With the hatch off, I can install the servo rails and see how everything lines up. Looking good, plenty of clearance.

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...8760a95e6e.jpg

Added the hatch latch

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...0459800868.jpg

Sheeted the stab and 1/2 the rudder

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...af40c0d7f3.jpg

Added the LE, TE and tips to the elevator.

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...1bf18d28a6.jpg

Next task is to start making the fiberglass cowl up front. Motor attached, and spacer put in behind the spinner backplate. Next is to rough in some foam to carve to shape, then glass cloth and epoxy.

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...de7d805cee.jpg

Not been doing a lot on this lately. however, since the aileron servos needed a 12" extension and the connection would be deeply buried, I figured the most foolproof retainer would be shrink tubing.

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...2f0789dff5.jpg

but I have been working. This is my new indoor plane for winter flying, called a Playmite. It's a take off of a 1930's free flight design. I got the kit here:
www.stevensaero.com

Here's the photo.

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...38077916f9.jpg

All up weight is only 1.4 ounces, including the battery.

Very cool!
At 1.4 ounces a sneeze would seem like a hurricane 😉

Yes, indoor only, or a calm early morning in the back yard.

Nic

So I tried a new method to attach the wing skins. Saw it on YouTube. I used a small roller to apply a very thin coat of Gorilla glue. In the past, I would squeegee some 30- minute epoxy with a spackle blade. I weighed the foam and balsa before gluing, we'll see how much weight it adds.

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...686d4e41de.jpg

So before gluing, the core and skin weighed 5 ounces. After gluing, 5 1/2 ounces. I'm pleased!

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...9683b55980.jpg

Here's the LE and TE stock attached and sanded. the aileron/TE stock placed, and the wingtip also.
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...5423627fe0.jpg

Both wings finished. Next step is to join them with f'glass tape.

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...71de168fa6.jpg

Wings joined with 8 oz fiberglass tape 3" wide applied with epoxy, and retracts test fitted.


https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...1e6fd6138a.jpg

So now that all the pieces are completed (except the cowling) I put everything on a scale - body, wing, elev & stab, rudder, motor, battery, ESC, servos, retracts, etc.

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...f2da132fe4.jpg

All up weight - only 5 1/4pounds! I think once finished, it will weigh in at 6 1/2. I'm very pleased!

So with the wing attachment finished, it's time to add the horizontal stabilizer

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...00e83e2a04.jpg

It has to be carefully aligned with the wing, as well as square to the body. I spent about 1/2 hour to get here:

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...fe2d795d94.jpg

So here's all the pieces put together, control surfaces taped on. Looks pretty good, I think. Still have to do the cowling.

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...c7002ef0a8.jpg

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...d60c8798ca.jpg

Big step forward - starting to cover the wing !

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...3d91445986.jpg

Very nice weight. Should fly very well. When does flying season start in Maine?
I lived outside Burlington, Vermont for a few years; if I was lucky, ski season would be ending as flying season was beginning.

Hi Will,

We start flying outside in late April, and it lasts until late October.

Nic

Finally made the template for the cowling. It will be 1/64" plywood, screwed to the firewall.

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...225f9b6bb0.jpg

Wing now covered, time to install the ailerons. The end is in sight, but still a lot to do.
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...a252e0d36f.jpg

To fit the ESC, I had to make a cut out in the bottom of the fuselage.

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...215d03c536.jpg