Bob Nelitz 1/3 Scale J-3 Short Kit build
12-18-2009, 08:44 AM
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Bob Nelitz 1/3 Scale J-3 Short Kit build
I was asked by a friend to help him on A Short Kit he wants to put together and sell. I am doing the build and giving him info on how to improve the kit. I am also trying to put together info and prices on decals and other things to help people build this great Plane. Anyone wanting info can contact me at [email protected]
12-18-2009, 04:53 PM
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RE: Bob Nelitz 1/3 Scale J-3 Short Kit build
Count Me In. After Putting One Of The Bill Hemple 40% Clipped Wing Cubs Together For A Friend Of Mine, I Have Come To The Conclusion That 1/3 Scale Is Large Enough For Me. Besides, I'd Rather Build My Own Anyway. I'll Have To Do It Clipped Wing Though. I'll Be Following This Thread Closely. Thanks.
12-19-2009, 08:06 AM
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RE: Bob Nelitz 1/3 Scale J-3 Short Kit build
You bet I will count you in. This so far is one of the best short kits I have seen. I think right after new years we will have a price and start taking orders.
12-24-2009, 10:53 AM
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RE: Bob Nelitz 1/3 Scale J-3 Short Kit build
ok my dummy engine kit has been cut and should be on its way I will post pictures of the kit when I get it. The dry fitting is finish after christmas I will start building and posting more pictures.
01-03-2010, 11:18 AM
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RE: Bob Nelitz 1/3 Scale J-3 Short Kit build
I offer the side stripe, Piper logo, "N" numbers for the 1/3 scale Cub, plus other stuff.
Vinyl or mask, I do both.
BTW. I know it's smaller and unrelated, sorry, but I'm looking for a Carl Goldberg Cub wing kit. I'll Post for this.
I need it for a biplane. [sm=bananahead.gif]
Thanks.
Charles
www.cfcgraphics.com
Vinyl or mask, I do both.
BTW. I know it's smaller and unrelated, sorry, but I'm looking for a Carl Goldberg Cub wing kit. I'll Post for this.
I need it for a biplane. [sm=bananahead.gif]
Thanks.
Charles
www.cfcgraphics.com
01-03-2010, 06:04 PM
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RE: Bob Nelitz 1/3 Scale J-3 Short Kit build
Okay a quick tip for anyone who needs to cut the 1/8 " off the 3/8 dowels for the wing tips and the elev and rudder . I have a 4" tile saw that I got from Homedepot about 6 yrs ago ,I think I pay around 60.00 buck for it to do tile in my bathroom ,anyways I seen it on my shelf and said what the heck I will try it .I put water in the bottom tray sat up the fench .Well it took me about 4 mins to cut 1/8" off all the peices I will need and it is staight and smooth. It did a great job.
01-08-2010, 03:55 PM
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RE: Bob Nelitz 1/3 Scale J-3 Short Kit build
Ok soak one of the 3/8 dowel that I cut for the wing tips and made a jig. The dowel bended real easy into the jig. I am letting it dry overnight and will install it tomorrow.
01-08-2010, 04:33 PM
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RE: Bob Nelitz 1/3 Scale J-3 Short Kit build
Hi Billy - good job.
I did it with nails as well when I built a 1/4 scale version, but found that when the bends had dried, that there were a bunch of dents from the nails in the outer edge of the dowels, which of course meant filling and sanding.
So this time on the 1/3 scale version, I cut a form out of 3/4 ply (An inner and an outer of the tip shape etc., and fastened them 1/4" apart) - I then had a 'slot' to push the wet dowel down into, and bingo, no cracks, and no nail marks. And both wing tips etc., fitted into the same slot at the same time!
Just don't take them out till you're ready to use them - they do want to spring back some...
Cheers, Mike
I did it with nails as well when I built a 1/4 scale version, but found that when the bends had dried, that there were a bunch of dents from the nails in the outer edge of the dowels, which of course meant filling and sanding.
So this time on the 1/3 scale version, I cut a form out of 3/4 ply (An inner and an outer of the tip shape etc., and fastened them 1/4" apart) - I then had a 'slot' to push the wet dowel down into, and bingo, no cracks, and no nail marks. And both wing tips etc., fitted into the same slot at the same time!
Just don't take them out till you're ready to use them - they do want to spring back some...
