Viper Driver

My Feedback: (1)

GT,

The PDFs should be 100% size. Just make sure they print to actual size.

Jeff

GorillaToast

Hmmm, when I printed the pdfs on 8.5 x 11 sheets on my printer the scale measured only 7/32" = 1"

Viper Driver

My Feedback: (1)

I would check your print settings and make sure it isn’t set to fit the page. If you check the page properties you can see the actual page size. I can’t remember off the top of my head, but I believe they are all 36 inches wide.

GorillaToast

Actually Jeff, I did that. Thru experimentation at home I determined that they needed to be scaled up to 435%. When I took the files to Kinko’s they confirmed that the files printed out at 8.5 x 11. They scaled them up to 435% and the dimensions were within 1/64th. 433% might have been closer, but at $9 a sheet I didn’t feel like experimenting. I got 2 sets printed. Cost was $123.

Am i the only one who has reported that the files they got didn’t print out to full size?

flywilly

My Feedback: (121)

I printed out mine out at Kinkos (now Fed-Ex) full size, no problem. I also printed them out at 87% for a 110 sized version. Something must of hiccuped in the file size?
Glad you managed to get them printed. Hoping to see Jeff’s new design available soon 👍

GorillaToast

Jeff, I got the Eureka short kit, and balsa for the build and am cruising right along on the build. One question;
Where did you get your 3/8" stab tube? I'm having trouble finding one online.

Thanks

Viper Driver

My Feedback: (1)

The stab tube is 7/16” from F3A Unlimited. I believe one of the views on the plans may be in error showing 3/8, sorry for the confusion.

Jeff

GorillaToast

Thanks Jeff for confirming. F3A Unlimited was the only place I could find one that small.

GT

GorillaToast

Jeff,
In post #35 you state: "The fuselage is about ready to seperate from the jig. The last steps before I do that are to install the landing gear plate and attach the fin."

if the fuselage is glued-up and ready to be separated, how do you slide the landing gear plate into the 2 slots in former F5?

GorillaToast

Never mind...
My bad. Now is see in the first photo in post #46 that you cut the former to allow it to slip down instead of laterally.

Viper Driver

My Feedback: (1)

I am happy you figured it out. I was trying to remember exactly what I had done there.

Daniel Truempi

Hello Jeff
I have read about your self build Pattern plane "Lightning" in the german forum RC-NETWORK.DE first. Very impressiv! I am looking for such a project next wintertime. I am very well equipped with CNC Styro cutter and a little CNC-mill.
I would appriciate, if I can get the plans for the LIGHTNING from you, as PDF or better as a TurboCad-File. I am also working with this CAD.

Many thanks that you share your experience and knowledge with other modellers.

Best regards from Switzerland
Daniel

GorillaToast

Question for anyone who has completed this build:

in post #100 we see that Jeff has attached the stab adjuster to the inside of the root rib, however in post #333 the image showing the elevator servos, I see no access to the adjuster screw.

How did you solve this?

Viper Driver

My Feedback: (1)

I made small holes in the stabilizer skin, just big enough that the allen wrench fits through and inserts into the adjuster screw. They are so small they don't show up in the photos very well.

GorillaToast

Thanks, Jeff. Just before I read this I saw in another build thread the small holes for the adjusters.
Did you build any support for the 1/8 aluminum rod into the fuselage? If you did, I missed it.

scottjay22

can you send me the lighting planes im waiting on bruce to send me the short kit

KEITH RUSH

My Feedback: (42)

Jeff,

I’ll be the first post of 2022. Amazing job on the design! Nothing better than flying something you built. I sent you a PM, as I want to jump into pattern as well. I can’t find any kits to build from and would love to build your design if you would send me the plans. My email is [email protected]. I also have several questions if you are available to chat sometime. I also read you may be working another design as well. Look forward to hearing from you.

Keith

flywilly

My Feedback: (121)

Eureka Aircraft produces a laser cut short kit of the Lightning. Wood fuselage and wood or foam wings and stabs. You will still need the plans from Jeff.
The Thunderbolt is the successor to the Lightning. We are still awaiting plans and hoping for a kit. This is a hobby for Jeff (and most of us), but, hopefully he can find the time and energy to make the Thunderbolt available to the public.

KEITH RUSH

My Feedback: (42)

I had been looking at the short kit for the fuse, and Dave Snow's wing and stabs from them. Do you know if Dave's wing kit is the elliptical wing and stabs or a wood kit of Jeff's wing and stab design? I'm just waiting to hear from Jeff for the plans, so I can order the short kit.

Another question on motor selection. In place of the Hacker C50, what is the equivalent to it? Is the Plettenberg Advance 30-10 or Himax 6330-210 F3A Pro a comparable option? I've only flown small electric. Mostly been all nitro and gas for IMAC.

If I don't hear from Jeff, is there anyone that could send me the plans that you were emailed please?

Thanks,

Keith

flywilly

My Feedback: (121)

Hi Keith,
The Snow kit of the horizontal surfaces is just a built up wood version of the stock (original) wing and stab and does not include any sheeting. It is a very light, strong, well engineered structure.
I have the plans in print form and electronically, but I’m not sure where the scans are (maybe a flash drive). Hopefully somebody who has them can email you a copy.
i can’t give you advice on e-power as I’m a ‘wet’ power guy just starting to dabble in e-power myself. I have a smaller pattern ship set up for 6s; so when I go to 2 meters I will be using a 12s set-up.
-Will

Hans S

Hi Keith,
plans are on their way ...

GorillaToast

Hello Keith.

I'm putting the Himax 6330 in my Lightning. Wish I could give you some info on its performance in this plane, but unfortunately I haven't been able to paint the Lightning due to an unheated shop and a cold winter. Hopefully, I'll be able to maiden it in a couple of months. I bought the front mount conversion kit for it as I had originally planned to use the recommended Hacker motor, and trying to install the Plettenberg firewall retroactively didn't work out well. I've read a few threads on this motor being used in 2M planes and it has performed well for others.

here's an example: Link

The Lightning build is pretty straightforward and there is a ton of helpful info in this thread. One word of warning, though. If you haven't built a plane using contest grade balsa, be aware it is very delicate and stringers will snap quite easily if you try to handle the wood like normal balsa. I would order twice what you think you'll need.

I'm using the Jeti 99 Spin Opto on 10s turning a 20.5 x 13.5E prop and in a static run-up in the shop it felt like it had more than enough power!

Here's a link to the front mount conversion thread: Link

PM me if you'd like to see some pics of my build.

GorillaToast

Finally, after almost a year, the end is in sight!

Touch-ups on the paint, add markings, then a couple of clear coats and final fitting and assembly.
Hoping to maiden by the end of May




btw, that disc on the nose is not a spinner backplate. It's part of the painting stand.

barnowljenx

Look good GT. Good luck with the maiden.

GorillaToast

Well, its been about a year but the Lightning is now 99% finished.

All that's left is to clear coat the wings and wheel pants, add a lightning strike on the pants and touch up a few odds and ends. I think I've got the throws and rates set up correctly, but I'm trying to find someone local who flies pattern to go oaver the plane with me and make sure everything is right before the maiden.

A great big thanks to Jeff Carder for his design and plans as well as the most helpful build thread!



Jeff said it was okay with him if I gave him credit for the design.