Beginner with new plane kit
12-04-2007 | 07:05 PM
#26
RE: Beginner with new plane kit
Now that you are going to build it you may want to also start thinking how to trim it. I don't know about you but I hate using the trim like is on the box, I want it to be MY plane !!!! ENJOY !!! RED
12-04-2007 | 11:45 PM
#27
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From: OZark,
MO
RE: Beginner with new plane kit
Welcome MadMoe,
That club in Columbia is a good group of guys but I bet they have a couple of CLOSET builders in the mix
You might try visiting the LORCS down in Eldon, Mo. some time, they are a crazy fun bunch too. They go to Columbia's fun flies and vice versa sometimes.
The LT 40 is my favorite trainer also. One thing you might do to enhance the web experience is get a decent digital camera.
the old axiom "a picture speaks a thousand words" really applies well to building planes. I would make zero mods to the LT 40. Sig did to good of a job on it but I agree with making any covering scheme you like, just make sure to use colors you can see really well such as yellow and bright blue with a contrasting second color such as red or black. Check with these guys before you decide as some colors such as med green, white, red can get hard to see VERY quickly. I learned to fly at Eldon, it is a super nice field with lots of room. If you see a guy there flying a 2' x 2' x 4 mil piece of plastic and makin' it look easy don't be too suprised
That club in Columbia is a good group of guys but I bet they have a couple of CLOSET builders in the mix
You might try visiting the LORCS down in Eldon, Mo. some time, they are a crazy fun bunch too. They go to Columbia's fun flies and vice versa sometimes.The LT 40 is my favorite trainer also. One thing you might do to enhance the web experience is get a decent digital camera.
the old axiom "a picture speaks a thousand words" really applies well to building planes. I would make zero mods to the LT 40. Sig did to good of a job on it but I agree with making any covering scheme you like, just make sure to use colors you can see really well such as yellow and bright blue with a contrasting second color such as red or black. Check with these guys before you decide as some colors such as med green, white, red can get hard to see VERY quickly. I learned to fly at Eldon, it is a super nice field with lots of room. If you see a guy there flying a 2' x 2' x 4 mil piece of plastic and makin' it look easy don't be too suprised
12-05-2007 | 03:13 PM
#28
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From: Mountain Home,
AR
RE: Beginner with new plane kit
Wow, that just blows my mind that nobody in your club builds. It's a bit frightening too. If nobody builds, there will be fewer and fewer kits available to us who love to build due to lack of demand. Sad, Sad. BTW, I'm from St. Louis but retired and moved to Arkansas. Don't know who to root for in the Cotton Bowl, and both teams will have Heisman Trophy finalists. Go Tigers--Go Hogs.
12-05-2007 | 03:57 PM
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From: Lockport,
NY
RE: Beginner with new plane kit
ORIGINAL: bkdavy
Assuming you're talking about sheeting, its very easy to bend balsa. First soak it with rubbing alcohol or ammonia (windex works well for this). Let the wood sit for a few minutes. You'll feel it start to be easier to flex. Don't rush it. Make sure the grain of the wood is running span-wise. Once you can easily flex it over the surface, use masking tape to hold it in place. Now allow the wood to dry (overnight is good). When its dry, it will retain the shape of the curve, and can be easily glued in place.
Brad
Assuming you're talking about sheeting, its very easy to bend balsa. First soak it with rubbing alcohol or ammonia (windex works well for this). Let the wood sit for a few minutes. You'll feel it start to be easier to flex. Don't rush it. Make sure the grain of the wood is running span-wise. Once you can easily flex it over the surface, use masking tape to hold it in place. Now allow the wood to dry (overnight is good). When its dry, it will retain the shape of the curve, and can be easily glued in place.
Brad
Windex worked like a charm, held shape perfectly. Gluing now and so much easier than triing to clamp all over the place.
Thanx again,
Tom
12-06-2007 | 04:00 PM
#30
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From: Columbia, MO
RE: Beginner with new plane kit
Trying to find space to build is proving to be interesting. I was wondering what anyone thought of the "Great Planes Pro Building Board 16x48x3/4". I thought that if I had something a bit more portable than a hollow core door, I could work on the kitchen table, then move it for storage. I know it is not a great solution, but I'm running out of options...
Madmoe
Madmoe
12-06-2007 | 04:29 PM
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From: Garland, TX
RE: Beginner with new plane kit
I use that board and like it very much. I haven't had issues with warpage but you should check it once in a while to be sure it stays flat.
12-06-2007 | 05:33 PM
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From: FrederickMD
RE: Beginner with new plane kit
Buy yourself an inexpensive folding table and put a cieling tile on top of it. The tile works well for pinning, is light, and you can take the whole contraption down in a couple minutes.
Brad
Brad
