Go Back  RCU Forums > RC Airplanes > RC Scale Aircraft
Reload this Page >

Transavia PL-12 (Airtruk) build

Notices
RC Scale Aircraft Discuss rc scale aircraft here (for giant scale see category above)

Transavia PL-12 (Airtruk) build

Old 06-11-2005, 02:35 PM
  #1  
Campy
Senior Member
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (1)
 
Campy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Baltic, CT
Posts: 3,613
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default Transavia PL-12 (Airtruk) build

I am posting this build for those whom are/may be interested in "unusual" aircraft and/or crop dusters.

The Airtruk was/is an Australian designed and built bi-plane crop duster that also saw duty as a passenger plane. With the spray bar and hoppers removed it could carry up to 4 passengers and the pilot.

The plans for this plane were drawn by Frank J. Marcie Jr. [email protected] from a 3 view, and except for the airfoil, the plane is scale and a 40 size plane.

I have the wing set up in it's jigs (to provide stability and proper dihedrahl ) and have it "framed" up. Note the pushrod tubes CAed to the "booms".

The next photos are of the sheeting of the top wing and the booms. I wet some 1/16" balsa and wrapped them around a broom stick to dry. Once they had dried, I cut and fit the top half of the sheeting to the booms. Note the 3M tape to hold the sheeting in place while the TiteBond dries.
The last photo is of the front part of the boom where it fairs into the sheeting. Once everything is dried I will be removing the wing from the jigs so I can trim the sheeting and put some lightweight filler around the nose pieces of the booms to fair them in.


Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version

Name:	Nl30534.jpg
Views:	733
Size:	84.8 KB
ID:	283440   Click image for larger version

Name:	Hc93195.jpg
Views:	689
Size:	78.7 KB
ID:	283441   Click image for larger version

Name:	Va72468.jpg
Views:	660
Size:	78.2 KB
ID:	283442   Click image for larger version

Name:	Fy72278.jpg
Views:	718
Size:	69.8 KB
ID:	283443  
Old 06-11-2005, 10:13 PM
  #2  
tankie
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: PALMERSTON NORTH, NEW ZEALAND
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default RE: Transavia PL-12 (Airtruk) build

Hello Campy,

I too have 1 of these on the table at 118 inch span from NZAP plans.
Power 32cc gas.
current weight 20lbs.
I picked this as it is an unusual aircraft and is rare.
Enjoy the build, I will follow your progress with interest.

Gary
Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version

Name:	Ge94287.jpg
Views:	777
Size:	60.8 KB
ID:	283565  
Old 06-20-2005, 11:44 AM
  #3  
Campy
Senior Member
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (1)
 
Campy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Baltic, CT
Posts: 3,613
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default RE: Transavia PL-12 (Airtruk) build

I now have the servos (and spaghetti ) installed in the wing. There are 3 servos in each half (total of 6 ), 2 for the rudder, 2 for the elevator and 2 for the ailerons. Note the CF reenforcement for the main spar (balsa spar ) and on both the horizontal and vertical pieces of the booms. I definitely wanted to insure the booms would not "flex" under a load. The booms are reenforced with 1/8" CF on both sides. (Those puppies are not going to even think about flexing ) The main boom/rib is also reenforced with CF inside the wing.

This is a thin wing and the best fit I can get are "Blue Bird" servos. They are micro servos which put out 37 oz - 56 oz (these are the 37 oz ones ) each. I found out about this brand when I did a couple of my electrics. They work very well and are as durable as HiTec or Futaba.

The bottom is sheeted with access panel holes cut out. The bottom of the booms are also sheeted - again, they are wrapped with 3M blue masking tape to hold the sheeting in position until the TiteBond dries.

This is a close up of the aileron strip linkage that will be operating the flaps. The linkage is going to be recessed into the leading edge of the flaps. Since the photos I have inletted the opening in the rib tip to allow the linkage to "float a little".

Here is a close up of the servos. Note the homemade servo mounts. The servo mounts are made from spruce and work quite well. They are attached to a 3/16" lite ply plate CA to the sheeting and front and rear spars. This setup I have also used in other planes and have had no problems.

The last photo is of the "stub" wing. I have the landging gear blocks installed along with the wing bolt plates.

Now for the fun - "Mudding" up (using the light weight filler ) on the seams and dings and all the associated sanding.

