Started my day picking up the plastic parts for the Morane Saunier Type N at John's workshop where I was also able to float some ideas past him on the build. When I got back I got to work.
Mapped out the locations for the main components. I think this was built planned as an electric. The tank barely fits and when actually installed I will need to create a very small opening at the base of the firewall for the toe of the tank. The firewall will have the usual center large hole.
Started with a tray for the throttle servo, made from an aileron servo from a large gasser. We decided that a OS0.46 AXI/II with the muffler facing down and the cylinder head on the starboard side. Hoping it fits such that it will only need a hole for the igniter. May need a larger hole to protect the plastic of the cowl
Dry fit the plastic top. I want a WW1 pilot in flying configuration with a 50mm or less base (I think 1/9 scale), but they are so hard to find let alone painted. I also want to install the scale triangle to attach the wing wires to. It would be easy to attach it to the plastic top, but this would require being able to easily attach the wires at the field. This is likely is what I will need to do, as the plastic top can't be secure to the wing as one piece. This may be complicated by fueling, though my plan is to run a line off the main fuel line with a 3-way filter (but how do I see how much fuel is in the tank?). This is in part because I hard-pointed the wing (see below). I created a latch mechanism to secure the front. I just decided to use thumbscrews to secure the back end.
I wanted a more scale pseudo-scale appearance, part of which meant hard-pointed attaching the wing instead of using rubber bands. I installed pegs up front (John's recommendation). Since that are in front of the wing didn't have a cover, I made one, but since the tank is right underneath it I don't want to glue it in place. My problem is not being able to see the tank to tell when it's full. John may have a solution.
Nice snug fit. You can see the screw holes in the aft section. I am going to use some CA to harden the balsa around the holes, and a small plastic strap to distribute the stress, along with rubber-backed washers for the dihedral.
View from the front, firewall is not installed. You can see the front latch for the plastic top.
This is what that latch will catch onto. Works great, allows the top to slide forward into position. It's CA'd but I will put a little epoxy around the attachments
To make a snug fit I created a little padded arch to set against the front of the plastic top when in place. I'll update this post with a pick of the plastic top in place.
The screw hard-pointed aft. The arched cut-outs are so I can get to the aft servo screws when needed. I will put short vertical attachments on it for the thumbscrews. You can see the rudder-elevator servo "tray".
I nocked up the vertical stabilizer. I (we, can't do some fancy structural strengthening John suggests, that of course make sense), will need to make one. We will use solid 1/4 inch balsa with spruce running along to tops and bottoms for added strength. Will break scale with a small tail wheel. Not pictured is the elevator piece.
The mock up.
Once I get the engine (generous John is gifting me an OS 46. I need to find a 46 mount. I want to find the original round back low profile one, especially because the engine will be rotated 90°, but the adjustable Du-Bro may be the go-to.
I plan to use a Hobby King LiFe 2S 2100 mAh receiver pack, and I have on hand a Spektrum AR620. I bought some scale 2-1/2 inch wheels I found at my local hobby shop. Keeping my eye peeled for that pilot figure. My next step is to start the cote work. The tail is the only major construction piece, but I've never done the cote work on an entire plane before. I don't expect the wing wires to be difficult, but some technical issues to overcome; still thinking that thru. I have turnbuckles from my old deceased Hangar 9 Sopwith, and some of the brass 2-hoke short straps to attach eyelets on the upper and under triangles, like on the scale plane. Not doing all 8 a side though.
I am off tomorrow too, and the weather forecast improved, winds might allow me to maiden something, and I think I want to take the Eflite Stearman PT-17 out for the first time in a few years We'll see what tomorrow brings.
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