First Kit Build - Sig Somethin Extra
 

Okay all, here it is. I'm going to start building my own SES. I've been lurking on the forums for a month or so, and decided to bite the bullet after reading some VERY lengthy build logs on the SES.

Some background is in order. I've been flying Electrics for about 9 months, mainly just park flyers. I also bought Real Flight G3 about a year ago and been flying planes on there quite a bit. Now I know I'm probably not qualified to be building this as my first non-electric plane, but I have one very important reason to be doing so.

My father did line control planes back in the late 60's and in the 70's. He started building an RC plane in the early 70's but stopped when he started having kids. On Dec. 23rd, my dad was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer, which has invaded his colon, lymph nodes, stomach and they did tests on Friday to see if its moved to his brain, reults are not in yet. Ever since I started flying my electric, its all we talk about, and he really regrets never showing me the hobby before a year or so ago (found the planes in the attic about a year ago). Well my dad has until June (so the Dr's say) so I decided part of my tax return is going to get me my first kit plane, and show him that he wasn't too late in getting me into the hobby.

If I had the time, I would definitely get a real trainer as my first one, but I hope with the help of the local club instructors and some guidance from you all, I'll get more then 2 flights out of it ... if not, as long as my dad gets to see if before he dies, I'll be just as happy.

So I went ahead and got everything prepped, and the build starts tonight!

The first picture is where I will do most of my building. Its two saw horses with 2 pieces of perfectly flat 3/4" plywood on top. Ontop of that is 1/2" styrofoam insulation for pinning to.

Second picture is the box, obviously :)

Third picture is my workbench right next to my workspace, this wasn't flat enough for me, off about 1/16" of an inch in the middle from the sides so I will be using it as parts staging.

Forth picture is the radio I bought. Futaba 7CAP with 4 servos, reciever, charger, etc

Well its off to start building, and please help me out with tips and suggestions ... I'll need em!

RE: First Kit Build - Sig Somethin Extra
 

Hi KCRemoteFlyer,
That's a really touching story. Welcome to the kit building side of RC, I for one will follow the thread and offer help whenever I can, if needed. The kit should be a very enjoyable build from what I've seen written and heard about it. Good luck, and best wishes for you, your dad, and your family. Semper Fi, Ben

RE: First Kit Build - Sig Somethin Extra
 

Sorry to hear about your Dad. I lost my father to cancer in 2000. I think your Dad will enjoy seeing your SE5a fly.

I've built and successfully flown 2 1/4-scale Flair Dr.1s. I'll be glad to help you with anything I can. Feel free to ask.

Dr.1

RE: First Kit Build - Sig Somethin Extra
 

Well my digital camera batteries died, I'll head to the store later today (can't believe its almost 2am, I should put a clock in the shop).

I took my time, I got one wing basically ready to go. Between the baby daughter and the wife, I didn't actually get too much time put in on this until after 11pm.

I'll get more pictures posted later!

Thanks for the kind comments, and I'll be asking for help, don't worry.

Also, lessons learned today:
Tack things in place first, re-read directions (read ahead several steps), think about what I just did. If its right, glue it in tight, if not .... hey, atleast I only tacked it in!

RE: First Kit Build - Sig Somethin Extra
 

Sorry to hear about your father, I hope you get some good times together building and flying this plane.
I have built two SSE's and they are really fast and fun to build.

[link=http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_3540270/tm.htm]Here's my build thread[/link]

RE: First Kit Build - Sig Somethin Extra
 

Even if i don't have any experience on building kits ( A Tower Uproar 40 kit is waiting.... ),
i have much experience for preparing your model RTF.
Feel free to ask everything.
Have a nice day.
Kostas.
Greece.

RE: First Kit Build - Sig Somethin Extra
 

A sad situation for sure, but perhaps a good opportunity for some bonding. Good luck on the build and remember that help is but keystrokes away!

RE: First Kit Build - Sig Somethin Extra
 

KC: I am going through my first build also. Well actually, first build in 30 years and I forgot everyhting I did back then!

Some things I have learned while going through this build:

Read the directions, a couple steps ahead of what you are about to do.

Dry fit everything, before adding a drop of glue.

Measure twice, and cut once.

Place something protective over your plans. Wax paper, or plastic sheet. Otherwise gauranteed you will glue your plans to your parts.

Clamp your table to your sawhorses. Looks like it will take a small bump and the table will fall off potentially breaking whatever is on it.

