andy watson Posted December 30, 2008 Author Share Posted December 30, 2008 Hmm, not sure what happened there- I seem to have managed to repost the message from yesterday! Anyway, there is good progress on the rib tapes- photos to follow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris C Posted December 30, 2008 Share Posted December 30, 2008 can't wait Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andy watson Posted December 31, 2008 Author Share Posted December 31, 2008 Well......................since you are so excited............Being from Yorkshire, I am obviously tight with my money- or "careful" as I prefer to call it. Ignoring the fact that this makes building RC planes a very stupid hobby to get involved in; what it actually meant was I had carefully packed away all the 4-6" long off cuts of the wing rib tapes I got from Mick Reeves. Thinking about it, they were totally pointless unless I was planning on building a very very small plane!! However, what it did mean was I could use them in between the existing rib tapes to form the leading edge tape without using any of the longer pieces- so in effect I did them for free! It's about time I got something for free out of this hobby I even had enough longer off cuts to do the wing tips with a single piece each.As Ken had mentioned, the scalloping made the trailing edge difficult, so I had to think about it. Having done all the other with tapes, I didn't want to just paint them on- it would have seemed like cutting a corner and I would have always known it was there. A cigarette and I had a plan. The Tapes had some tapes that were double the width of the normal ones. I have no idea what they were for, but thought they could wrap right round the trailing edge showing on the top and bottom wing surface. Well unfortunately it didn't seem to work out well. Whether it was my inexperience and poor technique, or whether it was just a stupid idea they were coming out irregular in thickness and quite square.Another cigarette, and plan B reared it's head- not only were there some thick tapes, there were some very thin ones- half size. Their thiness should make them easy to curve around the scallop, and the very edge of the trailing edge can just be painted. This worked a treat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andy watson Posted December 31, 2008 Author Share Posted December 31, 2008 Now it was a simple matter of painting them. And a couple of hours later the bottom wing looks like this: Easy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andy watson Posted December 31, 2008 Author Share Posted December 31, 2008 This morning.............I love being on holiday ................. I painted the top wing too. Only a couple of photos as they look pretty much the same as the bottom wing! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris C Posted December 31, 2008 Share Posted December 31, 2008 that looks just like the real thing ,ive seen some pics of the readl thing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil Winks Posted December 31, 2008 Share Posted December 31, 2008 The only D VII I've seen was a replica and was red and white with no visible rib tapes so I can't say yet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andy watson Posted December 31, 2008 Author Share Posted December 31, 2008 More done this evening- it's getting close now!I don't know how much of todays work will show up on the photos as it's mainly been scale details and my camera isn't so hot on very close up shots.The first thing was I glued the 2 machine guns in place.I then added some half pipe I had painted which acts as a channel for the muzzle flash- apparantly these were fitted to stop the machine guns igniting petrol vapour in the engine bay. I can imagine that spoiling a pilots day I still like my dummy engine! Next I added a metal staple into each wing tip on the lower wing and one into the rudder.I didn't think the recommended method of hammering them in to be appropriate in this case(!) so I drilled 1.5mm holes and then pushed them into place. They are very tight, so shouldn't work free, especially as the wing tips are being pulled at 90 degrees to their holes, and I drilled the rudder ones at about 45 degrees. These loops are for attaching the ribbons to:The picture isn't 100% clear after being scanned, but basically there are 3 ribbons which were added by the leader of the squadron to their plane. They are red, white and black. I bought 12mm wide ribbon off ebay (5m for a quid) which equates to a full scale of about 3" wide, which seems sensible. Unfortunately I have discovered that ribbon does not superglue very well, so I have passed it to the sewing department! I will fashion some small wire hooks to connect them.I should be able to do more tomorrow, then I better start back on some work as the holidays are almost over. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andy watson Posted December 31, 2008 Author Share Posted December 31, 2008 Just had a look back and realised I more or less finished the airframe by the end of August! Ever since then has been fiddling jobs, radio gear and covering!!I remember thinking at the time it was nearly finished! Anyway- happy new year to allAndy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andy watson Posted January 1, 2009 Author Share Posted January 1, 2009 Well it's time for a bit of a confession.The ailerons have been ready to be fitted for several weeks now, and I have been avoiding doing them because I was a bit nervous about them. This is the only job left that could screw up the whole plane! I have been vacillating between using Robart hinges or flat ones. I used Robarts on the rudder and elevator. They seem very strong, but when I was fitting them you need to be