topflite elder 40 build
 

hi, just started an elder 40 build tonight. if anyone is interested ill be glad to post pics as i go. please let me know.

RE: topflite elder 40 build
 

Well, yeah !!! It's ALWAYS interesting to watch a build taking shape. & Pictures are worth a thousand words !!!

RE: topflite elder 40 build
 

Most definitely!!! We're about to begin one ourselves - can use all the advice we can get.

Dave

RE: topflite elder 40 build
 

Sure. I have one about 80% complete so I'll be watching. I found it an interesting plane to build. Takes a little more than average effort if you go all the way (with scalloped edges, rigging wire, pilot, machine gun). Some compound curving takes a bit of work as well.

Regards
Don

RE: topflite elder 40 build
 

hi guys, i have completed the stab, here are a few pics of installing the stringers over the ribs.
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i6...erbuild001.jpg
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i6...erbuild003.jpg
for all the new builders here is a pic of my simple sanding block, i have several with different grit paper. i use scrap 2x4 blocks with the sand paper stapled on, these are very handy for small adjustments needed as you cut and fit.
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i6...erbuild002.jpg

RE: topflite elder 40 build
 

i want to keep the WWI look on the plane, if anyone has an interesting idea please let me know!:D

RE: topflite elder 40 build
 

I built one about 3 or 4 years ago. Great build. One thing I would suggest is making the rudder bigger. Mine didn't have much authority stock. One of our ace pilots flew it in a little bit of a cross wind and it was easy to tell it needed more rudder. So, I made a bigger one and made it round insteas of rectanglar. I didn't scallop the edges as in the stock one, 'cause I wanted to get back in the air quicker. But it made one hellova difference. Flys great. Good Sunday flyer. I just did the cowl top in red Monocote, instead of aluminum, to match the rudder but it looks fine to me. I think you'll love the build and the flying.
John

RE: topflite elder 40 build
 

Oh-I forgot-Here's a picture of mine in action. Saito 56-12x6 wood.
John

RE: topflite elder 40 build
 

IMHO building it pretty much as suggested by TopFlite will accomplish that. (I went with the wire wheels, they look great. I will most likely hide the wire landing gear with wood framing but I haven't made a decision on that yet. For ease of ground handling I decided to install the steerable tail wheel.

I think I'll drop the rigging wires on bottom of wing but will use all other rigging. The elastic thread they mention works well by the way.

Regards
Don

RE: topflite elder 40 build
 

guys im working on the leading edges on the stab, will post some pic when im finished. she is coming along great!! very exciting seeing a new plane come to life!! i know a little dramatic but hey i love this stuff!!!:D

RE: topflite elder 40 build
 

Don, get that plane finished! How long you been working on it now? What you been doing, flying or something? I'm one to talk as I haven't even started that great Jack Stafford Ercoupe kit you were gracious enough to sell me. One day. My excuse is work, family, certainly not flying either as I haven't been doing as much of that as usual. Got to get my priorities straight. Hopefully this winter some building will happen.

Jim Tice

RE: topflite elder 40 build
 

Hi Jim

No, just slowly crawling along. I presently fly the 4star 120 and 8' Telemaster. The 1/5 Sig Cub, Elder40 and 6' Telemaster are in various stages of completion.

Getting ready to do a hip replace this Thur so I imagine I'll have plenty of time to finish up the Elder40 (closest to being finished). The Elder is really a good looking plane. I hope it flies as well as it looks (:-).

Don

RE: topflite elder 40 build
 

ok some pics of the finished stab, elevator is next!!
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i6...hedstab004.jpg
[IMG]http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i64/kimbarrett/rc%20pics/finishedstab002.jpg[/IM

RE: topflite elder 40 build
 

ok i built the elevator tonight, the first pic shows the stock they provide to make it
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i6...yhelper002.jpg
this is one side after i cut it to shape
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i6...yhelper003.jpg
i used my old trusty belt sander to taper to shape
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i6...yhelper007.jpg
this is what i came out with
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i6...yhelper006.jpg
this is my helper!!!!
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i6...yhelper009.jpg

RE: topflite elder 40 build
 

worked on the rudder today, also test fit some hinges on the stab
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i6.../rudder002.jpg
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i6.../rudder003.jpg

RE: topflite elder 40 build
 

Don, just now read your post. I hope your surgery went well. Hang in there. I know it's day to day for a while but if you can sit at the building board you should be able to get some planes finished. Don't sit there too long and do what your therapist said too. Good luck!

Jim

RE: topflite elder 40 build
 

very nice build! keep the pics coming

RE: topflite elder 40 build
 

thanks andrew, im having to move some things in my shop, my father in law gave me a milling machine and lathe!! cant pass that up.

RE: topflite elder 40 build
 

I built one last year, great flyer just a couple things make sure you get the right solder I had too soft and the landing gear kept coming apart. Second I had a OS 52 four stroke and it would fly ok but it's a big heavy plane so I went to a magnum 70 four stroke and it flew much better. Just my 2 cents but like I said real nice flyer and nice landings with that big fount end on it acts like a big brake. One more thing when I went with the larger engine it didn't need any tail weight.

RE: topflite elder 40 build
 

hey thanks for all the tips, thats why i lov this site :D

RE: topflite elder 40 build
 

ok im baaaak! been a very busy couple weeks with work. i started the wing build tonight, ill post pics later.

RE: topflite elder 40 build
 

Hi
I will be joining youre thread soon enough . I already have the kit and the spoked wheels . I will be putting in a Saito 56 . I am just waiting for the Vickers machine gun . I will be finishing off a TopFlite ARF P-51 Giant and I will get right to it with you . I estimate around mid January , but I do want to keep in touch with youre thread .

Have you read the review here in RCU , it mentions something about moving the wheel struts forward ?

The pictures are great

Michel

RE: topflite elder 40 build
 

no i did not see that? hmm looks to be a sound location where they are? ill look into that thanks! everyone i have been building almost finished the wing and a good part of the fuselage!! i have been taking pics as i go and will post soon!

RE: topflite elder 40 build
 

Hi

I can not remember where I seen the review, from Tower Hobbies , TopFlite , or here on RCU . Apparently the plane has a tendency to nose over and this modification helps a lot . So if you find it please , please let us know

Thanks

Happy Holiday Season

Michel

RE: topflite elder 40 build
 

ok finaly some pics of the wing going together.
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i6...elderwf002.jpg
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i6...elderwf003.jpg
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i6...elderwf004.jpg
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i6...elderwf007.jpg
very straight forward wing building here, no surprises all parts fit well.