Get your Dad involved with the build. Have him sand parts, or something. :)

RE: First Kit Build - Sig Somethin Extra
 

That's a great way to connect to your father. Sorry to hear about his cancer.
My dad tought me all about this hobby when I was a kid. We did the free flight, control line and RC together. Now I'm flying with my boys.

My first build was the SSE as well. You will have fun building this one, and if you get stuck, we will all follow the thread and hopefully can answer any questions that come up.

As far as flying the SSE, I personally don't think you will have any problems. In some ways, I find it easier to fly my SSE than my trainer.

Keep us posted on your progress.

-tychoc

RE: First Kit Build - Sig Somethin Extra
 

KCRemoteFlyer

Like all SIG's contemporary laser cut lite-ply snap fit fuselage kits, SSE is a fast and easy build. Compared to yesterday's kits, they're a doddle. You can easily build and cover it within two weeks if you apply yourself. You've already perused the other SSE threads here, which will have a couple of "do this/don't do that the way the SIG manual says" 'better way to do things' type tips, but don't go overboard trying to build the perfect model as is the tendency when you're starting out. When in doubt, just follow SIG's instructions and it'll be fine. For most, especially for the first few, they seldom last long enough to warrant the expense or effort even if the learning curve is valuable. But you are on a schedule with a different agenda. Unless of course, your dad is going to be assisting you with the build and is interested at present.

Depending upon your objectives and means, ie: to share the journey with your dad (only you can know whether he'll be focussed or able in the current circumstances) or show him you flying "look at me dad", (which will also offer him satisfaction and joy) you have a couple of options for the next step, but I'd do it now (ASA)) lest fate or chemo intervene to dictate the schedule.

If your goal is to share the build time and journey, it doesn't matter so much what phase you get to. If it's for your dad to see you fly, an ARF is really a better assembly choice. You've already got a head start in learning to fly if you'tve been flying EPF solo, and teaching you IC should be a doddle. The SSE is an easy flyer, and propped appropriately, the speed disparity between it and your 'lectric PF won't be that great. I'd go the ARF route if you want your dad to see you fly. Why? The reality is, and I don't mean this unkindly, don't rely upon him still being well enough 'tomorrow'.

Were I in your position, as soon as I'd finished the build or assembly, I'd seek out a compassionate amateur or pro-instructor who teaches with his own equipment and take an accelerated solo style course ending with a transition onto your SSE. Within three weeks, or less with an ARF, you should be competent solo able to enjoy and share what's left of that aspect of his journey flying your SSE with your dad. Make it happen. Memories you'll treasure which no amount of money can buy ....

Wishing you a 'fair wind and a good sea' for your journey.

RE: First Kit Build - Sig Somethin Extra
 

Hey all thanks for the kind comments.

Kmot, great advice!!

Sigrun, While my dad would love to help me build it, he lives 6 hours away, and is restricted to the house most of the time (can't catch flu/cold/etc) But, I am taking alot of pictures and have been calling him nightly about it. He loves talking about the build almost as much as doing the build I Think. By dad has seen my fly my electrics, so Im not as concerned with the flight aspect, albeit it will be a nice ending to the build.

Well time to eat and then get at the build!

RE: First Kit Build - Sig Somethin Extra
 

You will find that the SE is a terrific plane to fly as a trainer. Set the rates very low and it has good flying qualities. It lands nicely too. It is also a pretty good plane to fly in winds. Of course, you can bump up the rates later and find it a wild and fun plane to fly that way too.

The 7C is a good radio.

RE: First Kit Build - Sig Somethin Extra
 

Well I feel like I was just kicked in the face...... okay maybe thats a little over dramatic .. but...

The wife was getting something out of the shop area in the garage (in a rubbermade tote), and when she lifted it over the workspace she dropped it on my wing. It weighs about 40 lbs or so, and everything is crushed and broken. And when I say everything, I mean it looks like it hit the ground at 90mph.

I'm still in shock sort of. My next question is this, is there any place that sells replacement parts for these airplanes? or am I stuck buying a new kit?

I'm going to keep building this kit (less 1 wing), and if nothing else, head to the LHS to get another entire kit (hey, everyone needs spare parts right?)

