doxilia

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Fellow UFO fans,

it seems high time to get this thread back on track. While the planning stage was 90% done earlier this year (February actually), the remaining 10% remained elusive.

In any event, thanks for your patience and interest in this project. I finally stopped fussing over the plans and am quite happy with them. I needed to see them in the flesh (ehr..., paper) to make sure things were consistent and I'm happy to report that, as far as I can tell, they are. The model is now in the hands of the laser cutter and assuming balsa is available somewhere on the continent, I should have a couple of first kits in the next few weeks (hopefully by the end of the month at the latest - balsa seems to be an issue).

This project was by enlarge an exercise in CAD for yours truly so that I could use slightly more honed skills for the MK 20 size conservation project plans development. I have at least two plans in the works there (in addition to the Skymaster and Curare) but much work remains to be done. As such, I hope that anyone who may be interested in building this UFO 25, may be willing to partake in the conservation project in the form of a UFO 25 kit donation. Further details by PM in order to comply with RCU regulations.

Below, some inspiration shots from fellow modelers' UFO 60 builds and Mr. Bridi himself. We needed some color in this thread!

David.

P.S. We all miss our fellow forum member Rainedave, builder of the exquisite blue UFO, and hope he is well.

R_G

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I'll second that! Hopefully he'll be back sometime soon to finish up that very fine UFO!

doxilia

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Happy new year to all!

After some delay at the cutters, the UFO 25 development stage is complete. Yes, the laser kit is ready!

I am quite happy with the outcome of the plans and kit but like always, there is a first prototype plan, kit and build. Master builder Ralph (R_G) has offered to do a build thread on the first prototype model and I may interject some images of my own (if I'm be able to keep up with his build schedule) for comparison purposes. My build will be from a very similar kit to his - minor differences will be detailed as the build progresses. In essence, a glow and electric version of the kit was produced to cater to each type of power plant. The electric version should build somewhat lighter due to some lighter sheet stock used - primarily fuse sides, top and vertical. Wings and stabs in both versions are identical.

Those who expressed interest in a kit will be receiving it shortly.

A few pics of the kit:
[ul][*] 4" x 24" balsa sheets.[*] 3" x 24" balsa sheets.[*] 3" x 24" ply sheets and long stock.[*] Unbuilt kit weight: 28-1/4 oz.[*] Kits ready to go!
[/ul]
David.

doxilia

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Acknowledgements

Before this thread continues further, I would like to take the opportunity to thank all those who have helped, collaborated or otherwise inspired me to continue with the development of this project.

I would primarily like to thank David (Rainedave) for his 66% reduced version which he built while I was working on the Picorare (Tiporare 15). His 60 and 15 size builds and threads were the primary inspiration to embark on this first "from the ground up" design and laser cut model. I would also like to thank Brian (Roguedog) for his rapid response to this project and for his help with the lofting and consistency check of the wing and stab ribs. Since I've embarked with model CAD work, I have come to learn about the delicate nature of airfoil development - perhaps one of the most time consuming part in the development of a plan. I would also like to thank Ralph (R_G) for his more recent in progress scratched UFO 60 build and his interest in this project as well as with providing valuable suggestions. Finally, I would like to thank all those members of the classic pattern forum who's thread, PM's and email exchanges have offered me great inspiration, education and continued enthusiasm in the building and flying of these wonderful models.

You all know who you are and your support and responses to my threads are all much appreciated.

David.

doxilia

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I began with the breakout of the parts from my kit to get a sense of the fit and accuracy of the parts. CAD is just wonderful as is laser cutting - just a world of difference from the days of gluing flat rectangular sheets together and carving an airplane out of it. As I learn more about CAD, I realize the level of accuracy and detail that can be designed and built into a model - something impossible to do without a substantial amount of time, in the days before computers when many of us began modeling.

I took a few snaps atop the 24" wide plans I produced (two sheets: fuse/vertical & wing/stab) and also took some weight readings to estimate the airframe weight prior to glue joints.

