Well, I made the kit essentially according to the plan.
Everything was made with 5-6# wood. I had a bunch of 5.5# that was used for the fuse and stab and rudder.
The wing, stab and rudder outlines were laminated with three layers of 1/32" thick. The wing outlines could benefit from some more strength, so at least one layer of 7-8#.
Knowing the balance point would be affected by the rubber, I built the front end out of heavier 6-7# wood.
The top of the fuse fairing I used copy paper with a layer of tissue on top (3M77 spray adhesive).
I think I might use light 1/32" if I did this again as it was very prone to denting.
The wing was 3/32" square LE, 3/32" square spar at the top of the Clark Y airfoil, then 3/32" x 1/8" trailing edge. Ribs are 1/32". The struts are functional. I did not build ailerons. I built it to fly left, and there is left wing washin. I still needed more. Covering is all Esaki yellow, with no dope. I might have moved the rubber peg forward one bay. With wood this light, I'd recommend adding 1/64" ply around the rubber peg hole. Just enough so you don't tear it up.
I think about building this one again, but with 3/32" for the fuse instead. I would add diagonals to make it stiffer. One weak spot on the fuse: the verticals below the LE of the wing. Make that out of heavier balsa, like 10-12#. Gussets where needed there too. Then the LE of the wing - Either go to 1/8" square or make the 3/32" a bit heavier.
All that should get it to around 3 oz.
Going lighter would require painted mylar and lighter construction, like 4.5-5# wood. All doable I think.
There was a HPA build thread on it. Maybe we should move any other questions there.
Hope this helps.
Regards.
Mike Kirda
Received on Sat May 06 2017 - 20:09:44 CEST
This archive was generated by Yannick on Sat Dec 14 2019 - 19:13:48 CET