RCU Forums
This could have been eliminated had I made the motor box 1/8" longer. But this wasn't a mistake on my part, it was by design...I placed it there should I want to add a couple of degrees right thrust or down thrust (or both), I can remove this shim and taper it accordingly. Right now there is 0 thrust in both directions as clled for on the plans.
This could have been eliminated had I made the motor box 1/8" longer. But this wasn't a mistake on my part, it was by design...I placed it there should I want to add a couple of degrees right thrust or down thrust (or both), I can remove this shim and taper it accordingly. Right now there is 0 thrust in both directions as clled for on the plans.
0 2025/03/18 11:31:32
0 2025/03/18 13:26:08
v
v
0 2025/03/18 13:26:12
Not permanently installed, just wanted to see how it would look...
Not permanently installed, just wanted to see how it would look...
0 2025/03/19 11:29:50
In the next few photo, the cowl was installed. I tried to show (through the vent openings) the clearance.
In the next few photo, the cowl was installed. I tried to show (through the vent openings) the clearance.
0 2025/03/19 11:29:55
This was an idea to mount the ESC in this location. The cooling fins of the ESC are directly in-line with the bottom air scoop in the cowl, so there will be plenty of air flow for cooling. The ply bracket holding the ESC hasn't been epoxied into place yet. I'm still deciding if this is how I want it.
This was an idea to mount the ESC in this location. The cooling fins of the ESC are directly in-line with the bottom air scoop in the cowl, so there will be plenty of air flow for cooling. The ply bracket holding the ESC hasn't been epoxied into place yet. I'm still deciding if this is how I want it.
0 2025/03/19 11:29:58
a
a
0 2025/03/19 11:30:02
0 2025/03/19 11:30:05
I placed it gauges into the instrument panel. Not exactly scale, but it will work.
I placed it gauges into the instrument panel. Not exactly scale, but it will work.
0 2025/03/19 11:30:08
This is a job that I've been meaning to complete, so today was the day! The plywood cowl ring was originally only epoxied in place, but I wanted to lock it in with fiberglass strips, which now bonds the plywood to the cowl.
This is a job that I've been meaning to complete, so today was the day! The plywood cowl ring was originally only epoxied in place, but I wanted to lock it in with fiberglass strips, which now bonds the plywood to the cowl.
0 2025/03/19 11:30:11
0 2025/03/19 11:30:14
I finalized the position of the ESC.
I finalized the position of the ESC.
0 2025/03/19 16:24:26
g
g
0 2025/03/19 16:24:30
0 2025/03/19 16:24:33
While I'm happy with the quality (and fit) of this fiberglass cowl from Fiberglass Specialties, you still have to do a fair amount of work before you can spray paint on it.
While I'm happy with the quality (and fit) of this fiberglass cowl from Fiberglass Specialties, you still have to do a fair amount of work before you can spray paint on it.
0 2025/03/21 13:11:36
0 2025/03/21 13:11:39
I will make the opening for the cable, then move on to the other side of the fuselage.
I will make the opening for the cable, then move on to the other side of the fuselage.
0 2025/03/22 11:44:32
d
d
0 2025/03/22 11:44:36
This piece is for the pull-pull cable to exit.
This piece is for the pull-pull cable to exit.
0 2025/03/22 11:44:39
d
d
0 2025/03/22 11:44:43
Since both (top and bottom) balsa pieces were anchored to round dowels, I made sure to profile the edges of the balsa for a better glue joint.
Since both (top and bottom) balsa pieces were anchored to round dowels, I made sure to profile the edges of the balsa for a better glue joint.
0 2025/03/22 11:44:46
0 2025/03/22 11:44:49
It occurred to me that I had neglected to add balsa around where the CF pushrods and pull-pull cables exit the fuselage. This is needed to give the covering fabric something to attach to.
It occurred to me that I had neglected to add balsa around where the CF pushrods and pull-pull cables exit the fuselage. This is needed to give the covering fabric something to attach to.
0 2025/03/22 11:44:52
0 2025/03/23 09:43:32
This is how it should look like.
This is how it should look like.
