Chip and I will be doing a build on the new Pass-Port ARF from CA Models. Here are pics of Chip's Pass-Port just out of the box.
Just to let everyone know all CA Models are imported into the US by Netboxhobbies. here is the link http://www.netboxhobby.com/main.sc I recieved this from Chip, I will be adding to the thread as I get the info from Chip.


Hi Guys

Since I haven't done a build thread before, and there is not a real rush to get these models in the air, I decided to give it a shot.
This is the new Passport EP. Designed by Marcelo Columbo and myself to be used to compete in all classes of precision aerobatics.
These models are manufactured and sold exclusively through CA Models and their authorized dealers. Since this is the Deluxe ARF version, it comes standard with the following items.

1. CA Models Carbon Gear
2. Carbon Wing Tube/Stab Tube/Anti-Rotation Pin
3. Clear Canopy
4. CA Models Lite Wheels
5. CHP Ball Bearing Horns
6. CA Models Carbon Spinners
7. Incidence Adjuters Wing/ Stab
8. Light Weight Wooden Shipping Boxes
9. Carbon Wheel Pants
10. 2 PC Wing/Stab
11. Carbon/Kevlar/Fiberglass Fuselage
12. 1 PC Foam/Balsa Rudder
13. Nomex Formers/Servo Trays

Optional Extras
1. Split Rudder
2. Removable wing tips/wing tip fins

Any Questions that have to do with Pricing or availibility please send them to Luis at http://www.netboxhobby.com/main.sc first. If he cannot help, then try the factory direct. I am only involved with the design and construction of these models so I do not have a clue when it comes to anything more than that.

This morning I unpacked both of them and I must say I was very pleased with the quality of these models. The CA guys have really stepped up to the plate from what I have seen. I was a little concerned after getting a couple of planes last year that I really had to struggle with to make weight, and in the end didn't. After the Nationals, Marcelo and I had some long conversations about what its going to take to be able to compete with some of the planes coming from Japan and China. Since then they have made a few changes which will enable them to do just that. Most are in the quality of the raw materials. Everything from the epoxy used to lay up the fuselages, to the type of foam for the wings and stabs. In the end, the models from 6 months ago may look identical to these when setting next to one another, but these will be a few ounces lighter as well as stronger.

After I unpacked both planes, I started the hinging process. Each aileron has 4 CA hinges, while the elevators and each rudder half only use 3. The rudder hinges go into the leading edge of each half at a 45 degree angle and then they meet and each side uses the same slot in the rudder post. Be sure to use something about an inch long to wedge between the two halves when you are ready to CA the hinges in place. If not you will more then likely end up with a built up one piece rudder.

Please remember these will be electric powered planes, and if a glo version is what you decide to go with you will need to add at least
one more hinge per surface.

After the hinges were all set in place and glued I decided to put them both together just to make sure everything fit like I had hoped, which it did.

A good friend of mine was nice enough to open up his shop for this little project, so I can do both at the same time and not have to
worry about running out of space. However, by doing this I have limited my work time a little due to our schedules. He has to be
away traveling for his business tonight and tomorrow, and I leave Thurs. for the NASCAR race in Vegas. So from now until Monday there will not be much added. I do however plan to fly them before the following weekend so next week will be a blur. BTW Todd Blose will have his 2 Passports within the next week, so he will be able to answer any questions about these Planes as well.

I also forgot to mention it earlier, if anyone knows a way of doing something better or easier, please don't hesitate to chime in. I am
always open to trying a new technique or trick that will make this process as painless as possible.

Thanks

Chip

Looks great, any weights yet? The quality of Camodel planes has really improved by the looks of things.

No weights yet. I will post them when I can

Hi Todd,

What is your choice of power source and your initial impression of the quality?

Thanks,
Kevin

Kevin,
I will be running the Hacker C50XL14 with FlightPower 535010s batteries. I am very imperssed with the quality of the paint and covering on the Pass-Port

Here are a couple of pic's of the split rudder. We are using ca hinges and what we do is hinge each rudder in the same place then put both sets into the rudder post works great.

