Scale Dynamics AT-6 Texan Build Thread
 

Hello Builders!

I recently purchased an AT-6 Texan kit from Scale Dynamics. It has not arrived yet, but I'm getting pretty excited about it. It's something I've been drooling over for years and years. I finally decided to bite the bullet and order one. I'll post pictures and details during the build. Any (constructive) comments are welcome. If you have a special technique or want to add any advice, please do so.

Here are some details of the airframe.

The fuse is fiberglass and the wings and tail are foam. The kit includes some scale appointments, but does not include sheeting and capping. It has a 3 part split flap system that looks really cool. It has an 81” wingspan and should weigh about 8-10lbs when finished. The kit specifies a .90 to 1.20 nitro 4 stroke, but I’m leaning towards going electric. I could really use help picking out the right motor/ESC/and Battery combo for the conversion.
I think this will be a fun and fast (more or less) build.

RE: Scale Dynamics AT-6 Texan Build Thread
 

What you will need will be an ADF for those two pilots :)

I know someone who can make you one....

Jerry

RE: Scale Dynamics AT-6 Texan Build Thread
 

I hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving!

The Scale Dynamics kit is... in a word... AWESOME! You wouldn't beleive the amount of detail right out of the box!

Here are some pictures and discriptions of the work I've done so far. It goes so fast, and is so easy, that I've done everything I can do, in just 2 days. I'll explain later.

The kit arrived many weeks ago, but was put on hold until I could clear the workbench by finishing other projects.

The first thing I did (after wiping the drool off my lip) was to unroll the plans. This kit is NOT and ARF by any means, but most of the hard work is already done for you. I poured over the plans for a couple of hours so I could get a better idea of what needs to be done. During that time I took a list of the sheeting and capping that I need to purchase. (it's not included). I got almost everything I need from Balsa USA in one order. http://www.balsausa.com . The total came to about $80.00, but I ordered at least 1 extra of everything I though needed.

RE: Scale Dynamics AT-6 Texan Build Thread
 

The first step is to locate the center line of the center section and the main spar. Once you've done that, you mark and cut the notches in the foam for the gear mounting blocks.

While I had the hotknife out I recessed two basswood servo mounting sticks for the flap servo. They will be under the sheeting so they are flush with the top of the foam core.

RE: Scale Dynamics AT-6 Texan Build Thread
 

I took the opportunity to recess the two wing bolt blocks in the proper location too.

RE: Scale Dynamics AT-6 Texan Build Thread
 

The next step is to join the outer panels to the center section. This is a no-brainer process of epoxying the panels on and proping the tip up with a 3" block. I added incidence meters to both tips and they were exactly the same... -2 degrees. Perfect! I had to use the concrete floor because the wing is 84" long and my work bench is 80" long. Good thing the floor is perfectly flat!

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Now for the fun part... I squared up and epoxied the inner and outer gear mounting blocks in place along with all the pads and supports. This is one BEEFY gear setup!

RE: Scale Dynamics AT-6 Texan Build Thread
 

Once everything had cured I installed the gear and checked for interference and smooth operation. I had to do a little work with the dremmel to make the gear fit all the way up to the locks. The instructions say to install the center rib at this time, but I don't see any reason it cant be done after the wing is sheeted. I'll do it later so it won't get broken off during the sheeting process. Now I just need the sheeting.....

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That's all I can do with the wing until my wood order arrives from Balsa USA. So I might as well get started on the fuse...

RE: Scale Dynamics AT-6 Texan Build Thread
 

The fuse is a one piece design and weighs less than a double cheeseburger! It has tons of detail molded right in. Panel lines, rivets, dzus faseners, hatches, hinges..... The manufacturer even offers a 3 piece sliding canopy kit and a full tubular cockpit kit. I think I'll pass on the canopy kit but I definatly plan to build and install the cockpit.

RE: Scale Dynamics AT-6 Texan Build Thread
 

Here is a look down the fuse from where the firewall will go.

RE: Scale Dynamics AT-6 Texan Build Thread
 

Do you have a contact or web site link for the kit company? I didn't find anything with a search.

