RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build
 

Hi Rick,

I have seen the pics of your little smith before, including the video...and I really like the silver version! Don't recall seeing it before. Very sharp and unique. I decided to do mine box cover, with a few little alterations. Figured it is a little too small to do totally scaled out, and is going to be a sport plane as easy to transport assembled, so can be in the air quickly as opposed to some of my larger birds. Looking forward to getting it airborne as was a gift from my wife (then girlfriend) little over 20 years ago. Man 1985......was right around the time I was getting into RC as started College and had a good part time job to fund the passion. Seems like yesterday! I too get attached to my oldies. I rarely build something for the sake of building it. All my subjects are usually replicas of a full size plane that for some reason or another has me intrigued. Makes for a more interesting build and enjoyment to fly. Can't seem to part with them at that point!!!!

My Pro has to wait also, although I did treat it to a new motor to remind it that I have not forgotten or lost interest. Got NIB Supertigre 2500 with pitts muffler. Hopefully not too overpowered, but have seen them fly that were lacking with an OS 1.20FS, and Saito 1.50. Last short flight of my buddy's was with a Saito 1.80 and that seemed good.....but we lost a chunk of lead in an already tail heavy plane shortly after takeoff. Did not end well, but not too too bad for damage.

Funny you mention you still do the checkers. I used to do mine too until I tried the Ultracote checker film. Works great for large areas like wing bottoms and turns out really good. Suspect if I were to do some fine detailing in other areas with checks, would have to revert to the old conventional method of cutting and placing.

Anyways, will post some more pics as I progress. Might have to wait a couple months before it warms up outside so I can paint the plastic parts and have it completely done. For now....back to covering!!!

Cheers,
Marko

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build
 

Rick,

Just realized what was "different" about your SMP!!!! Saw pictures and video, and never noticed until now that there is no headrest piece on the turtle deck! Not really a functional component on the model, but sure does make it stand out one way or the other. Gives it a much longer sleeker look without it. ;)

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build
 

Marco,

You are the first to have commented on the lack of a headrest on my “Smith”. I never could figure out how to neatly attach the thing. After all these years, would you believe I still have it.

To elaborate on the silver covering job. That silver would never stay tight. After a day at the field it would always start sagging. Pretty much got to the point were in some places I could not get it to tighten up anymore. Plus it was hard to see on a cloudy day.

So, I changed it up. I realize sometimes I turn them (my planes) into a gaudy mess because I am always experimenting with “wonder what this would look like”. Then once it is finished, I realize I went a bit too far. Oh well.

When I originally built my “Smith”, I had the wing wires on it as well. I had made them out of “buss wire”. A long story short - the wires that crossed would hit each other in flight and cause metal to metal interference. It took weeks and a fellow club member that had been around a little longer than me to figure out what was causing my airplane to glitch. Cut the wires off and the glitches went away. Lesson learned and fortunately did not cost me an airplane.

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build
 

I have followed this thread right from the beginning and have found it very imformative in helping me create such a lovely plane. Rick its great to see your enthusiasm for this plane I seem to remember seeing your input on other threads. Anyway throughout this thread I have managed to post some of my progress and I am just about there. So here are some pics.
:D:D:D
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RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build
 

Very nice! Is that a film covering?

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build
 

Some progress on the SMP. Bottom wing is covered and starting to apply some pin stripes. Had to line a couple panels before bed just to see how it would look. Hope tomorrow to cover the rons and trim the tail....and if lucky cover the top wing but that may be pushing it!

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build
 

Hi Dope Fiend , Yes the covering is profilm with Solar trim for the red. I used model technics trimlines for the black pinstripes. In order to keep the trim attached to the covering i have used clearcoat thinned out then applied over the trim on the joins using a paint brush.
I was saying to my wife the other day that this has been one of the best presents you could wish for, The Building Process, The mind twisting, The use and requirment to have tools and then when it is almost finished the anticipation of that first flight, oh yes and more the knowledge that you have a new plane to fly at the field, forget looking at buying a new ARTF enjoy these experiences.
Wow yes I almost sell it to myself again.
I have a Sig Citabria to build now, then a Capiche 50, then maybe and extra from plan, then a DH 71 from Plan then a Sig Ryan Sta which I picked up on Ebay, for me this may get switched with the DH71.

Anyway lots of fun ahead.

I will post more pics as I am really into finishing this now.

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build
 

"I have a Sig Citabria to build now"

Tac
I have built and flown the Sig Citabria. If I could give one piece of advise it would be to keep it lighter than you think it needs to be. With the short tail moment it can be very squrriley.
Good Luck

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build
 

Little more progress on the SMP. Not going as fast as expected, that trim is slow going, but really looks good! Will not have any issues seeing this girl in the air! Have half of the bottom wing covered. Hope to have rest done tomorrow and then can start the sunburst pattern again and for the last time. I think my Citabria Pro will have to wait as am going to do the same pattern. Do not want to do this again for some time! :eek:


BTW - How did you guys attach the windshield? Have not figured out a good way to do secure it yet.

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build
 

Marko,
If you think that Smith is looking good now, (which it is) wait till you get the top wing and cowl done and on it.

Question, are you doing your black trim out of strips cut from Monokote or are you using trim tape?

Windshield, for the life of me I cannot remember what glue I used. Very good possibility I carefully used CA glue. Around the base of the windshield I used a piece of black electrical tape cut to an appropriate width. 1/4 inch or so. For me, that tape worked out really well because it will stretch easily enough to allow you to conform it to the glass and the fuse without wrinkles. I can say that mine has never given me any problems.

