Great Planes Sequence 1.20 Build Thread
 

I hope everyone had a great holiday season and is ready for 2015. Since I'm still on a 'break' I decided to do something new to start the year... assemble a pattern ARF. OK, so maybe this isn't really new to me, but this plane is fairly new and I thought it'd be a great plane to add to the local scene.

This build will start slow because I am waiting on the rest of the parts so here's a preview of the ARF as I received it from Tower Hobbies. I also received the RimFire 1.20 motor which will be used. As for servos, the stabs will have Futaba 9650's. The suggested aileron servos are Futaba 9252's but I am going to use 9151's or 9551's instead. Suggested rudder servo is a 9155 but I think I'll go with the lighter 9151.

This will be built mostly stock. I won't be using the 4-40 supplied hardware, and will instead use 2mm carbon and 2/56 swivel links and clevis'. I think that on any 2M Electric pattern plane, 4-40 is overkill and unnecessary weight IMO. I will also look into adding a hatch latch for battery access ease and will order the front motor mounting assembly* instead of using the aluminum motor mount.

Having read through the manual a couple of times, it looks like it will be a fairly easy assembly and shouldn't take too long once I get everything together.

http://www.greatplanes.com/airplanes/gpma1232.html


http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=2061633

After 2 attempts to deliver the Sequence ( I wasn't home) I finally went and picked it up this morning. The box looked good except one ding on an edge, but it didn't look like it went through more than the outside box.

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=2061635

First was the motor. I have seen other RimFires at the field being used, but never ran one myself. Initial thoughts are the motor looks good, has soldered on male 4mm bullets (females included for your ESC), the only 'drawback' would be if you wanted to front mount the motor. There is no included hardware for mounting the prop.

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=2061645

Opening it up, the airplane box was undamaged. Not bad considering my last plane delivery from UPS.

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=2061636

So like every one of us, it was time to dig in...The wings, stabs and sticker/instructions were sitting on top. The stabs stayed taped in place but the wings had popped loose from the tape. A quick visual inspection through the bags and they looked good. On to the bottom layer and side boxes.

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=2061637

Here you can see the parts bags in the larger end box, the fuse, cowl, wheel pants and tubes in the center and the landing gear legs in the small end box.

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=2061639 http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=2061640 http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=2061638

The parts bags include a tank and engine mount for glow set-ups and all the nuts, bolts, horns, etc.... The gear are carbon and look very nice. They are a bit heavy, but they are stout. If i were to go crazy, I might look into a lighter set, but they're going on as is for now. The wing and stab tubes are taped to the floor and also have the pushrods with them. The wing tube is carbon but the stab tube is aluminum.

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=2061643http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=2061642http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=2061641

I will weigh all the parts later with more pics. If you have any questions, ask away. If i don't answer that means the answer is coming soon. Like I said before, I am waiting on all the rest of the stuff to build/finish this so it will go slowly. Also once I start the build I won't be posting anything until its either all done or I stop for a few days.

I removed the big parts from the bags and here's what I found.

The wings looked good and are all hinged. The ailerons had a few wrinkles, but nothing too bad. The wings themselves were wrinkle free. One aileron, at the tip, looks like it was inadvertantly glued to the wing during the hinging process and then cut free. It's not bad and was cut free, just needs a bit of clean up work in the cut. Other than that, wings look good.

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=2061670

The stabs had a few wrinkles, one more than the other, but still not too bad. They are also already hinged.

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=2061669

The cowling is all painted and feels light for it's size. I will opt for the cowl ring for a cleaner look.

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=2061668

The wheel pants look small compared to typical 2M pants, but are precut for the axle and blind-nuts are already installed to mount to the gear.

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=2061673

The landing gear look nicer out of the bag than in them. Predrilled and ready to go.

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=2061672

The fuselage didn't have any wrinkles and the rudder is hinged, horn glued in and tail-wheel wire finished. All the holes are opened up as well (tubes, screws, servo leads, pull-pull exits, gear slots).

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=2061671http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=2061676

A shot towards the front, tail and the firewall.

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=2061675http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=2061674http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=2061677

The rudder horn and tail-wheel wire.

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=2061687

Bottom side of the canopy. Not sure how I would do a hatch latch, so I'll just use the rear 2 screws for now.