RE: Scale Dynamics AT-6 Texan Build Thread
 

The plans call for a split elevator setup with external control horns. I decided early that I want to use an internal torque rod setup. I had an extra elevator torque rod in inventory. I just had to cut an opening for clearance in the former that goes behind the stab, but infront of the elevator hinge-line. It looks like it will fit perfectly according to the plans.

RE: Scale Dynamics AT-6 Texan Build Thread
 

Well I'm down to the last two things I can do without the wood order in my hands. One is to install the nose ring stiffiner and the firewall.

Something interesting about the firewall... It's set back into the nose of the fuse 2" on the left and 2 1/8" on the right. By doing the setback it makes room for a nitro engine, (due to the short nose moment on the Texan) by tilting it to the right automatically gives 3 deg. of right thrust. Cool! I don't want to guess on the down-thrust, so I'll shim the engine mount once everything else is done.

RE: Scale Dynamics AT-6 Texan Build Thread
 

No there is no website. He makes them by hand, one at a time, on a per order basis only. I hope to have this one ready for Joe Nall this year. Maybe I can talk him into making a couple for the show. He did tell me he would step up production if there was an interest, but as it is now.. one at a time.

RE: Scale Dynamics AT-6 Texan Build Thread
 

So who is he? What is his address? Phone number? I also did not get anything from a Google search.
John

RE: Scale Dynamics AT-6 Texan Build Thread
 

You can find him here on RCU. He makes alot of fiberglass parts and hard to find window sets.
http://www.rcuniverse.com/market/item.cfm?itemId=695495
His name is Dave.

RE: Scale Dynamics AT-6 Texan Build Thread
 

I've decided to go electric with the Texan. It's a PREFECT platform for electric conversion.

This has some potential...

RE: Scale Dynamics AT-6 Texan Build Thread
 

This has even more potential....

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Done... The batteries lock in at the top and are held in with a velcro strap near the bottom. The are easily removed from the bottom the scale split cowl. I think there will be room to mount the ESC on the firewall too. This project beats the heck out of a 30lb box of sheets and sticks...

RE: Scale Dynamics AT-6 Texan Build Thread
 

I have a photopack to the AT-6.

RE: Scale Dynamics AT-6 Texan Build Thread
 

Hey Guys,

Sorry for the delay and thanks for sticking around.

I'm back from a long trip to CA. It's time to get going on the Texan build again.

My wood order arrived from Balsa USA in great shape. Nothing missing , broken or damaged.

I started by sorting the sheeting into hard and soft groups. Both ends of the 48" x 3" x 3/32" sheets get an angle cut by measuring 1" from the end on the bottom up to the corner. Then the 36" x 3" x 3/32" gets cut in half to make 2 each 18" pieces. Those also get an angle cut to mate up on each end of the 48" piece. The result is one long sheet measuring 82" long by 3" wide.

I made up 4 (2 for the top and 2 for the bottom) of these sheets before proceeding to the next step.

Then I used a dozen t-pins to pin a sheet into its location 1/8" back from the front of main spar. I used masking tape to outline the sheet on the foam. It's important to have the tape flush with the edge of the sheet. If it gets under you wont be able to remove it, if it's too far away, the glue will stick to the foam where it's not supposed to.

Once the sheet is outlined with tape, you remove the sheet and pour on the Gorilla Glue. I used an old credit card to spread a generous but even layer on the foam and a thin layer on the backside of the sheet. You don't need to worry about one kicking off before you do the other, but don't take a lunch break in between. When you're ready place the sheet on the foam and be sure you have it lined up within the tape line.

Start pinning! I started in the middle and worked my way towards the tips. Pin down both edges of the sheet and both ends of the sheet evenly. 4 pins on this edge-4pins on that edge, 4 pins on one and then the other, and so on. Insert the pins at a 45 deg angle. I did one pin 45 degrees to the front and the next 45 degrees to the rear. To prevent the sheet from riding up the pin when the glue starts to expand. When the sheet has been pinned, stand the wing up on it's leading edge so not to distort the -2 deg washout or accidently build in a twist. That's it... wait 5 hours to the glue to cure and do another sheet on the other side of the wing. Once you have the 4 main sheets installed, the wing becomes incredibly strong.

The next step is to install the trailing edge...
More to come soon.

