Albatros DV scratchbuilt.
 

:D This one's been in the works for awhile, but I finally got her finished enough for some shots to be posted. Power is a Magnum 4stroke .52, and once I get the last few pre-flight bits done, its time for a maiden.

ZZ.

RE: Albatros DV scratchbuilt.
 

Very nice bird! Your own plans? What is the span and how about a few construction details. First Albatross I've noticed to have the correct gray-green finish on the metal components instead of the more commonly seen neutral gray. There are discussions of this color on Theaerodrome, most recently by Dan-San Abbott. Good luck on the maiden....John

RE: Albatros DV scratchbuilt.
 

Very nice indeed! [sm=thumbs_up.gif]

RE: Albatros DV scratchbuilt.
 

Give us the details, please. Very nice!

RE: Albatros DV scratchbuilt.
 

;)Thanks guys. Coming from you-all, the compliments mean a lot. I've seen what results many of the folks here can produce.....(Abu's Snipe is one fine example) and I must say its improved my finished product! Hehe.....in fact....my usual rule of thumb is if I can just get it close to these standards, I'll be pretty darn happy! Some quick details for you. I believe the span is 48", but I'll get back to you with the actual dimensions tomorrow, as I'm just firing this off before I hit the hay. Yes these are my own plans I developed after some extensive study of the AC in a few different texts, including the Smithsonians book on the restoration of thier Dva. It is a fusion bird, incorporating both composite and traditional methods of construction. The wings are foam cores with full length wooden spars and a few ply support ribs, and they are covered in lozenge cloth. The fuselage is manufactured in a mold, one for each half of the fuse. The molds are layed up with a combination of composite materials....(trade secret....but strong and light) and then all the internal components (birch ply formers and hardwood longerons (just like the real monocoque fuse) are glued into place in 1/2 of the mold. Once everything is in, the other half is laid up, and when dry, the two halves are joined and glued inside the mold casing. Once this is done, the near finished fuse is popped free, almost ready to go. The seam is sanded off all the way round, and then it is given a light covering of fiberglass gel coat over a stretched mesh on the exterior. Inside all the hard points for wing cabanes and landing gear attachment are ready and waiting, the rest is pretty straight forward. But I can explain more if you like. I figure most folks already know how to make foam core wings. Anyway...I'll throw the dimensional specs on for you guys in the next day or so. Meanwhile, some more pics. Sorry the resolution is so crummy, but its the best mine can do right now. Thanks Again!

ZZ.

RE: Albatros DV scratchbuilt.
 

;)Annnnnd now for that Maiden Flight video I promised. This plane is amazing to fly.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VsJGw5Zj9hs

ZZ.

RE: Albatros DV scratchbuilt.
 

Cool!

RE: Albatros DV scratchbuilt.
 

Thanks! By the way, I wanted to correct a mis-statement in the previous description as to the power plant on this machine. It is not a Magnum, as was first intended, but an OS56-A, which is quite frankly an amazing engine. The Magnum was simply too problematic, and had to be changed out in favor of the OS. My recommendation to anyone who is going through the decision making process of what engine to choose for a scale craft, that is reliable and can be hand started.....Go with the OS! Save yourself unwanted grief and expense. The Magnum might be fine on a craft where you can get at it to fool with it constanlty, as well as use a starter to coax it into running. But for this kind of scale application....go with the OS. I thought I'd be saving money by trying the Magnum.....it cost me more than I saved. Ignore at your expense, but maybe this might help somone here. ;)

ZZ.