CA Models Pass-Port Build
 

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

RE: CA Models Pass-Port Build
 

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

RE: CA Models Pass-Port Build
 

No weights yet. I will post them when I can

RE: CA Models Pass-Port Build
 

Hi Todd,

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

Thanks,
Kevin

RE: CA Models Pass-Port Build
 

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

RE: CA Models Pass-Port Build
 

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.

RE: CA Models Pass-Port Build
 

Todd,

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

Kevin

RE: CA Models Pass-Port Build
 

Thanks Kevin.

Here is the rudder attached to the fuse

RE: CA Models Pass-Port Build
 

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

RE: CA Models Pass-Port Build
 

Why is the rudder split?

RE: CA Models Pass-Port Build
 

Todd,

Does the split rudder come standard on the PassPort ?

RE: CA Models Pass-Port Build
 

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.

RE: CA Models Pass-Port Build
 

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.

RE: CA Models Pass-Port Build
 

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

RE: CA Models Pass-Port Build
 

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

RE: CA Models Pass-Port Build
 

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

Greetz:D

RE: CA Models Pass-Port Build
 

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.

RE: CA Models Pass-Port Build
 

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

RE: CA Models Pass-Port Build
 

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

RE: CA Models Pass-Port Build
 

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?

RE: CA Models Pass-Port Build
 

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

RE: CA Models Pass-Port Build
 

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

RE: CA Models Pass-Port Build
 

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

RE: CA Models Pass-Port Build
 

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]

RE: CA Models Pass-Port Build
 

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

Chip

RE: CA Models Pass-Port Build
 

Chris I will get them on as soon as I can.

RE: CA Models Pass-Port Build
 

Did you request pearl red or did they change colors ? Looks better than the pink.

Jon

RE: CA Models Pass-Port Build
 

I asked for the red

RE: CA Models Pass-Port Build
 

Today I made and mounted the Hacker firewall. The first thing I do is trace out some blue foam cut it out and use it as the template. You will need to cut a little at a time so you don't get it to small. after you get the template where you need it, trace it out on to what you will be using for the firewall. (I used the 1/8in carbon sandwich panel from CST.) when I get the carbon where I want I will tack it in place with some CA to hold it in place. I then take the motor and get it set then mount it. after all adjustments are made I will glue the firewall in using BVM aeropoxy.

RE: CA Models Pass-Port Build
 

Next I mounted the landing gear and wheel paints. I will start with gluing in the support plates in the wheel paints, this will help keep the wheel paint in place and I also use a small screw to mount the wheelpaint. I then take and drill the holes in the paints where the axel go through. Before putting the wheel on I will set the plane at 0 deg's and put the paints on and drill them for the mounting screw. After that is done I then put the wheel on and put the screw in that holds the paint on. The reason for not putting the wheel on is the paint will set on the wheel opening that is level.

RE: CA Models Pass-Port Build
 

Todd,

Looking great.. Keep up the thread.. Very interesting to those of us that want this plane..
Something to mention with your last post, when using ca to tack, I always use foam safe ca, therefore not heating up the fuse causing a bubble.. I'm sure most of you know this, just mentioning in case someone didn't.. Would hate for someone to have an issue..

Awesome plane.. Can't wait to see one fly..

Chris

RE: CA Models Pass-Port Build
 

Here is some pics of the finished rudder servo installation. We used 9650 servos so we could mount it on its side to get rid of the up and down movement as the servo is moving. I just traced the servo and cut it out with a sharp X-acto. Then doubled it on the inside with some 1/8th lite ply. I use MK BB at the servo and a ball link at the surface. Its connected with 072 carbon rod that is glued at each end with med Zap. Do not use kicker on these connections it isn't nearly as strong as when allowed to dry on its own. More pics on the way.

Chip

RE: CA Models Pass-Port Build
 

These are just a couple showing the Hyde Mount and tail ring istallation.

RE: CA Models Pass-Port Build
 

oooo I like the carbon facings on the rudder halves [8D]

One note about wood, since that's sorta my area.....LOL

The lighter the wood, the more it's likely to have "defects". The reason is simple, it's rare. Only about 1 out of 100 balsa trees produces contest grade balsa, and when you narrow that down even more to the lightest possible, the selection gets smaller and smaller.

So when I look at that picture with the knot in that rudder, my thought is "who cares"? it makes absolutely no difference, it just doesn't look as good. Doesn't make it bad, or worse, it's just a little unsightly. but again, it's on the inside of a rudder half...which is covered now with carbon....so who cares?

I'd just be glad the wood is light enough to have to pick through it like that! It would be a lot easier to use "pretty" wood for image sake, and produce a heavier and cheaper plane. I don't see the sense in that.

Great looking plane BTW. But I said that last summer ;)

-Mike

RE: CA Models Pass-Port Build
 

Thanks Mike

RE: CA Models Pass-Port Build
 

Yep I agree with Mike
how the wood looks is secondary
light!! is more important
Todd,Chip ,,
that thing looks like a winner
can`t wait to see it fly
Bryan

RE: CA Models Pass-Port Build
 

Do I see side force generators on the lower wing tips there?

RE: CA Models Pass-Port Build
 

Thanks Bryan, Hope to see you a Glen's contest in May.

Yes it is SFG's, they are also an option

RE: CA Models Pass-Port Build
 

Great looking plane BTW. But I said that last summer ;)

-Mike
[/quote]

Thanks Mike, I feel the same way personally about the wood, but I can also understand how others feel and want there stuff to look. My Passport is about done, but I need to go back to Tucson and will not be able to finish it until Fri. It looks like it will be 4950 grams as is which easily makes it under the limit. I have done nothing special to get it there, and can easily drop another ounce or two. Here are a few pics of the elevator servo install and what it looks like all put together. I will be glad to answer any Q's and will post in more detail tomorrow. Enjoy

Chip

RE: CA Models Pass-Port Build
 

I forgot this pic. Elev servo installation.

Chip