Parts Weight
[ul][*] Fuse & Vertical: 7.7 oz [*] Blocks & Sticks: 5.3 oz[*] Canopy, Wing and Stab Tips: 4.6 oz[*] Wing & Stab Ribs: 0.8 oz
[/ul]
This results in 18.4 oz but is incomplete because the kit does not contain the totality of the wood required. Wing LE and center sheeting as well as stab sheeting is not included. Triangle stock is also not included as are some other details such as servo boxes, control surface TE hardwood and the wing bottom fuse fairing. Estimating this wood to weigh a total of an additional 7 oz., the airframe can be expected to build to about 30 oz max. With a target all up weight of 56 oz (3.5 lbs), that leaves 26 oz for airframe finishing, retracts, engine (motor) and radio gear.

I will be powering my UFO 25 with a ST X25 with a Macs 1020 (3.5 cc) quiet tuned pipe. The weight of the engine, prop, spinner (Tru-Turn), header, pipe and couplers is 14 oz. That will give me a 12 oz window for airframe finish, retracts, tank and control. I also expect the finished airframe to actually build to less than 30 oz since carving, shaping and sanding has not been taken into account in the calculation above. A 26 oz unfinished airframe might be a more likely final weight reversing the situation to 30 oz of allowable weight for finish and gear.

I look forward to Ralph's build of the prototype!

David.

immelman50

Looks good!! I look forward to the prototype build thread too.

Chuck

doxilia

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Thanks Chuck,

Ralph will be receiving his kit next week. I'm not sure when he plans to start but my understanding is that he'd like to get it done before the building season is over. Hopefully, I'll get some glue joints in as well although work may tie me up for much of February and March.

David.

alcarafa

David looks like another great project of yours, hope to see the maiden video soon !!
Will subscribe to the thread and follow your building, sure it 'll be an interesting one and sure will learn some stuff from it.

Feliz año nuevo !!!

R_G

My Feedback: (1)

Hey guys! Lucky me, I'm fortunate enough to be the owner of one of the first UFO .25 kits hot off the presses from David(doxillia). I haven't gone completely through the kit yet, just a quick look and so far I am impressed. The laser cutting looks very good and the wood weight/quality also looks to be very good. David also included a parts list as well as a list of materials needed to complete the model which will come in handy.

This will be my first laser cut build and I'm anxious to get into it, but first I need to finish up a couple of things to make room for this project. I'm hoping to get started in about 3-4 weeks. Sooner if I can work it out.

RG

doxilia

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Ralph,

glad to hear that your kit arrived safe and sound. I haven't had a chance to reply to your email yet but will soon. Since the kits sent have reached their destination, it might also be a good time for me to make some comments regarding the kits (glow and electric) now that you guys have had a chance to take a look. I'll do so tomorrow when feeling a little more fresh since I've been lofting more ribs in CAD this evening.

In the meantime, here are a few snaps of the final building plans. There were a couple of minor variations from the plans on the actual cuts - particularly the control surfaces and how they are built.

David.

doxilia

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RCU is not rescaling jpg's I'm producing tonight so I'll post each sheet in a separate post for clarity.

Wing plan...

doxilia

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A simple 2-view to put up on the wall for inspiration during the build. I need to see an airplane from above to get a sense of it's dimensions.

2-view...

RCU uploads are smoking tonight!

David.

alcarafa

Bad news David images dont show up , there is only a red X where the image is supposed to appear [:@].

R_G

My Feedback: (1)

The photos show up fine for me. Must be another RCU issue! []

doxilia

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Rafa,

some of the images that were posted last year are broken due to the site transition over the holidays (e.g., at the top of this page). Those images can't be reposted since the edit function is no longer available after a while. Otherwise, the images that have been posted recently should be all be there. At least both Ralph and I can see them... today (tomorrow might be another story ).

It would actually be nice if posts one made could be edited at any point in time.

Please, let me know if they are still not showing for you after you restart your browser.

David.

R_G

My Feedback: (1)

I'm sure that could be done and it SHOULD be done! There are so may build threads now that have photos missing! A lot of great information has been lost! [] It would nice if those photos could be uploaded again!

