Bucksboy

I’ve used the OS 55, mainly because it was what I had. A bit too big but it flies really well. I just wanted a model that was simple to operate and fliers in all weathers, it fits that bill perfectly.

I’ve built a Wot 4 and then glassed and painted it with 2 pack aerosol, the aim to create a Winter hack. It worked perfectly, the covering and paint are completely fuel proof and it only requires are spray of water with detergent and a wipe down. I don’t need to worry about film lifting and it looks the same after a flying throughout the winter as it did in September. I agree that it is more work but it does create a fuel proof, durable finish. I used automotive aerosols where the aerosol had a hardener inside the tin, by activating it the tin was useable for at least two weeks. The paint is entirely fuel proof after being allowed a week to cure.

I agree that it looks like a knock off rather than an original DJI product, probably why it failed to return to home/launch point. There is likely to be a small flap with the micro SD card inside. Have a look to see what pictures it was taking before it was lost, it might give a clue to the owner.

It spent the whole flight beating up the strip, a climbing turn and then return, the code looked great, even upside down! 🙃

Today, 30th was a bright and sunny day with blue skies and white fluffy clouds to perfect for the 190. I tested the dolly on the runway to ensure it ran (fairly) straight on its own. I needed minor tweaks to the tail wheel to achieve this. Then onto the main event which was highly successful. The plane left off the dolly which was retrieved at the end. We're lucky enough to have an Astroturf runway so it's smooth and long. I estimate that the plane was off the ground in 10-15m and that's without ramming the throttle to the max. Anyway, we managed some photos with a mobile as it was on the landing approach so the prop had virtually stopped and the phone has frozen the movement. I was aiming for the grass as it's slightly softer than the AstroTurf. Very pleased with it, a great plane.

Either one, I'm not fussed. I've not seen a Thunderbolt fly badly yet. I agree with leccyflier, ideal for belly landings with that large fuselage too.

Oops! Well spotted! 😄

There will be a hundred mistakes, which one in particular? 😄

I've made a dolly from scrap plywood and a pair of wheels on aluminium legs. These were in the 'bits' box at the flying field, one mans scrap is another mans gold and all that. The tail wheel can be bent to adjust the track and I'll spend a bit of time ensuring it runs straight, ish. Field trials on Saturday I hope.

She flew! And flew well I might add, no flying shots as my photographer was acting as a ‘trim buddy’. The weather was calm after the early frost and mist and all checks completed. It required a decent heave for the hand launch and after some click of trim, she was flying hands free. I only flew for 5 minutes, the battery showed 52% left, it’s a 4 cell 3300. The spinner and prop vibrate a bit so some more work required. Landing was a doddle, I landed her on the very wet and soft grass without any damage! I'll build a dolly for launching it think.

Thank you, the pictures accentuate the mottled appearance of the paint on the wings, they don't appear that bad in real life. But to be fair, the airbrush is not really designed for such a large surface. I've ordered a larger needle but was too impatient to wait. I've not added any detailing on the underside yet. I was interested to see if there was much weight gain over the brown paper covering, not too much it seems. Mine is a bit heavier than most with some lead in the nose.

Dear All, I'm sorry but I'm a late comer to the party. I received my kit in time for Christmas and I only get limited opportunities to build but I've managed to finish my Focke Wolf. I also received an air gun for Christmas and have used Tamiya paints after giving up with water based acrylics. There are no surprises in the build, it went together well, the same as the others. This one has been glassed all over using Easy Composites 25gm per sq metre cloth and their resin. I use a foam roller as this leaves a really smooth surface. I've added weight here and there, a printed fan at the front, a printed pilot from Thingyverse, total weight is 4lb 12 oz (2150 grams) I'm using a 4 cell 3000 lipo with one of Richards motors turning a 12 x 6 prop and hope to maiden it this coming Saturday . I've added far more colour than is scale but it all helps to see it in the air. I'm pleased with the build, I do have a Bf110 waiting patiently in a box too. Bucks.

I've sent you a PM, mine has just started printing now, fingers crossed. If mine works, I'll print one for you too. (I'm new to this 3d printing so it might just create a birds nest😁)

Richard, I’ve built and flown your 63” La-7 which is powered by a Laser, I love it. It’s got retracts but it’s the wide stance of the wheels that’s the clincher. I love the 109e and have built the Brian Taylor one but its narrow undercarriage means it stays safely at home and rarely flown. But a choice between the wonderful Spit and the 109, it’s got to be the yellow nosed 109.

Eric, Thank you for the explanation and photos, that clears it up nicely. My wings are glued together and I’ll leave them overnight, I’ll sand the LE tomorrow and then use the glass bandage to finish them off. Thanks again, very helpful.