Still trying to decide if I want to cover the plane in Ultracote or glass it and paint. I don't like the weight increase with the glassing, but the aggravation of putting the raised panel joints on after covering is also a mighty concern.

Oh well, I still have plenty of time to decide which way to go.
Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version

Name:	Fc90524.jpg
Views:	753
Size:	99.5 KB
ID:	287383   Click image for larger version

Name:	Id96308.jpg
Views:	600
Size:	91.5 KB
ID:	287384   Click image for larger version

Name:	Pv53361.jpg
Views:	561
Size:	70.3 KB
ID:	287385   Click image for larger version

Name:	Rl24601.jpg
Views:	611
Size:	78.5 KB
ID:	287386   Click image for larger version

Name:	Fq88588.jpg
Views:	566
Size:	59.9 KB
ID:	287387  
Old 06-26-2005, 07:33 PM
  #4  
Campy
Senior Member
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (1)
 
Campy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Baltic, CT
Posts: 3,613
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default RE: Transavia PL-12 (Airtruk) build

OK, finally got around to doing a little more work on the plane.

Got the vertical and horizontal stabs attached and the areas from the rear or the booms feathered into the vertical stab.

Sheeted the rear of the fuselage and planked the front part. I decided to plank it since I am dealing with 3/32" balsa and some of the compound curves (especially the bottom ) would be a little difficult for sheeting.

Once I get the "mud" sanded I will soak and fit the bottom framework for the canopy. Again, I have some curves to deal with and need the base of the canopy to fit properly.

I also need to decide HOW and WHERE to attach the canopy. The canopy has to be removeable so I can get at the wingbolts. Unfortunately I didn't have enough room to put the wingbolts outside of the canopy.


Tankie, got any suggestions on securing the canopy ? This is only a 59" span plane (will be powered by an OS 46FX ), however I am rapidly becomming very proficient with dealing with tight spaces.
Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version

Name:	Nk28052.jpg
Views:	591
Size:	82.8 KB
ID:	290271   Click image for larger version

Name:	Yt60512.jpg
Views:	584
Size:	77.9 KB
ID:	290272   Click image for larger version

Name:	Ns44866.jpg
Views:	570
Size:	68.7 KB
ID:	290273   Click image for larger version

Name:	Oi15842.jpg
Views:	562
Size:	75.7 KB
ID:	290274  
Old 06-27-2005, 12:51 AM
  #5  
tankie
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: PALMERSTON NORTH, NEW ZEALAND
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default RE: Transavia PL-12 (Airtruk) build

Here's a few pics of mine but I have plug in wings and a removable cowl.
I would suggest building the upper fuz structure and have the entire thing removable for access to wing bolts and other internals.
Obviously you have no functioning hopper installed to get in the way of this.
Perhaps a dowel at the front or rear of the the upper fuz locating into former with a simple latch or bolt system at the opposing end (ala wing mounting principle) would work for you.
The other option is to have a removable pilot and a door that opens but this makes things more complicated and fragile to my mind.
The first option makes for easy transport and less to knock around and would seem to be lighter.
As you can see my pilot is a double amputee and has half his butt missing in order to fit....[:@]
He's dedicated!

Glad to be of help,

Gary.
Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version

Name:	Tq48635.jpg
Views:	515
Size:	59.6 KB
ID:	290466   Click image for larger version

Name:	Hc94314.jpg
Views:	591
Size:	61.5 KB
ID:	290467   Click image for larger version

Name:	Sx62638.jpg
Views:	486
Size:	61.9 KB
ID:	290468   Click image for larger version

Name:	Mg98615.jpg
Views:	560
Size:	62.2 KB
ID:	290469  
Old 06-27-2005, 02:29 PM
  #6  
Campy
Senior Member
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (1)
 
Campy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Baltic, CT
Posts: 3,613
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default RE: Transavia PL-12 (Airtruk) build

It is a little late for the plug in wings.

The top half of the cowl is going to be removeable. I had planned on using some basswood 1/8"x3/4" on the inside of the cowl for securing it. Half of the width would be CA to the permanent part of the cowl with 3/8" left ticking above. Then I can secure the cowl with some #2 socket head screws into the basswood.

