First Kit Build - Sig Somethin Extra
#51
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From: Olathe, KS
Okay, as promised here's the picture update.
First picture is the completed wing with aileron temporarily in place
Second picture is the wife holding the wing at a slight angle so I can get a good picture of how straight the wing is
3 and 4 are the tail group
5 is the engine (OS 46AX)
What do you all think? I know I'm goin slow .. but looking good? Comments/Concerns/Tips/ etc?
First picture is the completed wing with aileron temporarily in place
Second picture is the wife holding the wing at a slight angle so I can get a good picture of how straight the wing is
3 and 4 are the tail group
5 is the engine (OS 46AX)
What do you all think? I know I'm goin slow .. but looking good? Comments/Concerns/Tips/ etc?
#52
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From: Whiteville NC
KCRemoteFlyer,
Everything looks great from what I can see! Keep at it(at your own pace of coarse). Before you know it, you'll be at the field ready to maiden. Ben
Everything looks great from what I can see! Keep at it(at your own pace of coarse). Before you know it, you'll be at the field ready to maiden. Ben
#53
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From: Gloucester,
VA
Nothing looks amiss to me. I sanded mine with a 40 grit block and it still look spretty. I also left the edges square to make covering easier. They look better rounded, it's just more work. I'm gonna fly this plane very low and slow, so I didn't waste any time on cosmetics.
#54
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From: Cypress,
TX
You are doing great! You may have already done this - harden the control horn mounting points with CA. I don't remember if that was in the instructions.
#55
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From: Gloucester,
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Yeah, they want a piece of nylon c/a'd where the horns go. Another way to do it is to perforate the area with a t pin, both sides, then soak it in thin c/a. Either way works, or you can do both.
#56
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From: Olathe, KS
Yes, the hardening was in the instructions, I wanted to get the bulk of the sanding done before I had to deal with the nylon/ca spot. I've sanded most of it with 150 Grit, going to do a 400 grit and then 600 grit final sanding.
Thanks for the compliments!!
I ordered my replacement wing kit today direct from sig (was gunna get the from the LHS, but it wouldnt get here til Monday) Sig can have it here no later then Thursday. But since they are only 3 hours away from where I live, I would expect to have it Wednesday.
I hope, April 4 I'm going to attend one of the local beginers nights, and I hope to have my uncovered plane finished so I can have them give it the ol' once over before I cover it. The guy I talked to also said that if its a light night with beginers, I could take up the club trainer, that would be real nice!!
Thanks for the compliments!!
I ordered my replacement wing kit today direct from sig (was gunna get the from the LHS, but it wouldnt get here til Monday) Sig can have it here no later then Thursday. But since they are only 3 hours away from where I live, I would expect to have it Wednesday.
I hope, April 4 I'm going to attend one of the local beginers nights, and I hope to have my uncovered plane finished so I can have them give it the ol' once over before I cover it. The guy I talked to also said that if its a light night with beginers, I could take up the club trainer, that would be real nice!!
#57
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From: Gloucester,
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Your enthusiasm is refreshing. I'd like to try and make a point. I hope this comes out right. Most people, especially beginners, are a bundle of nerves when they fly. This seems to be worse with older people, as the kids seem to not be affected. This adrenaline rush that we feel while flying is addictive. It never goes completely away, but it does subside with time. The problem is, the shakes are worst in the beginning, and/or also while flying a new plane. Now comes my point. It seems as if the nervousness is directly related to the amount of time and effort we put into our models. It's not about the money. It's the work. So, in the back of our heads we have the fear of crashing, and destroying our many hours of hard work. I believe there comes a point where we have to be able to get over this fear in order to have fun. What fun is it to fly if you are shaking like a leaf and your tongue dries out? Been there, done that. In an effort to help ourselves get over the jitters, we can detach ourselves from the models somewhat. The way I choose to do that is to put a limit on the effort invested into each model. Consider how it will be flown, how often, what type of weather, etc, and build the model accordingly. A fun fly type plane, like the SSE, will be wrung out regularly. You will take chances with that model, and it will be crashed,(pranged?) That's why I didn't spend an abundance of time on sanding, fairing this model. And to tell you the truth, the monokote is thick enough so that any sanding finer than about 200 grit doesn't show thru the covering. In other words, the effort to make it perfectly smooth doesn't really show in the finished product. And you definitely can't see a difference from 20 feet away. Just something to think about. Again, I hope this is taken the way it was meant.
#59
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From: Olathe, KS
Not24, I see your point about the sanding and the nervousness about flying it with all that work put into it. As long as a I get some enjoyment out of the flight, I'm good with that
Kmot, Thanks!!
I will post some more pictures tonight after work, I have started on the fuse finally!
Kmot, Thanks!!
I will post some more pictures tonight after work, I have started on the fuse finally!