If you keep holding off on your “Citabria Pro” maybe, just maybe, we’ll hit that project at the same time.

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build
 

Iuse just a drop or two on the inside bottom edge of the windshiels with it carefully taped to the fusalog with scotch tape. I use the very fine tiped Sig applicator add on tip on my CA bottle. I give it extra time to cure then pul the tape off. After that I mask off the fusalog and widsheld and apply JBWeld to the outside bottom edge. Allow it time to nearly cure, about15 to 20 min depending on the mix and tempature. Them with my finger wet with water Ismoth down the filet. Afterwards carefully pull the tape and again give it a final smothing. It holds fast and look the part.

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build
 

Hi Rick,

I got lazy and purchased some black Great Planes 1/16" pinstripe tape. I just could not see myself cutting and ironing on those fine lines so took the easy route. This is the first time I have used the GP tape and it seems to stick really well. We'll see how it holds up after a season of flying.



Rick, Larry,

Thanks for the tips on the windscreen guys. Good suggestions to consider.

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build
 

I used a combination of canopy glue and pinstriping tape. Turned out great! The taape held the winshield in place while the glue cured. ;)

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build
 

Thanks. Wasn't sure if the canopy glue would hold well to the film with such a small surface, so looks like it does.

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build
 

I cut my windshield from a 2 liter pop bottle. It was a lot easier to work with and glue down. Then I ran a small strip of black monokote trim at the base of the windshield.

The canopy glue works very well on Monokote.

Brian

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build
 

Thanks Brian!

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build
 

When cutting out the Windshield create a small tag in the centre bottom of the perspex. This tag can then be bent and screwed to the fuse. Then use Hot glue and clamps to retain the sides.
this works really well and is easy.

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build
 

Covering is finally completed. Just some final touches left and painting of the plastic. The end is in sight.....:)

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build
 

Looking good Marko, Don't you love it when you can say "Covering is Complete"......

I can't remember, did you adjust your stab for a degree or so positive (up in the front) incidence in anticipation of the more often than not needed down elevator trim.

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build
 

Thanks Rick. Thrilled that covering is done!!! Not sure why it was such slow going on this one. Hope to be able to paint up the parts this week as weather supposed to be mild. Yuppers to the stab incidence. Added approx 2 degrees + and about 1 degree down thrust on motor, so hopefully it levels it out a bit. BTW.....nice time to remind me now!!! What if I had forgotten??? Or where you just checking to make sure I was paying attention to all those hints and tips peppered throughout the thread! ;) Got lots of good advice on this thread, so much appreciated. Hope she flies as good as she looks. I am almost there.

Cheers,
Marko

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build
 

Marco,

You know, In all honesty, I was just setting up conversation for after the soon to be maiden voyage[8D]. See, now you can tell us how much down trim was required for your elevator to maintain level flight and we will be able to discuss and prove/disprove that the adjustment is a good one;).

I do remember talking/writing with you about that particular modification to the stab. But I was too lazy to read back through the thread to remind myself if you passed on the mod or went for it.

Other than putting in engine thrust to match a given engine and prop combination, the stab modification is the only thing I’d do different than the plans. Anyone that has read through this thread knows I tried a few other changes (wing incidence – balance point) just to see what it would do and I don’t think they made anything better. In my opinion the balance point on the plans is about as good as it gets if everything else is built to the plans.

You know, I also thought I would write - - - I do know and accept my “Smith” is the ugliest one pictured in this thread[X(]. It was never intended to be pretty. I never expected it would last 20+ years.[:o] None the less - I flew the wings off that plane before retiring it.

All right then-good luck and I am hoping you can get some video of it in the air.

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build
 

Ha ha I was just razzin Rick! Always appreciate the feedback and input. As for your old girl....I would not say it is ugly at all! Each one is different and all have character. There is no such thing as an ugly Mini Plane!!!!!! It is just a cool little plane regardless of the skin it is in. Man they can't all be box cover specials either, although I do favour that Glen Sig scheme and tried to mimic it to some extent. I saw pictures of your old girl and video, and was stumped why the tail looked so long, and slightly different. Was not until recently after seeing it in your original colour scheme did I realize there was no headrest section. Ahhhhhh. [X(] Slight mod that made it unique.

It will be a couple months before I will be able to maiden that bird! Unlike your warm Texas climate, we have had a relatively mild winter, but still lots of snow where I live. Soon we will be into the wet season as all starts to melt and spring rains, so the airfield will be a little too soft. If we are lucky, we may get in middle to end of April. My backyard field will be dry well before then as am on higher ground, but I limit it to flying of electrics. Too many obstacles to contend with if an issue were to come up (dead stick or whatever.....) so prefer to take the glow birds to the club field where it is more open.

Remembered to take you advice on the stab angle, but can't recall why I decided on the engine thrust change, but figure 1` is pretty much negligible anyways..so probably won't make much difference anyhow!

Will include final pics when done and hopefully some video if I am fortunate enough to have a camera person available. Hoping to squeeze a quick build in before then of an RV-4, but that seems rather optinistic. This little girl took me over two years to complete, not sure what makes me think I can cram an RV-4 together in 6 weeks! :eek:

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build
 

Marko, your SMP looks great. SMP's are one of my favorites. Good luck on the maiden.

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build
 

Thanks OldScaleGuy! Am looking forward to flying it!

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build
 

I have been reading this finethread for years and thought I'd post some pix of my FINALLY finished SMP. I have been working on it off andon for 2 and 1/2 years and it's survived 2 moves. This build thread has been so much help and fun.