RE: GP Ultimate Bipe Setup
 

Thanks for the update Tim. I plan to start covering this weekend as well. I have not messed with my cowl yet, sort of putting that off until last. I may even maiden the airplane without the cowl. Maybe this way I can work out the initial bugs without restricting access to the engine, worrying about overheating, worrying about nose-overs in soft grass, etc.

RE: GP Ultimate Bipe Setup
 

Well, here is my first attempt at covering a plane. I found a sceme that resembles this pattern on another thread, but I changed it a little by adding the flame edge and leaving out the checkerboard center. I have found that it is pretty hard to put another solid color over a backgroud color without getting air bubbles.[&o] I am using ultracote and was wondering if anyone had any tips on applying this stuff a little more smoothly. I heard that monocote can be installed with windex and then squeegie out the air bubbles, but not to do it with ultracote.
Any suggestions?
Tim

RE: GP Ultimate Bipe Setup
 

Don't use too much heat and the Ultracote will go nicely ontop of another layer.
Excessive heat makes the glue produce gas that creates a bubble.
Also work from the middle outwards to push any trapped air infront of the iron and out from the covering.

RE: GP Ultimate Bipe Setup
 

Those flames look [8D]

I find '*****ing' the underneath covering helps the top covering from 'bubbling'

Just finished the tail section of my ultimate, bottom wing starts tonight...

skOOby

RE: GP Ultimate Bipe Setup
 

Very nice Tim!

I covered my top wing and attached the ailerons last weekend. I'm using white ultracoat as a base. Will do the bottom wing next.

RE: GP Ultimate Bipe Setup
 

I got the bottom wing coveres last night. The flames are a little tricky to cut but I think the look pretty good. I also covered the stab and fin las night. I hope to get the fuse completed tonight.

Post picts of your color schemes.
Have fun everyone![img][/img]

RE: GP Ultimate Bipe Setup
 

Well... I guess you do have something new to fly this spring! I've been eyeballing that kit for a long time... guess I'll see how yours flys this spring and maybe I'll build one next winter. [8D]
Looks like you've done a da*n fine job.

RE: GP Ultimate Bipe Setup
 

Thanks Keith. Still trying to get a grip on the covering thing. This is my first build and still getting used to things. I know one thing, I will never buy an arf again. This building thing is a blast. As soon as this plane is done, I am thinking about building a Something Extra. I loved the one I got from you and I think I just have to have another one. I gave the destroyed one to my dad and he thinks he can get it back together, but I think it looks doubtful. Anyway, looking forward to flying season.
See you at the field.
Tim:D

RE: GP Ultimate Bipe Setup
 

Well, I got the fuse base covered and will finish the flames on the side tonight and post picts. I still need to cover the top wing but ran out of pearl white covering so will have to go to the LHS tomorrow and get some more to finish this thing. Still waiting for my robart hinges to get here to install control surfaces. I should have it totally complete by the end of the weekend, then I just need some good weather and a dry air field. I will probably wait till spring to fly it though. Our field is new and mostly mud still. I should have the cowl finished tonight also.
After this plane is done, I am planning on helping my dad with his SE. We got it for him for his birthday and is excited to start. He flew control line planes when he was young and last year I got him interested in rc planes. He purchased a Hangar 9 (i believe) P-51 trainer last year and did pretty good. I gave him my real flight sim and he has been putting in some serious stick time, so he should be soloing this year.

I'll post some pict tonight.
Tim

RE: GP Ultimate Bipe Setup
 

I'll be watching for those pics Tim... If you're around this weekend and up for a visit, give me a call... I'd like to see that bird up close. :D

RE: GP Ultimate Bipe Setup
 

Here are the pictures I promised. The sides came out pretty good. I painted the cowl with the first coat tonight. I will give it a second coat tomorrow and it should be done. It is all coming together fast now. Can't wait till its done. :D
[img][/img]

RE: GP Ultimate Bipe Setup
 

Hey, don't use digital zoom on your camera or else the picture posts come out super huge![&o]

RE: GP Ultimate Bipe Setup
 

sorry.I don't know why my pictures are turning out so big.:(

RE: GP Ultimate Bipe Setup
 

I am thinking about using Tower Hobbies engine in my Ultimate. Looking at a .61 or .75 ball bearing ABC.

Any thoughts on this? Leaning towards the .61.

RE: GP Ultimate Bipe Setup
 

All of the posts i've read in other threads, people are saying that a .61 would make this plane very nose heavy. I wouldn't be against trying it though (you know More Power!!) I went with an os70 and just finished the building and covering process just a few minutes ago. All I have left to do is install the control rods and radio equipment and I am Finished.

RE: GP Ultimate Bipe Setup
 

I finished the covering and striping tonight. I installed the radio gear and finished the fiberglass wheel pants. The cowl is pretty tricky, the paint did not want to stick to the plastic very well. I'm going to try to fix it, but will probably end up getting a glass one. If I can figure out how to post smaller pictures, I will put it all together tomorrow and post some picts. I balanced the plane out and set the incidence on the wings, stab, and engine shaft. I was amazed how straight this plane built. I don't think I can wait till spring to solo this plane so, the first decent day we get in a couple of weeks I am giong to take it up on its maiden.
Wish me luck and keep them pict coming.:D

RE: GP Ultimate Bipe Setup
 

I hope these picts turn out smaller. I just finished this thing and it turned out pretty good. i will let everyone know how it flies its maiden.
[img][/img][img][/img]

RE: GP Ultimate Bipe Setup
 

Great looking plane :) Good luck on your maiden flight.

RE: GP Ultimate Bipe Setup
 

Can we see a picture of the bottom? I would like to see the difference.

RE: GP Ultimate Bipe Setup
 

Yes, I will post some picts of th ebottom tomorrow night. Pretty plain though, White with blue stripes on the wing tips. Maybe I will put my AMA # great big through the wing.
I don't know, but it need something else.

RE: GP Ultimate Bipe Setup
 

I have a stupid question [&:] for anyone who has built this plane before. Where did you guys run your receiver antennas through? That is the last thing I have to do. Looks like the top of the turtle deck just behind the cockpit would be a good place, but I don't know.

Thanks for the help. :)
Tim

RE: GP Ultimate Bipe Setup
 

No questions are stupid. I am still working on my plane. On other planes I have built I ran the antenna out the top like you said. Looks better out the bottom. But I fly in a grass field and that can be rough on the wire.

RE: GP Ultimate Bipe Setup
 

Here is the picture of the bottom. I still think i need to add somethong down the fuse, but I don't know what yet. I did a final lateral balance after all of the radio gear was mounted and it came out good. I will probable test run the engine tomorrow night and try to fly it this weekend, weather permitting.
Let me know what you think of the bottom.
Tim
[img][/img]

RE: GP Ultimate Bipe Setup
 

Why add any more? It looks great just the way it is; not too busy-not too dull!

RE: GP Ultimate Bipe Setup
 

After looking at it for a couple of days, I would have to agree with you. My only concern was too much white and trying to find it in a white sky would be difficult but I think the checker board patterns on the wing tips and horiz. stab tips will be enough to orient the thing.
Thanks for the feedback. :D

How is everyone else doing on your builds? I would love to hear from some other people about thier experiences.

Thanks, Tim