Mach 1 Laser Kit Build
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Mach 1 Laser Kit Build
Hello Everyone,
I received the "Beta" Mach 1 Laser Cut Short Kit from Laser Technologies ([email protected]) today and have posted a few pictures. You can see from the pictures that this is a very complete short kit based on the Midwest version of the kit. I was impressed to learn that the fuse sides are one piece! NO finger joints to show through the finish. When I asked Dan about the one piece sides he said he can cut wood that is 48" x 65" in one piece. The short kit included the plans and fuselage shaping templates. I have decided to let Dan include my canopies with his short kits. As this is built I will provide Dan with feedback with any changes required. As I said this is the Beta kit and Dan is allowing me to build it since he is very busy. Dan has had quite a few people emailing and calling him for this kit and the first run of short kits will be at least enough to supply those interested parties.
Those kit will be run as soon as this build is far enough along so we know there are no major problems.
I received the "Beta" Mach 1 Laser Cut Short Kit from Laser Technologies ([email protected]) today and have posted a few pictures. You can see from the pictures that this is a very complete short kit based on the Midwest version of the kit. I was impressed to learn that the fuse sides are one piece! NO finger joints to show through the finish. When I asked Dan about the one piece sides he said he can cut wood that is 48" x 65" in one piece. The short kit included the plans and fuselage shaping templates. I have decided to let Dan include my canopies with his short kits. As this is built I will provide Dan with feedback with any changes required. As I said this is the Beta kit and Dan is allowing me to build it since he is very busy. Dan has had quite a few people emailing and calling him for this kit and the first run of short kits will be at least enough to supply those interested parties.
Those kit will be run as soon as this build is far enough along so we know there are no major problems.
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RE: Mach 1 Laser Kit Build
I have decided to use the Hayes 16 oz slim line tank as I think this will work with some a little top block hollowing. I sent Dan the fuel tank measurements and he cut F2 so the tank can be inserted from the wing opening. I did some initial assembly of the crutch and formers and as you can see everything fits dead on so far! Will post more as things move along.
While I am building the fuse Dan is working on a built up wing and stab. Dan said the built up wing will be designed to be interchnageable with the foam wing and will have provisions for retracts. Dan intends to put build tabs, wing jigs holes and servo extension holes in the wing ribs. I plan to do both a foam and built up wings as part of this thread.
While I am building the fuse Dan is working on a built up wing and stab. Dan said the built up wing will be designed to be interchnageable with the foam wing and will have provisions for retracts. Dan intends to put build tabs, wing jigs holes and servo extension holes in the wing ribs. I plan to do both a foam and built up wings as part of this thread.
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RE: Mach 1 Laser Kit Build
Leo, thats looking great! I aready have the foam wing and stab for the Mach one, hope Dan will let me purchase just the fuselage short kit and canopy. if not I'll go ahead and get it with the build up wing. Pete
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RE: Mach 1 Laser Kit Build
RV7driver/Pete,
Email Dan at Laser technologies. He should be able to take care of you.
Deadstick/Dan,
Thank you. Dan at Laset Tech does fantastic work. He has been cutting giant scale warbirds for the most part and I have been bugging him to get into cutting pattern planes. He has seen a very positive response on the Mach 1. Carl Weber's, Sequel is almost ready. If anyone has ideas on classic pattern planes they would like to see short kits for they should email Dan.
Glockguy
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RE: Mach 1 Laser Kit Build
The fuse sides were built up today. No surprises. Everything fit very well. First pic of the parts laid out. The others of the completed sides. Tomorrow the engine mounting beams will be cut from some hard Maple and the front section will be completed if all goes as planned. I need to think about engine selection and will ask everyone for their ideas on that. I'm thinking of using the OS 75 AX. Let me know what you guys think. More to follow.
Glockguy
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RE: Mach 1 Laser Kit Build
I made the Maple engine mounts today and clamped the front section together. My next step will be to test fit the B&D nose gear retract and get that dialed in. I will also cut notches on the inside of the beams so the engine will drop in. Laser Tecnologies firewall, tank floor and nose ring fit very well.
