Concept Fleet Biplane
08-01-2010, 04:18 PM
#178
RE: Concept Fleet Biplane
I just finished up the assembly and rigging of my Fleet and I have recently received the last of my painting masks from Dick Tristao at ModelGrafix. Now I can disassemble the aircraft, cover the upper wing and paint the wings and empennage before applying the paint masks and painting insignias.
I know I said some of this before but here is a re-cap of what I had to do with this "free' aircraft given to me:
1. Built new left lower wing (original was built and assembled upside down).
2. Strip upside down original wing ribs from the left upper wing spar and cut and assemble new ribs.
3. Removed upper wing blocks from center section and place them on the "new" bottom side.
4. Countersunk diagonally opposite cabane wing mounting blocks and added a spacer to one in order to set the wing incidence a 0 degrees with the horizontal stabilizer mounting point (wasn't about to tear out the original cabane struts).
5. The empennage being damaged, cause me to build a new assembly.
6. A new port side "N" strut was built to position the lower wing with the correct dihedral.
Various other fuselage reinforcement was accomplished along with closing in the nose section where the original cooling duct was. I am using a Fiberglass Specialties cowl for the ASP 4.00 radial.
"Free" is not free.
Bob
I know I said some of this before but here is a re-cap of what I had to do with this "free' aircraft given to me:
1. Built new left lower wing (original was built and assembled upside down).
2. Strip upside down original wing ribs from the left upper wing spar and cut and assemble new ribs.
3. Removed upper wing blocks from center section and place them on the "new" bottom side.
4. Countersunk diagonally opposite cabane wing mounting blocks and added a spacer to one in order to set the wing incidence a 0 degrees with the horizontal stabilizer mounting point (wasn't about to tear out the original cabane struts).
5. The empennage being damaged, cause me to build a new assembly.
6. A new port side "N" strut was built to position the lower wing with the correct dihedral.
Various other fuselage reinforcement was accomplished along with closing in the nose section where the original cooling duct was. I am using a Fiberglass Specialties cowl for the ASP 4.00 radial.
"Free" is not free.
Bob
08-07-2010, 03:01 PM
#180
RE: Concept Fleet Biplane
I came across a problem when I added glue dots on the fabric to simulate screw head fasteners of the fabric on the ribs. The pinking tape will not completely suck down over the glue as on the full size. Due to the method of fastening the tape (Pink-It iron on Lite-Fab), the tape allows a bridge over the dot, thereby causing it to look distorted (elongated) instead of a round bump. I had to remove the tape, pick off the glue, and reinstall the tape. I then added the glue dots to the top of the tape. Since the paint I am using is epoxy, it should cover the dots and flow around them sufficiently to look as if they are underneath the tape. I'll post some pictures of the process after painting is complete. I need to order more tape from Pink-It before I can begin painting the wings.
Bob
Bob
08-07-2010, 05:08 PM
#181
RE: Concept Fleet Biplane
Nice looking bipe Bob,
I found the same with the tapes over stitches, the best method I found was to iron down both sides of the stitch then the rest of the tape this allowed the tape to adhere close to the stitch. If you try to just iron them down the tape will shrink away from the stitch or glue drop and leave a bridge.
Later!!
Anthony
I found the same with the tapes over stitches, the best method I found was to iron down both sides of the stitch then the rest of the tape this allowed the tape to adhere close to the stitch. If you try to just iron them down the tape will shrink away from the stitch or glue drop and leave a bridge.
Later!!
Anthony
08-08-2010, 08:21 AM
#186
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RE: Concept Fleet Biplane
[>:]Can any of you that have flown your fleet (G38 powered) give me the control throws that you are using? I want to be close on the maiden flight. here's some pictures of mine, still have finish work to be done, struts, cockpits, rigging and engine.
Frank (acobra)
Frank (acobra)
08-08-2010, 10:31 AM
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RE: Concept Fleet Biplane
Oh yes, the struts and such are not yet finished, just had to stick it together to give myself some incentive to get finishing it. Thanks for the throws.
Frank
Frank
08-08-2010, 11:52 AM
#190
RE: Concept Fleet Biplane
Acobra...beautifull airplane and markings, are those Romanien or Hungarian?
I notice on your photo form astern that your rudder is cocked off a few degrees to the right...is this intentional or just not rigged up correctly?
What kind off engine are you installing?
I notice on your photo form astern that your rudder is cocked off a few degrees to the right...is this intentional or just not rigged up correctly?
What kind off engine are you installing?
08-09-2010, 07:39 AM
#194
RE: Concept Fleet Biplane
See Fiberglass Specialties on their website:
http://www.fiberglassspecialtiesinc.com/catalog.htm
CF-1 Concept Fleet biplane 1/4 scale, cowl $35.00
I have one installed on my Fleet.
Bob
http://www.fiberglassspecialtiesinc.com/catalog.htm
CF-1 Concept Fleet biplane 1/4 scale, cowl $35.00
I have one installed on my Fleet.
Bob
08-09-2010, 10:39 AM
#195
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RE: Concept Fleet Biplane
Actually, the appearance of rudder offset is an optical illusion. The F-10G rudder has a balance front and the rudder was not centered for the picture so it looks like the fin/rudder is offset. I'm putting a G-38 in it and the markings are Romanian.
