RE: The New Pentathlon Evolution
 

I have to disagree with Jon on the DEPS in wood airplanes. I wouldn't go any other way. Got tired of chasing dual elevator servos and them wearing differently. Yes, occasionally you might have to bump the trim with the DEPS, but its never more than 2 clicks, and usually is pretty obvious when you take off. Also usually doesnt change during the day. I also found I had that same issue with dual elevator servos though, so I never found it to be a big deal.

The plane looks great though. Will be great to see it finished..

I'm sure I'll get to see Mark's this year on the contest trail though..

Arch

RE: The New Pentathlon Evolution
 

Arch,

Hope to catch you this season at a few contests.....should be fun!

I have the same findings as Arch with both DEPS and dual servos. If I keep my plane in shade all day I don't need any trim....but if I don't (Texas Sun), then by the lunchtime flight, it needs a beep or two, no more.

Time to start on the fuse. Should have formers in before bedtime:).


-mark

RE: The New Pentathlon Evolution
 

Fuse framework....coming along.

RE: The New Pentathlon Evolution
 

Flyingtexan great job.

can you give me some details of your laser alignment tool? I want one of those!..

RE: The New Pentathlon Evolution
 

OK , I doubled the support at the hole and added carbon fiber.
I also used a laser to set up the DEPS system. The carbon rod falls through the tube under its own weight. Little friction.
Picture is not so good....

RE: The New Pentathlon Evolution
 

Plus or minus one nano micron

RE: The New Pentathlon Evolution
 

MT,

Looks good. I can say that when it comes time to sheet the belly, do not try it with a single sheet.;) I got through it, but it was not easy. If so, it needs to be formed a bit beforehand with ammonia. I think it could be planked quite easily really.

I have the chin cowl done and to aid in construction of the frame I used some scrap 1/8" light balsa, cut into triangles, as gussets. I still have to dremel out the the inside of the front corners, but right now the chin weighs 1.8oz. I mounted it with nylon screws from the inside into the supplied blocks mounted in the chin frame, and very small screw at the front. I think this method will work quite well.

Wish I had more time to work on it...[:@]


Best Regards,
Mark

RE: The New Pentathlon Evolution
 

Tuny, Gregg, sorry I did not reply to your questions....just been in a rush all the time when posting I guess.

Tuny,
The laser tool is something I bought from Home Depot years ago that is a rather cheap laser with a magnetic base. I set it up on a steel block at the end of the work table looking a bit downward toward the front of the fuse. The laser lens can be rotated 90 degrees to show a horizontal line as well. Works great as a sight line tool for measuring and former alignment. I should probably replace it with something newer...just in case I need to hang a picture or something..;). http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/...ctId=100375599


Gregg,
I think I misunderstood your question about the rudder. I first thought it was in reference to my poor picture taking.....if so, I reposted a more complete photo of the fin and rudder. If it is in reference to the profile of the trailing edge, then it is done that way to balance area above and below the vertical CG as well as reduce some of the forces generated further out from the vertical CG. If the trailing edge was straight, might work fine or even the same :). I prefer this layout though for looks and to satisfy my engineering appetite.

-mark

RE: The New Pentathlon Evolution
 

Canopy is next.....

RE: The New Pentathlon Evolution
 

Front deck.....

First pic shows a dry fit...former against canopy is not seated just right...needed adjustment.

RE: The New Pentathlon Evolution
 

Front Deck...more...

Stringers under the planked skin are 1/8" sq. balsa.

RE: The New Pentathlon Evolution
 

Front deck blocks....

RE: The New Pentathlon Evolution
 

working on the rear deck....

RE: The New Pentathlon Evolution
 

some more of the rear deck....

RE: The New Pentathlon Evolution
 

Was able to check sheeted rear deck for fit with vertical fin taped in place. Will add the balsa top to the sheeted deck before gluing on to the fuse.....hey, it looks like an airplane!....:)

RE: The New Pentathlon Evolution
 

Hey Mark,

What is that hole in the back of the fuse? You going with a fixed stab on this version, I guess.

G

BTW, the Pileated Pentathlon is nearing completion...Pictures later this week.

RE: The New Pentathlon Evolution
 

G,

yes, no stab tube. Trying to keep it simple and light.

Can't wait to see your hooded Pentathlon!

Regards,
Mark

RE: The New Pentathlon Evolution
 

Here are some pictures:

RE: The New Pentathlon Evolution
 

Wow!

That paint job looks like a fishing lure I once used... :D

Cheers
Jason.

RE: The New Pentathlon Evolution
 

George, that is sweeeet

RE: The New Pentathlon Evolution
 

Ahh my eyes! it's confusing me!!!!
http://tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:...red_kitten.jpg


can we have an assembly pic?

RE: The New Pentathlon Evolution
 

George,

Very cool. Can't wait to see an assembled pic.


-mark

RE: The New Pentathlon Evolution
 

Top rear deck (foam sheeted) and vertical fin are now glued on....time to work on the bottom portion of the vertical fin.

RE: The New Pentathlon Evolution
 

More...

RE: The New Pentathlon Evolution
 

OK, Guys here are the first assembled pictures of the Pileated Pentathlon: