bump ... just because I don't want this thread to be on page two

Thanks Charlie! That just tells me, I haven't posted in a bit

I'll post some additional pics tonite. I added the wooden dowels to the bottom wing along with the bottom wing mounts. I started on the Fin and Rudder and Stab. This puppy is almost ready for sanding and covering!

-MA

Bottom Wing Alignment

This part always makes me nervous … no matter how many times I’ve done it, it still is one of those steps that, if messed up, can really bring a good build to its knees. Like always, I probably measure 5 times before I actually commit drill to balsa.

The instructions have you mount the wing with tape (picture1) and take measurements from the tail to the wing’s edges. The measurements need to be the same to ensure the wing’s square to the fuselage. Once the measurements are the same on the right and left sides, I marked the fuselage and wing so I could find that exact spot again (picture2). Now, onto the dowel insertion. Now I must admit to being very happy I had a hatch on the fuselage as I was able to get in and work the dowels from the inside to make sure they were situated perfectly. If I had not been able to get my paws behind the dowels, I would have had a devil of a time with this step. After bringing both dowels to a point, I inserted them into the holes in F2 till just the pointy end was exposed (picture4). Back on goes the bottom wing so the points make marks on the leading edge of the wing… this is where the drill goes. All that was left was to drill the holes and epoxy in the dowels. I set aside the wing while the epoxy cured.

I decided to move onto the Rudder and Fin assembly since that was already visible on the plans. It was very simple to pin down the parts and titebond them together (picture5). I decided to take a page from something I learned here on RCU recently, cut the CA-Hinge slots now, before gluing the fin together…

So before gluing on the back portion of the fin, I got out my trusty “Slot Machine� and cut the slots out perfectly. I am definitely going to do this again! Picture6 says it all, centered slots, just the right length – I attribute the success to 2 things; the easy to handle part and the “Slot Machine Cutting Guide�.

Next up, adding the bottom wing mounts and drilling the wing.

Picture1 – Bottom wing taped on for measuring
Picture2 – Centerline marked on Fuse and Wing – sorry, this is a really poor angle. I was originally concerned about the gap in the center, but after consulting the manual (picture3), there’s a gap in that photo too!
Picture3 – Picture from manual showing gap
Picture4 – Dowels inserted with pointy end sticking out. Note: this picture was taken before I pushed them all the way in. The points just barely stuck out when actually marking the leading edge.
Picture5 – Fin pinned and glued
Picture6 – Slots cut in the fin…
Picture7 – Slot machine, guide and balsa post
Picture8 – Completed fin glued and curing

Next up, adding the bottom wing mounts and drilling the wing.

Well I got a little excited here and didn’t snap any pictures of this process – Sorry! [sm=bananahead.gif]

I was able to get the bottom wing mounts epoxied in and cured. Then, using the centerlines that I marked on the fuselage, drilled the wing bolt holes. Everything went without a hitch, leaving me with a Hog fuse, and 2 wings just itching to be assembled. I couldn’t resist … below are a few pictures of what really resembles a Hog… [8D]

MA - you're getting there - got a smile on my face

Btw, so far you have posted 11542 words (24 pages in Word) and 148 pictures - yea baby ...

Keep up with the great progress

Its looking good MA and you have done it quick too
It took me 8 or 9 months to finish mine LOL.

I have really enjoyed your build so far. I have built a couple Hog Bipes, but I always enjoy seeing how other folks put theres together, and I pick up tips that might be used on a 3rd Hog Bipe build someday. Looking great! Keep up the good work and keep us posted in this great thread!

It's starting to take shape nicely MA. It'll be in the air in no time. The biggest hurdle for me to find time to complete was the last step that you completed....aligning and drilling the wings. It seemed to fly together after that point. Have you decided on colors yet (sorry I think this has already been discussed)?

MA here are a couple of pics that were shot right after I got my plane painted, it is still pretty much the same with the addition of a frame around the windshield and the wheels have been painted. Of course all the control rods and hardware are installed too. I built and painted the wheel pants, but I used different axles so the wheel pants did not fit, hence mine runs around without pants.

