RE: Skymaster L39 build
 

VF84sluggo,

I understand the rework comment concerning this model, but I have to admit it fly’s well. I have a friend who has a flash, and I looked at one a month or so ago, but each year I hold a scale Warbird fly-in and I want a jet I can fly at my own event too. I would like to build an Airworld or BVM one day that I can call my own.

RE: Skymaster L39 build
 

Yes, that's the appeal for me as well: the 'warbird' type of jet versus a 'sport' type. I do like that for sure, and is what made me want an L-39 in the first place. Oh well, I'll get it all up and flying again eventually.

Sluggo

RE: Skymaster L39 build
 

KXH121,

Was your plane bought in jelcoat, or did you refinish and paint.

The reason I ask is, I am thinking of repainting one, but am looking for the best method for removing the old paint not to lose the details.

Anyone else ever take on this task?

RE: Skymaster L39 build
 

I bought mine as an all white jel coat finish. I painted it whan I first got it, then the local airport across from where I fly just bought a full scale L-39, so I just repainted mine to look like theirs.

Mark

RE: Skymaster L39 build
 

Hi Mark,

Looking to finalize my purchase of a FB Hawk from GJC to compliment my FB L-39.

Looking to get back out to the field earlier this year with this spring like weather we've been having...

Doane

RE: Skymaster L39 build
 

triova100,
What type of prep process did you use, like sanding and /or stripping and priming in order to obtain good adhesion. Also what type paint did you refinish it with. Last but not least, did the finish leave all of the rivet detail?

RE: Skymaster L39 build
 

Hi Steve,
I purchased mine in white gelcoat. I originally was going to go with a two tone grey camo scheme (U.S. Marine) but opted for something I could see at a distance. Gentle sanding and stripping to a smooth base finish should work for you and from there you can go with any color scheme you want (try the White/Orange/Black).

RE: Skymaster L39 build
 

Steve, I will have to post a few pics , maybe later tonight.

Do NOT sand the jel coat finish, what I do, and I have painted several Skymaster jets, i wipe the jet down with a medium reducer, or laquer thinner. I even use a small tooth brush to make sure all the panel lines and rivets are clean. Then I mask off the areas to be painted. and just before I paint, I once again wipe it down with the thinner/reducer. I just repainted my L-39 with in the last month and I used "Rustoleum" spray cans. I have PPG before, but I could not justify the cost of the 3 colors for PPG this time, but rostoleum works great, and it's fuel proof. one tip for using the cans is 20 minutes before you paint, shake the can good and sit it in a bucket of warm water, hot water from the tap works fine, when ready, spray a thin tack coat, wait 20 minutes spray a solid coat, and walk away....


Mark

RE: Skymaster L39 build
 

Question for you guys: did y'all just glue the tip tanks on the end of the wing (per Skymaster plans) or did you devise some way of attaching them?

Thanks,
Randy

RE: Skymaster L39 build
 

Hi there Randy!

Here is what i did http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_9464197/tm.htm

You take care my friend..

RE: Skymaster L39 build
 

Hi George!

Good idea, I think I'll try it. Just glueing them on never seemed very secure to me, and I've already had them pop loose. It hasn't happened in flight, but from ground handling.

Randy

RE: Skymaster L39 build
 

Now I am the new proud owner of Alex L39 what a amazing jet with top install & so much looking forward to flying it lucky enough Alex flies at our club & will be setting up for me ready to fly can't wait cheers Lui

RE: Skymaster L39 build
 

ok guys, I am picking up another P-120 and wonder if anyone in this forum has been flying theirs with a P-120.

I have been flying my L-39 with a P-80 and it flew ok.........

is the P-120 to much?


Mark

RE: Skymaster L39 build
 

Mark,

Although I suffered an ECU battery failure that put my plane in a corn field, my JetCat 120 was a perfect fit and match. If you were okay with how it flew with the 80, you will love the 120. It is not a rocket, but neither is the full scale L-39. It did however fly scale maneuvers and had good speed. All in all you will be happy.

Just for fun I put video material together from a full scale L-39 ride video I took and my SkyMaster L-39.

http://rcuvideos.com/video/Skymaster-L-39-Flight

RE: Skymaster L39 build
 

Steve, did you use the stock pipe that came with Skymasters L-39 for the P-120? or did you use something else?

Mark

RE: Skymaster L39 build
 

I am thinking of selling mine with the P-120 in it ready to fly since I have not been able to myself. Too busy with work...........

RE: Skymaster L39 build
 

Mark,

Sorry for not getting back sooner. I was able to hitch a ride to Dallas Warbirds and enjoy friends and planes.

I used to stock pipe. It worked just fine. I allowed mine to extend to the end at the top of the fuselage tail section and never suffered any kind of heat damage.

RE: Skymaster L39 build
 

Thanks.....

I will use the stock pipes......


Mark

L-39 lighting