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=2061688

A shot of the scheme (from the box)

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=2061683

And it looks like the servo selection on the box is different from the instructions I quoted above. I forgot about the low profile 9551 servo... there's 10g of savings there.

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=2061682

And the one problem that I can see possibly happening with others... It looks like while my box was bouncing around it caught a side load on the rudder cap and snapped it sideways. I'll drop some thick Zap in there and straighten it out and not worry about it. I've had that happen on my bipe coming back from the Worlds, so now all the top caps are removable to avoid that :)

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=2061692 http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=2061693

I'll try and have weights for tomorrow, but that's it for today. I have a Revolver to finish up this week for a friend so we can fly it Saturday if it's not too windy/wet.

Worlds plane Jason? :cool:

Hey Jason!

Thanks for the build thread!

Say, I'm putting together a Sequence of my own. I'm with you - the 4-40 hardware is overkill (and old-school!). Will you tell me about those carbon pushrods and swivel links you alluded to in your opening post? Can you provide images and/or a link to where you get that stuff?

Also, if you want to front-mount the motor this can be done with the optional wood motor mount box:

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXEHJW&P=7

I'll be using one on my Sequence, but I made CF parts to replace the FRP parts it comes with to shave a little more weight (a little more than 1/2 oz). :p

Thanks!

Tim

New linkages
 

Chad, that was supposed to be a secret! But still using a bipe for F lol.

That's no fair Tim, now you'll have to post pictures of your mount. I will be ordering one for sure though.

As for the linkages, it's the same thing I've done for may years on my competition planes (although I first saw it done by Dave Lockhart in the late 80's).

I use Hayes 2-56 clevis' on the servo sides, 2mm carbon rod, and 2-56 swivel links (on the horns).

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=2061964 http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=2061965 http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=2061962 http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=2061963

First I cut the pushrods to length then sand the ends.
Next, measure the thickness after sanding and drill out the clevis and swivel links. Clean with alcohol and mark how deep the rods will go into the swivel link ends.
Then, with servos on (and horns mounted to surface) put the clevis and link on.
Finally, Insert the rod into the swivel link end to the mark and then into the clevis. Glue with thin Zap once the surface is straight.

I have started to drill a tiny hole at the end of the opening in the swivel links to let the air out and also to put a couple drops of Zap in it. I've only had one come loose (on a friends plane no less) because I used an oversized drilled hole link that I forgot to replace before assembling.

Weights
 

Here are the weights: ozs / grams

L Wing: 11.4 / 322
R Wing: 11.4 / 322
L Stab: 2.5 / 72
R Stab: 2.6 / 74
Fuse: 34.1 / 965
Hatch: 6.1 / 174
Gear Legs: 5.9 / 168
Cowl: 3.1 / 87
Wheel Pants: 1.3 / 37
Wing Tube: 2.5 / 72
Stab Tube: .8 / 24

Total: 81.7 (5lbs 1.7ozs) / 2317

I didn't weigh any bags of parts.

Friggin brilliant - thanks! :o

That's something I was already considering, but was afraid to try. But now that I see it's been done before I'll DEFINITELY be preparing my Sequence the same way (and I won't blame you if one of the glue joints lets-go!). I'll be thorough in sanding and drilling to proper size and CA-ing thoroughly! Gee, think of the weight savings over those 4-40 pushrods! (Looks like you're using DuBro ball links?). EDIT: Oops...I see you provided links to the...links. :rolleyes:

Thanks again!

Tim

P.S. Just today we temporarily removed the mount boxes from stock due to some "less-than-desirable" plywood, but are expecting replacements soon. If you want me to laser-cut you a set let me know and I will do.

...also,

here's a little research I've started on wing and stab tubes...

I sell Carbon Fiber tubes with a Carbon fiber sleeve for those prices and much lower if you only need a tube.

list sent

I don't need the outer sleeves, so what are your prices, dimensions and weights of the tubes required?

The wing tube is 22mm x 575mm and the stab tube is 10mm x 357mm.

Thanks!

Tim

You'll have to contact us by email RCU doesn't support me sending you the PDF price list.

A 7/8" x 24" tube and sleeve is 49.95 tube alone about 39.95

7/8" = 22.22mm
24" = 609mm

I have found that 7/8" fits 22mm if it is snug I just take 600 grit wet paper and a few strokes its fine.

