More flaps!!!

Last time I finally mounted the flap surfaces, and was trying to figure out linkage. I think I got it, using 1.2 mm wire and some clever bends. Yesterday I also started the ducted fan mounting, which means we are right on track for a test flight! I was too busy to work on the fuselage or gear, but hopefully soon. I will be placing an order for the motors and escs soon, and voila! She should be getting air! I'm trying to find a good deal on a spektrum dx6 or dx7 for the model memory and adjustability. We will see.

After I finish the flaps, next will be the foam shaping and covering of the wings. I think I should wait for the engine nacelles until after her test flight. Also the nose fine-tuning, and painting will be last of course.

I will also be taking the piper out next week for some fun, I will post a pic of that of course. See ya again soon!

FLAPS!!!!

I finally had time today to work on the plane. This week has been difficult, but I have squeezed in a little bit of time at least. The other day I was able to hinge the nose with plywood and screws. It hinges up and back, hopefully able to be motorized later. I tested all the electronics in the wing again, and today I started building the flaps into the wing. The flap system I set up initially was too complicated, so I worked on a solution that would be cost and weight friendly. So I chucked the handmade flaps and fowler style hinges, and went with a simple hinge and aileron stock for the surfaces. It seems to work well, and I am about 35% done so far. I have compromised on alot, enabling me to finish the model first with full basic functionality, then cut back into it later to snazz it up (like adding strobes, retracting and folding landing gear, motorized nose, built in camera system, and so on). Right now I will keep standard landing gear, and hopefully save up enough money for the dx7 transmitter coming out! In the meantime, here are some progress pics!!!

So Will, how big is your plane?

Well here is some perspective. My model measures 98" at the wings. This puts it into a scale of approximately 1/36th scale to original. This is like a model of a truck being only 10" long. Also, here is a pic of the wife next to it!

Finally an (almost) official weight!!!

So according to my calculations and a small postage scale, I have figured an approximate 9.5 -10.5 lbs MTOW so far. I will calculate wing surface area later. Today I finally finished up all the wing wiring, except for the esc. Those will be done later. I ran the 2-12 ga. power cables, and hooked up the wing for a quick POST. All is well!

I also received my battery packs the other day. 2 zippy 40c 5000 mAh 3s2p cells, and I lobbed off the power connectors to solder on the eflite giant connectors. Man those things are a bear. Just a word of advice, don't get any solder on the outside of the terminal, or else they will not go into the housing.

On a side note I made a charging harness to charge 3 of my eflite 1s 120mah batteries at the same time. Now I can stay out at the field all day!


More pics soon, gotta get to bed!

Almost ready for testing!!!!

I have been able to do a little bit more lately, starting with the landing gear. I removed the incorrect landing gear straps and replaced them with the Du-Bro gear blocks. now bind-free operation!

Next, I mounted 8 of the 14 axles to be permanent to the fuselage. the rear 6 axles will turn, eventually:

I also painted the turning MLG axles:

Nose hinge mounting continues:

Now BIG progress: i have finished the vertical stabs!!! Here they are waiting to dry and to be mounted, complete with servo horns:

Next I will finish the nose mounts, the rest of the landing gear assebly, and tackle the foam on the wings to prepare for our next challenge: the GLIDE test!!!

Also, I just ordered 2 5000mAh 40c lipo batteries (3s) for this beast from http://www.hobbyking.com . that should keep 6 motors happy enough! (I hope). all I need to order now are ESC's and motors =).