Moustache 20cc DHC-2 Beaver Build
12-25-2022, 10:46 PM
#101
Thread Starter
Today I test flew the Beaver. It flew "OK", but will not make it to the list of aeroplanes I am looking forward to take to the field...
Since it was quite windy at the airfield today, my test with the use of full flaps is still inconclusive. The elevator down with flaps in "take-off" setting as shown in the manual resulted in drastic nose drop. I halved the % value and it is much better now.
Due to the fact that the muffler got loose, I called it a day only managing a couple of flights. When I will get an opportunity, I ask a friend with a camera to take some in flight photos. On the plus side few club members commented that it looks great in the air.
Cheers,
Eran
Since it was quite windy at the airfield today, my test with the use of full flaps is still inconclusive. The elevator down with flaps in "take-off" setting as shown in the manual resulted in drastic nose drop. I halved the % value and it is much better now.
Due to the fact that the muffler got loose, I called it a day only managing a couple of flights. When I will get an opportunity, I ask a friend with a camera to take some in flight photos. On the plus side few club members commented that it looks great in the air.
Cheers,
Eran
12-31-2022, 05:11 AM
#103
Thread Starter
My friend's wife made me the markings for the Beaver. She cut them using her card cutter / printer. I was very impressed how clean it cut the Monokote.
The most challenging part was to get the alignment and spacing correct. I marked a center-line and used the Monokote from which the lettering / numbering was cut from to draw the locations of the writing on the fuselage with a pencil. I then ironed the individual letters / numbers and used Methylated spirits to wipe the pencil markings off. Since the "printer" bed is 12" x 12", the "1" did not fit in the available width and required "jigging" to be placed correctly.
Cheers,
Eran
The most challenging part was to get the alignment and spacing correct. I marked a center-line and used the Monokote from which the lettering / numbering was cut from to draw the locations of the writing on the fuselage with a pencil. I then ironed the individual letters / numbers and used Methylated spirits to wipe the pencil markings off. Since the "printer" bed is 12" x 12", the "1" did not fit in the available width and required "jigging" to be placed correctly.
Cheers,
Eran
01-02-2023, 11:58 PM
#106
Thread Starter
gow589 - Thank you for the comments. The switches on my aeroplanes are usually located in the forward part of the fuselage, I will not let anybody hold the aeroplane anywhere near this location when the engine is running. You do have a point tough, and I used to do this (OFF forward) when I started flying many years ago. I witnessed a hand-launch of a .40 size trainer where the thumb of the launching assistant shut the radio off. It was quite funny at the time as we looked helplessly at the perfectly trimmed aeroplane climbing to the horizon and ended up deep in the sea : )
In Australia I purchase the prop covers from Desert Aircraft Australia. Since I use wood props and have tight storage and transport spaces (which can ding a prop easily), they worth their cost.
https://www.desertaircraft.com.au/sh...op-Covers.html
DA also make their own branded prop covers which you see on the Beaver:
https://www.desertaircraft.com.au/sh...op-covers.html
Cheers,
Eran
In Australia I purchase the prop covers from Desert Aircraft Australia. Since I use wood props and have tight storage and transport spaces (which can ding a prop easily), they worth their cost.
https://www.desertaircraft.com.au/sh...op-Covers.html
DA also make their own branded prop covers which you see on the Beaver:
https://www.desertaircraft.com.au/sh...op-covers.html
Cheers,
Eran
03-09-2023, 10:10 PM
#107
Thread Starter
Some Beaver update - After a long spell of poor flying weather it was time to take the Beaver out to the airfield again.
To my surprise when assembling the aeroplane at the airfield, the left aileron was hanging in an angle. On close inspection, one hinge was broken and another was other pulled out, obviously the material it is made off not adhering properly to balsa wood. The ailerons are the only surfaces where I used the CA hinges supplied with the kit (what was I thinking?). These are obviously of extreme low quality as anything else supplied with the kit. I advise anybody buying anything from Moustache Model Works to bin anything that is not wood that is supplied with these kits.
To be clear, the wings are always stored each in its own bubble wrap and in climate controlled environment, never dropped / got any impact, and are stored with no force whatsoever on the ailerons.
Both ailerons were now fitted with CA hinges from the now gone Great Planes.
Cheers,
Eran
To my surprise when assembling the aeroplane at the airfield, the left aileron was hanging in an angle. On close inspection, one hinge was broken and another was other pulled out, obviously the material it is made off not adhering properly to balsa wood. The ailerons are the only surfaces where I used the CA hinges supplied with the kit (what was I thinking?). These are obviously of extreme low quality as anything else supplied with the kit. I advise anybody buying anything from Moustache Model Works to bin anything that is not wood that is supplied with these kits.
