Shoestring DONE (pics)
 

About halfway through the build process on the GP Shoestring 60 ARF. I ran into a slight snag on beefing up the gear mount, but recovered from it with some fancy dremeling. (I blocked off the gear mount slots with traingle stock, wrong side:eek:) I am leaving the wheel pants off until I get used to landing. This is a really nice kit to work with. I have found all the hardware included is of very good quality. This includes the CA hinges. I was skeptical about them at first, but decided that if GP says they will work I will trust them for initial installation. (Note: I WILL BE WATCHING THEM CLOSELY!;)) The covering is very good on this one, needs just a slight touch to tighten with the iron. I am anxious to see if I get the gap in the cockpit area that others have described, but I haven't truly fitted it to know yet. I haven't glassed the wing yet as well. I was waiting to get to the part where I mount the cockpit to it first to see how much it will cover and remain hidden. I will most likely only use 2 patches of cloth on each side (top and bottom) to secure it, instead of glassing the entire length. I feel it should hold just as well for the type of flying I will be doing. If I crash, teh wing joint will be the least of my worries eh? ;) Below are a few pics with the plane partially assembled. The cowl, pilot, and cockpit area are not actually mounted yet.:D

RE: Shoestring update (pics)
 

Here's the cockpit of one I just built for a friend. If you trace the canopy before you glue it down you can cut a 1/2" peice of Monocote (Cub Yellow) to cover the seam of the canopy. The wife was feeling artsy one day so she painted the pilot. Voltmeter for the dash.

I added a piece of balsa to fill the gap but it makes it a bit harder to line up the wing. You might want to just live with the gap.

RE: Shoestring update (pics)
 

Ok, I can live with the gap. As for the canopy line I have GP 1/4" Yellow Stripping tape as called for in the manual. A little heat should make it follow the curve nicely. I hope.:eek:

Yours looks very nice BasinBum. Sweet paintjob on the pilot, very functional cockpit. :D

Luke[8D]

RE: Shoestring update (pics)
 

If the 1/4" tape don't work ,mount wood block's in the cockpit and use 2x3/8 button head scerw's they work well and look great....JW

RE: Shoestring update (pics)
 

I used 2 runs of the strip tape around the edge of the canopy, side by side. It was very easy to follow the curves since the tape bends easily to the side. A little ironing cured it down and molded the edges together. Using the stock dash decal and the pilot pictured above. I will post a few more pics ASAP. The instrument panel decal is hard to see up under the dash but noone at my field will be looking for it anyway LOL:D This is a fun plane to put together.

RE: Shoestring update (pics)
 

If you think building it is fun,Just wait tell ya fly it...JW

RE: Shoestring update (pics)
 

Has anyone built this ARF without fiberglassing the wing joint?

RE: Shoestring update (pics)
 

I have. I have an OS 91fs in it and flew it all last summer with no problems. I used 30 minute epoxy and microballoons in the wing joiner slots and rough sanded the ends of the wings and joined with 30 minute epoxy per manual instructions. If it makes you feel better to fiberglass the center section then go ahead. Won't hurt the plane any and you will feel better if you have any doubts.:D

RE: Shoestring update (pics)
 

Finished the front end last night. Engine is mounted, fuel system plumbed, Throttle linkage installed and cowl mounted. Took some pics just to show the progress. Bear in mind it was cloudy and foggy this morning when I took these :) The pic from the side view shows the remaining gap between the cockpit and the fuse. Less than 1/4" looks good to me.:D All that remains for finish is radio install, tail feather linkage, and decals. I think a wooden prop would be much more fitting on that spinner, eh?

Luke[8D]

RE: Shoestring update (pics)
 

I glassed mine since I have a .90 in it. You cant see it anyways. I also leave it exposed so I can check on it for stress. Don't lett this fool you, the wings are thin and strong and the plane is hot.

