Field Box
 

I am fixing to build a field box from scratch and was wondering if anyone else has made one that they could share. Thus far I am planning on doing a pretty generic box, but if somone had mods/tips I would greatly appricate it. I found this in a search and like the half drawer/driver rack and the deep back. http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_10944579/tm.htm

RE: Field Box
 

I am on my third field box. The first two were scratch built, number 1 was much too large and heavy, number 2 was smaller and lighter. When Sig came out with this one: http://sigmfg.com/cgi-bin/dpsmart.ex...FV5.html?E+Sig i couldn't pass it up and it has been very good for me. The removable "power" end is great when you are at events. You remove the end and that is all you need to take to the flight line.

RE: Field Box
 

I'm with OldScaleGuy

I have a different box but I really like the removable power station. I keep my starter plugged up to thepower panel and a glow driver in my back pocket. Works for me.

Here's my set-up: http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...LXPS86&P=0

RE: Field Box
 

How about listing the things that you want to be able to do at the field using a field box. Like ...

Be able to setup and operate a nitro (or gas or electric) plane. The field box would the simpliest.

However,

Be able to setup, trim, tune (alternate props for every plane that I own), repair my (and other's) planes at the field. The field box needs to be huge.

Understanding your needs can help to identify the type of field box(es) that you take to the field.

I use a small box with a battery / power panel and basic setup tools for the 90 percent stuff (glow power). I leave the "everything but the kitchen sink" boxes in the vehicle. Many times, the "everything" boxes never make it to the vehicle.

So, what do you need the box to "do" for you?

RE: Field Box
 

The SIG boxes are here http://www.sigmfg.com/IndexCatalog0903.html

Our box that always comes out of the truck is a discontinued Goldberg Mini Tote. No plans available but the design is simple enough a person could make something similar by looking at the picture. It holds fuel, pump, starter, battery, glow driver and a small screwdriver.

We have a plastic tool box, about 18 inches long, for props. A battery and field charger are in this box. It only comes out if we break a prop or need the charger.

We have huge Plano tackle box that has lots of compartments and drawers for tools and parts. It is very heavy so We always hope it stays in the truck.

RE: Field Box
 

I really really like your Mini Tote! If you have a chance will you take some measurements and close ups? Then share if RCU is up to it. [:@]

Fuel + battery +starter + "startup bench engine tuning tools" = nice-n-easy basic field box.

What is the gizmo on top of the glow fuel bottle?

RE: Field Box
 

I'll get some measurements. The thing on the bottle is a fuel pump. This pic is from the CG web site; my pump is screwed to the center upright.

RE: Field Box
 

Fuel pump.

That is a goldberg mini tote. Here's some specs. using these specs I built my own. Using your field items (battery, starter, power panel) you can TLAR it) http://www.philshobbyshop.com/catalo...sku?sku=GBG101

Here is a similar:

http://www.rcmplans.com/issues/2000/...-032000-1.html

here's another that I considered as well:

http://www.ronlund.com/mm5/merchant....t_Code=FMP1001

RE: Field Box
 

The box is at my brother's so I can't take pictures. I asked him to take a couple of measurements.
Bottom plate is 1/4 aircraft ply, 8 x 18
Center upright is 1/4 aircraft ply, 8 x 16
The rest of the panels are 3/32 or 1/8 lite ply
The sides are 8 inches at the center upright and 6 inches at the end.

The end where the fuel bottle goes has triangle stock in the corners for strength. The kit stuff is made of particle board, and I used it, but balsa would be my first choice.

The other end has an upright about halfway between the center and end, and a divider for the tool and starter compartments. Just be sure the starter will drop into its compartment. The tool compartment has 1/4 square sticks in the corners, about 6 inches long. The plate with holes for glow driver and other tools glues on top of the sticks. I might lower this by an inch if I was building another.

RE: Field Box
 

Thanks so much! Maybe a bit of reconfiguration to allow for fuel "cans" as well.

RE: Field Box
 

Made mine from scratch.

RE: Field Box
 

Thanks for sharing.

I really like the "connected and adjustable" glow igniter. Gotta be careful during startup procedures but allows you to remove the "heat" while trying to get the low end idle set correctly.

RE: Field Box
 

Here's mine. The cool thing about making your own is that you can set it up any way you want.I wanted something I could put everything in and not have to worry about forgetting stuff. I used a cardboard box for 6 months and made note of what I liked about everyone else's at the field. This is all leftover stuff from other projects except the knobs and latch hardware. I did find out my urathane is NOT fuel proof. Oh well, the next one will be better. Have fun with it.

RE: Field Box
 

That is almost exactly what I plan on doing, Thanks for sharing! I like the idea of the space next to the fuel jug and power panel, I like the portability of splitting the power panel from the main box for starting on the line etc., but I think I will go with something that is more closely related to what Sig does for attaching to the main box that seems pretty fool proof and strong.

RE: Field Box
 

Here is the one I scratched built last year. After a whole season with it, I wouldn't change a thing, it fits me and the gear I want to bring perfect...

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_10516704/tm.htm

Jimbo

RE: Field Box
 

If by "remove teh heat" you mean to leave the igniter connected but not turned on then you are deluding yourself if you think you are not affecting the idle. That connector, wires and circuiitry adds considerable mass to the glow plug wire that won't be there when you disconnect it. And that mass keeps the plug lit even without the "heat".

RE: Field Box
 

G8er Try this link. LOTS of great ideas...

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_16..._1/key_/tm.htm

RE: Field Box
 

Very interesting RAMFlyer I don't need the bring everything including the kitchen sink as of yet, so I'll keep it pretty compact, with a power panel side, main box/drawer, and fuel side. Thanks for the link tho was a interesting read.

RE: Field Box
 

My field box ideas

RE: Field Box
 

having problems with uploading pix

RE: Field Box
 

Those are great Tom, very original... You need to put a drive motor on them and use a radio to drive it to the flight line, with it pulling your planes.. That would sure turn some heads...lol

RE: Field Box
 

Tom,

Those field vehicle cannot be called field boxes.
They are beautiful and so imaginative.

Yes they need self propulsion and pull your model to the pit area.

Congratulations for a super achievement.

A couple of pics below from my meager effort.

I have drawings which I made before construction.

Zor