Avonds F-16 build
12-15-2005, 10:55 PM
#1
Avonds F-16 build
I've had this kit awhile but been busy with work, flying and moving. Now its to cold to fly so its time to build it. Thought I would give the build thread a go but I'm a slow builder so this may take awhile. Please be patient with updates
This kit builds very simular to the F-15, starting with the fuse and prep work. All fiberglass components get a wash and a rub down with a scotch bright pad and water to dull the surface and make it so it holds paint better. All seams are smoothed out and small glass parts are worked to fit the fuse properly. Some grinding on glass components to remove duct passages and servo access doors is done early in the build. Bulkhead location is made by drilling pre-marked holes in the fuse then using pins to locate and hold the bulkheads in place when installing.
Wing mounting bolt holes are drilled at this time, be very very carefull here as the pre-marked locations--at least on my fuse were not well defined.
This kit builds very simular to the F-15, starting with the fuse and prep work. All fiberglass components get a wash and a rub down with a scotch bright pad and water to dull the surface and make it so it holds paint better. All seams are smoothed out and small glass parts are worked to fit the fuse properly. Some grinding on glass components to remove duct passages and servo access doors is done early in the build. Bulkhead location is made by drilling pre-marked holes in the fuse then using pins to locate and hold the bulkheads in place when installing.
Wing mounting bolt holes are drilled at this time, be very very carefull here as the pre-marked locations--at least on my fuse were not well defined.
12-15-2005, 11:01 PM
#2
RE: Avonds F-16 build
Continuing with fiberglass work on the hatch. The fuse has marks in the hatch area that need to be drilled to accept the dowels and hatch pins. Measure these closely as they are not real accurate. Hatch work completed here early as to help keep the fuse from deforming when bulk heads are installed. So far so good, will tweek the fit later on before painting to get a good match of the seams.
12-15-2005, 11:09 PM
#3
RE: Avonds F-16 build
Continuing with gear door prep, by installing balsa doubler in the fuse and glassing over the entire area. Mark and cut the upper door hinge line, and install the hinges. Same for the nose gear but the hinges are not permanently installed at this time.
12-16-2005, 08:18 AM
#5
RE: Avonds F-16 build
Hi Mark,
I have done a mod to make the taileron control via an internal linkage...should be very solid. I can post some pics if you are interested. I will now have no external linkages on the model as the rudder linkage is a internal also.
Regards,
Craig.
I have done a mod to make the taileron control via an internal linkage...should be very solid. I can post some pics if you are interested. I will now have no external linkages on the model as the rudder linkage is a internal also.
Regards,
Craig.
12-16-2005, 08:21 AM
#6
RE: Avonds F-16 build
Hi again,
By the way, I finished up replacing the stock gear door hinges as I found that they were too flexible under normal operating pressures for the door rams. I found that the rams displaced the doors so I changed them for a more rigid door hinge....problem solved. Might be worth doing before you cut those doors out!
Keep up the build thread. It is always good to see how other people do things!
Regards,
Craig
By the way, I finished up replacing the stock gear door hinges as I found that they were too flexible under normal operating pressures for the door rams. I found that the rams displaced the doors so I changed them for a more rigid door hinge....problem solved. Might be worth doing before you cut those doors out!
Keep up the build thread. It is always good to see how other people do things!
Regards,
Craig
12-16-2005, 09:51 AM
#7
RE: Avonds F-16 build
Nice job, I'm currently in the process of finishing my second one. Word of caution make sure all the f/g cloth former reinforcements are done as per PA. The couple oz of weight wont matter on this jet. My first one only weighed 21# dry and with a Ram 1000 would go straight up. Lands at a crawl. The hatch is a bit.........!
12-16-2005, 07:32 PM
#8
RE: Avonds F-16 build
Craig, be my guest on posts! Will take a look at what you have. On my F-15 I went per plan and have had zero issues with the stock setup but would look cleaner with internal linkages allthough you dont noticed it when its in the air. Thanks for the input.
Mark
Mark
12-16-2005, 10:22 PM
#9
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RE: Avonds F-16 build
ORIGINAL: Craig B.
Hi Mark,
I have done a mod to make the taileron control via an internal linkage...should be very solid. I can post some pics if you are interested. I will now have no external linkages on the model as the rudder linkage is a internal also.
Regards,
Craig.
Hi Mark,
I have done a mod to make the taileron control via an internal linkage...should be very solid. I can post some pics if you are interested. I will now have no external linkages on the model as the rudder linkage is a internal also.
Regards,
Craig.
I would be very interested to hear and see what you have done to modify the linkages. I am about to purchase the PA F 16 and wanted to move the linkage so that they are all internal.
Mark,
Great job on providing pictures and comments. this is the first build thread I have seen for the PA F 16. Which turbine are you planning on installing? I am going the route of the Artes 120 Super Eagle (I have one in my CJM F 4), but may have to limit the thrust. Keep it up I will be watching closely.