RE: Scale Dynamics AT-6 Texan Build Thread
 

I guess RCU had a problem with their picture server or something. I can't seem to replace the damaged photos with the originals, so I'm going to re-add them to this post. It'll be your job to figure out which picture goes with which post. Sorry about that. Hopefully, the pictures will match the post from here on out.

RE: Scale Dynamics AT-6 Texan Build Thread
 

Mike,
Thanks for posting more pics. I ordered one today from Dave. Going to go Electric as well. Likely the Hacker A50 series. I have one in my 14.5lb P47 and it's great.
Keep posting! [8D]

RE: Scale Dynamics AT-6 Texan Build Thread
 

Great Sean... I know you'll love it.

I blew the dust off of my camera and started to take more pictures of the built. I mounted the ESC and RX battery on the firewall between the Lipos. You'll also see the cowl ring bolted on the fuse. The top section will stay bolted on to the fuse, while the lower section (pencil marks) will be removable for access to change out the lipos.

RE: Scale Dynamics AT-6 Texan Build Thread
 

I built the ailerons and elevators over the weekend. For the elevator, you edge glue two sheets of hard balsa together and cut to shape the "core". Then add the leading edge and the ribs. Sand to shape, hinge and cover.. done.

RE: Scale Dynamics AT-6 Texan Build Thread
 

If forgot to take pictures of how the trailing edge is built, but the plans have all of the information you need. I also finished sheeting the bottom of the wing. The bottom sheeting comes flush to the trailing edge, but the top is a little tricky. I haven't begun to built the flap pockets yet. To prep the wing surface for sanding, first I ran a damp sponge across the wing to help lift some of the small dents up. When it was dry, I started sanding to make everything even and smooth. Then I used a old credit card to put on a thin layer of DAP light weight spackle to fill the pin holes (there's hundreds of 'em) Now its ready for final sanding. Most of the spackle you see there will be sanded off leaving a smooth wing surface thats ready for fiberglass.

RE: Scale Dynamics AT-6 Texan Build Thread
 

Mike,
Interesting, looks like you build the wing complete then slide the center section over it? So the FG center is really just a cosmetic pce without formers, etc? Also, I've found gorilla glue really expands and needs a lot of weight and pressure to hold it down, I assume as you didn't use any water to activate the glue is why you didn't get this expansion?
I think you said you're going with 2x 3S for 6S power correct? What are the dimensions of your packs? Also, what is the ID of the fuse vs the ID of the cowl?
Thanks again for sharing your progress....looks like it's going smoothly so far.

RE: Scale Dynamics AT-6 Texan Build Thread
 

Yes Sean, You're right. I did not activate the glue with water. I just spread a layer on the foam and a very thin layer on the back side of the sheet. Then pin it down, You cannot run the pins straight in, you have to push them in at about 45 degrees. I push one in to the front and the next towards the rear. On the bottom, you need to add extra pins in the center section. On the top you need to add extra pins to the dihedral joint to keep the sheet from lifting up. Wait 4-5 hours and pull the pins out. I used needle nose pliers and gave each pin a small twist as I was pulling them out. Be sure to pull them out at the same angle you pushed them in, or you might splinter the wood around the hole. The glue does expand a little. It will foam up around open pin holes and in between sheets that don't fit exactly together. The glue-foam sands down easily and is more or less the same color as the wood.
The Fiberglass center section is just cosmetic. The sheeting is thinner on the top rear to accomodate the fg CC. Once the wing is finished but not glassed, fit up the CC and make any adjustments you need to get it to fit just right then do your normal wing alignment. Believe me when I tell you that after the sheeting is done you could ride the wing like a surfboard without breaking it. It's crazy strong.. you won't believe it.

Here are the battery specs from hobbyking.

Capacity(mAh) 3300
Config(s) 3
Discharge(c) 30
Weight(g) 297
Max Charge Rate (C) 2
Length-A(mm) 137
Height-B(mm) 43
Width-C(mm) 23


I'll have to get back to you on the ID of the fuse and cowl.

