Plane Carrier
 

I have on occasion seen some pretty cool plane cradles/carriers that were built from PVC pipe. I want to do the same and I was hoping to get some ideas from the forum. I can definietely design and make one but Im hoping to get some input from the members on ideas or suggestions. Pics of an existing carrier would really help if you decide to share your idea. Thanks for your help.

RE: Plane Carrier
 

If this is going in a station wagon, SUV, mini van or PU with a cap, take 2 bungee cords and put them across the headliner at one end of the vehicle and 2 at the other end. Adjust the placement to fit the length of your shortest wing.

Slide the wing between the 2 bungee cords and secure in position with clip clothspins.

I can carry two wings like this. They are "shock mounted" and there is no chance of them getting damaged by anything. Also very easy to put the wings in and remove.

For the fuselage, I have 2 pieces of 2x2 secured together with a 2" gap. Lay this on the floor and put the wheels into the gap. The fuselage doesn't go anywhere.

RE: Plane Carrier
 

I too would like to see something posted with pictures. I am in a building mood...

RE: Plane Carrier
 

Here's mine. It's almost the same length as the bed of my truck. The frame being longer than the wing means there's little chance of damage if it does slide slightly forward or back. It's stiff enogh to lean against the garage wall for storage and battery charging.

RE: Plane Carrier
 

carrellh, That is some nice set up! If possible, would you have a list of dimensions and supplies on that pic, I have a small truck with a tool box in the back and hardly have any room for my plane, and it aint to stable when the truck is moving. i would like to build something like that. if you don't have anything exact, do you have some rough estimates? Thanks.

RE: Plane Carrier
 

Carrellh
Thanks for the photo. That is what I was looking for. I think I will take your idea one step further and add a carrying handle. I like the idea that it protects the plane as well. Thanks again.

RE: Plane Carrier
 

I seen a PVC craddle for a Funtana 90, It's sort of like the pic above,
except the wings are on either side of the fuse... Very clean setup..

RE: Plane Carrier
 

Made a carrier/holder out of 1/2" PVC that I like a lot because it lets me hang the plane from the wall and also carry it without changing anything. will post some pics once I get home. about 4:00 PST

RE: Plane Carrier
 

Here's a couple of pics of my carrier......
Sorry, couldn't resist...:D

RE: Plane Carrier
 

Heres what I do for my 60 sized planes. Not too practical for giant scale though.
Edwin

RE: Plane Carrier
 

Thanks 2slow but I think that paricular carrier is a little beyond the budget I had in mind.

ActionVerb....pics would be great!

RE: Plane Carrier
 

My brother designed and built the carrier for me. I don't have exact dimensions. I'll measure it this weekend and try to get a few more photos. The bottom frame is just under 6.5 feet by about 2 feet. The uprights for the wings are even with the top of the bed sides of a 2000 Silverado. I have a fiberglass bed lid so it doesn't get blown around at all. It's all 3/4" pvc for stiffness. I drag it about halfway out and lower the end to the ground. Then I drag it wherever it needs to go by the other end. I never need to move it more than 20-30 feet so I never felt wheels were necessary; and the frame itself makes a good handle. The wings have a bungee across both ends so they will not slide off if I have to stop quickly. The fuselge is also secured with little bungees. I can grab the frame on either side, near the center, and carry it like a suitcase if I need to. This is the only other photo I have. The PT-60 is my current trainer. The carrier is in the background near my truck.

RE: Plane Carrier
 

I am having trouble finding the gray foam that people use to go on the carrier to protect the plane. Could someone help me out with a store that I could pick some up at.

RE: Plane Carrier
 

All that is is pvc pipe insulation. You can find it at your local hardware store or at lowes. Its gonna be right buy the pipe in most cases it comes in 5 foot sections and has a slit down the middle with a "sticky" to hold it in place. Hope this helps.

RE: Plane Carrier
 

That helps and i will go to lowes today.

RE: Plane Carrier
 

that foam is kind of a seasonal thing at Lowes (that's what a Lowes employee told me a month ago when I bought all he had left). If you can't find any, go to walmart and buy one of those water toys for kids--I think they are called wet noodles or something like that. They work awesome, and come in colors. I'm thinking of changing mine out for those (just for the colors!).