lovetoflyguy

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Jeff,

It took me a while to even notice a plane in that picture. Sorry guys. I've been away today. I'll post some more pics tomorrow. As far as the whole, foam/wood. Our customers feelings have been represented in the previous post (well most of them). I've worked with both as well and I prefer wood. Running your plumbing is easier, etc. We didn't change it because of my preferences, but of the customer.

I will post more this weekend.

Dash7ATP

That doesn't appear to be a foam tail..........

jeff naul

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Dash, If it were we would all fly foam....

lovetoflyguy

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Sorry its been a few days. I've been pretty busy with work, kids, etc. Anyway. I was able to start on the stab and do a bit of work here. This is also a new feature on the plane. We've gone from foam to wood. It's pretty easy. This is all taking a bit longer because I'm building the manual for it. I hope to start working on the fuse in the next week or so.

lovetoflyguy

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Here is a few more pics to show the final steps. I'll be working on the tips and the elevators this week.

Dash7ATP

It looks pretty strong with the plywood trailing edge and Iassume ribs. Have you compared the weight to the same structure made of foam?

Dash

lovetoflyguy

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I was a little concerned before I sheeted the other side. I've never weighed the foam one, but It is very light and SUPER strong.

Icemanjr92

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Sorry for the late reply in the thread but I have been busy helping PJ gather parts to complete his kit and built the new prototype wood wing & tail version. So there are some snags along the way but not many to speak of. PJ is doing a great job on this build. Here is the main reason why we are going to a built up wing, customer inquiries. I have had numerous comments that guys simpkly wanted a built up wing over the foam. So we listened. Pat McCurry himself was contracted to design the wing & tail. I couldnt think of anyone better since this was his baby. The other reason was to reduce the size of the kit for international shipping. To ship two foam wing panels (8 pound box) to Australia costs $489.00 no joke. It can be shipped for $40-50 bucks now. So for those who want a Platinum 109 kit with foam wings, hurry your order in as there's not many foam wings left on hand. Once they are gone, they are gone.

Mk23socom

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I'm looking forward to having a wood wing 109 someday!.. I'm glad to see this guys! Got a 47 to do first though!

lovetoflyguy

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Hey folks,

I was able to work on the stab and elevator some more. We really don't have the exact wood yet for the elevator so I needed to sort of scratch build. I was able to get one side done. Everything at this point is rough sanded so don't be too critical, but I think I have enough information where I can work on the build manual for the other. I will post better pics on the other side. This is what I have so far!

lovetoflyguy

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Sorry I've been so quiet lately. I've had some family issues and other work related things to attend to. I was able to build the other elevator and do some sanding. I still have a bit more sanding and fitting, but the stab is pretty close to done. I'm not sure if I'm going to go towards the rudder or back to mounting the wing to the fuse.

Mk23socom

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Funny you posted today, I was thinking about you and thought about bumping this thread!.. Glad to see ya back at it sugarpop!

lovetoflyguy

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One of the most important parts of this build is the mounting of the center section that holds the wing spars in place. I wanted to spend as much time getting this right. First I set the fuse dead "O" with the table. Then I put in the main former where I thought the wing was going to be. After that, I slid the wings back into place and set the wings so both wingtips were the same distance from my table. After I was happy with that, I then when back inside the fuse and drew where the wing spars were. Pulling the former back out, I was then able to re-trace my lines using the spars as my guide.

lovetoflyguy

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So now it was time to make the actual spar housing. I used the spars again as an alignment tool and glued my spar rails in with 30min epoxy. After that, I glued the back plate and installed 12 4x40 bolts for extra support. Once I was happy with that, I re-fitted the former back into the fuse and re installed the wings. Double checking that nothing had changed, I tac glued the former in, then used Hysol (think that how it is spelled). I will need to let that set for 24hrs or so. I love using that stuff. Even though it takes a rather long time to dry, it will not sag or drip and it is strong.

jrjohn

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subscribed

jrjohn

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PJ, when you get to installing the DA85, let me know, I have a sollution for the choke. (always a pain on the DA85) I'll send it to you for free if it looks like it will work

john

lovetoflyguy

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Hey John,

Can't wait to get the engine in. It was great meeting you and hope you like the build.

I was able to finish mounting the wings this weekend. I installed the cam-locks on the front as well as mount the 8-32 bolts along the main spar. They only go in about half an inch or so. This was an added measure the Dino wanted implemented on the new plane. This way we have a good redundancy if something were to go south. Even though that never happens in this hobby!

lovetoflyguy

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Next would be the gear housing. I have to be honest, this took some time scratching my head, but once I got the idea, it wasn't that bad. It is a tight fit getting everything inside, but once it was, everything lined up pretty darn perfect. Once I was happy, I tac-glued everything and finished up with hysol. I am waiting on Dino for my wheels and should be able to close the wing up and finish the ailerons and flaps.

Mk23socom

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Keep it up PJ! This thread will give me alot of detailed photos to look at and help me decide if the next big plane I get is a Spitfire or an Me-109. I only wish you would put a few pics in once in a while of you.. a guy's gotta have some extra "eye candy" you know..

fw190d9

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PJ, those camlocks dont work in the long run. They dont deal with vibration very well and tend to come open or break. I replaced mine with a small 1/4 ply tabs that are epoxied into the wing and slide into corresponding slots in the fuselage wing root. The slots have another piece of 1/4 ply between the slot and the fuselage bottom. The blind nut stays on the wing tab. When together, an 8-32 bolt goes into the bottom of the fuse, thru the fuselage ply plate, into the wing tab with the blind nut on it. Between the 4 tabs, one front and one rear and the spar stub bolts, my wings are very secure.

Evan Q.

tail end charlie

John,
Great building tutorial on a great airplane, is the spar liteply or aircraft ply?
TEC

lovetoflyguy

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Hey TEC,

It is laminated lite ply. Very strong. Its made of 3 pieces and I'm comfortable with it. Hope this helps.

FW, I appreciate the update on the camlocks. I wondered what it would do over time. I can tell you the 4 bolts holding the center section together will hold!

Ha HaMK, you can't Handel this eye candy buddy!!!

jeff naul

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My My he is such a HOTTIE!!!

foodstick

I am a little late to this foam versus wood wing fun But I think I can settle it for all involved..

Have you ever tried to pick up all the foam at a big foam airplane crash site !!!! hahahah On the other hand..at a distance a foam plane does give a very realistic EXPLOSION at impact !

Scalenut-RCU

Hi PJ,

Great thread, I am just starting my foam wing version today. Keep the pictures coming they really help make the construction clear.

Forest