#60
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From: Cypress,
TX
I strongly recommend upgrading to aftermarket pushrods for the tailfeathers. My experience has been that they don't slide that smoothly. Also on a hot day you will need to make trim changes because they expand (lengthen) as temp increases. I used the stock outer tubes with 2-56 metal rods sliding inside (threaded at the tailfeathers for adjustment).
#61
ORIGINAL: Flylow
I strongly recommend upgrading to aftermarket pushrods for the tailfeathers. My experience has been that they don't slide that smoothly. Also on a hot day you will need to make trim changes because they expand (lengthen) as temp increases. I used the stock outer tubes with 2-56 metal rods sliding inside (threaded at the tailfeathers for adjustment).
I strongly recommend upgrading to aftermarket pushrods for the tailfeathers. My experience has been that they don't slide that smoothly. Also on a hot day you will need to make trim changes because they expand (lengthen) as temp increases. I used the stock outer tubes with 2-56 metal rods sliding inside (threaded at the tailfeathers for adjustment).
#62
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From: Gloucester,
VA
ORIGINAL: KCRemoteFlyer
As long as a I get some enjoyment out of the flight, I'm good with that
As long as a I get some enjoyment out of the flight, I'm good with that
A bit pessimistic, aren't you? I'd like to think you will fly it more than once!
#63
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From: Olathe, KS
Okay I have a question.
Im lining up my motor on the motor mounts, ontop of the plans. For me to get my motor to line up, It would be touching the back of the firewall, is that bad or should i move it forward?
Also when its touching the back, its lifted ''slightly'' by the needle valve, I would assume that wont work at all.
Any thoughts?
Im lining up my motor on the motor mounts, ontop of the plans. For me to get my motor to line up, It would be touching the back of the firewall, is that bad or should i move it forward?
Also when its touching the back, its lifted ''slightly'' by the needle valve, I would assume that wont work at all.
Any thoughts?
#64

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From: Port Washington,
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You definitely do NOT want it touching the firewall. Either move it forward a tad or relocate the needle valve if it is externally mounted. FOr that matter, tou could even mount the needle assembly to the firewall.
#65
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From: Gloucester,
VA
Did you see where it shows cutting away the area where the needle goes? I know it shows to clear for the muffler. On mine, I cleared a little for the needle too. The engine is a little bit forward in the mounts. About 1/4 inch from all the way back.
#66
I put the OS 46 in mine & had the same issue. here's what I did. I cut a hole in the side of the fuse so I could turn the needle sideways because it got the screws out of the way & let it slide back to where it was about 1/8" off of the motor mount back.
It still makes the motor stick out a little more than the plans but it doesn't seem to bother mine & you'll also find that you need to add some nose weight if you use the 2-56 wires & the tail feather support wires. ( I had to add 3 oz. in the nose). I also had to shove my battery pack all the way under the fuel tank against the firewall so make sure you have enough room under there.
I took a couple pictures for you.
BTW, everythings looking good so far!!
It still makes the motor stick out a little more than the plans but it doesn't seem to bother mine & you'll also find that you need to add some nose weight if you use the 2-56 wires & the tail feather support wires. ( I had to add 3 oz. in the nose). I also had to shove my battery pack all the way under the fuel tank against the firewall so make sure you have enough room under there.
I took a couple pictures for you.
BTW, everythings looking good so far!!
#67
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From: Olathe, KS
Guys, thanks for the advice!!!! Definitely put it to good use. I ended up turning my needle vertical, and then moved the engine 1/4" forward as suggested and that works out.
I am glad to hear that you still need to add front weight, I was concerned about being front heavy having to move the motor forward.
You guys are life savers ... I will reward you with PICTURES later on!
I am glad to hear that you still need to add front weight, I was concerned about being front heavy having to move the motor forward.
You guys are life savers ... I will reward you with PICTURES later on!
#68
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From: Olathe, KS
OKay as promised here are the pictures. I'm at a stopping point now, waiting for my wing-kit to arrive, Wednesday or Thursday at the latest.
Thanks all for the good advice and comments, its really appreciated!!!
Now its time to start thinking about a covering scheme. I saw an American Flag waving in the breeze look that I really liked. Is that going to be a bit too much for a beginner? Should I look to do something simpler?
Thanks all for the good advice and comments, its really appreciated!!!
Now its time to start thinking about a covering scheme. I saw an American Flag waving in the breeze look that I really liked. Is that going to be a bit too much for a beginner? Should I look to do something simpler?
#69
ORIGINAL: KCRemoteFlyer
OKay as promised here are the pictures. I'm at a stopping point now, waiting for my wing-kit to arrive, Wednesday or Thursday at the latest.
Thanks all for the good advice and comments, its really appreciated!!!
