RE: Dynaflite Chipmunk - Build
 

The biggest problem with this build is the size of the wing, not so much building it, but moving it around, what a pain!

Other than that it has not been as difficult a build as I figured it would be, there is a lot of sanding and shaping, and the sheeting on the rear of the fuse will not be fun, but overall the build is great, and I am really proud of how it looks. I can't wait to sheet the fuse and get it glassed, then it will really look good!

My only problem right now is the tail wheel, there was not one in the kit and I had to special order it from my LHS, not sure how long that will take. If I have to wait too long I guess I can move on to my next project (an 83" Norseman) in the interim.

manks

RE: Dynaflite Chipmunk - Build
 

I was back to building board last night, just getting the right side control surfaces done for the wing. I will get that finished today, then get on to finishing sheeting the fuse.

I am still waiting on getting the tail wheel assembly from my LHS. I think I can get the build finished with about 10 more building hours once I get the part I need.

I don't know what I will do with myself once this is done, I guess that I can start to get my fleet "flight ready" for the spring, that wil take a bit more time, getting all of my engines cleaned up fixing all of the set ups for my three flyers.

RE: Dynaflite Chipmunk - Build
 

Building this weekend has been very good. All control surfaces are done, the wing is now fitted into the fuse and has been mounted, it took a bit of sanding to make it fit right, but so far so good.

I have just put the fiberglass on the middle of the wing, and epoxied it, that should be dry to tomorrow, but I may just let it sit for a few days to fully cure. The only things to do to the wing now are:

Mount the control surfaces - 1 hour
Install the servos and wiring - this is not a problem as the wings are all open bay, I will have to fish a bit of wiring through the wing, but it is not a big deal to do at all. - 1 hour
Build the bulkhead so it fits flush with the fuse at the front - 1 hour
Mount the main gear. 30 min.
Final Sanding - ! hour.

There is still lots to be done on the fuse, mostly sheeting and some slight framing for the rear fuse sheeting, then mounting all of the electronics, motor, gas tank ect. I am still a long way from that. My plan is to have the construction done by the end of March and have the fuse glassed, ready for paint. I am holding off on the electronics and motor because of cost right now. I want to use good stuff and shelling out $800 for a plane I am not yet ready (from a skill standpoint) to fly does not make sense. I will buy the wing servos and wiring shortly, but that is only because I want to cover and paint the plane in the mid-spring.

RE: Dynaflite Chipmunk - Build
 

It has been almost a month since I last posted on this thread, and there has been very little done to the build since then. I hit a snag in late February, the tail wheel assembly was not in the kit, as it should have been, this is a danger when you buy a previously opened kit - not that I am upset about it the widow of the original owner was a very nice lady who would not have known what really was to be included and what was not.

I ordered the part from my LHS about three weeks ago, it was a "special order" of a non stock part, so it takes a bit longer, but 3 weeks is a long time! Went to the shop today and talked to the owner, he will be checking with Great Planes this week on the order and trying to get it rushed to me.

There is not much left for me to da at this point, all that is left is sheeting the back half of the fuse, but cant do that until I have the tail week mounted, it is a bit frustrating, but what can you do.

The past month has allowed me to finally finish two of my other projects, a PT 40 and a nice little .20 Texan. The Texan is now hung up in my daughter's room and the PT 40 is now fully flight ready, waiting to be maidened.

I have also bench run a couple of motors, still having trouble getting a Magnum 40 going for some reason, not sure why.

As soon as I get back to building the Chipmunk I will post again.

Manks

RE: Dynaflite Chipmunk - Build
 

Six weeks now and counting for a small part from GP - this is driving me crazy! The LHS promised me they would get it in this week. I need to get building again, over the last few weeks I have got three planes into flying conditions for the season, and fixed four engines that are now ready to run, but I need to get working with glue again!

There is not much left for me to build right now, only sheeting the rear of the fuse, but I am waiting on the tail wheel, because I need to get that in place before I sheet it in.

UGHHHHH!

RE: Dynaflite Chipmunk - Build
 

My building has been suspended for the summer flying season, but the plane is in very good shape right now. All major parts have been built and sanded down. The sheeting on the tail of the fuse turned out very well. I spent some time building the skins, then softened them with water and placed them on the fuse with elastics to mold, it turned out really well. The skins molded very well and then glueing them on was pretty easy. Filling in the gaps was a bit more of a problem, I used microballoons and epoxy, then sanded again, then I used bondo to smooth it out. There are still a few high and low spots but it is generally pretty good, only a bit more work until I am ready to start fiberglassing.

