RE: Vectorflight Edge 540 build
 

Like I said earlier in this awesome thread, I would love to do a VF Fly-in. You are all welcome to come to Florida eventhough it is not at all central. However, I am willing to go just about anywhere. Lets keep this idea alive and contact VF to see if they see any advertisment value in this idea. I am sure they are monitoring this thread. I see awesome pictures and some great new friendships coming out pf this. Ron

RE: Vectorflight Edge 540 build
 

I think we should all chip in so Luke can get another VF Edge. Not that I am rich, but I hate to see someone suffer. And having a plane like that go down so soon would make me suffer much agony. Ron

RE: Vectorflight Edge 540 build
 

Awww shucks Ron, now I really feel like a horses hind quarter.:eek: I will be getting another VF plane as soon as possible. I smell a tax refund in the air.:D Maybe I will get a different model this time and do a build/flight review of it. Now that the Edge is done, any suggestions for a new home for the Saito 120? Of course, I am not against the idea of an Edge #2.[8D] It's just that the Extra and Sukhoi look so inviting! Maybe by the time I get ready to order one the price will drop back to 149.95 again (hint-hint to VF!;))

RE: Vectorflight Edge 540 build
 

Just noticed that VF has dropped the shipping delay to 3 weeks. Maybe they are getting caught up a bit? I think another review is in order to swamp them again! LOL[X(]

RE: Vectorflight Edge 540 build
 

Gary
The Great Planes Pants I am putting together are pretty thin and are plastic, but I am still going to try and find a way to make them as strong as possible without adding to much weight. I will fly with the VF stock ones though until nothing is left of them. I just want to have a good strurdy backup set to throw on it if need be. Let me know how yours come out, and please share your tips.

RE: Vectorflight Edge 540 build
 

I agree with Ron. I would love to contribute to another Edge for Luke (aka Primodus). You shouldn't feel like a "horses hind quarter", Luke. Just because some of us would be willing to help you out doesn't make you any less of a person. Everyone one of us have had our bad days at the field. A few weeks ago, one guy put in 2 out of the 3 planes that he brought with him.

Ray, the LHS opens for 10:00 am and you can bet that I will be there picking up the other wheel pants. I will document (with pics) the assembly steps. I may be able to get the done today, since I know what I did wrong. Look for my update.

Later

RE: Vectorflight Edge 540 build
 

I don't really knw what to say, you guys are too much.[sm=thumbup.gif][8D] The whole idea gives me a warm fuzzy feeling inside. (or it could be that cold pizza I had for breakfast:)) It won't be long before I get a new one on the way. I am still waiting on word from Horizon about the status of my 120.[&:] I am hoping the repairs won't be too pricey so I can get a jump on the cost of the new bird.

P.S. Welcome to the newcomers in the thread. I am looking forward to hearing some new insight on build and flight techniques from each of you.[8D]

RE: Vectorflight Edge 540 build
 

Good News! Vectorflight got back to me quickly (as usual!) and told me that I just missed the last shipment, and I was first in line for the shipment going out at the end of this week! :D

I guess since I've been following this thread while waiting for my Edge to arrive, I'll tell you guys a little about myself, too.

My name is Mike, I'm 32 years old, and I work as an Implementation Specialist for a major payroll provider. I'm married and I have two sons, 6 and 2. I remember being a kid and seeing the local club's planes at the mall for a show twice a year......I looked forward to it constantly.....I just used to stare at the planes for hours, and I told my dad, "Someday I'll have one of those" It finally happened in 1998.....I built a Great Planes PT-40 ARF.....having no idea how hard it is to fly on your own, I went to my in-laws house because they have a few acres of property.......the plane took off, climbed at about a 55 degree angle, the wing stalled, and it came straight down.....the entire flight lasted about 10 seconds. [:o] Somehow, the plane was not a total loss, but my spirit was sunk.....I didn't touch the plane for 2 years....then, a new employee started at work....on the bulletin board was a brief bio of her. It turns out that she and her boyfriend were into RC planes. I mentioned my accident to her, and she said, "bring the plane to me!" Her boyfriend fixed the plane perfectly....at this point I was chomping at the bit to get back into the hobby, doing it the right way this time! Unfortunately, it turned out that her and her boyfriend liked to build much more than fly, so I never got a chance to hook up with them at the field. Then, at a Christmas party in December of 2000, I found out that my wife's cousin had started flying RC planes earlier that year.....we started talking about flying, and he said that he would teach me to fly, so, when the weather broke in April of 2001, I started flying with him. I was immediately hooked!!! I flew with him for about a month or two, but the drive to his field was a bit long. I then found a club about 20 minutes from my house, so I joined there, and have been addicted ever since!! I've now amassed 13 glow planes, all RTF (14 once my Edge comes in!), 4 electrics, and my 6 year old son has a trainer. Last year, I was showing my dad my planes and I said to him, "See, I told you I'd have one of these someday". He just smiled.
When I first started in this hobby, I was sure that Warbirds would be my thing, but what I've really favored are the Scale Aerobatic planes and 3D planes.
In addition to RC flying, my next favorite activity is boating with the family.

RE: Vectorflight Edge 540 build
 

Luke, did not mean to make you feel bad when I suggested chipping in to get you a new Edge. Gary's right, we all smash em up. Hey if you don't crash you are not pushing your self to be a better pilot. I suggestion was just to make sure we all stay active in the club. Does this not feel like one of the clubs you and your friends formed when you were a kid. Hey, we are all just big kids playing with big toys.

RE: Vectorflight Edge 540 build
 

Gary,

I believe you said you went with Robart Hinges. I have 1 pack of 15 #308s (1/8") for my VF Edge. How many did you use? Anyone else?

RE: Vectorflight Edge 540 build
 

I used four for each aeileron.
I made a "tool" to get them into the slanted leading edge of the aeileron.
Note that when the aeileron is at neutral, the hinge points will have about a 20 degree angle
Simply. it was two 1/4" sq sticks about 4" long with a 1/2 sq" crossbar glued on top of the ends of the sticks.
The pilot hole is drilled into the crossbar the diameter needed for the hinge points.
Then, place the sticks span wise on the aeileron with the 1/2" overhanging the top of the aeileron span and used the predrilled hole
to route the drill into the aeileron.
Sorry I don't have a pix but will try later.

RE: Vectorflight Edge 540 build
 

Ron, I didn't take it that seriously LOL:) I have been talking to Chuck at VF and I have decided to try the Extra 66" and give it a full build and flight review. Of course, with the current delays in shipping, it will be some time before I have it in hand.:D

Jon, figure at least 17. 19 if you use 5 per aileron like Gary did. 3 per tail surface either way.

RE: Vectorflight Edge 540 build
 

The Extra. Great. Can't wait to starting reading that thread. I am sure I will like my VF Edge as much as everybody here on this thread. If I do, I may just have to get another VF plane. I will order it soon so I have it before I really need it. The wait won't be so hard to bare then. My Edge should be here tomorrow if Chuck was correct on when it shipped from Detroit.

Jon, has your Edge come yet? Guess not, or you would have said something.

Not sure if I am going to go with hinge points or CA hinges. I can't see myself putting this plane through any more radical stuff than I put my Funtana through and the CA hinges seem to be working and holding up well on that plane. Is it for extra strength that you went with hinge points or for some other reasons. Are the hinge points you are using the plastic or the metal ones? Thanks.

RE: Vectorflight Edge 540 build
 

>> Jon, has your Edge come yet? Guess not, or you would have said something.<<

They said it was in the USPS on Friday and expect delivery in 2-3 business days. I don't expect it before Friday or even next week. It has been my experience that big packages in the USPS take a long time.

>>Not sure if I am going to go with hinge points or CA hinges. I can't see myself putting this plane through any more radical stuff than I put my Funtana through and the CA hinges seem to be working and holding up well on that plane. Is it for extra strength that you went with hinge points or for some other reasons. Are the hinge points you are using the plastic or the metal ones? Thanks.<<

I got the plastic ones with a metal hinge. No particular reason as CA hinges seem to work ok if you get them glued properly. I have been told that they wear out and break off, but I haven't flown anything that long. I just wanted to try the hinge points this time. I'm also going to try Gorilla glue.

