Cloud Dancer 40 Plans
 

I pulled out my Fred Reese Cloud Dancer 40 plans, and then realized that I lost the associated construction article. So I have a few questions for all of the CD plans builders out there.

I am ready to put in my wood order. Does anyone remember what the construction article material list requires? I've ordered from Lonestar before, but I am thinking of going with Balsa USA. Any preferences among the forum readers?

My read of the plans is that the the wings should build flat right-side up on the plans. Am I correct, or are the wings build upside down with some required jigging?

Also, is all of the lite ply called for in the plans required? Would it be OK to substitute balsa for the outer fuse and use lite ply for only the fuse doubler?

Anyway, those are my questions. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

RE: Cloud Dancer 40 Plans
 

> is all of the lite ply called for in the plans required? <

The only reason Lite-Ply is found in kits is because it is cheaper for the kit maker than large sheets of balsa. Don't hesitate to make the fuse sides of balsa and then add (real) ply doublers to them. You will end up with lighter and stiffer sides.

RE: Cloud Dancer 40 Plans
 

You should be able to get a reprint of the article from RCM. I have the 60 size one and it won't help you much. I would leave the ply. Fred Reese did a fantastic job on it. It flies great the way he designed it. I wouldn't mess with it. That is only my opinion. Balsa might be fine. But it would be more fragile.

Mark Shuman

RE: Cloud Dancer 40 Plans
 

Thanks Mark, I appreciate the help. I think I can duke out the bill of materials, however, I still have a question on building the wings... that part should not matter between the 40 and 60 size CD. The part I am not sure of is whether or not the wing panels are built flat on the plans rightside up with no jigging required. In other words built with the bottom spar on the plans with the flat portion of wing ribs between the spar and TE contacting the building board.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Ken

RE: Cloud Dancer 40 Plans
 

If you PM me your address I'll Xerox the article and send it to you.

Stan

RE: Cloud Dancer 40 Plans
 

My CD 60 wings built flat to the board with no jigging required.

RE: Cloud Dancer 40 Plans
 

Thanks!