Do you think a similar setup will hold the canopy in place or will I need to go to 4-40 bolts and blind nuts ?
Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version

Name:	Qn38464.jpg
Views:	514
Size:	20.2 KB
ID:	290784  
Old 06-27-2005, 02:43 PM
  #7  
tankie
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: PALMERSTON NORTH, NEW ZEALAND
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default RE: Transavia PL-12 (Airtruk) build

I would think something light and simple is all that is required to hold this bit on.
It doesnt seem to be a load bearing structure so I wouldnt over engineer it.
I try to keep screws etc to minimum so I spent less time assembling and more time flying.

Gary
Old 07-06-2005, 07:20 PM
  #8  
Campy
Senior Member
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (1)
 
Campy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Baltic, CT
Posts: 3,613
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default RE: Transavia PL-12 (Airtruk) build

OK, decided to secure the canopy with four 4-40 bolts. I hate the "extra parts", but I really don't see any other way, especially since the high speed needle exits through the canopy edge.

Onto the build.

I have the framework for the canopy set up (One heckuva bend in that thing ).

The framework was sheeted, windows cut out and covered. I decided to go with Ultracote instead of glassing and painting.

You can see the curve in the bottom half of the fuselage that I was talking about. Put the nose block on and have the fuselage pretty well on it's way to looking proper.

I have temporarily installed the motor mount and engine so that I can "fine tune" the fit of the cowl with the engine in place. You can also see the rear windows for the passenger compartment.

I am covering the plane in white with orange trim (saw a photo of one of them in this scheme ). I am thinking of naming it the "Creamsicle" since it reminds me of the ice cream.

Comments on the name ?
Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version

Name:	Us54992.jpg
Views:	513
Size:	72.9 KB
ID:	294437   Click image for larger version

Name:	Id95782.jpg
Views:	543
Size:	79.3 KB
ID:	294438   Click image for larger version

Name:	Nt46485.jpg
Views:	515
Size:	67.7 KB
ID:	294439   Click image for larger version

Name:	Yr48440.jpg
Views:	642
Size:	83.5 KB
ID:	294440  
Old 08-05-2005, 01:56 PM
  #9  
Campy
Senior Member
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (1)
 
Campy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Baltic, CT
Posts: 3,613
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default RE: Transavia PL-12 (Airtruk) build

OK, she is finished. It is covered in Ultracote (Orange and White ) and the sheet metal is simultaed with "Plastruct" 1/16" T material glued in place (That was a PAIN. Over 400 of those pieces had to be cut and glued in position.) Total weight is 6 1/2 lbs dry.

I had to use 3 muffler extensions to clear the fuselage and had to add 4 1/2 oz to the nose to balance it.

Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version

Name:	Zx70572.jpg
Views:	693
Size:	81.8 KB
ID:	305979   Click image for larger version

Name:	Xs57949.jpg
Views:	647
Size:	66.1 KB
ID:	305980  
Old 08-05-2005, 01:58 PM
  #10  
Campy
Senior Member
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (1)
 
Campy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Baltic, CT
Posts: 3,613
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default RE: Transavia PL-12 (Airtruk) build

Here are a couple of detail shots.
Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version

Name:	Ec88337.jpg
Views:	641
Size:	74.5 KB
ID:	305981   Click image for larger version

Name:	Ie98148.jpg
Views:	600
Size:	59.6 KB
ID:	305982   Click image for larger version

Name:	Ot48587.jpg
Views:	631
Size:	62.4 KB
ID:	305983  
The following users liked this post:
tommysev (12-24-2023)
Old 08-05-2005, 03:25 PM
  #11  
dicknadine
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Greensburg, LA
Posts: 2,261
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default RE: Transavia PL-12 (Airtruk) build

It SURE looks fantastic. keep us posted on flight status. and I thought that I was the only one to build something different-- not out of the box. Keep it up. dick
Old 08-05-2005, 05:15 PM
  #12  
Campy
Senior Member
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (1)
 
Campy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Baltic, CT
Posts: 3,613
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default RE: Transavia PL-12 (Airtruk) build

Thanks for the nice comments.