Now its time to start thinking about a covering scheme. I saw an American Flag waving in the breeze look that I really liked. Is that going to be a bit too much for a beginner? Should I look to do something simpler?
OKay as promised here are the pictures. I'm at a stopping point now, waiting for my wing-kit to arrive, Wednesday or Thursday at the latest.
Thanks all for the good advice and comments, its really appreciated!!!
Now its time to start thinking about a covering scheme. I saw an American Flag waving in the breeze look that I really liked. Is that going to be a bit too much for a beginner? Should I look to do something simpler?

The funny part is a lot of covering jobs I see at the field are nothing more than one color over the whole plane & a couple stripes on the bottom for orientation. I tend to go a little overboard.
#72
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From: Olathe, KS
Ken, wow nice .. was that a tribute to 9/11? Looks great.
I really like the look, I suppose if I take my time I'll be able to do it, just looks soo nice!
I really like the look, I suppose if I take my time I'll be able to do it, just looks soo nice!
#73
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ORIGINAL: Not24
Your enthusiasm is refreshing. I'd like to try and make a point. I hope this comes out right. Most people, especially beginners, are a bundle of nerves when they fly. This seems to be worse with older people, as the kids seem to not be affected. This adrenaline rush that we feel while flying is addictive. It never goes completely away, but it does subside with time. The problem is, the shakes are worst in the beginning, and/or also while flying a new plane. Now comes my point. It seems as if the nervousness is directly related to the amount of time and effort we put into our models. It's not about the money. It's the work. So, in the back of our heads we have the fear of crashing, and destroying our many hours of hard work. I believe there comes a point where we have to be able to get over this fear in order to have fun. What fun is it to fly if you are shaking like a leaf and your tongue dries out? Been there, done that. In an effort to help ourselves get over the jitters, we can detach ourselves from the models somewhat. The way I choose to do that is to put a limit on the effort invested into each model. Consider how it will be flown, how often, what type of weather, etc, and build the model accordingly. A fun fly type plane, like the SSE, will be wrung out regularly. You will take chances with that model, and it will be crashed,(pranged?) That's why I didn't spend an abundance of time on sanding, fairing this model. And to tell you the truth, the monokote is thick enough so that any sanding finer than about 200 grit doesn't show thru the covering. In other words, the effort to make it perfectly smooth doesn't really show in the finished product. And you definitely can't see a difference from 20 feet away. Just something to think about. Again, I hope this is taken the way it was meant.
Your enthusiasm is refreshing. I'd like to try and make a point. I hope this comes out right. Most people, especially beginners, are a bundle of nerves when they fly. This seems to be worse with older people, as the kids seem to not be affected. This adrenaline rush that we feel while flying is addictive. It never goes completely away, but it does subside with time. The problem is, the shakes are worst in the beginning, and/or also while flying a new plane. Now comes my point. It seems as if the nervousness is directly related to the amount of time and effort we put into our models. It's not about the money. It's the work. So, in the back of our heads we have the fear of crashing, and destroying our many hours of hard work. I believe there comes a point where we have to be able to get over this fear in order to have fun. What fun is it to fly if you are shaking like a leaf and your tongue dries out? Been there, done that. In an effort to help ourselves get over the jitters, we can detach ourselves from the models somewhat. The way I choose to do that is to put a limit on the effort invested into each model. Consider how it will be flown, how often, what type of weather, etc, and build the model accordingly. A fun fly type plane, like the SSE, will be wrung out regularly. You will take chances with that model, and it will be crashed,(pranged?) That's why I didn't spend an abundance of time on sanding, fairing this model. And to tell you the truth, the monokote is thick enough so that any sanding finer than about 200 grit doesn't show thru the covering. In other words, the effort to make it perfectly smooth doesn't really show in the finished product. And you definitely can't see a difference from 20 feet away. Just something to think about. Again, I hope this is taken the way it was meant.
EDF= Emotional Debt Factor. The thought of all your hard work and time being vaporized in an instant is a very strong inhibitor... and is why that first airplane should be an ARF that was relatively easy (and quick) to assemble. Many "old-timers" will disagree with that; but I'm an old-timer too, and I've seen too many potentially great modellers turned away (and off of the hobby) by an early disaster that they wished not to repeat.
My advice has always been to save that pretty, detailed kit-built plane for AFTER one gains his/her wings.
#75
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From: Gloucester,
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Thanks Steve. You are right. ARF's are best in the beginning, and even those don't eliminate the shakes. New pilots need to work through that initial fear and anxiety before putting a boat load of effort into their building. A good instructor makes all the difference too. When I started flying, there were no ARF's. I built from scratch or from kits. They are almost too economical now to not buy them. There are advantages to building kits, and the main one is personalization. I don't like to go flying and everyone's plane looks the same.