0 2025/03/23 09:43:36
The fabric at this point hasn't been shrunk. It was gently stretched around the perimeter and once again low heat was applied to the fabric. This is what it should look like.
The fabric at this point hasn't been shrunk. It was gently stretched around the perimeter and once again low heat was applied to the fabric. This is what it should look like.
0 2025/03/23 09:43:40
Before trimming the cloth with a sharp single edge razor two things were done. First, the fabric was shrunk with the iron just enough to get the fabric taught. There should not be any sagging or wrinkles. Second, to get a clean cut, 50%Nitrate and 50% Thinner was brushed over the edges of the cloth where the razor will cut. Let dry then trim.
Before trimming the cloth with a sharp single edge razor two things were done. First, the fabric was shrunk with the iron just enough to get the fabric taught. There should not be any sagging or wrinkles. Second, to get a clean cut, 50%Nitrate and 50% Thinner was brushed over the edges of the cloth where the razor will cut. Let dry then trim.
0 2025/03/23 09:43:42
0 2025/03/23 09:43:46
Stix-It was applied around the perimeter of the elevator, once dried the fabric was laid over the top of the elevator and ironed down with low heat.
Stix-It was applied around the perimeter of the elevator, once dried the fabric was laid over the top of the elevator and ironed down with low heat.
0 2025/03/23 09:47:40
Elevators laid over fabric.
Elevators laid over fabric.
0 2025/03/23 09:48:12
Thought you may be interested in the type of brushes I use to apply Stix-it and the Nitrate Dope. Cheap chip brushes... After the brush is used, I place it in a small jar with some Nitrate Thinner in it and swish the brush in and then I dab it dry on the paper towel you see. These chip brushes are notorious for loosing bristles, so a good tip, wick some thin CA around where the bristles meet the ferrule, this will help.
Thought you may be interested in the type of brushes I use to apply Stix-it and the Nitrate Dope. Cheap chip brushes... After the brush is used, I place it in a small jar with some Nitrate Thinner in it and swish the brush in and then I dab it dry on the paper towel you see. These chip brushes are notorious for loosing bristles, so a good tip, wick some thin CA around where the bristles meet the ferrule, this will help.
0 2025/03/24 14:46:55
To get nice clean cuts, I brush on one coat of 50/50% Nitrate dope around the perimeter. let dry, then trim away!
To get nice clean cuts, I brush on one coat of 50/50% Nitrate dope around the perimeter. let dry, then trim away!
0 2025/03/24 14:47:00
The elevators have been brushed with two cats of the 50/50 Nitrate mixture and lightly sanded. They're ready for the rivet heads then tape.
The elevators have been brushed with two cats of the 50/50 Nitrate mixture and lightly sanded. They're ready for the rivet heads then tape.
0 2025/03/24 14:47:03
0 2025/03/24 14:47:06
Should look like this.
Should look like this.
0 2025/03/24 14:47:09
Cover was placed over the rudder, I had to make a slice to fit over the horn. Use a sharp blade or the fabric will fray.
Cover was placed over the rudder, I had to make a slice to fit over the horn. Use a sharp blade or the fabric will fray.
0 2025/03/24 14:47:11
Use your iron on low heat to attach the fabric. Note the fabric has not been shrunk, you can see it sagging in a few areas, this is normal. Do not trim the excess material until you bump up the heat and shrink your fabric.
Use your iron on low heat to attach the fabric. Note the fabric has not been shrunk, you can see it sagging in a few areas, this is normal. Do not trim the excess material until you bump up the heat and shrink your fabric.
0 2025/03/24 14:47:14
0 2025/03/24 14:47:17
Covering the rudder. The Stix-it was brushed around the perimeter. The glossy surface is the Stix-it. It dries very quickly.
Covering the rudder. The Stix-it was brushed around the perimeter. The glossy surface is the Stix-it. It dries very quickly.
0 2025/03/24 14:47:20
Next step, trim the amount of fabric needed.
Next step, trim the amount of fabric needed.
0 2025/03/24 14:49:19
Advertising | Cookie Policy | Privacy Statement | Terms of Service | Manage Preferences Your Privacy Choices
Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.