Glockguy
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RE: Mach 1 Laser Kit Build
More progress today. The fuse sides have been joined to the former crutch. No surprises. Everything fit very well. Should I say: "So easy even a Caveman can do it". The B&D retract unit looks like it will drop in with an additional layer of 1/8" ply between the retract unti and tank floor. The B&D can be mounted via firewall or belly mount. I hope to work on the front section later today. More to follow.
Glockguy
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RE: Mach 1 Laser Kit Build
Couple of questions if I may.
1) Am I correct in seeing that the entire fuselage is aligned by its’ top/crutch, and the fact that the fuse formers are set square/perpendicular? I’m assuming the top of the fuse sides are straight from about the wings leading edge to the stab leading edge. Assembly requires no strings, or lines on the building board?
2) What did you use for adhesive between the ply doublers and the balsa fuse sides? I’ve had to do some fancy stepping at times when using any water based glue.
3) Is that “nose section†gonna drop right in the front? Just to cool.
Looks good thus far; pleased to see that the beta working out.
Doug
1) Am I correct in seeing that the entire fuselage is aligned by its’ top/crutch, and the fact that the fuse formers are set square/perpendicular? I’m assuming the top of the fuse sides are straight from about the wings leading edge to the stab leading edge. Assembly requires no strings, or lines on the building board?
2) What did you use for adhesive between the ply doublers and the balsa fuse sides? I’ve had to do some fancy stepping at times when using any water based glue.
3) Is that “nose section†gonna drop right in the front? Just to cool.
Looks good thus far; pleased to see that the beta working out.
Doug
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RE: Mach 1 Laser Kit Build
Doug,
1) Correct. The crutch formers and sides were in perfect alignment without strings or lines.
2) I was out of Gorilla glue at the time so I used Titebond and kep the fuse sides weighted. The 1/16 ply doublers were glued on with 30 minute epoxy.
3) The nose section should drop in from the front. I am making sure of that prior to gluing. The tank floor needed a small amount of sanding, otherwise things look good so far.
I'm glad you are following along.
Leo
1) Correct. The crutch formers and sides were in perfect alignment without strings or lines.
2) I was out of Gorilla glue at the time so I used Titebond and kep the fuse sides weighted. The 1/16 ply doublers were glued on with 30 minute epoxy.
3) The nose section should drop in from the front. I am making sure of that prior to gluing. The tank floor needed a small amount of sanding, otherwise things look good so far.
I'm glad you are following along.
Leo
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RE: Mach 1 Laser Kit Build
After some thought on the front section I decided to assemble the parts in the fuse for perfect alignment and not pre-assemble and try to fit and align it. Progress pictures attached while things are clamped in alignment and after. I placed the Fuse on a scale (10.90 oz) prior to adding the B&D nose gear retract. The other picture shows ample room for the Hayes 16 oz Slim Line tank. It will not take a great deal of hollowing off the top block for a perfect fit. I will post the retract installation next.
Leo
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RE: Mach 1 Laser Kit Build
The following pictures show how the B&D nose gear fits. It is installed with a total of 6 (over kill ) 4-40 x 1/2" button head bolts and blind nuts. The 1/2" bolts come flush with the tank floor above so nothing to trim off. The cool thing about the B&D retracts is that they can be firewall or belly mounted or in this case both. I included a picture of the fuse on the scale again showing the additional weight of the retract unit ,mounting hardware and balsa F8 parts.
Next on the list is to get the nose gear steering linkage figured out along with engine selection and mounting. I would appreciate your thoughts on engines for the Mach 1.
Anyone out there?
#13
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RE: Mach 1 Laser Kit Build
I never realized what a good quality kit was worth until I started my latest build from plans, http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_85...tm.htm#8507065. A good number of the outlines for my Pegaus build's parts are just good estimations of the size and shape. A lot of filing and shaping is required. I doubt I will do another "from plans scratch build." A nice kit or parts made for a build like this Mach 1 is just so much more enjoyable.
