Avonds F-16 build
02-11-2006, 07:44 PM
#76
RE: Avonds F-16 build
Where did the day go! Seems like I just got started on the rudder this morning and now its early evening and time to give it up for the day. Got the rudder cut out, The two leading edges glue/spot glued into place. Also got the Hinge boxes in place and finally did the glass up of the vert stab. Very cool way to reinforce this area, but gets kind of sticky to[:'(] Having a functional rudder for some is a must but not for me. Spent most of last night and all of today modifying for a functional control surface that probably will never be used[:@] Am not planning on a gyro as with my Eagle it's fights the stabs significantly and isnt needed on takeoff. Most likely the Falcon wont need it either.
02-13-2006, 12:38 PM
#77
RE: Avonds F-16 build
Over night the resin did its magic and I got a nice clean hinge line reinforced with glass cloth. With the balsa blocks installed prior to the glass work the hinge line will be nice and strong, and no questions about high speed flutter
Final hinge work will come later after getting the the vertical stab carbon mounts installed and glassed.
Up next up the always fun wing mount steps[sm=spinnyeyes.gif][sm=thumbup.gif]
Final hinge work will come later after getting the the vertical stab carbon mounts installed and glassed.Up next up the always fun wing mount steps[sm=spinnyeyes.gif][sm=thumbup.gif]
02-13-2006, 01:09 PM
#78
RE: Avonds F-16 build
Nothing replaces experience, The second time is always better!!!!
As with the wing mount steps with my F-15 It was unknown territory but with the Falcon it was a snap. Following PA's instructions to the letter I placed some "Glossy: tape over the wing mount areas on the fuse and used some wax (hardened not liquid) I got from my wifes nail salon. Rubbed it on the wing root area of the fuse to keep glue from sticking that may have oozed out of the carbon fiber and main spar mount areas. Also used some vaseline to protect the fuse were the carbon mount pegs hold the wing in place fwd and aft.
Using built up foam board to suspend the fuse from the wings, slid the wing into place on the spars and carbon fiber mount pegs, wiped away the excess aeropoxy before the wings touched the fuse. Set the wings in the foam blocks, lined everything up, taped and clamped the wing in place, check the foam blocks again, added some ankle weights and Viola!
it's done! glad thats over[sm=tongue.gif]
As with the wing mount steps with my F-15 It was unknown territory but with the Falcon it was a snap. Following PA's instructions to the letter I placed some "Glossy: tape over the wing mount areas on the fuse and used some wax (hardened not liquid) I got from my wifes nail salon. Rubbed it on the wing root area of the fuse to keep glue from sticking that may have oozed out of the carbon fiber and main spar mount areas. Also used some vaseline to protect the fuse were the carbon mount pegs hold the wing in place fwd and aft.Using built up foam board to suspend the fuse from the wings, slid the wing into place on the spars and carbon fiber mount pegs, wiped away the excess aeropoxy before the wings touched the fuse. Set the wings in the foam blocks, lined everything up, taped and clamped the wing in place, check the foam blocks again, added some ankle weights and Viola!
it's done! glad thats over[sm=tongue.gif]
02-15-2006, 07:48 PM
#81
RE: Avonds F-16 build
Mark,
Be careful when you install the antirotation pins. Make sure they stick out enough to go throught he ply doubler in the fuse. Following the instructions you put the pins in with epoxy not cured and when you join the wings the pins push further into the wing than expected. After you get the wing all jiged up make sure the pins protrude through the ply in the fuse before the epoxy sets. Same for the vert. stab + make sure the ply bottom is on the stab before the pins are set.
Tom
Be careful when you install the antirotation pins. Make sure they stick out enough to go throught he ply doubler in the fuse. Following the instructions you put the pins in with epoxy not cured and when you join the wings the pins push further into the wing than expected. After you get the wing all jiged up make sure the pins protrude through the ply in the fuse before the epoxy sets. Same for the vert. stab + make sure the ply bottom is on the stab before the pins are set.
Tom
02-17-2006, 02:20 PM
#83
RE: Avonds F-16 build
Yeah! am finally complete with the stab and vertical fin install.
Not to difficult really as the only thing that takes some time is alignment of the stabs to the wings and the vertical stab alignment to the fuse.
The tricky part is the "eye balling" of the stabs to the trailing edges. Basically what is done is to use a flat piece of stock balsa or in my case aluminum shelving standards to create one plane of reference and the wing trailing edges as another. Using the balsa strip you "eye ball" (bend and stoop) moving down until the planes match. Unless your real lucky they wont as one stab will be off. Then its just a matter of adjusting the stabs until both planes are equal when they intersect. Easy!!!!?! I think I did the squats about 3 dozen times until my knees gave out. Advil is a great product by the way
Not to difficult really as the only thing that takes some time is alignment of the stabs to the wings and the vertical stab alignment to the fuse.
