My first kit !
 

Well after many months of building, my first kit is done! (Except the cowling) the kit is a Great Planes 40 sized Piper Cub. I mounted a Saito 65 GK up front for power. I installed a TME smoke system as well. I painted the cockpit windows black to hide the plumbing, tank and pump for the smoker. With everything mounted as far forward as possible the plane balanced at the recommended 4 inches. I also clipped the wing to give it some more zing.
I did not want this cub to look like any other cub, so I made a complete set of custom vinyl graphics for it. It took me 5 hours to cut and apply the vinyl. I named the plane "Extreme Cub" and applied a Angry Bear (Cub) on the underside of the wing. Well, let me know what you all think.


Thanks

RE: My first kit !
 

'Beary' nice job!

*groans*

Sorry. I'll leave now.

Seriously though... fantastic job on the plane. I love the vinyl covering. Don't forget to seal down the edges with clear nail polish though - wouldn't want it peeling off.

RE: My first kit !
 

Very nice job on the covering, I like the design and ideas applied. Be sure to poast some pics when it's in the air.

George

RE: My first kit !
 

Looks good! I would still install the landing gear fairing and the wing struts, even though they're optional. I think they make it look better. JMHO.

-Scott

RE: My first kit !
 

Looks awesome! How was the build process? Did you find any "sticky" parts, or was it pure enjoyment?

RE: My first kit !
 

I had the fairings installed but their leading edge did not line up correctly with the leading edge of the landing gear. They were angled back and looked silly, I removed them so I could reshape them. I chose not to use the wing struts because I have watched other club members arrive at the field and mess with the screws to install and then have to remove the struts before leaving. (Tiny screws are hard to find in the grass :)). I suppose if I had kept the cub scale, I would have used them. The build went very well, I would have to say that the only difficulty I had was trying to join the wing halves. This kit used 4 or 5 pieces to join the halves together, I ran out of clamps while I was joining them together. I really thought that I would have most of my problems forming the wing tips, but that proved to be quite easy. I have to thank my friend Jason for helping me apply the Monokote. As soon as I get the engine running smooth and consistant I will install the cowling. BTW I broke the engine in with an 11x8 Zinger prop, just like Saito suggested. But it made this Cub zoom way too fast. I ordered some 13 x 4 APC props, while I wait for them to arrive, I am going to use a 12 x 6

RE: My first kit !
 

Covering the wingtips was the toughest part on my GP .60 Cub! I tore off a lot of Monokote.

Again, looks great.

-Scott

RE: My first kit !
 

Looks awesome[sm=thumbup.gif]

I like your custom graphics. Exactly how do you do that?

-tychoc

RE: My first kit !
 

Talk about hooked on this hobby! I purchased a 24 inch plotter/cutter just to make graphics for my planes. I invested about $3000.00 on my system. I simply layout my design on my computer screen, send it to the cutter, and voila! Instant graphics. It is sooooo convienient!

RE: My first kit !
 

Ogriv,
I don't know about the GP kit, but I do know that the GP ARF Cub I have the wing supports are functional. Meaning they are there to help secure the wing on. You might want to ask around a bit and find out if you can safely leave them off, other wise you may want to put them on. It's a sick feeling to watch a wing come off a plane while it's in flight.

Hope this helps

Ken

RE: My first kit !
 

RCKen,

With this model, the struts are optional. It is stated clearly in the manual that they are for appearance only.


[8D]

RE: My first kit !
 

Ogriv,
Ok, cool. Like I said, I wasn't sure and was just checking. But if you want my opinion, a Cub just doesn't look like a Cub without the wing struts on there. :)

Ken

RE: My first kit !
 

RCKen

Exactly what I was going for (Not looking like a cub). I like the Scale Cub, but I suppose I am just tired of seeing them everywhere and in all different sizes. It was just time to be different. Also, I did go back and check the manual, and the struts are non-functional.



Thanks.

RE: My first kit !
 

Great job there Ogriv! I love seeing a cub that isn't cub yellow. :D

RE: My first kit !
 

Great looking plane!

Too bad that ugly guy got in your pictures :D

RE: My first kit !
 

Thanks Minn !!!!! lol :D:D:D:D