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RE: Mach 1 Laser Kit Build
airbusdrvr,
It's always interesting to take an original set of plans that were drawn on a drafting board X number of years ago and do a CAD drawing of them. There are always mistakes that need to be corrected. Just ask Dan @ Laser Tech. Now that Dan is getting on board with Classic Pattern we will have some great opportunities to build accurate and great flying planes. The Mach 1 has been a pleasure so far. I need to figure out the nose gear sterring. Any ideas would be appreciated. This is the first plane I have built with retracts.
Leo, aka glockguy
It's always interesting to take an original set of plans that were drawn on a drafting board X number of years ago and do a CAD drawing of them. There are always mistakes that need to be corrected. Just ask Dan @ Laser Tech. Now that Dan is getting on board with Classic Pattern we will have some great opportunities to build accurate and great flying planes. The Mach 1 has been a pleasure so far. I need to figure out the nose gear sterring. Any ideas would be appreciated. This is the first plane I have built with retracts.
Leo, aka glockguy
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RE: Mach 1 Laser Kit Build
I’ve only installed retracts a couple of times, but am currently trying to wrap up a tri-gear retract installation at this moment. I’m going round and round with thoughts like this…
1)Servo location
a.Interference of the steering pushrod with the
i.Tank
ii.Throttle pushrod
iii.Front wing dowels/bolts/wing saddle/retract actuator lines
iv.Seems rudder servo is determined first, elevator and throttle second.
b.Which side is the rudder horn going to be on, that is,
i.Linkage for the retract steering on same side of servo arm, or opposing sides. The plane needs to turn in the same direction either in the air, or on the ground.
2)Don’t want the nose wheel turning in flight when it’s retracted. Steering pushrod ( I’ve not used B&D) needs to terminate in a way that when the retract is up, the retracts’ steering horn will slide on the post that drives the steering control arm. That is, both perpendicular to the steering control arm post, and in the center of the post (top to bottom) when the servo is in its’ neutral position.
3)I’m certainly going to use a Sullivan pushrod cable (at least that’s what I’m telling myself).
Doug
1)Servo location
a.Interference of the steering pushrod with the
i.Tank
ii.Throttle pushrod
iii.Front wing dowels/bolts/wing saddle/retract actuator lines
iv.Seems rudder servo is determined first, elevator and throttle second.
b.Which side is the rudder horn going to be on, that is,
i.Linkage for the retract steering on same side of servo arm, or opposing sides. The plane needs to turn in the same direction either in the air, or on the ground.
2)Don’t want the nose wheel turning in flight when it’s retracted. Steering pushrod ( I’ve not used B&D) needs to terminate in a way that when the retract is up, the retracts’ steering horn will slide on the post that drives the steering control arm. That is, both perpendicular to the steering control arm post, and in the center of the post (top to bottom) when the servo is in its’ neutral position.
3)I’m certainly going to use a Sullivan pushrod cable (at least that’s what I’m telling myself).
Doug
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RE: Mach 1 Laser Kit Build
Nice looking GlockGuy,
I use nothing but B&D retracts in my pattern birds. I do the usual set up with pull-pull on the rudder and a flex cable going to a kwik link to the nosegear. Be sure to center the slider in the down position as it will stay in the center when it goes up. I silver tin the ends to stiffen them up a bit. I also use a inner hole on the servo arm. I hope to finish my new bird this Spring http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_66...key_t2a/tm.htm I like B&D for they last a long time and I have yet to hurt one on a less than perfect landing.
Ed
I use nothing but B&D retracts in my pattern birds. I do the usual set up with pull-pull on the rudder and a flex cable going to a kwik link to the nosegear. Be sure to center the slider in the down position as it will stay in the center when it goes up. I silver tin the ends to stiffen them up a bit. I also use a inner hole on the servo arm. I hope to finish my new bird this Spring http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_66...key_t2a/tm.htm I like B&D for they last a long time and I have yet to hurt one on a less than perfect landing.