As soon as the wife is feeling a little better (so she can be alone for awhile ) and the weather co-operates I will maiden her (along with another plane I haven't had time to get to yet. )
Old 02-10-2006, 12:55 AM
  #13  
Rudderman98
My Feedback: (19)
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Sumner, WA
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default RE: Transavia PL-12 (Airtruk) build

Any flight pics yet Campy?
Old 02-19-2006, 07:06 PM
  #14  
Sluf7
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Wellington, NEW ZEALAND
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default RE: Transavia PL-12 (Airtruk) build

Some Airtruck Pic's mfor ya Awl.

Yes any flight reports as yet. Be mindful this was a VERY AGILE machine so be ready on the sticks. [8D]
Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version

Name:	Ca81718.jpg
Views:	706
Size:	45.5 KB
ID:	411360   Click image for larger version

Name:	Id96347.jpg
Views:	502
Size:	36.8 KB
ID:	411361   Click image for larger version

Name:	Tz66811.jpg
Views:	499
Size:	32.1 KB
ID:	411362   Click image for larger version

Name:	Mf96809.jpg
Views:	523
Size:	39.4 KB
ID:	411363   Click image for larger version

Name:	Do80958.jpg
Views:	521
Size:	50.2 KB
ID:	411364   Click image for larger version

Name:	Vm81890.jpg
Views:	468
Size:	38.1 KB
ID:	411365  
Old 02-19-2006, 07:11 PM
  #15  
Sluf7
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Wellington, NEW ZEALAND
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default RE: Transavia PL-12 (Airtruk) build

Ditto
Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version

Name:	Rp43131.jpg
Views:	427
Size:	46.4 KB
ID:	411368   Click image for larger version

Name:	Dy80194.jpg
Views:	415
Size:	47.7 KB
ID:	411369   Click image for larger version

Name:	Pu50658.jpg
Views:	431
Size:	37.2 KB
ID:	411370   Click image for larger version

Name:	Fy72375.jpg
Views:	485
Size:	58.0 KB
ID:	411371   Click image for larger version

Name:	Zk68005.jpg
Views:	452
Size:	60.9 KB
ID:	411372   Click image for larger version

Name:	Ev23805.jpg
Views:	432
Size:	56.9 KB
ID:	411373  
Old 02-19-2006, 07:13 PM
  #16  
Sluf7
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Wellington, NEW ZEALAND
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default RE: Transavia PL-12 (Airtruk) build

......
Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version

Name:	Hf99663.jpg
Views:	380
Size:	40.5 KB
ID:	411376   Click image for larger version

Name:	Lg15746.jpg
Views:	378
Size:	29.7 KB
ID:	411377   Click image for larger version

Name:	Ch95973.jpg
Views:	388
Size:	35.1 KB
ID:	411378   Click image for larger version

Name:	Mg97928.jpg
Views:	367
Size:	48.6 KB
ID:	411379   Click image for larger version

Name:	Te48426.jpg
Views:	366
Size:	51.6 KB
ID:	411380   Click image for larger version

Name:	Hx32532.jpg
Views:	355
Size:	35.8 KB
ID:	411381  
Old 02-19-2006, 07:16 PM
  #17  
Sluf7
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Wellington, NEW ZEALAND
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default RE: Transavia PL-12 (Airtruk) build

...
Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version

Name:	Ol31204.jpg
Views:	368
Size:	48.3 KB
ID:	411382   Click image for larger version

Name:	Up48768.jpg
Views:	329
Size:	46.2 KB
ID:	411383   Click image for larger version

Name:	Ci98017.jpg
Views:	323
Size:	40.4 KB
ID:	411384   Click image for larger version

Name:	Hb80210.jpg
Views:	318
Size:	73.5 KB
ID:	411385   Click image for larger version

Name:	Rc39994.jpg
Views:	336
Size:	60.7 KB
ID:	411386   Click image for larger version

Name:	Qh66033.jpg
Views:	317
Size:	32.1 KB
ID:	411387  
Old 02-19-2006, 07:19 PM
  #18  
Sluf7
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Wellington, NEW ZEALAND
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default RE: Transavia PL-12 (Airtruk) build

and again...
Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version

Name:	Zx71906.jpg
Views:	302
Size:	32.1 KB
ID:	411392   Click image for larger version

Name:	Xs58491.jpg
Views:	300
Size:	30.3 KB
ID:	411393   Click image for larger version

Name:	Ej12081.jpg
Views:	297
Size:	32.7 KB
ID:	411394   Click image for larger version