Argh, back to the drawing board (btw forgot to get the digital camera batteries, I'll grab em tommorow)

RE: First Kit Build - Sig Somethin Extra
 

Hi KCRemoteFlyer, Sorry to hear about the wing getting destroyed. Sounds like you need a new wife kit instead of the wing parts.(Just Kidding):D You got to keep them and kids out of your work area. Have you looked at Sig's website? I know they sell the wood, not sure about the wing kit though. Good luck! Ben

RE: First Kit Build - Sig Somethin Extra
 

Hey KCRemoteFlyer, Good news they have the wing kit! Unfortunately it is $52.00. Ben

RE: First Kit Build - Sig Somethin Extra
 

Well yes...but we've all been there if we've been in RC for any length of time. Welcome to the 'club'. ;)

SIG sell replacement wing kits. You can order direct or through your dealer.

RE: First Kit Build - Sig Somethin Extra
 

You could scratch build a new wing. You have the outlines of the ribs, size of the leading edge stock, and the outline of the aileron. I rebuilt an aileron out of 1/4" stock for mine after a midair with another SE. It didn't take long.

Think about putting some paper over the plans to trace out the rib profiles so that you can can cut your own out of balsa stock. You could make yourself a new leading edge and sand it to shape in no time. Ditto for the trailing edge pieces. The spars are easy. If you saved the balsa sheet the ribs came out of you could just lay that on a new sheet of balsa and draw your outlines directly.

You can probably pick up the balsa at your hobby shop or order it from somewhere like BalsaUSA. I scratch built a whole wing with a buddy when my second plane hit hard. We did it together in about 4 hours and it was a complicated wing with plans not as good as the SE.

Also, you have the other wing half to look at as you build your new one....if you decide to build it this way.

RE: First Kit Build - Sig Somethin Extra
 

If I had my Dad's scroll saw I would be all over building it from scratch, as it is now It would take me forever to cut it out with the little razor saw and stuff. My time is worth more then that in this case .... I guess I'll go ahead and head to the LHS after work and see if they have the wing kit.

My wife is now banned from the shop btw. But she did feel bad, she cleaned up the old wing (removed all the pins, etc) and put down new wax paper for me. She then went to WalMart and got me the batteries I needed for the camera!

So here is the wing I worked on tonight.

I waiting to pull the sheeting down, I need to go get some CA accelerator, I struggled with this on my other wing, makeing sure that leading edge was rock solid.

RE: First Kit Build - Sig Somethin Extra
 

KCR, sorry to hear about your wing. I just finished a SSE and I really enjoyed the build, and had no problems whatsoever. I am going to maiden it tomorrow. Here's some pictures of mine. Enjoy the build!

RE: First Kit Build - Sig Somethin Extra
 

Whoa, I don't know why these pictures came out that way, and I apologize to everyone reading this thread. I did'nt mean to make a mess of things.

RE: First Kit Build - Sig Somethin Extra
 

KCremoteflyer, Before I started my SSE, I traced all of the parts on paper first (just in case). I can send you copies if that helps. Also I was going to suggest that you have you dad design the covering scheme for you. Just a thought.

Msouth12-That's one huge SSE!:D

RE: First Kit Build - Sig Somethin Extra
 

I have all of the balsa I popped the wing parts out of .... but I don't think that my jig saw, even set on smooth cut, would viably cut the parts evenly
I guess I could cut them just close to the line and then sand like there was no end. The straight up balso pieces wouldnt be too bad
but the plywood parts would be difficult.

I wonder how I would do the cirlces in the middle for the female tube and the paper tube?

RE: First Kit Build - Sig Somethin Extra
 

KCRemoteFlyer

You can just order the individual laser cut sheets from SIG. When my canopy flew off mid air (due to not fastening it), I couldn't find it and oredred two sheets from SIG where the canopy parts were located. I think that cost me $12 or so.

Just locate the sheets you need, call them and you will have them in about a week.

-tychoc

RE: First Kit Build - Sig Somethin Extra
 

My LHS can get me the wing kit for 46 ...

Anywho, being that its my first build I keep on until I need the other wing (just incase I screw up on something, then I can just buy the whole kit again)

Gunna go get to work, I'll post an update again tonight

BTW, I read your posts while Im at work, but I dont have time to make posts back!

RE: First Kit Build - Sig Somethin Extra
 

Okay, I have some more images for you guys, and I have a question, first off the first 4 pictures.

I got the entire top part of the wing done, just need to do the sheeting on the bottom side now.

The first 4 pictures are of that progress.

The last picture is my question, thats the trailing edge obviously. The problem is that right in the middle, it has a little sag (which you can see), and the a little ridge to it after that. What can I do to correct this? or is this not a 'major' problem? It drives me nuts because its not perfect.

Other then that, I know I'm going slow, but how does it look?

Talked with my dad for 1hr 15min today just about the build and techniques and stuff, it was great.

Thanks for the help!