I am leaning towards Orange/White with a little black trim. I have been meaning to get something together in one of the photo editing programs and simply not had any time. Here's a very rough look at the side view...

I am thinking a classic sunburst (Orange/White) on the Top wings and Black/Orange or Black/White stripes on the bottom of the wings.

-MA

I have always loved the orange/white combo on a plane....your scheme will be eye catching.

I figure I can't lose that one in the air!

I'd say it will stand out nicely. You definately don't want to go with the Blue/Black scheme like mine if your eyesight is weak. On a sunny day, it becomes a dark blob about 500ft out. I don't mind, just have to pay a little closer attention.

Here's a more complete look...

That orange and white will really "pop." Your plane should look really nice when it's done.

Here's a couple of progress pics of my hog. The only part i have left to cover is the top of the wing...i need to perfect my sunburst skills a bit

I like the orange and white scheme too.
A creamy color goes well with orange too.
Here is the bottom of my plane.
If I had a do over I think I would make the black go across the middle too, but it is good in the air like it is.

Guys

A quick update ... pictures will come later. I wrapped up the tail feathers yesterday and stopped just before epoxing on the horizontal stab. The stab is not quite level with the wings, so I'll have to fix that before going on - nothing terrible, but must be corrected. I leave for a week long business trip, so no building updates this week. I will be checking RCU while on the road, to get my daily "fix", but the build will go dark from a building perspective.

I will order the covering this week, so it should be home before I return. I am just about to the step in the manual that says "Now its time to Cover your Hog".

-MA

Hey guys, what size pilot do I need to order for the Hog? I am away from the house and don't have access to the manual. Thanks!!

-MA

MA - the pilot i have in mine right now is 3.5" w x 3" tall. The width is a tiny bit of a squeeze.

BTW: the covering on my HOG is done, now just on to the hinging and control linkages!!

edit: added pictures

That covering looks fantastic, JCB!

What did you use for the cockpit coaming?

Thanks for the pilot dims, too.

-MA

Thanks!

I used clear-ish fuel tubing and just put a slit in it (a lot to do than i thought!!) - i was hoping to use an opaque white, but apparently nobody makes it. At the LHS they have every crazy fluorescent color imaginable, but no white, go figure - but the clear came out pretty good.

Sweet job JCB!

I'm still struggling with tossin' a pilot in these things - If I could only find Pinky and The Brain ...

Btw MasterAlex - what leading edge treatment are you planning? Gonna wrap the forward orange ray down over the edge and overlap the black and white panels? We fly just east of the front range of the Rockies. Experienced fliers are hammering on me to make sure that I have a good horizontal strip on the leading edge to aid sighting the plane on west-to-east passes as we transition from a sky background to a mountain-like background. I have a cub yellow stripe across both stab and wing leading edges. Rumor has it that it will work great for spotting the plane.

And I just picked up my Hog Bipe .......... now the planning begins

And just received a SIG Smith Mini cowl. According to SIG, the Smith Mini's firewall is identical to the Hog Bipe - we shall see how well it hides a Super Tigre G90 ...

Yeah, that's the plan. Put on the bottom stripes then wrap the top sheet of UC over the leading edge. I am thinking that I'll join the pieces of UC first (on my glass benchtop), then put that multi-colored piece on the wing like one big piece of UC (probably each wing half, not the entire wing). The top sheet won't overlap the leading edge by much, just enough to wrap around.

-MA

MA - As I understand what you just said ... pre-assemble 1/2 of the wing covering on the table (glass) - both top and bottom, both base and trim panels - into 1 (one, einse, uno) piece. Then apply this single sheet (maybe) top first then flip over and then the bottom? In your scheme the sheet would have orange and white panels making the top half joined with black and white panels that make up the bottom half.

I gotta see how this works!

I wanted to create a single layer panel of 3 colors on glass for my 4*60 - better edges, more consistent overlaps, lighter overall weight, but I talked myself out of it (1st covering job).

I have been watching this thread the whole time and am just beginning my own Hog. What are people using for hings on this plane, i was thinking of gettin some robart hing points and wondering what other people are using?

Bernie