The tricky part is the "eye balling" of the stabs to the trailing edges. Basically what is done is to use a flat piece of stock balsa or in my case aluminum shelving standards to create one plane of reference and the wing trailing edges as another. Using the balsa strip you "eye ball" (bend and stoop) moving down until the planes match. Unless your real lucky they wont as one stab will be off. Then its just a matter of adjusting the stabs until both planes are equal when they intersect. Easy!!!!?! I think I did the squats about 3 dozen times until my knees gave out. Advil is a great product by the way
02-17-2006, 02:33 PM
#84
RE: Avonds F-16 build
The Vertical Stab is removable, so it is important go get a tight fit with the mount box, carbon fiber mount shaft, and fwd mount. It's kind of a trick to hold the shaft in place with tape and using pressure with your finger for insurance and getting the stab to align with the plywood cap and getting the carbon fiber front mount into its slot. But I was lucky and it turned out pretty good. Tape it into place and "Eye ball" the stab square using a building square and once again using a balsa strip taped to the bottom of the horz stabs as a plane of reference. Close enough for me.
02-27-2006, 08:51 PM
#86
RE: Avonds F-16 build
Thanks Warbird AirRacer. I'll get it right yet
The pace has slowed on the build the last couple of weeks. Didnt get anything done this weekend as i attended a co-workers wedding and went flying today! 65degree days in February you cant pass up.
2 weekends ago I did manage to mount the Ventral Fins for static display only as PA suggested not to fly with them. Thought it would be a straight forward step but there is nothing really straight about it. Nothing difficult but to get a nice looking mount with flush seams took me a better part of a day[:@] Its somewhat difficult (at least for me) to get two curving shapes to match. But---with the help of a great friend Lynn Elsner who has taught me some of the ways of a master painter, I got it done. Using a product called Metal Glaze it was a realtively easy task to fill in the two surfaces for a nice finish. Also got the gear doors cut out and ready to mount the door cylinder rod end mounts. Thanks Lynn! Hang in there buddy, see you in a couple of weeks in Tucson![sm=wink.gif]
The pace has slowed on the build the last couple of weeks. Didnt get anything done this weekend as i attended a co-workers wedding and went flying today! 65degree days in February you cant pass up.
2 weekends ago I did manage to mount the Ventral Fins for static display only as PA suggested not to fly with them. Thought it would be a straight forward step but there is nothing really straight about it. Nothing difficult but to get a nice looking mount with flush seams took me a better part of a day[:@] Its somewhat difficult (at least for me) to get two curving shapes to match. But---with the help of a great friend Lynn Elsner who has taught me some of the ways of a master painter, I got it done. Using a product called Metal Glaze it was a realtively easy task to fill in the two surfaces for a nice finish. Also got the gear doors cut out and ready to mount the door cylinder rod end mounts. Thanks Lynn! Hang in there buddy, see you in a couple of weeks in Tucson![sm=wink.gif]
02-27-2006, 09:33 PM
#88
RE: Avonds F-16 build
I got it from Brent Jasper in Minnasoooota Check PA's website for prices. Am not familar with any MiG 29 kits. You cant go wrong with any of Philips kits. There builders kits for sure, In my opinion but not difficult to build. I am no expert but I feel they are well designed and engineered. Price is very good even with the shipping expense from Europe.
mb
Check PA's website for prices. Am not familar with any MiG 29 kits. You cant go wrong with any of Philips kits. There builders kits for sure, In my opinion but not difficult to build. I am no expert but I feel they are well designed and engineered. Price is very good even with the shipping expense from Europe. mb
03-22-2006, 08:41 PM
#89
RE: Avonds F-16 build
Back to work after a couple of weeks off doing other things a traveling to Tucson for the Jet Rally. A real nice place to fly there at TIMPA! It took a little time getting there and coming home but well work the drive.
Finished the install of the intake strut--not much to it but there are no real measurements to go by when making the slot into the intak liner[:@] The install turned out ok and I will not have to much filling to do The install of the strut ties together the lower intake to the fuse so its a must for structural integrity!
Next up glassing the wings and stabs. If the weather warms up enough and after the foot of snow we got melts I will get the fuse outside and put some gray on the inside of the fuse, could be a while---[:'(]
Hey whats that fuzzy thing
Finished the install of the intake strut--not much to it but there are no real measurements to go by when making the slot into the intak liner[:@] The install turned out ok and I will not have to much filling to do
The install of the strut ties together the lower intake to the fuse so its a must for structural integrity! Next up glassing the wings and stabs. If the weather warms up enough and after the foot of snow we got melts I will get the fuse outside and put some gray on the inside of the fuse, could be a while---[:'(]
Hey whats that fuzzy thing
04-25-2006, 07:01 PM
#90
RE: Avonds F-16 build
I bet you all thought this thread went the way of the doodoo! Well, I'm still working/painting on the Falcon and getting some color on! I tried the best I could with the colors the military uses but local paint shops are really no help when it comes to matching FS numbers. So we did our best with the scanners they have to match. There eyeball close but no closer, so it is what it is.
Anyway, the primers down and the wheel wells are white. Also got the first gray color on the bottom of the fuse and wings. So far so good. Worked most of the weekend to this point and now waiting for warmer weather this coming weekend to get the second color on top of the fuse applied. Then trim colors.