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Double post deleted

RE: Scale Dynamics AT-6 Texan Build Thread
 

Here is a short update from the work over the weekend. This is how you build the flaps and elevators. The process is to edge glue two harder balsa sheets together and cut to the shape of the elevator. Transfer the rib marks from the plan and pencil them in to both sides of the basla sheet. Glue on the leading edge, add the ribs, drill the hinge holes, and sand to match the shape of the plans. The center flap is the only one I've built so far. I cut the 1/6" aircraft ply to match the plans and used angle aluminum to keep it straight using small clips. Then I added the leading edge and the ribs. I added the 1/8" square stick between each rib, hinged and here is the result. The outer flaps are coming soon to a built thread near you.

RE: Scale Dynamics AT-6 Texan Build Thread
 

Nice progress Mike, thanks for sharing.
Dave sent me a note today and it sounds like my kit will still ship within the 2 week delivery promise. Nice communication.
Also ordered my retracts today.
Keep building. Keep posting. [8D]

RE: Scale Dynamics AT-6 Texan Build Thread
 

I installed the Horizonal Stab and built the rudder over the weekend. The tip of the stab needs to be sawed off. I also used a dremmel to remove some of the extra fiberglass and resin in the hole where the stab slides in. I went with an internal torque type of elevator control. That need to be installed behind the bulkhead so it is in-line with the hinge-line. I used a small dowel wraped with sandpaper to make the cut out for the torque fork. I also built and hindged the rudder and tail-wheel. The rudder is built the same way the elevators are. It's important to make sure the Robart 1/8" hinge points are set all the way down to the radius of the leading edge. I added blocks to the trailing edge on the inside, drilled and mounted it to the hinges in the rudder to make sure everything moved smoothly and that it rotates properly without bindling. I think Mr. Nano swallowed a bug in picture #3

RE: Scale Dynamics AT-6 Texan Build Thread
 

Or Mr. Nano is saying "HI" to us :)

RE: Scale Dynamics AT-6 Texan Build Thread
 

Mike,
Any progress on the T-6? Mine arrived last week. Likely won't get into it until the summer or fall, but watching your build closely.
Thanks

RE: Scale Dynamics AT-6 Texan Build Thread
 

Hey Sean,

I'm glad to see it made it safely. What do you think of of the kit? Can you believe how light the fuse is? I was shocked... I worked on my Texan off and on over the weekend. I finished both outboard flaps and attached the leading edge. I cut, but have not glued the top / rear 1/16" ply flap pocket. I need do some minor adjustments to the flaps before I attach it. I also built the radio tray and temporarily mounted it to the inside of the firewall. I can't glue it in until I finish the motor mount, because it looks like it might interfere with the blind "T" nuts on the inside. Also I made a trip to the local hobby shop to buy a set of 48" (Blue-stiff) Gold-N-Rods. The 36" ers were too short to make it all the way to the radio tray. Here are some pictures of the cockpit "kit" to get your juices flowing.

RE: Scale Dynamics AT-6 Texan Build Thread
 

Dave did send me some pics of the cockpit kit he's working on. Do you have one now?
I'd like to see him make a version of it that only goes down to 'bust' level.
I didn't spend a lot of time looking at the kit, just basically checked that everything looked like it travelled safe. I'll dig into this summer proably. Need to get another project finished first. :eek:

RE: Scale Dynamics AT-6 Texan Build Thread
 

Hey Sean,

The pictures above are of Dave's Cockpit mock-up. I took them with my cell phone when I was on a visit there over Christmas. Dave has the drawings available, but I'm a long ways from that step just yet. I may have to go with a "bust" level cockpit tub too, if I want to have it ready for Joe Nall that is.... I'm still on schedule, but time is getting short. I ordered a dummy radial engine, so I can mount the cowl and motor. Then I can mount the radio tray and push rods, then I can install the formers and tie in the elevator torque rod before the Vert Stab trailing edge. I have to built it in order and everything is connected to something else. Whew! I'll keep you updated and I try to post some pictures of all three flaps working together.

RE: Scale Dynamics AT-6 Texan Build Thread
 

Can you tell me how I purchase one of those Scale Dynamic AT-6 kits.

RE: Scale Dynamics AT-6 Texan Build Thread
 

Dave goes by the name 'probuilder' here on RCU. You can find him in the 'members' link and shoot him a note.
I have a NIB set of Robart retracts for this model if you do get the kit. Just PM me.