We have 10mm=3/8, 11mm=7/16, " stab tubes. They are 12" long and are $12.95 with a carbon fiber sleeve
We have 1/2' x 20" & 5/8" x 20" stab tubes also for Giant Scale planes They are 19.95 & 29.95

Any tube without a sleeve is available at a reduced price.

We have tubes up to 48"
Highest Quality available
All our tubes come with a Carbon Fiber Sleeve not a phenolic card board or fiberglass tube.
Strongest & Lightest!

Re: the low profile 9551 servos JAS. If I may ask, since you have to cut the hardwood block to accomodate the servo wire what is your preferred method to cutting it? I picked up the 9551s for mine and I am concerned about damaging the cover while cutting/grinding it to accomodate the servo wires. . Really like the pushrod idea, going that route too, I take it any centering issues are programmed out with the TX? Thanks for any feedback you can offer.
Mark

I just used a razor saw, took off about a quarter inch cube from block, emory board to sand. Just be sure to glue the blocks down (thin ca the med ca fillet) and allow to dry (or kick). Did not have any push thru with 7/16 servo mounting screws. Did not damage the cover at all.

Thanks corch! I found an example of that and did just that, except I used a dremel with cutoff wheel to make the cuts. Worked just fine. Considering using the Sullivan tail wheel instead of the one attached with hinge, any thoughts on that? Thanks.
mark

Don,

Thank you for posting here about the tubes. I'll be in contact for this (and Worlds planes) soon.

Mark,

I am just starting to work on it and since it's going to be cold here (FL wise at least lol) I'll be working on it for the next 4 days. Might even have it done, but I'm not promising that. It looks like you've got the aileron blocks figured out.

As for tailwheel assembly, I was going to suggest the Du-Bro .40 size as that's what a bunch of guys here use on their 2M planes. The Sullivan .40-.60 size will work also, it just seems heavier.

So I did a search on Tower and I came across these:
RTF tailwheel assembly: http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXLLB9&P=ML
And 'ARF' tailwheel assembly: http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXLGN7&P=7

I like the 'ARF' version cause I can put a plastic/foam wheel on it which is lighter than the aluminum/rubber wheel, and I only use 3/4" wheels for it. This is basically the same set-up I use on all my competition planes.

Almost all of my parts are here.

From Tower: Futaba servos, RX, switch and extensions, Du-Bro swivel links, 2.5" GP Spinner
From Shulman Aviation: 1.2m Quad extension (for the elevator servos) and a Fury 110 Opto ESC (up to 6S).

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=2072566 http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=2072567

JAS, Thanks much, appreciate the info. I picked pretty much the same as far as accessories go. Will look at the Dubro tail wheel too, I've plenty of planes to use the Sullivan one on. I was going to use a Castle ESC 100 as that's what I have, but could easily try something else. Not familiar with the 1.2M quad extension? Is there an advantage to using it versus the separate 36" extensions? Sure do appreciate the feedback and posts of your assembly as you get time. Again thanks.
Mark

Sorry just pics for now. Revolver I just finished for a friend. Test flight went well, couple clicks of aileron was all that was needed.
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=2074031

Some Medium Zap and push and hold straight until it was dry.
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=2074030

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=2074029

Since i didn't have Orange MonoKote, I used a couple of stickers to help mask the crack.
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=2074028

Metal parts
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=2074049

Wood and plastic parts
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=2074050

Nylon and fiberglass parts
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=2077029

Instead of having 6 wires running to the rear of the plane, this uses a common red and black wire so there are only 4 wires. It's a bit lighter than 2 standard extensions.

Landing gear and tail wheel

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=2074052

I had to open the corners a little for the gear to slide in perfectly and line up the bolt holes.
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=2074053
First I checked that the screws went in easily to the blind nuts.
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=2074051

Then I added some blue thread lock and tightened everything up.
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=2074054

The middle bolts do stick up a bit, but I didn't replace them. I will see how it works out in the end and decide later if I will replace with shorter (or button) head screws.
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=2074055

I'll put the axels and wheels/pants on last so I don't break the wheel pants off while working on it.

Tailwheel and wheel collar
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=2074056

Easy
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=2074057