Ed
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RE: Mach 1 Laser Kit Build
EDP,
Thanks for the tips on the B&D retracts. I may PM you if I run into problems.
Rainedave,
Thank you. I hope to have canopies available in quantity no later then 3/20. This is due to my travel for business.
Dan at Laser Tech has promised me some pictures of the built up wing. I hope to have the picture(s) from Dan posted later today. If all goes well I will have a package from Dan on Tuesday.
glockguy
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RE: Mach 1 Laser Kit Build
Hi guys,
Pictures of Laser Technologies prototype built up Mach 1 wing attached. The parts fit so well that you can pickup the wing panel and move it around with hand. Note the building tabs and wing jig holes on the ribs. Retract mounting provided. I should have the production BETA built up wing to start tomorrow or the next day. The built up wing has the same airfoil as the foam wing. You can see a balsa piece has been added out near the trailing edge tip to provide some strength and tie everything together. The wing also features a built in dihedral brace so you can build one panel flat on the board, then put the other side down on the board to complete the build. Dan will be offering both built up and foam wing options with his short kit. More to follow.
Leo, aka glockguy
Pictures of Laser Technologies prototype built up Mach 1 wing attached. The parts fit so well that you can pickup the wing panel and move it around with hand. Note the building tabs and wing jig holes on the ribs. Retract mounting provided. I should have the production BETA built up wing to start tomorrow or the next day. The built up wing has the same airfoil as the foam wing. You can see a balsa piece has been added out near the trailing edge tip to provide some strength and tie everything together. The wing also features a built in dihedral brace so you can build one panel flat on the board, then put the other side down on the board to complete the build. Dan will be offering both built up and foam wing options with his short kit. More to follow.
Leo, aka glockguy
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RE: Mach 1 Laser Kit Build
Here's a photo of the complete short kit with built-up wing parts from Laser technologies. The short kits include everything shown plus the canopy, original Midwest plans and new wing plans. Dan will be contacting everyone on his list tonight with the pricing info. He has ordered the 48" balsa for the fuse sides and should be shipping kits middle to late next week after the balsa arrives. I should have the built up wing going in the next day or two. More to follow.
Leo
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RE: Mach 1 Laser Kit Build
ORIGINAL: GlockGuy
airbusdrvr,
It's always interesting to take an original set of plans that were drawn on a drafting board X number of years ago and do a CAD drawing of them. There are always mistakes that need to be corrected. Just ask Dan @ Laser Tech. Now that Dan is getting on board with Classic Pattern we will have some great opportunities to build accurate and great flying planes. The Mach 1 has been a pleasure so far. I need to figure out the nose gear sterring. Any ideas would be appreciated. This is the first plane I have built with retracts.
Leo, aka glockguy
airbusdrvr,
It's always interesting to take an original set of plans that were drawn on a drafting board X number of years ago and do a CAD drawing of them. There are always mistakes that need to be corrected. Just ask Dan @ Laser Tech. Now that Dan is getting on board with Classic Pattern we will have some great opportunities to build accurate and great flying planes. The Mach 1 has been a pleasure so far. I need to figure out the nose gear sterring. Any ideas would be appreciated. This is the first plane I have built with retracts.
Leo, aka glockguy
You also need to give that fuel tank enough clearance where it passes through the bulkhead so that uncompressed foam rubber can isolate the fuel tank from the engine's vibration. If you're not using a piped schneurle ported .61, you could drop down to a 12 ounce tank and have more room for vibration isolation. A 12 oz. tank was the standard size for 10cc engines before schneurle porting/tuned pipes came along. The original fuel tank that was included with the Midwest kit looked like a long flattened oval. I believe it was a Jergen's Lotion bottle that had been modified for fuel tank use.
Looks nice. Keep up the good work.
Ed Cregger