I have also bought my engine for the plane, a Ryobi 31cc Gas Conversion (already done). I am a bit concerned that it may not be enough for the 18 lb plane, I would like peoples thoughts on that topic. I understand that a G-26 is a very good engine for the plane, and did read a review that a Ryobi 31 was used and it flew fine, so I think it was worth the risk of buying the motor.

I have determined that the Chipmunk will be glassed, covered and painted in time for my Clubs Srping Beauty contest, maybe even by the end of the Christmas Holiday so I can start building a 4* .60 fitted with a 91 4 stroke!

Happy Flying everyone, thanks for reading my update!

RE: Dynaflite Chipmunk - Build
 

Manks,

I have the same plane, I have a Saito 120 in mine. Normally, I fly around at 1/2 throttle, I can normally do most aerobatic maneuvers at that throttle setting. Great flying plane, you'll love it.

Btw, I'll send you a PM for an alternative to CA and plain old yellow glue.

Chris

RE: Dynaflite Chipmunk - Build
 

Got your message, thanks. I am going to put a 31cc Ryobi Conversion engine in the plane, do you think that will be enough??? I was thinking about going with a glow engine, but the fuel is so expensive and the gasser will cost much less to operate. My concern is that it will not have enough power to fly the 16 lb airplane.

manks

RE: Dynaflite Chipmunk - Build
 

I think it will be plenty.

I had a Brian Taylor Typhoon, it was 4 lbs over weight (17 lbs) with a GCBM 25cc converted Homelite, on it's last flight it was flying beautifully at about 65-70 mph.

I think, like me, you'll be throttling back. I went with the Saito because, even though the fuel is more expensive its not as stinky as gasoline.

Chris

RE: Dynaflite Chipmunk - Build
 

I dug up an old product review where the guy used the Ryobi 31cc motor and it had more than enough power, so I am feeling better!

The only problem may be the size of the engine mount, it is a bit too big for the firewall that comes with the plane, so I will have to do a bit of a modification.

Pics will be added when I get the motor (early next week!)

RE: Dynaflite Chipmunk - Build
 

a while back when i was building one of these for someone i recommended they use a gas conversion after seeing that someone on this forum had fiberglassed the fuse and put a ryobi on it and it flew fine with plenty of power. but the guy wanted to use his moki 120.

RE: Dynaflite Chipmunk - Build
 

I figure it will be enough power. From what I hear it is a great motor to use, but I will be at the uppper end for it.

I should have pics soon!

RE: Dynaflite Chipmunk - Build
 

something i will look forward too. those are pretty planes.

RE: Dynaflite Chipmunk - Build
 

Manks, How did your build turn out? I just discovered this plane, it looks real cool and I'm thinking of getting one.

-Andrew

RE: Dynaflite Chipmunk - Build
 

Well, with the flying season over now it has come time to get back to the building board. I have not done much to the Chipmunk in months, between flying in the summer and a busy fall work schedule I have not had the time. But over the past couple of weeks I have slowly got back to the Chippy.

I finally mounted the fin and stab last week, and cut holes in the tail to insert servos. The plane is built, there is really not much more for me to do, or glue together, it is now all about finishing.

I am smoothing out the fuse, filling in any gaps and getting ready to fiberglass. I will be off for two weeks over Christmas, I will spend a good deal of that time in my workshop doing the glass work.

I also have the wing ready to cover. I ordered some servo extentions from Tower hobby and they came in today, so I put them into the wing, had to cut a couple of new holes, but no big deal.

I also have to mount the Engine. It is almost ready to go, I just need to drill a couple of holes in the firewall for fuel and throttle, again, no big deal. I am wondering the best way to mount it, I am not sure I want to rely 100% on glue with this big a plane, I am thinking maybe some kind of screwed in reinforcement - we shall see.

New pics soon.

Cheers!

Manks

RE: Dynaflite Chipmunk - Build
 

Hi Manks,
Just wondering if you have any plans for modifying/finishing the canopy? Al Kretz, a scale competitor, was doing a Chipmunk build in R/C Report complained about the canopy but didn't finish the review so I don't know what he did about it. What are your plans for that area? Thanks.
GarySS

RE: Dynaflite Chipmunk - Build
 

A Canopy came with the kit., it is the Brit one, not the Canadian. I think you can get a Canadian Canopy somewhere, but I cannot rememeber where.

RE: Dynaflite Chipmunk - Build
 

Yeah, the canopy is just a molded thin plastic "shell" in two parts (as you know). It seems flimsy, but light. I was just wondering if a Flitemetal treatment on the "framework" or some other enhancement would work.

RE: Dynaflite Chipmunk - Build
 

I am not at the level of building where I am doing mods to canopies or anything really complicated, maybe the next build!

I think I will use what came with the kit, it does seem OK, if there is a techniques you could share with me it would be apperciated.