Cheers, Mike
01-08-2010, 04:44 PM
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RE: Bob Nelitz 1/3 Scale J-3 Short Kit build
Hi Mike
Thanks for the for the info and you are right about the dents I can see them already .Can be fix, live and learn .
Thanks for the for the info and you are right about the dents I can see them already .Can be fix, live and learn .
01-08-2010, 04:58 PM
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RE: Bob Nelitz 1/3 Scale J-3 Short Kit build
I too have been building a Bob Nelitz Cub. I was turned off by the pricing of the 1/3 scale Balsa USA cub and while searching online I came across plans for the Nelitz Cub. I have the fuselage pretty near completed, all ribs and half ribs hand cut, and tail feathers laid out, waiting to bend the dowel leading and trailing edges. I did make aluminum rib templates and a jig to assemble the fuselage warren truss section, as well as forms to shape the dowel wing tips and the tail feathers. Using the fuse jig, the truss section builds just like the real cubs.... precut pieces clamp into place and can be all glued up at one time. The Big issues I had with the Nelitz design is the need for the tubular welded assembly that ties the landing gear and cabin sections together. I used 5/32 wire to do this as Balsa USA did. I also used wire imbedded in the window framing to tie the upper cabin to the rest of the fuselage. Another issue I found is that the bottom of the fuse where the gear attaches is a bit narrower then some other 1/3 scale cubs (the Nelitz plans show app. 8 1/2 inches) and Robarts Gear for the 1/3 cubs shows a width of 9 3/4 inches- so the stock unit wouldn't fit without modifying it. I may increase the width of the fuse next time to make Robarts Landing gear an option. I did get the cowl (with engine detail) from Fiberglass Specialties and it's a great Fit and look for someone who isn't into scale contests. All wood needed for the build ran me about 150.00 (and I had the job of cutting it myself ! ) I would have to say that the "short kit" sounds like a Great way to get into a Giant Scale Cub. Too bad I hadn't waited longer to start construction on Mine ! In closing, I have to say I am very happy with the Build, it's going to be a great looking Cub.... but remember, Bob first flew this with a 35 Quadra ! so it was designed to fly scale.... Bill Hempel's clipped wing Cub ( 40%) and the World Models 1/3 scale Clipped wing Cubs will handle a DA-100 and torque roll.... I'm not sure Bob Nelitz had those stresses in mind when he designed a stick fuselage. Both of those "hotter" Cubs have Laser cut ply fuses (lighter and stronger ) I'll try to get pics up as my build progresses !
01-08-2010, 07:42 PM
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RE: Bob Nelitz 1/3 Scale J-3 Short Kit build
todavem
Thanks for joining the forum and yes please post anything you got on your build .This is what I am hoping for anything anyone has on how to build this cub . As far as my opinon this is the best Cub design ,And if you look at the BUSA design it copys alot of Nelitz design but not as scale .This is a true builder Cub.
thanks
Bh307
Thanks for joining the forum and yes please post anything you got on your build .This is what I am hoping for anything anyone has on how to build this cub . As far as my opinon this is the best Cub design ,And if you look at the BUSA design it copys alot of Nelitz design but not as scale .This is a true builder Cub.
thanks
Bh307
01-09-2010, 09:19 AM
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RE: Bob Nelitz 1/3 Scale J-3 Short Kit build
If I remember correctly the plans recommend spruce dowel material, did you find spruce or just use hardwork from the local hardware store? Great tip fro forming the bows.
01-09-2010, 12:13 PM
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RE: Bob Nelitz 1/3 Scale J-3 Short Kit build
Hardwood from hardware store - just soaked it all for a few days standing upright in a piece of plastic plumbing pipe with 2 closed ends.
No bending issues.
Mike
No bending issues.
Mike
01-09-2010, 01:37 PM
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RE: Bob Nelitz 1/3 Scale J-3 Short Kit build
Yes any hardwood ,I used BUSA because I wanted 48" dowels and all the hardware had was 36" I soak my in a tub hot water for 8 hrs like the insturtion said about every 30 mins I would add somemore hot water work great. I am building a wood streamer out of copper tube and 3" pvc .Will be able to stream it for about 1Hr and shape the tight bends for the elev and the rudder. I will post pictures of the streamer after it is build and tested.
Billy
Billy