RE: Vectorflight Edge 540 build
 

Jon and Ron (hey I made a rhyme :D),

Hope your guys get your Edge's soon.

Like Luke mentioned, I used 5 in each aileron and 3 in the rudder. The elevators are holding up fine since I put 3 CA hinges in each elevator instead of the recommended 2. The only reason I switched was because one of my aileron hinges broke. Luckily I noticed it just before I was about to maiden. The rudder was changed when the wind blew my plane off my stand and popped the rudder off. This is my first experience with Hinge Points and I like them a whole better than CA hinges. They are probably a bit easier to install too. No slot to cut, just a 1/8" hole to drill.

Gonna work on the wheelpants a bit more before I hit the sack. BTW, they are coming out great. Can't wait to post some pics.

Later

RE: Vectorflight Edge 540 build
 

For my edge i used all CA hinges. 4 hinges per surface. Yeah its a little overkill, but its better to be safe than sorry. I was thinking about robart hinge points but, last time I tryed using them I really messed up the wing. Guess my building skills need a little more inproving. After thinking about destroying one of my other wings on one of my other planes i went went the easy to install CA hinges.

I just bought myself some 3 inch dubro low bounce wheels for the smoother taxiing on grass. Once i master landing this bird I will probally go for a slightly smaller tire with wheel pants. Gary what size wheels are you doing to be using when you install your new wheel pants? Stock?

RE: Vectorflight Edge 540 build
 

Nathan, I am using a set of H9 Lite 2.75" that I had left over from my Arrow Trainer (R.I.P. [:o]). On the three flights that I have had so far, I had no problems with taxiing, takeoffs, or landings. I too fly off a grass field and it is by no means the smoothest. That is why I was very hesitant to put the stock pants on this beautiful plane. My field shredded 2 set of 'glass pants on my H9 Aresti 40 in less than 10 flights. Now granted that plane needs to land hotter than most, but I am usually a smooth lander with no bounce. Hopefully these pants will hold up.

Speaking of wheelpants, here are the long overdue pics of the pants. These are the new set that I just picked up today. Here is a brief build report on them. I have 7 pics so I will go by the numbers:

1. Just ripped them out of the packaging. They are Great Planes Med size pants.
2. The pant on the left is untouched from the packaging. The pant on the right has already had the seam edges sanded flat and matched to one another. Once they were matched as close as possible they were CA'ed together.
3. Used 1" med. guage 'glass and sealed the seam from the inside with them. Prior to 'glassing them, I sanded the seam on the outside as smooth as possible. Any low spots were filled in with putty for plastic models. Once the putty dried I sanded it down smooth. I repeated this process until all the low spots were completely gone and no seam could be felt. Very time consuming, but the end result speaks for itself.
4. Sanded the entire pant starting with 150 grit down to 400 grit. After I was satisfied with the sanding I wiped it down with alcohol and wrapped some masking tape around my hand and removed any lint and debris. Then I sprayed one even coat of primer to help the paint stick better.

*The rest of the pics are on the next post....

RE: Vectorflight Edge 540 build
 

*Continuation of wheel pants:

5. Sprayed first coat of base color. I actually used 2 different colors before I clear coated it. The first coat is Krylon Fusion paint from WalMart. It is designed for applications with plastic. I applied 2 light coats of this.
6 & 7. The final color is Model Masters - Guard Red. I sprayed to even coats. Then I followed it up with WalMart brand clear coat.

The only thing left is to mount them. I already have the holes drilled out. I will be mounting them tomorrow when I get off work and will post some pics of the completed setup. Since these are my very first pants that I had to assemble and paint, I am extremely pleased by the end results. I showed my mother and she said that if she had not seen my working on them, she would have thought that they were factory pieces. That comment put a huge smile on my face.

One more note. The reason for the 2 colors. I had used the Model Masters on the first set of pants that I screwed up. I was unsure of its ability to withstand fuel so I picked up the Krylon today. Although the Krylon would have been a base/clear coat in one, I was unhappy with the color. It was a bit too dark. Therefore I went over the Krylon with the Model Masters. I think the 2 paints combined gave me a near perfect match. You guys have to see them in person, the pics just don't do them justice. When I placed them next to the plane, I was pleasantly surprised at how well they matched.