RE: Shoestring update (pics)
 

Ok, I'm sold. I am going to go back and glass the wing, but only on the underside since the cockpit is epoxied to the wing already. Wouldn't all the stress be on the bottom of the joint when pulling back on the stick? I figure 2 patches of glass should be sufficient, one fore and one aft of the servo lead holes. It will only be seen when the wing is unmounted. Any other suggestions? :D

Luke[8D]

Adding pic of how I glassed the wing joint.

RE: Shoestring update (pics)
 

I liked this plane so much I named myself after it!!

RE: Shoestring update (pics)
 

Well, here she is! Miaden is this weekend:D I hope the weather holds!

RE: Shoestring DONE (pics)
 

bump, forgot editing doesn't jump it back to top.

;)

RE: Shoestring DONE (pics)
 

Very good!! Looks like a Shoestring should. Now would be the time to double check servo screws,control rod clips, fuel lines hooked up correct, controls work in the right direction, engine idles well, new glow plug, etc. No surprises on the first flight. Get some pics of the first flight for us. Hope you have great weather.:D:D

RE: Shoestring DONE (pics)
 

Looks great!

Good luck this weekend

RE: Shoestring update (pics)
 

you'r going to love it....JW

RE: Shoestring update (pics)
 

SO what ever happend to the first flight and THE REST OF THE STORY!

RE: Shoestring update (pics)
 

Today is Saterday isn't it?.....JW

RE: Shoestring update (pics)
 

WOWOWOWOWOWOWOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D

Hmmm..how do YOU think my first day went?:eek:

Well, RCU did it again. During the build process I asked many questions seeking knowledge from other Shoestring owners and got a ton of great responses. One "tip" that reared it's ugly head was the need to beef up the landing gear mounts. They ripped out twice today. However, a couple hours and some fancy epoxy work, and they are stronger than ever, even battle tested. Here are a few pics of one awesome flying plane. Sorry they are so grainy but I have an outdated digital camera. The Shoestring was the fastest thing out there. (Of course I had the biggest engine!) I love this plane!

Luke[8D]

RE: Shoestring update (pics)
 

Glad to hear you had a good day for flying and the best part is you still have the Shoestring. I would guess the Cub yellow Monokote came in handy? Now that you have the first flight bugs out of the way next time out should be s blast!!:D

RE: Shoestring update (pics)
 

I'm GLAD to say I Told ya so......;)....LOL ...enjoy....JW

RE: Shoestring DONE (pics)
 

Looks great...I just finished mine...put a Saito 100 in it,lol...;) Just finished up the wheel pants. I love this plane...it is super nice...Im very impressed

Are you taking off from grass??..or pavement?

I did not do anything to my landing gear....Im very skilled when it comes to landing, and dont forsee a problem, but was wondering how hard the landing was that broke them....

RE: Shoestring DONE (pics)
 

Thanks guys, it's a great plane to fly! :D

CDignition,

I am using a grass runway that is very low cut. I left the wheel pants off til I get used to landing it. It lands VERY VERY HOT!!! I cut throttle to idle halfway down the downwind leg and used a very long glidepath. This plane just wants to go fast. The first landing was very smooth, however, like many others have said, two-point landings are not an option with this bird. Three pointers are a MUST! I greased it on the mains and I guess ground friction grabbed them and took them backwards, breaking the gear mount. The second break was due to a bounce on a deadstick landing. I would beef up the gear even if you are on pavement and are a pro with the landings. It's not a hard task and you don't have to tear alot out to get in there to it from the bottom side. Good luck with your new bird. It's gonna scream with that 100 on it![X(]

Luke[8D]

RE: Shoestring DONE (pics)
 

I have 2 ,one with a 0s91fx , and one with a YS110FZ the plane can be slowed down for landing ,I slow it by cutting the throttle on the down leg and let it drop down to about 30' then make my turn letting it drop to about 10-15' off the deck with the engine at an idle, I let it drop to 2-3' and just flair it keeping it 2-3' of the deck ,the plane slow's to a trainer speed ,by this time it's just off the deck ,reduce your flair and land ,...It take's a little practice, but the plane can fly very slow , with no bad habit's.....JW