BTW - as an update on the build:

I just (like 10 min ago) put the last piece of fiberglass cloth on the fuse, it looks great. I am using .53 oz Cloth and a finishing resin. This is my second glassing job, the first was a test on a .20 Texan that I have as a static model - this one is turning out better. I have found that I need much less resin than the first time around.

The technique I am using is cutting and laying the cloth out, then mixing a small amount of the finishing resin - this is a much thinner expoy than regular 30 minute, it is a bit easier to sand, and gives a very nice glossy finish. I used a small foam brush and a plastic key card from a hotel. I will drip a bit of expoy in the middle of the cloth, then work it out from the middle with the key card. The card is perfect, it is thin and easy to use, while being flexible enough to fit the form of the fuse. You would be amaized how little resin you need if you use the card in this manner. I use the foam brush in some places if I need a little dab of resin to make it stick.

After getting the cloth as flat as possible - there are always a couple of little bumps and ridges to sand off - I use a roll of regular toilet paper to get the execess resin off the plane - again there is usually not much because I am using as little as possible.

The thin resin sets up over night and I can lightly sand down the fuse the next day. I have spend maybe 6 hours on fiberglassing this holiday, that includes the light sanding.

Once the first coat is set and fully cured, I will do a full light sanding with fine and very fine paper (600 grain), then lay a second light coat of resin to seal everything up. Waiting a few days to let the epoxy cure, then a detailed sanding of the fuse. I will check for any problem spots I missed the first time around and fill them in with glazing putty (bondo) again using the key card as it is a perfect applicator. I will then resand the trouble spots and prime the fuse for painting, look for problem areas again, bondo, sand, final prime and paint.

Once that is all done, I will work on some cockpit detail, then start covering the wing with cloth.

I am beginning to think that this project may actually be finished by the end or the Winter!

Hopefully by the end of January I will have the plane ready to install the radio, motor and electronics!

I would post photos, but there is not that much to see rigth now, the fuse looks almost the same, just a bit shinier because of the glass. The Wing is also about the same, all I have added is some the servo wiring. When I start to paint I will take a few more pics.

RE: Dynaflite Chipmunk - Build
 

The big fuse has been glassed, sanded, filled, primed, taped and the first coats of white paint are going on. There are some spots to touch up and I will have to do a light sanding on it to get rid of some paint drops. but so far so good. I will be painting the cockpit and nose later tonight I hope at least, it is looking pretty good so far.

Once I am done with painting I will do one clear coat to give it a nice finish, then I will cover the wing with cloth and paint that, then all that is left to do is the cowl, final mounting of the engine, installation of the electronics and the wheels. I am pretty proud of this project, it will be almost 18 months from start to finish, but it is worth it for me, as long as the plane does not crash on it's maiden flight!

RE: Dynaflite Chipmunk - Build
 

OK, the painting of the fuse is done, here is how things are shaping up, to me it is looking pretty good. There are a few touchups that I need to make, but overall, it looks pretty good.

RE: Dynaflite Chipmunk - Build
 

Well the build continues over the day, I have finally mounted the firewall and motor, also I have put the cowl together, used a bit of CA, then a strip of 5 oz glass cloth and 30 min epoxy. I have cut down the edges, and filled with lite drywall spackle.

After I put the motor on I was shocked at how heavy the plane felt so I brought my son down the bathroom scale and we weighed it, right with out covering on the wing, radio gear, wheels and no gas tank the plane is 11.5 lbs. I figure there is another 3 - 4 pounds of gear that needs to be added, so flying weight will be around 15 - 16 lbs, right in the middle of the recommended 14 - 17 lb range.

RE: Dynaflite Chipmunk - Build
 

nice work! looks alot better than the one i built

RE: Dynaflite Chipmunk - Build
 

That fuselage and canopy are coming out great! It's coming together!

RE: Dynaflite Chipmunk - Build
 

Thanks, I am pretty pleased with it so far. I have a few touch ups on the paint that need to get done, just have to go to the auto paint store to buy some touch up paints, and another can of the red to do the cowl and wing tips. I am having some trouble with dripping paint, I try to have a smooth finish, but it is not that easy to achieve, the three color scheme is a bit of a pain, but it will work out I am sure.

I am now ready to mount the cowl, it is not perfect, but pretty good, again there are some touch ups that I need to do, but don't have the materials for it now.

The cowl is a 2 piece, I used some CA, then strips of fiberglass cloth with epoxy on the inside, then a mixture of epoxy and micro balloons to smooth out the seams, that still needs a bit of work, I have to work a bit more to get it perfect.

The weight of the plane will be about 15 lbs, maybe 16, well within the MFG suggested range of 14 - 18, I am really excited about the prospect of flying it THIS season. A bit nervous because I have only flown a .40 size trainer for one season and am not sure I have the skills for this plane yet!