Until tomorrow....

RE: Vectorflight Edge 540 build
 

Gary very nice indeed as i must say.
A couple of questions though. when you fiberglassed to 2 halfs together you just put a thin layer of epoxy then layed the fiberglass. Thinking it might get really tricky trying to fiberglass the far end of the pants.
Since i used a regular set of axles instead of the provided screw axle, would i have to drill the holes all the way through both sides of the pants, and put the wheel color on the outside of the wheelpants to mount everything. If you understand what im trying to type.

Think you are mixing up my name. My name is Nathan not JON..

RE: Vectorflight Edge 540 build
 

Nathan, thanks for the compliment.

To fiberglass them, I cut my 1" 'glass tape to the length I needed. One piece goes from the front of the wheel opening up against the front curve and up the top all the way to the back. The other piece goes from the back of the wheel opening, down the bottom seam to the back. I thinned some 15 minute epoxy, layed the four pieces on a piece of wax paper, and then poured the epoxy over a long and short piece for the first pant and then did the other pieces for the second pant. After I poured the epoxy over the 'glass strips, I put on a pair of vinyl gloves and rubbed the epoxy in good. Then I carefully layed them inside and used a scrap piece of control rod, with a 1/2" 90 degree bend on one end, and used it to smooth the 'glass against the seam.

To mount them, I epoxied plywood plates on the inside of each side of the pant, centered over the axel holes I drilled on each side. I am using GP 2" long, 5-32 wheel axels cut down to the width of the pants. Tomorrow I will be cutting out a slot just big enough to fit the hex part of the wheel axels, that's what one of the plywood plates are for - to hold the hex part of the axle. The other end of the axel will go through the plywood on the other side and will be flush with the outside of the wheelpant. Then I will be installing 2-56 blind nuts in the plywood on the axle side. I have 2 holes already drilled in my langing gear for two 2-56 hex bolts that will go into the blind nuts to prevent the pants from rotating. It sounds a little complicated, but I will take pics of it and you will see what I am trying to explain. It is pretty easy to do and really locks the pants on. Also by having the axle go all the way through both sides of the wheelpant, it helps keep the pants locked on and makes them more sturdy. I will be using wheel collars to hold the wheels on the axle.

Hope you can understand what I am trying to say. I think you will understand it once you see the pics.

RE: Vectorflight Edge 540 build
 

Nathan, sorry for the name mix up. I had corrected my mistake, but you had replied before I caught it. Again, I apologize.

RE: Vectorflight Edge 540 build
 

Gary, those wheelpants look great. The pics really help bring across the value of your effort. I can;t wait to see what they look like on the Edge.[8D]

RE: Vectorflight Edge 540 build
 

Nice job on the Pants Gary. I have mine glued together, but thats as far as I have gotten so far. I am waiting to run to town this weekend to pick me up some more glass cloth, and some spot putty for the seams. So right now I am at a standstill. If mine turn out half as nice as yours did, I will be happy though. Great Job!

RE: Vectorflight Edge 540 build
 

Luke and Ray,

Thanks for the compliments. It makes it worth the effort when others appreciate your hard work.

I am going to try to get the pants mounted tonight. It all depends on how my kids behave. If I am able to mount them, of course you know that I will post pics.

Other the 2 long white stripes, are there any other decals that go on the pants too? I can't see any others that go on them.

Later.

RE: Vectorflight Edge 540 build
 

Been doing a little research on the different power choices for the 66" VF planes. Here's the info I have gathered:

Motor \ Weight w/o muffler \ BHP
Saito 120S/GK \ 28oz \ 2.2
Saito 100S/GK \ 18oz \ 1.8
OS 91FX \ 19.3oz \ 2.8

By the looks of it, the 2 stroke 91FX looks like the best power to weight ratio, however, fuel consumption is a concern. I have heard that large 2 stroke motors are just as, if not more, thirsty as the larger 4 stroke motors. Anyone got a take one this? Setting aside aesthetics and cosmetics of course.