Cary
12-16-2005, 11:02 PM
#10
RE: Avonds F-16 build
Am planning on AMT 180 power. PA says he is very satisfied with the combination.
Started the canopy work tonight, was hoping when I got the kit PA would have a F G frame but is basically the same as the Eagle version. I opted for the Aeroloft canopy frame on my F-15. Maybe someday there will be one for the Falcon.
Real easy work on the canopy with the base plate and hold down hooks. The front slides into and is held in place using the lip of the canopy opening and the rear will be held down using a FG hook and rubber bands. The plastic cockpit is a one shot deal so patients is the key to trimming [:@]. the clear canopy will cover the cockpit and will be a flush fit with the fuse once you place, center and secure (glue) the cockpit to the base.
Started the canopy work tonight, was hoping when I got the kit PA would have a F G frame but is basically the same as the Eagle version. I opted for the Aeroloft canopy frame on my F-15. Maybe someday there will be one for the Falcon.
Real easy work on the canopy with the base plate and hold down hooks. The front slides into and is held in place using the lip of the canopy opening and the rear will be held down using a FG hook and rubber bands. The plastic cockpit is a one shot deal so patients is the key to trimming [:@]. the clear canopy will cover the cockpit and will be a flush fit with the fuse once you place, center and secure (glue) the cockpit to the base.
Training so far with both has been a little hit and mis[:'(] 
12-17-2005, 01:10 AM
#12
RE: Avonds F-16 build
Hi Mark,
I also made a fibreglass canopy frame from a mold that I made using the stock canopy as a plug. I will post some pics of the elevator mods and the canopy frame for you guys to see.
For the elevator mods I used the machined aluminium control horns that I pilfered from my yellow f18 twin (and have since replaced) It just so happens that these are made to fit on the same size shaft that is used on the avonds F16. I obtained a spare set from yellow and machined the sides off them. I discarded the carbon rods from the kit and machined some 41-40 steel pivot shafts from bar stock. Photos to follow. These slide into a box formed by plywood laminated balsa on the forward and aft sides and an aluminium plate on the underside of the elevator. The whole structure is epoxied into the elevator and faced off with balsa to restore the contour to the area where I cut through the underside of the elevator skin. This entire area is then covered by a layer of glass cloth and 100g/m carbon fiber cloth.
For those who may have doubts about the integrity of this setup, here is an interesting observation. I have been using the same setup on my F15 for several years and I recently had a bad landing where one of the elevator tips scraped on the ground as a result of collapse of the gear rails. The steel pivot shaft bent but there is no sign whatsoever of stress cracks in the elevator around the boxing for the pivot shaft. So it appears that the steel shaft is the weak link in the equation! I was pleasantly surprised by this.
I will post some pics tonight of the setup.....it is not complete in my F16 yet in that I have yet to make the pushrods but otherwise it is well on the way. Inspection of the elevator servos can be done through the original hatches for the elevator servos. The pics will show things more clearly.
Have fun guys!
Craig.
I also made a fibreglass canopy frame from a mold that I made using the stock canopy as a plug. I will post some pics of the elevator mods and the canopy frame for you guys to see.
For the elevator mods I used the machined aluminium control horns that I pilfered from my yellow f18 twin (and have since replaced) It just so happens that these are made to fit on the same size shaft that is used on the avonds F16. I obtained a spare set from yellow and machined the sides off them. I discarded the carbon rods from the kit and machined some 41-40 steel pivot shafts from bar stock. Photos to follow. These slide into a box formed by plywood laminated balsa on the forward and aft sides and an aluminium plate on the underside of the elevator. The whole structure is epoxied into the elevator and faced off with balsa to restore the contour to the area where I cut through the underside of the elevator skin. This entire area is then covered by a layer of glass cloth and 100g/m carbon fiber cloth.
For those who may have doubts about the integrity of this setup, here is an interesting observation. I have been using the same setup on my F15 for several years and I recently had a bad landing where one of the elevator tips scraped on the ground as a result of collapse of the gear rails. The steel pivot shaft bent but there is no sign whatsoever of stress cracks in the elevator around the boxing for the pivot shaft. So it appears that the steel shaft is the weak link in the equation! I was pleasantly surprised by this.
I will post some pics tonight of the setup.....it is not complete in my F16 yet in that I have yet to make the pushrods but otherwise it is well on the way. Inspection of the elevator servos can be done through the original hatches for the elevator servos. The pics will show things more clearly.
Have fun guys!
Craig.
12-17-2005, 01:35 AM
#14
RE: Avonds F-16 build
I am having no luck with the photos....will try again later tonight when I have more time.....17 month old daughter beckons...need I say more?
Craig.
Craig.
12-17-2005, 05:03 AM
#17
RE: Avonds F-16 build
The great thing about this system is that it takes about 30 seconds to remove the elevators at the field....undo 4 screws and you're done.......There is no slop in the system either as I went to great lengths to machine the pivot rods to the correct tolerances. Setting it up took some patience as I had to replicate the anhedral on the elevators but this wasn't too difficult if you used the hole in the original root rib as a guide on the inboard end. The rear former will need to be relieved (ie. lightening holes enlarged to permit placement and movement of the carbon pushrod, but that's no big deal.