RE: Dynaflite Chipmunk - Build
 

Don't want to hijack your thread but could you possibly tell me what the width of the firewall is at the widest point. I'm currently thinking about buying a NIB kit and was wondering if my OS FT160 twin would fit inside without cutting the cowl too much.
Thx

RE: Dynaflite Chipmunk - Build
 

The Fire wall is about 4.5" across, it is an insert, with about 3/4" of space on each side. The engine I am using is somewhat bigger than a 1.60 I am sure that engine would fit my plane quite well.

What kind of kit are you looking to buy?

RE: Dynaflite Chipmunk - Build
 

I'm looking at a Dynaflite chipmunk, the same as yours. ARF's are ok, but you can't beat a built up kit, the ability to reinforce if needed and to personalize it more.

So if the firewall is 4.5" with 3/4" of an inch on either side that you saying the width of the cowl is 4.5" + 1.5" -> 6".

I just measured my OS FT160 twin and it's 7.5", looks like the valve covers would have to stick out or I could just get a Saito 180 for it. Either way I like the look of the it and if I get one it definately would have to be in RCAF colors.

Dave
AB, Canada

RE: Dynaflite Chipmunk - Build
 

Do you have a line on the kit?

It has been out of production for several years, you are lucky to have found one. I do have a review of the plane from about 2001, the author put an OS 160 on it, and said it fit very well, you should have no problems. If I can find the article I can try to scan it and send to you.

Good luck on the kit, it is a good one, the rear fuse is a pain in the butt to do. If you want I am happy to provide any thoughts on the build

RE: Dynaflite Chipmunk - Build
 

I sent you a PM with my email address in case you find the article, kinda looking forward to getting back into some balsa dust [:'(]

RE: Dynaflite Chipmunk - Build
 

I found the article, it is pretty long, and I only have a hard copy, if you want I can photocopy it and mail to you. The guy does use an OS 1.60 FX on the plane, the muffler fits inside the cowl with the engine mounted at about a 20 degree angle.

RE: Dynaflite Chipmunk - Build
 

Thats alright, I found the article on the IMAA website but there is no link to file. I guess I'll determine which engine when I get my kit in, whether I go with the OS FT-160 twin or G26 .

Thx

RE: Dynaflite Chipmunk - Build
 

Just wondering where did you source the kit from? It has not been produced for quite a while, you got very lucky finding one.

RE: Dynaflite Chipmunk - Build
 

I got it on Ebay tonight of all places, I didn't get it for $100 but close to what they use to sell for at Tower Hobbies. Either way I got one and thats all that matters. I can't wait for it to come in now, what I need to find out is where to get the bubble canopy for it.

I've read in the forums that people used to get it from a company in Canada that is no longer in business, do you have an idea where a person can source one out? You need that bubble canopy for the RCAF look.

RE: Dynaflite Chipmunk - Build
 

I think I found a bubble canopy that will work, the Great Planes Super Chipmunk 1.20 canopy should fit the bill...

RE: Dynaflite Chipmunk - Build
 

Have really enjoyed reading and seeing pics as your project comes together.

I'm new to the hobby of planes and bought myself a CG tiger 60 Kit which comes in a few days and very excited to get started.
I've been a finish carpenter for about 20yrs and love working with wood and this just seemed to be a great hobby to get into.

Look forward to reading and seeing more pics of your project keep up the good work (not really work is it :) )

RE: Dynaflite Chipmunk - Build
 

Just wanted to let you know the canopy came in from Tower, I think it will work ok but unfortunately there is a white line down the center of it. Not sure if I can get the line off with out screwing up the canopy but thats why we bought 2, one to experiment with... ;)

RE: Dynaflite Chipmunk - Build
 

I received my kit today, looks really nice. And I just wanted to mention that I placed the GP 1.20 chipmunk canopy on the plans and it looks like it will fit reasonably well, just gotta get that white stripe off somehow.

RE: Dynaflite Chipmunk - Build
 

Outstanding! It is a great kit to build. The biggest problem is sheeting the rear of the fuse. I cut the skins, glued them and then soaked them in water, that allowed me to bend them pretty well.

Thank about how you will finish the plane, do you want to glass it and paint (My personal preference) or cover it.

Enjoy the build!

RE: Dynaflite Chipmunk - Build
 

Well I started this project on Oct. 24th 2006, almost 18 months later it is finallying coming to an end.

All that I have left to do is cover the flaps, put the wheels on and glue in all of the control surfaces and she is done. I am really pleased with the build, my biggest fault is the cowl which is ok, but not perfect. I will have some final pictures posted soon.

Cheers!