08-09-2010, 07:53 PM
#196
RE: Concept Fleet Biplane
ORIGINAL: retransit
See Fiberglass Specialties on their website:
http://www.fiberglassspecialtiesinc.com/catalog.htm
CF-1 Concept Fleet biplane 1/4 scale, cowl $35.00
I have one installed on my Fleet.
Bob
See Fiberglass Specialties on their website:
http://www.fiberglassspecialtiesinc.com/catalog.htm
CF-1 Concept Fleet biplane 1/4 scale, cowl $35.00
I have one installed on my Fleet.
Bob
Has anybody tried a 1/4 Fleet on floats??
Any tips or hints to get me started?
08-09-2010, 10:42 PM
#197
RE: Concept Fleet Biplane
I haven't flown floats in a few years. My friend, who had property on a lake, allowed a bunch of us to fly every Saturday. Great stuff! Too bad he sold out and moved. Well actually he didn't move. He bought a motor home and has been on the road for the past 4 or 5 years. He tows a trailer which is his storage and work shop. He travels from flying event to flying event.
There is nothing comparable to a plane shooting across a lake, up on the step. I've also flown up in New York when I lived there. And no damn alligators or water moccasins!
Here a is a link to the specifics needed to get started:
http://www.smilesandwags.com/Floatsi...%20TUNING.html
Below is something you may want if you want to do splash and goes. The Grumman Duck was owned by my friend. It had a 2-stroke 1.20 and retracts. It was a really nice aircraft.
Bob
There is nothing comparable to a plane shooting across a lake, up on the step. I've also flown up in New York when I lived there. And no damn alligators or water moccasins!
Here a is a link to the specifics needed to get started:
http://www.smilesandwags.com/Floatsi...%20TUNING.html
Below is something you may want if you want to do splash and goes. The Grumman Duck was owned by my friend. It had a 2-stroke 1.20 and retracts. It was a really nice aircraft.
Bob
08-10-2010, 12:22 AM
#198
RE: Concept Fleet Biplane
Bob... Thanks so much for the excellent float info. now I'm getting excited ! We have access to an excellent lake here in No. Cal. and have 4 major events per year.
I am refurbishng and strengthening my newly acquired 1/4 Fleet to meet both land and float applications. I also hope the new Saito 2.20 4 stroke will have enough horses to meet the task of float flying. I should have it complete for maiden on land in a few weeks and will post a few pics.
That Grumman Duck looks wondeful.. very nice job and a decent selling price for all the work.
Thanks again, Eric
I am refurbishng and strengthening my newly acquired 1/4 Fleet to meet both land and float applications. I also hope the new Saito 2.20 4 stroke will have enough horses to meet the task of float flying. I should have it complete for maiden on land in a few weeks and will post a few pics.
That Grumman Duck looks wondeful.. very nice job and a decent selling price for all the work.
Thanks again, Eric
08-10-2010, 07:53 AM
#199
RE: Concept Fleet Biplane
Eric,
I have a video by John Sullivan who used to cut foam floats back in the 80's. If you look at my avatar you can see the floats. A company by the name of R n Z Models produces the floats now. Check out their website:
http://users.cwnet.com/zdgreg/JSFloats.html
They are located about 85 miles from you. Pricing looks reasonable and based on the length of the Fleet, you will need a set of 48" floats. They should work nicely as they have the buoyancy to support 25 lbs.
Bob
I have a video by John Sullivan who used to cut foam floats back in the 80's. If you look at my avatar you can see the floats. A company by the name of R n Z Models produces the floats now. Check out their website:
http://users.cwnet.com/zdgreg/JSFloats.html
They are located about 85 miles from you. Pricing looks reasonable and based on the length of the Fleet, you will need a set of 48" floats. They should work nicely as they have the buoyancy to support 25 lbs.
Bob
08-10-2010, 08:15 AM
#200
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RE: Concept Fleet Biplane
I think it was Jim Pepino who I purchased a great set of 1/4 EDO floats from. May still carry them.
Fleet model 2 was float equipped with single pilot flying from the front cockpit. Float step appears to be about 8 inches from the LE of the bottom wing. Dual water rudders that looked fixed.
Thinking back Bob, When I build my Concept Fleet, each rib was 3 pieces. TE aft of the back spar, mid rib, and fwd rib from spar to square stock LE. I can see, perhaps , where the former builder of your bird went askew.
I've started my 1/3 scale spar buildup and have taken pixs to feature in a building thread somewhere.
Cheers
Ray W.
Fleet model 2 was float equipped with single pilot flying from the front cockpit. Float step appears to be about 8 inches from the LE of the bottom wing. Dual water rudders that looked fixed.
Thinking back Bob, When I build my Concept Fleet, each rib was 3 pieces. TE aft of the back spar, mid rib, and fwd rib from spar to square stock LE. I can see, perhaps , where the former builder of your bird went askew.
I've started my 1/3 scale spar buildup and have taken pixs to feature in a building thread somewhere.
Cheers
Ray W.