exceptionally accurate in drilling holes for them. The other issue- and I don't know if it's normal or poor technique- is the gap between the 2 surfaces. This is only a couple of mm, but was a result of not wanting to get epoxy on the hinge (for obvious reasons). This isn't a problem on the tail, but I felt it would detract on the wings. The other option of flat hinges had different issues. To be honest the main worry I had with these was after I built a quick glider whilst waiting for the lozenge to turn up. When wicking cyano into the hinge it either ran onto the gloss covering or the fumes went onto it, and it discoloured it with what looks like a white residue. It didn't matter on a 2 channel glider I plan to throw around when it's too windy to fly, but there was no way I wanted that to happen to my lozenge!!In the end I decided to go with the flat hinges. The deciding factor was the angles of the wing edge at the aileron/wing join. The hinges will have to go at the top of the wing, and the Robarts would stick up proud of the wing surface, whereas the flat hinges could be concealed. The wood the hinges slot into was only 5/6mm thick, and with the hinges going to the top surface, they would have to go right under the covering. This didn't sound very strong, so I cut all the slots at a downwards angle of about 45 degrees. The 2 slots on each aileron were cut between the outer 2 ribs at each end of the aileron. The hinges were slid into the slots, and cyano run into the cut. Once the hinges were glued in the aileron I put masking tape on the wing, offered the aileron to the wing, and and marked the hinge positions on the wing. This gave me an accurate guide to cut the wing slots- again at 45 degrees. The hinges were slotted into the wing and I was relieved that they fit perfectly. They were glued into position- the only thing to note was I let the glue dry with the wing upside down to keep the aileron surface well away from the wing surface- I didn't want to accidently glue the aileron to the wing!The procedure was repeated for the other aileron. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andy watson Posted January 1, 2009 Author Share Posted January 1, 2009 Once the ailerons were in place it was a simple matter to fit the horns and connect them to the servos in the wings.I do need to take them off again to add a little ring of fuel tube around the clevis to ensure it stays in place. But all in all a very sucessful afternoon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris C Posted January 1, 2009 Share Posted January 1, 2009 not far to go now, it looks really good Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andy watson Posted January 3, 2009 Author Share Posted January 3, 2009 The earlier discussion about scale modelling led to dig this off wiki:Erich Loewenhardt (April 7, 1897 - August 10, 1918) was the 3rd highest German flying ace with 54 victories during the First World War, behind only Manfred von Richthofen and Ernst Udet.Loewenhardt was born in Breslau, Silesia, Germany (a son of a Doctor). As a prewar cadet he was 17 when hostilities erupted in August 1914 and saw infantry action in the East with the Imperial German Army. In weeks he had been commissioned, decorated, and wounded, but returned to his unit in the Carpathians. In early 1915 he received the Iron Cross 1st Class for saving five wounded men. Upon transfer to the Imperial German Army Air Service, Loewenhardt qualified as an observer, then finished pilot training in 1916. Following additional service in two-seaters he transferred to fighters and joined Jagdstaffel 10 in March 1917. "Jasta" 10 was one of four squadrons in Manfred von Richthofen's geschwader (wing), and the 20-year-old flier soon made a name for himself. By year end he had eight victories, and upon doubling his score he became the commander of Jasta 10. Oberleutnant Loewenhardt was an aggressive, skilled fighter whose score grew steadily. At the end of May 1918 he received Germany's highest honour, the Pour le Mérite (Blue Max) after 24 kills. Flying the new Fokker D.VII, he added eight more in June and no fewer than 16 in July. His tally climbed to 53 on August 9. The next day (August 10, 1918) Oblt. Loewenhardt shot down a British SE-5 fighter of No. 56 Squadron near Chaulnes (Somme area of France). However, he collided with another Fokker D.VII (of Jasta 11) and though he jumped from his aircraft, his parachute failed to open, thus causing the young man to plummet to his death from around 12,000 feet. His body was recovered 4 days later, battered and beaten. He was 21. (The other pilot who collided with him, Leutnant Alfred Wenz, bailed out successfully.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andy watson Posted January 6, 2009 Author Share Posted January 6, 2009 Well, back at work, so I've been a bit short on time.What I have been able to do though, is get the ribbons made for the wings. I drafted in the mother in law who has done a fantastic job fixing the ribbons together and hemming the top and adding a little loop. I simply used a bit of wire to fix through the loop and the top of the staples I added earlier.These are really nice little touches, and set the plane off a treat.There is no point looking for photos of the bracing wire on the tail- it is too thin to show up on the photos. In the end I used think 30 SWG Nichrome wire. I spent a lot of time looking for silver coloured think picture hanging wire- the twisted stuff, but all I could find was brass. I have no idea if the real one was twisted- but it seemed to me it would be. I did find some for sale at B&Q, but at 1.7mm thick it looked too thick. If I find some in the future I will probably replace it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andy watson Posted