More to come.
mb
Anyway, the primers down and the wheel wells are white. Also got the first gray color on the bottom of the fuse and wings. So far so good. Worked most of the weekend to this point and now waiting for warmer weather this coming weekend to get the second color on top of the fuse applied. Then trim colors.
More to come.
mb
04-25-2006, 07:23 PM
#91
RE: Avonds F-16 build
I am painting this model with an empty feeling and heavy heart as I was hopeful that my friend Lynn Elsner would be there with some much needed help and pointers. If you don't know we lost a good friend in the RC Jet community last month. Lynn helped me paint my F-15 and I and all the RC Jet pilots here in Nebraska and the midwest miss him. He would always greet you with a smile a handshake and sometimes a hug. He always wanted to help you with your jet if you had a problem. I was even fortunate enough to get a couple rides in he's Velocity kit plane.
I know he's on the far side of the sky right now flying another RC jet sortie.
Until we see each other again, peace.
mb
I know he's on the far side of the sky right now flying another RC jet sortie.
Until we see each other again, peace.
mb
04-26-2006, 06:28 AM
#92
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RE: Avonds F-16 build
Hi Mark, I noticed in your pictures that the main spar has a bunch of holes in it. I think these were intended on going into the wing so the epoxy can lock around them and keep them from pulling out. That is how my Avonds F-15 was built.
04-26-2006, 09:26 PM
#93
RE: Avonds F-16 build
Hey Topgun--The plans called out for the lightening holes to be as you see them. I had to check as its been awhile since I glued them in Pg 18 shows them inboard and makes a point that the holes are on the end that plug into the fuse.
Thanks
mb
Pg 18 shows them inboard and makes a point that the holes are on the end that plug into the fuse. Thanks
mb
04-27-2006, 05:40 AM
#94
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RE: Avonds F-16 build
I just rechecked my F-15 instructions and plans.....it doesn't say which way to glue in the spars....interesting
Actually, I am swapping out spars that I bent in a ground loop on grass and was going to drill some holes on the part that slides into the wing. I don't think I am going to worry about the holes too much now.
Actually, I am swapping out spars that I bent in a ground loop on grass and was going to drill some holes on the part that slides into the wing. I don't think I am going to worry about the holes too much now.
04-27-2006, 01:38 PM
#95
RE: Avonds F-16 build
I don't think I am going to worry about the holes too much now
Best regards,
Gerald
04-28-2006, 07:46 PM
#96
RE: Avonds F-16 build
My Eagle's wings have the solid end going into the fuse as well. Probably doesnt make much difference. How did you ground loop your F-15???? Cross wind maybe? I wonder when PA will have composite wings for the F15/16?
mb
mb
04-28-2006, 09:09 PM
#98
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RE: Avonds F-16 build
On the maiden, the nose wheel didn't come out. Funny how you can cycle it 50 times on the ground and the problem show up in the air! it turned out that the steering arms were a bit long which caused the nose wheel to turn once retracted. That is fixed now.
Anyway I elected to land in the grass. As soon as the mains touched the nose wheel popped out .....yeaaaaaa!!!! but one of the mains came off and the strut dug into the grass and flipped the plane around. It bent the strut and the retract frame and both main spars. I straightend the spar I thought was bent only to find out the other was bent in dihedral too. Well I heated the spars up with a torch and pulled them out. A friend of mine machined me some new ones out of 7075 T6.
Personally, I like the foam/balsa wings as I find them easier to repair as there is something to hold glue if need be.
Oh yea, what caused the wheel to come off? The original E-clip wasn't that tight of a fit. I replaced it with a BVM one and it has been ok so far. Then 2 flights later the other original E-clip came off, but the strut just skidded on the pavement. I now have a BVM E-clip on that wheel too.
I am running a AT-280SP in my F-15 and it looks like it will go 5 minutes on 120oz with a full 24oz header remaining. I have the 24oz header, and a pair of 120oz Yellow F-15 tanks.
I think Philip has the new composite F-15 out. I think Johnny H. has got one or two.
Anyway I elected to land in the grass. As soon as the mains touched the nose wheel popped out .....yeaaaaaa!!!! but one of the mains came off and the strut dug into the grass and flipped the plane around. It bent the strut and the retract frame and both main spars. I straightend the spar I thought was bent only to find out the other was bent in dihedral too. Well I heated the spars up with a torch and pulled them out. A friend of mine machined me some new ones out of 7075 T6.
Personally, I like the foam/balsa wings as I find them easier to repair as there is something to hold glue if need be.
Oh yea, what caused the wheel to come off? The original E-clip wasn't that tight of a fit. I replaced it with a BVM one and it has been ok so far. Then 2 flights later the other original E-clip came off, but the strut just skidded on the pavement. I now have a BVM E-clip on that wheel too.
I am running a AT-280SP in my F-15 and it looks like it will go 5 minutes on 120oz with a full 24oz header remaining. I have the 24oz header, and a pair of 120oz Yellow F-15 tanks.
I think Philip has the new composite F-15 out. I think Johnny H. has got one or two.