To be clear, the wings are always stored each in its own bubble wrap and in climate controlled environment, never dropped / got any impact, and are stored with no force whatsoever on the ailerons.
Both ailerons were now fitted with CA hinges from the now gone Great Planes.
Cheers,
Eran
03-10-2023, 04:34 PM
#108
The Other Side
Erans,
After I read your latest post, I immediately checked the ailerons on my Moustache Model Works Beaver. And the elevator, rudder, flaps, and doors, anything that had a hinge. The result: no separations or breakages. Everything was secure. My model is about a year older than yours.
Overall, I found this kit to be an ideal reintroduction to building scale models. Mine flies really well and has a strong presence in the sky, or so my fellow fliers tell me.
The designer took the prototype to our Scale Nats where he scored second in his class in his first contest ever!
Remember, this is the first model I had built from a kit in over 20 years. For all practical purposes, I was a rookie. Yet, I was able to end up with a great model and enjoyed myself building it.
I'm sorry you had such a disappointing experience, but I had just the opposite.
With respect, take care.
Bren Bailey
After I read your latest post, I immediately checked the ailerons on my Moustache Model Works Beaver. And the elevator, rudder, flaps, and doors, anything that had a hinge. The result: no separations or breakages. Everything was secure. My model is about a year older than yours.
Overall, I found this kit to be an ideal reintroduction to building scale models. Mine flies really well and has a strong presence in the sky, or so my fellow fliers tell me.
The designer took the prototype to our Scale Nats where he scored second in his class in his first contest ever!
Remember, this is the first model I had built from a kit in over 20 years. For all practical purposes, I was a rookie. Yet, I was able to end up with a great model and enjoyed myself building it.
I'm sorry you had such a disappointing experience, but I had just the opposite.
With respect, take care.
Bren Bailey
03-10-2023, 07:57 PM
#109
Thread Starter
Bren - It is great to hear that you were enjoying this kit. My fellow club members also mentioned that this Beaver has a great presence in the air.
I am not a scale "nut", for me, if the aeroplane is recognisable by others, it is good enough. Practicality (as in "living with the aeroplane long term") is much more important to me, however, this is what I find so great with this hobby. Everybody can find their enjoyment of it and I have no doubt that this Beaver can be very competitive in a scale competition if it is built by someone who is into detailing it.
I've been building kits and scratch building for most of the last 40 years. I applaud anybody taking on producing a "traditional" (i.e wood) kit.
I do have an issue with providing not fit for purpose hardware. I much rather not to have any hardware provided than having to bin the lot. I would have paid additional amount to have Du-Bro or Sullivan hardware included instead. I end up buying it anyway.
If I was to get into the business of producing kits, I would check the market by buying few kits that represent the top tier of kit manufacturing such as kits provided by Balsa USA, SIG, or buying older kits from reputable brands such as Top-Flite and see what they provide with the kit, and try to match the quality. As someone who tries to establish yourself as a serious kit manufacturer you do not try to match the quality of the bottom of the pile kit and the current ARF manufacturers.
Building a kit is highly involved activity and huge amount of time is spent on it when compared with ARF. You would think that someone who takes on this almost extinct part of the hobby will not appreciated being treated to cost saving measures on the hardware. Sorry, but I am one of these not appreciative people.
The good news is that this Beaver build is behind me and the next kit (Lanier RC Giant Stinger) is waiting for me to make a start...
Cheers,
Eran
I am not a scale "nut", for me, if the aeroplane is recognisable by others, it is good enough. Practicality (as in "living with the aeroplane long term") is much more important to me, however, this is what I find so great with this hobby. Everybody can find their enjoyment of it and I have no doubt that this Beaver can be very competitive in a scale competition if it is built by someone who is into detailing it.
I've been building kits and scratch building for most of the last 40 years. I applaud anybody taking on producing a "traditional" (i.e wood) kit.
I do have an issue with providing not fit for purpose hardware. I much rather not to have any hardware provided than having to bin the lot. I would have paid additional amount to have Du-Bro or Sullivan hardware included instead. I end up buying it anyway.
If I was to get into the business of producing kits, I would check the market by buying few kits that represent the top tier of kit manufacturing such as kits provided by Balsa USA, SIG, or buying older kits from reputable brands such as Top-Flite and see what they provide with the kit, and try to match the quality. As someone who tries to establish yourself as a serious kit manufacturer you do not try to match the quality of the bottom of the pile kit and the current ARF manufacturers.
Building a kit is highly involved activity and huge amount of time is spent on it when compared with ARF. You would think that someone who takes on this almost extinct part of the hobby will not appreciated being treated to cost saving measures on the hardware. Sorry, but I am one of these not appreciative people.
The good news is that this Beaver build is behind me and the next kit (Lanier RC Giant Stinger) is waiting for me to make a start...
Cheers,
Eran