Todd,

Thank you for the quick reply. I will follow your build with high interest, and this is a very nice looking plane!

Kevin

Thanks Kevin.

Here is the rudder attached to the fuse

1 more of the rudder, just added the stab and wing hinged

Why is the rudder split?

Todd,

Does the split rudder come standard on the PassPort ?

Mark, the rudder is split to help on knife edge. we only use on side and leave to other rudder straight to give the fuse more side area. We will use both rudders in stall turns and snaps.

As far as I know the split rudder will be an option.

Here are some pic's of the Pass-Port with all surfaces hinged. we will start on mounting the motor,radio
and control horns next.

Very nice plane and scheme, I really like it.

Two rudders mean two separate servos per rudder? So you will have three conditions for the rudder which means two for left and right KE and one for normal flight? Have you tested the split rudder on knife edge? How does it work really? How does the moving rudder produce lift in KE if there is not airflow under it due to the non moving rudder??

Also can you use the two rudders deflected at equal angle in the downlines for break?

Looking forward to your answers,
Nikos

Nickolas,
yes wew are running 2 servos on the rudder. the conditions ,are we use one side for knife edge and the other condition is for snaps and stall turns. we have a third condition that will split the rudder, but in the test on down lines it's just not effective. as for the knife edgewhen using one side of the rudder and the SFG's on the wind the Pass-Port kinfe edges with very little rudder and does not dip the tail.
hope this helps

Any detail-pic's of the 2 rudder servos? (and steering)

Greetz

Alexzzz
We should have more pic's in a couple of days. What we did on the first Pass-Port (last year)
was we mounted the rudder servos on each side of the fuse under the stab. The tail wheel
was not attached to the rudder it just free wheeled. I am going to try and attach mine to one side and see how it works.

Thanks for the answer. The more I look at this model, the more I like it. Hope it flies as good as it looks.

All the best to you and Chip at the forthcoming events with PassPort. I am awaiting for Chip's flying back...he is a legend in pattern and IMAC and deserves to be on top.

Best regards,
Nikos

Thanks Nickolas, Chip should have his in the air next week. I will keep updating the thread we get more done.

Chip,

first of all I really like the look of the new model.

Having purchased a CA model Eclipse from Aeroworks a few years ago I hope their quality does improve. It would be a better option for me as I like to build.

I do have a question regarding your talk with Marcelo and the improved raw materials used

"Marcelo and I had some long conversations about what its going to take to be able to compete with some of the planes coming from Japan and China. Since then they have made a few changes which will enable them to do just that. Most are in the quality of the raw materials. Everything from the epoxy used to lay up the fuselages, to the type of foam for the wings and stabs. In the end, the models from 6 months ago may look identical to these when setting next to one another, but these will be a few ounces lighter as well as stronger.


Since you brought it up and then showed us a photo of the quality wood used. Is this the quality standard we should expect?

Freddie,
Not sure what happened to chip's answer but I asked him to answer you question again.
Greg,
your question was how the Pass-Port was holding up to the 4 stroke motors.
I know that one of Marcelo's Pass-ports has the YS 170 in it. I have not heard of any problems. I hope
that he will see this and let us know how it is doing. Here is a pic of the YS 170 Pass-Port

Ok so all pic's so far have been of Chip's Pass-Port. Mine just got here today so here it is, the scheme is the same except I have pearl red instead if pink. here is how the plane comes from CA Models

couple more just out of the crate. I will start putting it all together tomorrow

Please weigh your parts Todd..
I think we are all waiting on this to order.. If this won't make weight with an outrunner and 5350's I will have to choose otherwise..

Ps..

If you guys want to do a writeup on it and send it in to me, I will get it in the Kfactor..

Thanks,

Chris

[email protected]

I have to agree that ideally that peice of wood should not of been used. At least its a light peice.

Chip