David Perkins 1 Posted July 7, 2011 Share Posted July 7, 2011 Seems that I have inspired you Tom............ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Wright 2 Posted July 7, 2011 Author Share Posted July 7, 2011 PL Dart. The weather remains inclement so a little more progress on the Dart this afternoon. the control surface servos and horns now in place .and the fin slotted in prior to final fixing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Wright 2 Posted July 7, 2011 Author Share Posted July 7, 2011 Yes David most certainly I tend to be a the low mood type ,so without interest and encouragement from you guys I would just be a miserable old git ,so ta to you all. Tom. .Edited By Tom Wright 2 on 07/07/2011 20:12:56 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Wright 2 Posted July 7, 2011 Author Share Posted July 7, 2011 Pete's just called me to say the prototype PL Bipe is nearly finished .had a look via the video phone and i'm sure it will be well received . When the Bipe and Dart are test flown we will collaborate to design the PL Auto-gyro, that will give Richard a laugh.Edited By Tom Wright 2 on 07/07/2011 20:24:39 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Bennett Posted July 7, 2011 Share Posted July 7, 2011 i cant wait to see the bipe. the dart looks good, has it got elevons then. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Wright 2 Posted July 7, 2011 Author Share Posted July 7, 2011 No Tony its got a servo for each of the split elevators and a servo for each aileron .The extra weight and cost of the two extra servos is insignificant.and increases reliability by way of redundancy . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fly boy3 Posted July 7, 2011 Share Posted July 7, 2011 I love it Tom, my micro servos for the Twinboom have arrived today.How are these safely mounted in blue foam. Is it a tight fit plus a spot of some adhesive or other?. CheersEdited By fly boy3 on 07/07/2011 21:56:48 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard Harris Posted July 7, 2011 Share Posted July 7, 2011 Tom, If I can assist in any way just let me know? (regarding you know what) Every time I see you post a new model it puts a smile on my face..I can tell you are really enjoying yourself The delta looks really good by the way, good luck with the maiden. I know you have many ongoing PL models on the go (and they all look fun), but how about a canard??...now I can here the grey matter ticking! Keep up the enthusiastic work up...beats any ARTF hands down! Rich Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fly boy3 Posted July 7, 2011 Share Posted July 7, 2011 I second that Richard. Tom is setting an example to us all. One problem, he can design, build, test, and maiden 4 or 5 models while i am still on the first one .LoL Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard Harris Posted July 7, 2011 Share Posted July 7, 2011 Without a doubt Fly Boy 3, he should give himself a pat on the back! If you want a real challenge Tom how about something like this? This was the very best flight, it has the aerodynamics of a brick! but I did manage a few 'laps' LOL! I'm sure if I had of built it lighter I would have had more success. If you want the plans 'just for a look' I can email them to you in PDF format. Rich Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Wright 2 Posted July 7, 2011 Author Share Posted July 7, 2011 Now then Richard that's really throwing the gauntlet down LOL.its on the list ,I think roll control may be a principle focus point with that one.Thanks for the offer on (we know what ) your experience will be invaluable .Thanks for the comments and video. FB3. Thanks,a reply over on Twin Boom. Tony I have PMd you. Thanks all. Tom. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Wright 2 Posted July 8, 2011 Author Share Posted July 8, 2011 PL Dart. Dreadful weather again no flying ,but did get all the control surface push rods installed .leads routed ,RX set up ,and the Motor ESC in. Could be test flown at this stage ,before the underside is finished off as the c/g is an unknown at the moment,and the placement of the main wheels does require the optimum c/g to be established. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Wright 2 Posted July 8, 2011 Author Share Posted July 8, 2011 PL Dart. View of the underside lashed up for a quick test fly ,could be quite interesting as i will have to launch it ,just using the palm of my hand . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Bennett Posted July 8, 2011 Share Posted July 8, 2011 be fun landing that.i think it needs some wheels. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Wright 2 Posted July 8, 2011 Author Share Posted July 8, 2011 PL Dart. Well that was interesting ,went to do the test flight and a big black thunder storm let loose about 6 mls to the east. The wind was not to bad so i decided to give it a go ,just resting on the palm of my hand and opening the throttle with my teeth... it shot off a bit nose down but just managed to check the elevator and trim, it was moving at a reasonable pace so i throttled back and gave the sticks a good waggle surprisingly it turns out to be docile as a kitten ,fitting in nicely with the rest of the PL series. After 5 mins or so the storm decided to come in and join me ,so a quick landing and dash for the car,hope to get out again before dark an do a more detailed assessment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Wright 2 Posted July 8, 2011 Author Share Posted July 8, 2011 PL Dart. Managed to get out again in between storms and had a very enjoyable 20 mins flying ,the c/g is just in front of the cross spar so that works out well as a strong point for the main wheels. The speed range is really impressive ,in still air it slows down to near walking pace ,yet open up and its away at a very respectable turn of speed ,the control response at speed is positive but not at all twitchy ,and stability is good enough to fly hands off . The turning circle is virtually in its own length , landings can be achieved with little or no forward speed with no tendancy to drop a wing. The Dart is probably the quickest of all to build ,and is extremely robust ,the basic concept also lends its self to various changes to the profile from Concord to fast jet .and can still be built a a ridiculously low cost. Edited By Tom Wright 2 on 08/07/2011 21:26:47 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Bennett Posted July 8, 2011 Share Posted July 8, 2011 kool tw2's air force is growing day by day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Wright 2 Posted July 8, 2011 Author Share Posted July 8, 2011 Yes Tony its a bit of a problem ,have to find space for 50 serviceable models ,several are over 10 ft span! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Wright 2 Posted July 9, 2011 Author Share Posted July 9, 2011 PL Dart. A little midnight oil ,and the underside is tided up by fitting the half section PL ,this stiffens things up without using a spine. One thing that came to light during the flight test.was a tendancy to become directionally unstable if held at a very high angle of attack ,it would just tend to slowly rotate without loosing height ,quite a interesting and entertaining maneuver. The cure is to add fin area to the underside (a sub fin) . The latest addition to the underside. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Phipps Posted July 9, 2011 Share Posted July 9, 2011 Hi Tom, Thank you for the inspiration ! I'm in the process of making a PL flyer. Question, how much dihedral under each wing tip ? Regards, David. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Wright 2 Posted July 9, 2011 Author Share Posted July 9, 2011 Hi David . Welcome to the PL builders group,do post photos of progress and any ideas that others can look at. I assume your build is based on the tipped dihedral version ,if so 3" under each tip. Or if its the version with the dihedral at the center only again 3" under each tip will be ok. Thanks for the interest ,look forward to hearing from you again. Tom. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Wright 2 Posted July 9, 2011 Author Share Posted July 9, 2011 PL Dart. Hi All. Looking for a break in the weather to flight test the effect of adding tip fins , extra fin area under the wing would without doubt improve the directional stability at high angles of attack ,but want to keep the underside free of of protrusions ,so a version without u/c is practical. Edited By Tom Wright 2 on 09/07/2011 15:36:33 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben B Posted July 9, 2011 Share Posted July 9, 2011 Tom, what Tx have you got? for solo launching my wings I have a on/off mix on the gear switch which gives 0/100% of the throttle. Then I can put the switch to "off", put the throttle safely to 100%, pick up the model and then flip the gear switch with my right hand whilst using finger/thumb on the airelon/elevator switch. No teeth throttle control needed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Wright 2 Posted July 9, 2011 Author Share Posted July 9, 2011 Hi Ben. Thanks for the tip, but this was a one off test flight prior to fitting the keel and undercarriage. The mix you suggest could be handy for any EP model that requires a hand launch. The PL Darts easy going flight characteristics ,did give time to swoop hands quite easily. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Wright 2 Posted July 9, 2011 Author Share Posted July 9, 2011 PL Standard . Well done Fred ,another variation on the the standard PL .completed and ready to test fly this evening. This one has a wing span of 40" ,uses 9gm servos ,and weighs in at 12oz.. Edited By Tom Wright 2 on 09/07/2011 18:30:20 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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