The yellow control horns are very well made. I just machined the sides of them and I will need to cross-drill the pivot shafts for the locking bolt.....not really a drama but a bit fiddly.
The aluminium plate to which the shaft bolts is the size of the cutout region in the elevator skin and consists of 3mm aluminium sheet. This is supported on either side of the steel shaft by 2mm ply, 10mm end grain balsa and then 2mm ply again on the forward/aft extremity. These bearers are orientated spanwise and parallel to the shaft. I was careful not to disturb the upper wing skin while removing all of the foam and custom fitting the balsa/ply supporting blocks. The load is therefore distributed over a relatively large area via the aluminium plate and its supporting structure.
The elevator servo mounts in the pics are incomplete....I will post some pics of them installed.
The yellow control horns are very well made. I just machined the sides of them and I will need to cross-drill the pivot shafts for the locking bolt.....not really a drama but a bit fiddly.
The aluminium plate to which the shaft bolts is the size of the cutout region in the elevator skin and consists of 3mm aluminium sheet. This is supported on either side of the steel shaft by 2mm ply, 10mm end grain balsa and then 2mm ply again on the forward/aft extremity. These bearers are orientated spanwise and parallel to the shaft. I was careful not to disturb the upper wing skin while removing all of the foam and custom fitting the balsa/ply supporting blocks. The load is therefore distributed over a relatively large area via the aluminium plate and its supporting structure.
The elevator servo mounts in the pics are incomplete....I will post some pics of them installed.
12-17-2005, 05:45 AM
#18
RE: Avonds F-16 build
Some more of the servo mounts and the canopy. I have not finished trimming the carbon reinforcement of the canopy frame yet.......a few planes on the go at once and a baby girl! I will probably glass or carbon in the servo mounts for added insurance and to stabilize the surrounding skin.
Mark, please continue with your posts, I love watching other people at work on their models and seeing different ways of doing things.
Regards,
Craig.
Mark, please continue with your posts, I love watching other people at work on their models and seeing different ways of doing things.
Regards,
Craig.
12-17-2005, 03:25 PM
#20
RE: Avonds F-16 build
Looking great guys!
@ Craig: I was planning to do the same elevator conversion as you, though want to keep the carbon shafts and use only the aluminium lever on the inside. Also want to keep the original servo hatch installation, just rotate the servo 180° where the belcrank operates from the inside. Much more simple and lighter modification although not with the 30 secs. breakdown benefits....
Will try to finish mine in next months after a 3 year break
due to work and pilot study.......can´t have it all
Cheers,
Gerald
Some more pics...: http://foto.modelbouwforum.nl/index.php?cat=10188
@ Craig: I was planning to do the same elevator conversion as you, though want to keep the carbon shafts and use only the aluminium lever on the inside. Also want to keep the original servo hatch installation, just rotate the servo 180° where the belcrank operates from the inside. Much more simple and lighter modification although not with the 30 secs. breakdown benefits....
Will try to finish mine in next months after a 3 year break
due to work and pilot study.......can´t have it allCheers,
Gerald
Some more pics...: http://foto.modelbouwforum.nl/index.php?cat=10188
12-18-2005, 03:06 PM
#22
RE: Avonds F-16 build
I'm currently in the process of finishing my second one
Just started finishing my first one........ below a picture of how mine will be painted.
Started building again a couple of weeks ago and began with the wing smokewinders and finished thereafter Philips scale nozzles, really beautiful masterpiece!! Hope to get the beast rocking again next season!
Best regards,
Gerald
12-18-2005, 05:21 PM
#24
RE: Avonds F-16 build
Gerald,
Mine is just about totally built. Just doing some of the little stuff like the rudder servo cover etc. I need to start the priming and finish work now. I considered another "Diana" paint job but decided this one will be a Thunderbird, got PAs mask/decal kit ... thinking about putting a smoke system on it. May fly it then add the smoke later. I like the mods PA did to make the the main former stronger. Looking for a new motor with a PST 1300 as a leader of the pack for now.
Best Regards
Tom
Mine is just about totally built. Just doing some of the little stuff like the rudder servo cover etc. I need to start the priming and finish work now. I considered another "Diana" paint job but decided this one will be a Thunderbird, got PAs mask/decal kit ... thinking about putting a smoke system on it. May fly it then add the smoke later. I like the mods PA did to make the the main former stronger. Looking for a new motor with a PST 1300 as a leader of the pack for now.
Best Regards
Tom
12-19-2005, 05:08 AM
#25
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RE: Avonds F-16 build
I' ve been flying the Avonds F-16 this year. Great plane and the kit goes togehter very well. I only had trouble with the nose leg being to weak for grass field operation. Otherwise total succes on stock setup.