Name:	Zt52505.jpg
Views:	295
Size:	34.8 KB
ID:	411395   Click image for larger version

Name:	Fq90331.jpg
Views:	294
Size:	35.4 KB
ID:	411396   Click image for larger version

Name:	Yo91263.jpg
Views:	311
Size:	45.9 KB
ID:	411397  
Old 02-19-2006, 07:21 PM
  #19  
Sluf7
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Wellington, NEW ZEALAND
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default RE: Transavia PL-12 (Airtruk) build

....
Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version

Name:	Ro41980.jpg
Views:	316
Size:	34.7 KB
ID:	411399   Click image for larger version

Name:	Zu65944.jpg
Views:	331
Size:	21.3 KB
ID:	411400   Click image for larger version

Name:	Qv55116.jpg
Views:	299
Size:	28.4 KB
ID:	411401   Click image for larger version

Name:	Ga76833.jpg
Views:	289
Size:	29.2 KB
ID:	411402   Click image for larger version

Name:	Te47093.jpg
Views:	297
Size:	38.4 KB
ID:	411403   Click image for larger version

Name:	Jz39480.jpg
Views:	309
Size:	32.8 KB
ID:	411404  
Old 02-19-2006, 07:25 PM
  #20  
Sluf7
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Wellington, NEW ZEALAND
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default RE: Transavia PL-12 (Airtruk) build

......[>:]
Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version

Name:	Ki18796.jpg
Views:	312
Size:	37.1 KB
ID:	411408   Click image for larger version

Name:	Oj27816.jpg
Views:	621
Size:	32.8 KB
ID:	411409   Click image for larger version

Name:	Fk16987.jpg
Views:	304
Size:	33.9 KB
ID:	411410   Click image for larger version

Name:	Vp38704.jpg
Views:	301
Size:	44.8 KB
ID:	411411   Click image for larger version

Name:	Pa34335.jpg
Views:	309
Size:	37.1 KB
ID:	411412   Click image for larger version

Name:	Hy35266.jpg
Views:	305
Size:	34.4 KB
ID:	411413  
Old 02-19-2006, 07:27 PM
  #21  
Sluf7
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Wellington, NEW ZEALAND
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default RE: Transavia PL-12 (Airtruk) build

[&:] Enough to be going on with.......
Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version

Name:	Hf99187.jpg
Views:	269
Size:	31.9 KB
ID:	411420   Click image for larger version

Name:	Zu66010.jpg
Views:	280
Size:	42.3 KB
ID:	411421   Click image for larger version

Name:	Qv56237.jpg
Views:	290
Size:	32.1 KB
ID:	411422   Click image for larger version

Name:	Bu58192.jpg
Views:	426
Size:	48.1 KB
ID:	411423  
Old 02-19-2006, 09:50 PM
  #22  
Campy
Senior Member
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (1)
 
Campy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Baltic, CT
Posts: 3,613
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default RE: Transavia PL-12 (Airtruk) build

These photos are FANTASTIC. I surely do wish I had them when I built mine. The photos from the web are not bad, however, they do lack a lot of detail that I wish I had had.

Thanks again
Old 02-19-2006, 11:18 PM
  #23  
Sluf7
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Wellington, NEW ZEALAND
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default RE: Transavia PL-12 (Airtruk) build

No Sweat thought as it's a thread on the Airtruck might as well have some decent pic's[8D]

This particular machine will probably never fly again it's been outside for a while and the guy wants $40000.00 NZ for it I think he's dreaming. I happened to spot it whilst out at Airfield in Auckland (Northern NZ) the Airfield is Ardmore and this where the NZ Warbirds are based. Also a whole heap of other interesting Aircraft even spotted a Wilga as well but only got two shots of that as me Memory card was full mostly of Airtruck.[8D]
Old 04-15-2006, 08:53 PM
  #24  
eswaney
Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default RE: Transavia PL-12 (Airtruk) build

Where can I get the plans for this aircraft? I wouls love the challenge to build this one.
Old 04-16-2006, 09:21 AM
  #25  
RCPilot100
My Feedback: (4)
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Chelsea, MI
Posts: 647
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default RE: Transavia PL-12 (Airtruk) build

Campy,

How did yours fly? My buddy just painted his - as soon as he get servos and install he will fly it. Thanks.

Dan

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.