Ok fellas. She is almost done! I figure a couple hours a night and we'll be in the air in about two weeks. The pilot, Patrick, is a little small but those of you with small kids understand the meaning to them. I was going to tint the canopy, but read some horror stories about tinting and didn't want a lump of tinted plastic. Still have to do all the llinkages, cover and install ailerons, install radio, final balance, stickers, engine break-in (TT Pro .61), and final shake-down. Then she will be airworthy. Anybody got a good line on some wheel pants that will fit with little modification and are reasonably priced? Let me know. Enjoy!

Nikolaus

looks great!

Sachin

Just wondering, what is the total time you have spent on this plane?

I am currently working on a Great Planes Easy Sport 40. I only have the tail feathers done though.


Nice work btw.

Good job on that. They fly great. I tinted my canopy with fuel proof spray paint. I used masking tape to mask off the outside and sprayed the inside. As for the wheel pants I'd ask around or check out a swap meet somewhere. You'll find something that will work.

SIG actually sells a set of wheel pants for this plane. OOPPSS..I just checked they only list them for the 4* 40. You may want to call them. I know a few guys that did the .60 ARF version and they were included.

For canopy tinting here are a couple of links. I used the RIT dye method and it turned out well

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/How_...1990658/tm.htm

OR

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_18...tm.htm#1894281

These are my notes after tinting many many canopies.

Note: ARF canopies usually don’t take Rite Dye as they are a different plastic than those made in the USA.

Canopy tinting with Rite Dye:
1. Clean your canopy with soap/water, rinse and let dry. Handle only on the edges after that.
2. Mix 2 parts black Rite Dye powder with 1 part navy blue. Using only straight black will give you a BROWN tint! If any think I would recommend a mix of 70/30% Blue/black.
3. Have a container large enough to completely cover your canopy.
4. Have a second container of rinse water ready or at least some way to rinse the canopy off.
5. Buy a cheap candy thermometer (or steal your wife's) I take no responsibility!!
6. Have your container in an area where it doesn't matter if you spill!! You will spill, splatter or drip!
7. Heat your water to about 140-150 degrees. Note, a large thin canopy might not stand higher temps; your risk! Best to leave a canopy in its original frame (mold form) while tinting.
8. Wait until the water temperature in your container totally stabilizes, ……temp. may still be rising from hotter water in the bottom.
9. Thoroughly mix in the dye.
10. Plunge the canopy into the mix with one movement. Any hang up during this process could create a faint line of differing tint.
11. Use a pliers or tongs to bring it out. If not dark enough, put it back in(see #9 and see below).
12. Bring canopy out, immediately rinse and place in a clean area to dry.
13. Dispose the dye water in a safe area??? Hot water will kill the lawn.

I tried Russ Brandt’s method as stated below except I still heated the water and only used about 2 tablespoons of vinegar in my staining bucket. I was tinting Great Planes CAP 232 and GP Ultimate canopies. The results were significantly darker than what I am used to, but they do look very nice. His method is very effective if you want a dark canopy. Also the canopies were somewhat “relaxed” around the edges after experiencing 150 degree heat. They were not misshapen, just loose around the base. If you only want a slight tint then I would recommend omitting the vinegar.


HERE IS THE ALTERNATE METHOD USING VINEGAR AS RELAYED BY Russ "MT" Brandt


Canopy tinting with Rite Dye:
1. Clean your canopy with soap/water and dry. Handle only on the edges after that.
2. Mix 2 parts black Rite Dye with 1 part navy blue. Straight black will give you a BROWN tint.
3. Have a container large enough to completely cover your canopy.
SKIP #5
5. Have your container in an area where it doesn't matter if you spill!!
SKIP #7 & 8 Use hot tap water & add 25% white vinegar.
8. Thoroughly mix in the dye, and the vinegar.
9. Plunge the canopy into the mix with one movement. Any hang up could create a faint line of differing tint.
10. Use a pliers or tongs to bring it out. If not dark enough, put it back in(see #9).
11. Bring canopy out, rinse in clean water and place in a clean area to dry.
12. Dispose the dye water in a safe area???
------------------
Russ "MT" Brandt