wing and finished the dummy radial.

A few more photos

Sinse the last post I have had a conversation with one of my friends at our local field and have begun to use the same conversion technique to electric that he used (Thanks, Augie).

I began by cutting away the floor of the front cockpit, I cut from below and used the formers as a guide for cutting. The next istep nvolved cutting away the bulkhead and bottom supports for the fuel tank but being careful not to damage or weaken the main structure. I used a - very - sharp #11 blade to make multiple score lines where the cut needed to be and then breaking away unwanted pieces and finally sanding it all smooth.

Finally, I measured and built the basic structure for the battery box. After I install fences inside to support the 4 - 4 cell Lipo batteries I'll cut lightning / air circulating holes. The Stearman will be powered by an outrunner 110 with 85 - 100 AMP HV ESC & 4 Lipos - 2 in series for 8 cells to give the power a 15 lb plane will need and 2 in parallel for some descent flying time.

Glynn




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Glynn


Nice work, just curious as to how much the lipos,esc and motor
cost ?


Bob

Hi Bob,

I haven't bought them yet so I don't know exactly - but it'll be a chunck a' change - in the neiborhood of $500.00 - ouch!

Glynn

I haven't checked in for a while, I was repairing some crash damage and have just got back to the Stearman today.

Installed the aileron servos and linkage, then mounted the N struts and wings - it all fit good and was in good alignment.

The last thing I did today was to install and adjust the servo control rods. This wasn't a hard job but it took over three hours to get it all adjusted and working smoothly.

Talk to ya soon.

Glynn

Today I got the motor installed and in proper position with the cowl &amp; dummy engine.
Also worked on the pilots, interior and instrument panels. I'll take some additional photos when it's finished and permenantly installed.

Glynn

Don't know if you know about Hobbycity.com , but they have GREAT prices on Electric motors, ECS, and batteries. especially batteries!!!

I've heard of a few people , very few, complain about the motors, but the ESC's and batteries you can't beat the price !

Running a few myself.

Andy

Got a little more done on the Srearman today. Wheels, axles and wheel pants intaalled. I'm sure you can tell from the photos I've installed larger skylite wheels. I also used different tail wheel bracket and a larger tail wheel and adjustable control horns instead of what was provided with the kit. These control horns are so simple to install I'll probably never use the other type again. Got started on the receiver, switch and servo installation, when finished I'll show additional photos.

Glynn


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Glenn


Looking good.


I used the same control horns on my astro hog.
They make an easy heavy duty connection.
I did lose one of the brass sliding part,so beware.
I put a zip tie around it for insurance.

Bob

IT'S DONE!

The only thing I still want to do is paint red tips on the prop to match the plane. My biggest surprise is that it balanced just a tad (that's a word - right?) nose heavy without adding any useless balast and I like them to be favoring the nose heavy side of the equation for the first flight.

In my opinion this is one of the best (maybe the best) kits I've ever dealt with. It was rewarding and challenging at the same time and everything fit well.
Also, the instructions were clear and detailed - even thought this does not appear to be a plane for a novice the instructions would have guided even a beginner.

I'll let you know the results of the maiden flight - it probably won't be this weekend because of weather forcast for out area - but soon.

Final specs:
-RimFire 160
-GreatPlanes SS 80 ESC
-2 - 6 cell 5000mah Lipos in series
-2000mah on board battery
-Spectrum AR 7000 Rx
-DX 7 Tx
-AUW = 16 lb - 7 oz

Glynn.






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Looks really nice! Congrats!