Whew! OK, sorry I paniced. So, is the double taper suppose to self distribute itself(top to bottom) after you pull the wing off the building table? In other words, the tension in the spruce doubler spars equalizes once the wing is relaxed from the table? Or am I completely lost? (more than likely)

Kevin

The top is totally flat.... That's why it build's flat on a table.... The taper is on the bottom of the wing only and follows the contour of the ribs.......

I received a response from AKM, I don't think they would mind me posting it here.

[Hi Ken,
It is 4.69 per set plus 6.95 shipping.
Please use address below for payment.
Thank you.
AKM
Come visit AKM website at: http://ak-models.com
AK Models
1635 Hemingway Lane,
Iowa City, IA 52240]

I'm not sure if there is any setup cost. Sounds like a deal to me.

Ken

Ok, I think I'll just stay out of it, I was watching Blackbird build his from a distance, so I could'nt really tell what was going on, and considering the condition I was in:stupid: I'm sure he has it under control anyhow...

Kevin

Here is the reply from the laser cutter. Sounds like a nice deal.

[Hi Ken,
No, there is no set-up cost.
I have Nose plywood sides and 2 sheets 3/32 of balsa ribs.
And it is all included.
AKM
Come visit AKM website at: http://ak-models.com
AK Models
1635 Hemingway Lane,
Iowa City, IA 52240]

Hello,

I'm thinking about building one of these for a first scratch build. but I have a few questions! How are you guys getting the full size plans for the Taco? Also I have a 40LA and some standard servos would this be ok, if i sit them in the tail to offset the heavier engine. Also what is the average build time and cost on a small scratch built plane? Thanks!

Hi Shovel-Head.....

This is a pretty easy plane to build... but I did the plans for guys that have built a morris plane or two..... So I never really did any instructions.... You could follow the Morris SuDoKhoi instructions and have a pretty good idea of how to build it... Or just post questions here and I'm sure you'll get the answers you need.

The plans are available via CAD. You can download them at http://swanyshouse.com/taco/taco.html and get them printed at a Kinko's or any drafting supply shop.... If you have trouble send me an email for my address and then send a self addressed stamped letter size envelop and I'll mail you a set.

This plane is a pretty quick build... I built the first one in a week.... I rebuilt it in about 3 days when someone flew through my wing on the maiden voyage....

I'm off to fly my own taco today.... The temp is up to 40 and the sky is beautiful!!! Time to burn some holes baybee!!!

Da King - Did you guys add any lightening holes in the ribs you sent out for lazer cutting? Also... I found an error in the rib drawing... the TE isn't setup for the 1/4" sq stock to butt against... I'm gonna do some work on the drawing.... Thinking about building a few of these to take to the Pro Bro flyin....

Yes i put holes in the ribs.
On accedent......sorry.....I made the trailing edge strait. Wasnt thinking when i did it and had to go back and look to see if i did or not. Thats a good idea to slant the te. This way you only have one side of the te to sand.

I redrew the ribs if anyone needs them....

I did a new laser file and redid some of the fuse to stiffen it up....

New files at: http://swanyshouse.com/taco/taco2.zip

I downloaded the cad drawings and opened them with a freeware dfx/dwg program. Question is what size paper should it be printed on to be scale?

I guess I could go to our engineering dept and see if they could help but then they would know Im goofing off

Thanks,

Ben in SC

The outer dimentions of the boarder are 48.375" x 34". The wing span should measure 37"

Thanks,

Got them printed on a 36X50 sheet of paper. Does anyone have a list of materials that are needed to build this plane?

Thx

Are there any online sources where I can get the DXF file printed?

Thanks

Check kinkos or a local drafting supply place...

Paul,

The 37in Taco sounds great, but my eyes are not as good as they use to be.

How about enlarging it to a 42 or 44 in wing span for a .32 to .36 and call it a Taco Supreme.

Don

I think you could get away with that.... That's almost the size of a 40 size suDoKhoi..... If you send me a self addressed stamped letter size envelope, I'll scale up the plans and mail them to you.

Anybody? Ide like to make an order so I can build this. Will be my first attempt at building from plans... Any help appreciated.

Ben in SC

I just read the plans and compiled a list....

Is the this plane competitive with a Top Cap? It looks fun to build but I would like to know how it flies before I jump in. I have just built a PBF and noticed the same names on this thread. Thanks for any help.

Sorta like a top cap but smaller...

It flys a lot like a top cap... Harriers, hovers, spins.. great.. I love flying mine...

Paul,

Just wondering where it likes to be balanced. (I'm guessing on the spar? ) Also, what thickness/width alum. did you use for the gear? It's been a blast to build so far. I started yesterday, already have the tail and the fuse built and the wing framed ready to be sheeted. This is my first profile - do they all build this quick?! I'm pretty pumped b/c I had most of the wood already and pretty much all the hardware/motor/radio/monokote, so it's only gonna cost about $25 out of pocket! I'll post more pics when I get her finished.

Matt

P.S. - Where's the field in Memphis? I'm in Cleveland, MS right now @ DSU, thought about coming up one weekend to fly w/yall.

Are you gonna sheet the wing? Might be a little flimsy with out it...

I have mine balanced about 1/2" behind the spar... Flys pretty good there. I had some .080" thick aluminum from an old sign I used for gear... I've got some .050 titanium now.... Great to know guys in the aircraft industry!! You could probably use some 1/8" x 3/4" aluminum bar stock from Home Depot. Might need to drill some lightening holes....

I attached my gear with two bolts, on that went thru the top motor mount and the other thru the bottom motor mount.

Here's a pic of the landing gear: