Hi,

I thought I would share my build log of my winter project. This will be a slow build, so please bear with me. I bought this kit off eBay about a year ago. I really like 30’s style planes and this seem to foot the bill. The kit is no longer available and what information I found is very little. It is supposed to be a good slow flying airplane. This is what I wanted for those lazy days of summer out at the field, which is something I can putter around the sky with. Engine most likely will be a Satio 56 Four-Stroke. As for covering, I’m going to use one of the iron-on fabric coverings with Karolyn paint. The pictures below are from opening the kit to the beginning of the build sequence on the tail. The neat thing about the tail group is it uses built up laminates for the edges. I'm using PICA Glue-it to build the laminates so it will be easier to sand. Once the tail group is done the rest of plane should go by really quick. So, enjoy the build and please post your questions and comments.

Dave

I know it has been awhile, but here is an update. The first picture contains the basic skeleton of the elevator and stab ready to receive the laminated leading and trailing edges. Unfortunately, I don't have enough magnets to do both sides at once on my magnetic board. So, I will bend then glue one side and repeat for the other side. In the instructions it was stated to bend the laminated edges use warm soapy water. Instead I used a mixture of ammonia and water. It help clears the nostrils at the same time. The second picture is the left side drying out. I will leave it dry overnight and glue it tomorrow. I will start on the rudder tomorrow. Finally, not much will happen until after the Thanksgiving holiday. So, have a good Turkey day. If you have any questions let me know.

Last night as I review my posted I realized maybe some people are not familar with this plane. The two pictures below and the specs from Great Planes web site.

First the Specs....

Wingspan: 73 in (1855 mm)
Wing Area: 735 in² (47 dm²)
Weight: 5-6 lbs (2.2-2.7kg)
Wing Loading: 15.7-18.8 oz/ft² (48-57 g/dm²)
Length: 55 in (1400 mm)
Requires: 2-stroke .32-.40 cu in (5.0-6.5 cc) or 4-stroke .40-.52 cu in (6.5-8.5 cc) engine, 3-channel radio w/3 standard servos, wheels, wheel collars, spinner, fuel tank, 4+ rolls of Top Flite® MonoKote® covering


Now the pictures...

I was able to get some work done on the plane. I finished the laminations on the left side and glue them together and to the basic structure. I also create the ribs for the left side. As for the right side, I got strips bent and glued to the basic structure. After Thanksgiving, I will add the right side ribs and finish the elevator and stab. Then I can start on the rudder and fin.

I will post and updated pictures after the holiday.

I love this plane, I never owned one but bet it is a champ in the air.

Krylon paint is not fuelproof so you will have to topcoat with a compatable fuelproof clear that is.

Hi Dave,

Thanks for your posts. It is interesting to see your progress.

I also like the look of the old planes from the 30's and early 40's. That is why I got into SAM Radio Assist. There are several "short" kit builders that have hundreds of the old planes available. They really look good in the air and fly extremely well especially with the proper 4 stroke on it. Check into a local "SAM" club in your area and find out when they are going to have a RC assist contest, I think you will really get a kick out of some of the plane you will see.

Ralph

Looks Good!
keep posting i'm learning [8D]

Had a problem with the camera and lost a few pictures. But, here is what I have done. The first picture is the left side with the ribs installed. The second picture is the whole stab and elevator. I finished installing the right side ribs before MNF. I will pull the stab and elevator off the building board tomorrow. If all goes well I should be able to start the rudder and fin while I finishing up the stab and elevator. Finally, thanks for the comments and suggestions.

Sorry it has been awhile, Thanksgiving, travel and family got in the way of building. But, I was finally able to get the rudder and fin started. I used the same process for bending leading edge on the fin and rudder as I did for the stab and elevator. The picture below shows everything pushed together waiting for everything to dry out so I can glue it together.

Sorry for the long delay. Holidays, Disney World and Dad's taxi serivce prevented time in the workshop. But, I have sanded, rounded the edges and add the hinges to the stab and elevator. I also started the center section of the wing. Here are the pictures....

Dave-

It was cool to see some other interest out there regarding the Great Planes 40. I recently located a kit in St. Louis (I live in Alaska) and it was sold to me for $50! Talk about a free kit. Anyway, I am currently building the plane and am just getting ready to complete the tail feathers. All I have to do is put the ribs in.

Good Luck! I hope you are enjoying the build on this plane as much as I am!

-Bob

All-

Has anyone added ailerons to the Great Planes Old Timer 40? I would be interested in how it is done. Also, has anyone put a 2 cylinder opposed engine (like Saito's) in one? I know it would take some modifications, but would be pretty cool?

Bobmin,

Sorry I missed your post yesterday. I haven't had a chance to work on the plane last week and wouldn't have a chance next week due to travel. But to answer your question, not sure if anybody put ailerons on the plane. First you will need to lower the dihedral to make them effective. Another issues you will have to overcome is the flat bottom airfoil. I'm expecting this plane to fly slow and cub like. I'm expecting to have great fun just doing touch and gos all day long. Next, since this plane is supposed to be a throw back to the late 60's and early 70's they didn't fly a lot with ailerons. So, flying this way will give you a different perspective. For me, my first three planes were only 3 channels, so I'm looking forward to the change in pace. Anyway, I will post some new photos before I leave.

Dave thanks for the info. I really don't think I will put ailerons on it. It was just an idea. I would, however, like to put a flat cylinder (horizontally opposed) engine in it and enclose it by fabricating a cowl with the cylinders sticking out either side (much like a real cub would be). Any thoughts?