Phlip

It's finally RTF. Here are some shots of my complete RV-4:

Phlip

Power is Magnum 46 XL with pitts muffler. Covering is white Ultracote. Cowl and wheel pants are painted with white Rustoleum. Blue trim is Rustoleum, airbrushed on.

Some more photos:

bojangle

Now that's a one of a kind, good job. You will never see another like it (unless you do the paint job).

Did you have to sand the Ultracote before painting? Did you use a shading template or just free hand? I think many would like to know more about your process. Makes me wish I hadn't sold my airbrush.

Bob

WORNBOOTS

My Feedback: (33)

You did a fantastic job, thats one nice looking plane.
Great job"

Phlip

I roughed up the Ultracote with a Scotch-brite pad before painting. The shading is free hand, but , of course, the white edges were masked. I masked with black electrical tape before using the Scotch-brite pad.

I purchased three spray cans of Rustoleum, white, light blue and dark blue. I sprayed the paint from the can through a plastic straw into airbrush bottles, and then mixed the paints for the four shades of blue that I wanted. Starting with the lightest color and working to the darkest, I sprayed all of the colors in one session.

I'm happy with how the Rustoleum looks, and I pre-tested a sample to prove to myself that it's fuel proof before doing the plane.

I'm looking forward to the maiden flight. I'll keep you posted.

Phil

bojangle

I was wondering how you got the paint from the spray cans. Is Rustoleum also available in small cans, or does the spray paint have better airbrushing qualities? I assume you had to thin it a little. After seeing the pics, I also assume you have had a lot of experience with airbrushing (cars, cycles, etc).

Do you have pics of the bottom side, and the engine without cowl? I have considered this plane for some time. Any mods or changes during the building? These tired eyes seem to detect flaps, must be a computer radio.

Be prepared for a long thread, there will be lots of questions. Don't be modest, you will probably get some offers to do custom painting for others. (If you weren't so far away, I'd be over to see ya) I have seen airbrushed models, but not with the multishade blending.

This will also be a boost for Ultracote. I have used Monokote for over 20 years, experimenting with UC and having to learn all over again.

Bob......."Hey guys and gals come on over, ya gotta see this one"

GRANT ED

Looks really good. Wait till you fly it. You will love it.

Phlip

Bob,

Thanks for the kind words.

The only airbrush experience I have is with models, but I've done that for more than twenty
years (model cars, trains, plastic planes, etc.) My airbrush is a Paasche H, which is only the
second one I've had. First was a Badger beginners model. Both are simple external mix, single
acting types. The Paasche has been great for my applications.

I don't know about the Rustoleum in cans. The Rustoleum spray was perfect to airbrush without
any further thinning. As you have probably seen in other threads, the biggest gripe with the
Rustoleum is that it takes 2 days to dry completely. But it does flow out and leave a nice
smooth finish.

The bottom is plain white, with just the N number decal from the kit on the one wing. Yes there
are flaps, and yes I'm using a computer radio, but it's entry level computer radio, my first. It
was nice to be able to use the travel volumes to set up the proper control throws.

I made no modifications at all to the kit. Just carved my own pilot bust, see this thread for more
on that

[link=http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_1651656/anchors_1651656/mpage_1/key_/anchor/tm.htm#1651656]http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_1651656/anchors_1651656/mpage_1/key_/anchor/tm.htm#1651656[/link]


I also used the stock ABS parts. To see how I work with the ABS, see
[link=http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_1686789/anchors_1686789/mpage_1/key_/anchor/tm.htm#1686789]http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_1686789/anchors_1686789/mpage_1/key_/anchor/tm.htm#1686789[/link]

Can't wait to fly it! Unfortunately I can't get out this weekend.

Phil

beardking

My Feedback: (4)

Phil, that is one striking RV you've got there. I wish I had considered the whole airbrush over covering idea. If I weren't almost done with my wing, I might consider doing that. But I'll definitely have a setup ready for doing that on the next plane.

tailskid

My Feedback: (34)

Go easy on the flaps....from level flight I can do an almost perfect loop just by dropping them all the way!

Jerry

Walfam

My Feedback: (1)

That is a awesome job. That plane will be the toast of the air field. Also thanks for the tips as I have a plane that I want
to cover and was not sure what I wanted to do with it!! But I DO NOW!!... VERY GOOD JOB>

photoniq

Why do you need an airbrush if the Rustoleum is already in a spray can? Sorry if this is a naive question - I am a total newbie.

I love the look of your plane - gorgeous.

photoniq

Phlip

Two reasons... 1, better paint control, especially with the freehand, blended edges... and 2, more shades of color available by mixing the paints together.

Phil

Phlip

Thanks! I'll keep that under advisement!

Phil

Cosmicwind

Phil,
Very nice job! Is that the Great Planes kit? That's the only RV-4 kit I've been able to find.

Dave

Phlip

Yes. Sorry I neglected to mention that it is the Great Planes kit.

Phil

bojangle

I just bought 1,000 shares of Great Planes stock, figure sales on RV-4 will skyrocket...just kidding Bruce and Don.

Bob

spenc

My Feedback: (1)

Thanks for the referal to this site. Great job. I am still building ukies, but now maybe I'll learn to fly RC.

Spence

ksechler

Nice job. I built one a year ago, and have been flying it incident free every chance I get. I love this airplane. It is by far the best flying model I have EVER built. My stable of aircraft is up to six now, and I always grab the RV first. I've posted this pic. before, but for what it's worth here's mine:

Phlip

Took it out to fly today but with winds of 21mph gusting to 26mph [&o] I chickened out and left it on the ground []

Maybe tomorrow

Flightfreak777

id be nervous too in that situation (hell i am already and mines not even built lol) but i would have done the same thing considering it is a kit and it is a prized posession

~Matt

RVator

My Feedback: (1)

Great looking RV! For anyone else building an RV check out http://www.vansairforce.net and look at the RV of the Week section. You will see some great looking full scale RV's.

Flightfreak777

ah sweet thanks! =D

~Matt

Phlip

She's flown But not yet by me!

It was overcast, but no wind to speak of. I had my friend, Jim Mitchell take her up and check her out. He did a good job of checking all of the characteristics, and his report is "She flies great... no bad habits."

So after a while in the air he says "Do you want to take it or do you want me to land?"

I figured I'd feel more comfortable next flight, (I've still a lot to learn as a pilot) so I said "Why don't you land, and I'll check it out, make sure everything is still tight."

Well, right after he lands, it starts to downpour, and then when the rain stops the wind picks up, and again I'm waiting for a better weather day...

Phil

Phlip

Finally took the sticks NICE!!

The Magnum .46 XL has plenty of power, too. Great vertical performance, great sound from the pitts muffler. All around, I'm extremely happy. Just need to get up my nerve to fly it solo!


Phil