Northstar
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: South Canaan,
PA
Posts: 115
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Northstar
Hey Guys,
I am currently building a Northstar by Balsa USA. I am wondering which is the best way to waterproof the fuselodge/hull? The directions say to strengthen the bottom with fiberglass tape but will that also waterproof it?
Thanks
I am currently building a Northstar by Balsa USA. I am wondering which is the best way to waterproof the fuselodge/hull? The directions say to strengthen the bottom with fiberglass tape but will that also waterproof it?
Thanks
#2
My Feedback: (5)
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Weatherford,
TX
Posts: 249
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
northstar
Hi,
I'm building one for a friend. I built up a keel by using a half inch square stick along the mid line of the hull. I then used 3/32 balsa to sheet it to the outer edge. This made a boat hull with a small keel. Before I sheeted the keel I used a 3/4 forstner bit to put about 15 holes in the bottom of the hull. After sheeting I used expanding foam to fill the void. In addition I painted epoxy & alcohol inside the entire hull. I also used goop around the pushrod tubes.
I think that good overlaps on the covering & not installing landing gear will go a long way in keeping dry. We will see
Ps. I built the keel to support the weight of the fuel tank that I mounted where the servos were supposed to go. I moved the servos up to the next forward area. Should limit the amount of weight I will need.
I never understood the tank in the rear. When you first take off your plane will be severely tail heavy. The only accommodations I had to make were to build a cradle for the tank, add really long fuel lines & install a perry pump.
I'm building one for a friend. I built up a keel by using a half inch square stick along the mid line of the hull. I then used 3/32 balsa to sheet it to the outer edge. This made a boat hull with a small keel. Before I sheeted the keel I used a 3/4 forstner bit to put about 15 holes in the bottom of the hull. After sheeting I used expanding foam to fill the void. In addition I painted epoxy & alcohol inside the entire hull. I also used goop around the pushrod tubes.
I think that good overlaps on the covering & not installing landing gear will go a long way in keeping dry. We will see
Ps. I built the keel to support the weight of the fuel tank that I mounted where the servos were supposed to go. I moved the servos up to the next forward area. Should limit the amount of weight I will need.
I never understood the tank in the rear. When you first take off your plane will be severely tail heavy. The only accommodations I had to make were to build a cradle for the tank, add really long fuel lines & install a perry pump.
#4
My Feedback: (15)
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Northstar
Rockhouse, I am impressed. I just finished a Northstar but have not flown it yet. It does seem bizarre to have the fuel tank so far back. I just fiberglassed the bottoms and did it like they say. No wheels, careful covering with overlaps a lot. Will see. Let me know how they fly.