January 7, 2009 Author Share Posted January 7, 2009 Well it's finished.........almost!! After the ribbons and bracing wire I assembled the virtually complete plane.Assembly wasn't quite as straightforwards as I had hoped!! Once the struts had been covered with solartex they didn't quite fit onto their bolts. This was a similar problem as I had with the tail- the multiple layers of 'tex used getting around the tight curves were too thick. They took a bit of trimming with the knife, and now all is well! You will notice the pilot. I got him off ebay, and whilst he looks OK, he is made from a grey resin of some kind and is pretty heavy. I have invested in a new one- as long as the other half doesn't find out it should be fine! The new one is much nicer and lighter.......and costs more! . Anyway, because of this I haven't balanced the plane, but I have had a quick look. It is almost perfectly balanced without a pilot- slightly tail heavy, so some weight will be needed in the nose- but actually much less than I expected and less than the instructions suggested might be needed- maybe my engine is heavier. Anyway, I will balance it without the pilot unless the new one turns up before the maiden flight.I also might add a couple more scale touches- foot steps and lifting handles on the fuselage. It's these little touches that really add to the model, but also are the reason you never finish!! I think I have time before the next project gets underway though. Anyway- it's done in time for it's grand unveiling at tonights bring a model night at the flying club meeting! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Cotsford Posted January 7, 2009 Share Posted January 7, 2009 Andy - on my Jungmeister I used nylon covered stranded wire fishing trace, it's available in natural stainless steel with a clear coat, or in various colours, and in different weights. I got mine from an anglers supply shop many years ago, I think it's something like 20 or 30 lb breaking strain - 10 - 15 Kg. Soem model suppliers sell it as closed-loop control wire. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andy watson Posted January 7, 2009 Author Share Posted January 7, 2009 That sounds perfect Bob. Any chance of a link to some so I know exactly what you are talking about!! No need Bob- a quick trawl on e bay turned some up.Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris C Posted January 7, 2009 Share Posted January 7, 2009 it looks amazing its really cool, iam pretty sure people would kill for it, well i know i would Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil Winks Posted January 7, 2009 Share Posted January 7, 2009 Now thats a real credit to you hope it flies as well as it looks. top job Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andy watson Posted January 8, 2009 Author Share Posted January 8, 2009 Not sure what's happening with the blog- it shows 243 entries on the title page but I can only see up to Chris Cs post.Anyway, the grand unveiling went well, and the plane attracted lots of interest and comments. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris C Posted January 8, 2009 Share Posted January 8, 2009 when are you going to give it a whirl Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andy watson Posted January 8, 2009 Author Share Posted January 8, 2009 Depends on the weather- possibly Sunday.I will strip off the scale engine & stuff so we have decent access to the engine, and get it in the air!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris C Posted January 8, 2009 Share Posted January 8, 2009 don't forget pics and vids if poss Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy Shailer Posted January 8, 2009 Share Posted January 8, 2009 well done Andy, it looks great, followed ya build blog from the start, its been brill.good luck with maiden flight.Andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andy watson Posted January 11, 2009 Author Share Posted January 11, 2009 Well, no go wih the weather today- damp and windy! Never mind- there's always next weekend.One of the real problems with a scale model is you have never finished. There is always something else that can be done. I already know through my DVII reading that on the tail there should be 2 struts underneath, rather the bracing wires suggested in the kit. I might well replace these at some point. I am also thinking that the wire I used for the bracing wire should be twisted multistrand, but I couldn't find any suitable. I might well replace that. I doubt anyone would ever notice! It needs dirtying up to reflect the conditions of use in a WWI air strip. I will need to find an article about that before I attempt it, but I am sure I will at some point.There were a couple of jobs I did want to do though, and I have done them today.The first was simple. Remember me raging against paying £20+ for a flexible exhaust manifold? Well I bit the bullet and bought one. Now I still think in an engine that cost £105 that it is very expensive, but it does exactly what it's supposed to. I removed the engine, took off the silicon pipe I had used, screwed it in place, and it was done. Very simple an easy. The silicon pipe was worrying me, because although some people said it was fine, others said it wouldn't cope with the temperatures in a 4 stroke. Caution got the better of penny pinching in the end.The irony is I balked at £24, but in the end I spent:£4 Silicon pipe£2 Jubilee clips£5 Mick Reeves flexible pipe£3 silver solder & flux£2 (ish) p&pSo I wasted £16 before giving up and spending the £24 anyway There's probably a lesson for me in there somewhere............and I bet the silicon pipe would have been fine! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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