RG

alcarafa

My comment is in reference to your last images, not the old ones.
Still cant see any image [:'(]

summerwind

well see what happens when one jumps into scale and prop speed for a few months................sure am sorry to miss this one.[:@]

doxilia

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Hey Mike,

well, there is hope...

Jeff has also expressed interest in a kit so if you would like one, I'll let you know when I'll be cutting a new batch. I'd like to wait for Ralph to make some headway into the proto build so we can iron out any details in the second lot.

BTW, I plan to power mine with a ST X25 unless it doesn't deliver the goods. I have some other options including a Webra Speed 28, a ST S29 and a couple of 32's (Webra & OS).

Have you gotten any stats on yours yet? I've got a Macs 1020 quiet pipe for it too.

They will be cool! [8D]

David.

summerwind

that would be great David.
BTW, i did a brief bench run on one of the X25's, and it has all the signs of a screamer

doxilia

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I just posted the below info on Ralph's UFO 25 build thread. I'll re-post it here for posterity as it's a good reference spot.

I recently purchased some in the 3000, 4000 and 5000 series (and a couple in the 6000's). The last two are aimed at 15-25 size models and 25-32 size models, respectively. The 4010's look good for ailerons on the UFO 25 while the 5030's look good for elevator/rudder control with a 3010 for throttle. I will be using a very similar setup on another 30 size model.

Here are some pics of the various servos - unfortunately with no quarter for scale reference. Basically, they are micros (3000 - similar to HS65), larger micros (4000 - similar to HS82) and mini's (5000 - similar to HS225 although slightly smaller). The two 5000's look to be very good on paper, I will be trying them soon. They all come in specification pair sets with one having nylon gears and the other metal gears. The four 3000's series are geared for speed (3010, 3020) or torque (3030, 3040).

The last picture is of a 4000 servo which is the only analog servo in the micro/mini lineup. Specs are otherwise very similar to the digital 4010/4020 versions

David.

doxilia

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Jeff (AllTheGoodNamesAreTaken), Mike (Summerwind), Lorin (lfinney),

I'm starting to get the new run of UFO kits sorted out. It would be helpful if you could send me your complete name and mailing addresses along with phone numbers via email so that I can get shipping pricing. You should all have my email addess but you can also email me via RCU's email function or send me a PM with the info. I'd prefer email so that I can maintain correspondence with you more easily. The good news is that Canada Post is back in business!

If anyone else is interested in a UFO 25 kit, this would be a good time to let me know. I plan to order 4 additional kits (3 of which are spoken for) which only leaves one spare (in theory for me). Of course, if there are others who would like a kit, I can add you to the list now.

Ralph has began a build thread on the model which will show the subtle details of how to go about the build. The kits are "semi-kits" meaning that all the major structural and design wood is included. Standard balsa sheet and stick stock is not included but a list of what's needed is included in the kit. The list also has a summary of the parts included in the kit as well as engine, radio and accessories needed to complete the model. CAD plans come on 2 rolled 24" wide sheets (fuse plan and wing/stab plan).

Ralph's UFO 25 build thread can be found here:

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_10570079/tm.htm

He is also building a wood/foam UFO 60 which is also an excellent read:

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_9725072/tm.htm

Many of you are also familiar with David's excellent all wood UFO 60 build:

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_4017336/tm.htm

I look forward to hearing from you.

David.

summerwind

just saw this David................hope i am not too late.

Old School Pattern

Does anyone know of someone who may have a set or copies of the the .60 version UFO original full size Balsa build-up plans that I could purchase to build. I have tried relentlessly to get some from RCM plans. I have been calling them and sending E-mails with no response for over a month now. I have talked to a few guys in my area from various aspects of our hobby and they have told me that they have had nothing but problems with the people or person who is running them now. ( I won't get into details) I would sure like to purchase a set of these plans so I can build this great flying bird again. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Jim_Purcha

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Why don't you contact Bridiairplanes. They can supply the kit and plans for $170.00.
http://www.bridiairplanes.com/hangar/ufo.html

Seems like a good deal to me.

Jim