Well I started on the TKO this weekend. I didn't get to far, but I did manage to cut the "kit". I will update with details and build pictures along the way.

A link to the previous thread refering to my new design.


http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_5591786/tm.htm

Excellent!! This will be Kewl...

Chuck

Oh yeah a little tail art for this bird when I get her done.

Gotta love that Dodge "Super Bee". Nice touch with the "TKO" under it. [sm=thumbup.gif]

Yeah it should look pretty cool on the tail, maybe 1 large one under the wing.

I have the stab halves built and sheeted. As you will notice in the pictures Rib #1 is canted to allow for 1.5" of anhedral. The sheeting is 1/16 balsa and all ribs are 1/16 balsa except for rib 1 which is 1/32. I tried to post these pictures yesterday, but was unable to upload to RCU.

I also completed the Vertical fin today. the frame 1/4" balsa with 3/32 sheeting. I will try to get back down there to start framing the wings out.

It's looking great! You're a fast builder.

That is the best way I've found to build symmetrical horizontal stabs. I've used it on three models and it more or less assures a straight build.

I learned it from building Bridi kits.

In case anyone missed what Dave was refering to. I glued a thin slice of 1/16 balsa on the centerline of the leading and trailing edges of the stab. I then cut a notch on the center line of the ribs and use a square to line them up, this creats a nice straight structure every time.

Paternguy,
Looks like it is coming along good. You are a fast builder! One question. Did you abandoned the airfoil shown in the last thread? The ribs you cut do not look as radical.

Jim

I didn't post that airfoil. LOL
One of our friends from TX posted that. LOL

Patternguy your airfoils looks similar to the one's that Joe Bridi used in his designs.

They are, the one for this bird is from the UFO narrowed by 10 % for a little more speed on the top end.

This week has been really hectic at work, so I didn't get much done until this weekend. Any way I got the fuse framed up, every thing lines up perfect.

The pictures with the tail feathers is a dry fit so no comments if anything looks crooked. LOL

I also did one with engine in it, so you can see the configuration.

Well, I did manage to get down to the shop this weekend. I got the canopy completed and the top of the fuse glued and sanded.

Sorry I didn't get any pics of the canopy fabrication. I carved it out of foam and then laid up fiberglass over it. I am very happy with the results.

Did you vacuum bag the foam/layup to get what appears to be a very smooth exterior finish? Another query, did you use the blue foam?

Tnx..

That really looks great. Like Tony said, it looks extremely smooth.

I used open cell foam from the craft store, it was 24 " x 48" x 4 " for $14. I cut the rough shape out with my band saw, and the sanded it to shape with 220 sandpaper. I then coated the whole thing with spackling compound (to fill the open cells). I then wet sanded with 400 grit. Then I laid the 2 layers of fiberglass up by hand, sanding in between coats of resin (5 coats total). I did it all over a period of 2 days. It did turn out smooth, but there was some elbow grease applied. LOL

But all in all I have to say its not to shabby for my first attempt at laying up glass.

Well its almost done. I have been out of work with a back/neck injury, so its been really slow going. All thats left to do is install the radio gear and set the CG.

pictures.

pictures 2

Did anyone catch which retracts I used in this bird ?

Kraft electrics!! I had a set in a sport twin a few years back. I know a guy that has a brand new set in the box! I have a pusle inverter for them somewhere at home.....like an electronic switch from what I under stand