Phoenix Spitfire Build Update: Days 1 and 2

I started the Phoenix Models Spitfire Mk2 build the other day, as the parts have all arrived. Its a slow start. I've been excited about building her, but I've been busy...

DAY 1

On the first day I wasn't very motivated and just did the aileron and flap installation.

It comes with all CA fiber hinges. I planned to use all nylon hinges, but the fit in the flaps box was too tight... The space required by the nylon hinges, even recessed, was too much, so I had to pull them and use the CA hinges on the flaps. I taped the hinges.

Installed, both wings done, called it a day...

DAY 2

I used Hitec HS-485 HB Karbonite geared digital servos on the flaps, saving me $50. I had them on hand from some other build/crash. I generally like all metal gear servos on gassers, but I think having the MGs on all the control surfaces is important, but I can get it away with them on the flaps. Tactic X47MGs on the control surfaces and for the throttle.

I noticed that there were pre-lasered holes to secure the servo cover, so flipped them over and drilled the holes for the small screws that secure them in place.

Be aware there are two different sizes of screws, long for the ailerons, short for all the others. I hate these kinds of control horn installations. If you don't get the drill pilot holes exactly straight, getting the backplate to screw in is challenging. I managed to get about half of them to work out first try.

The long screws come out a little long so I Dremel'ed them short.

Protect with a couple of layers of masking tape.

I followed the design specifically. It makes for a very short aileron control rod. The stock control arms that come with the Tactic servos are just barely long enough, and I didn't have longer ones.  I used longer ones on the Hitec servos on the flaps as I have them.

Installed and done! I set the flaps up as closed at neutral. I've not set these up before, my only flap experience being with flaperons. Once I get the receiver in line and start programming the transmitter (Spektrum DX8) I'll know more. Pointers welcome.

I am not a fan of mechanical servo driven retracts, mostly because my experience with them on the rare plane I have had them on, well, sucked. So I replaced them  on this model with electric ones. I LOVE the way they sound in motion! The struts themselves are from the stock mechanical gears. I mention this to draw your attention to the wheel cover attachment that is closer to the wing; notice that its divided. I had to do this to allow it to retract and not run into the retract unit keeping it from closing all the way. I had to Dremel a little of the wheel box to get the retract to fit properly. These struts have a tendency to fall off, so I will go back and Dremel a notch to allow one of the set screws to hold the gear more securely.

When retracted I noticed that the strut wheel cover doesn't close flush. There is no way to address this as the wheel is firmly seated against the well, which is in turn directly flush with the wing. I looked at pics of others online, and even with the original mechanical retracts this is how it comes out.

All in all they came out nice. My first time!

The wings are each done, and next I will join them permanently. Then I can get on to the fuse and the engineering installation. This is coming along nicely!

Phoenix Models Waco

As soon as I can find one, this is likely my summer build. The Phoenix Models Waco (PH152). I think I would build it with an RCGF 20cc gas engine.  I love her classic lines and history, much like my love for all things Stearman.

Back to Two.

I have flown her more with the 3 blade prop than with 2. She seems a bit mushy with the 13x8x3. Today flying she didn't have the thrust I needed when I needed power , although she flew amazingly. So I have changed her back to the 2 blade 14x8, and we'll see how I feel.  I love the look of the 3 blade! I need to find a black prop...

Today was a very good day.

Made it out to the SNHFE field in Merrimack today.  I brought out the MX-Bach having changed the old red Sbach Thunderbolts to green to match the MX-2 color scheme, the 10CC Sukhoi, and the new Great Planes Twinstar.

For a long time I have wanoted to change the red bolts and make the wings match the fuse, I finally bought some thicker self adhesive flourescent green cote and traced out the bolts. I used some lime green cote to edge it for comtrast.

I have some work to do learning how to fly her, and my other large scale planes. She flew well, despite me. Now she looks awesome!

First flight in her new colors!

Just before the maiden of the new Twinstar. She flew tail heavy despite her being on CG, so I had to make some adjustments. She is amazingly fast! Flying her 4S.

The RCGF 10cc Sukhoi 26 flew well, also despite me. On both her and the MX-Bach, and I suspect the 30 cc MXS-R, I have to figure out what the DR and Expo settings are that work best for me. I love this plane, and how that RCGF engine sounds. Others loved it too, and asked me about it. Hope I developed some more fans!

Kenny, Bobby, Tommy and new guy Dennis, working on Dennis' Kaden glow. Dennis got it free. He's worked a lot of RC cars and trucks, but is new to flying. Tommy and Bobby put it together for him and "maidened" it for Dennis. Hopefully Dennis will get to learn on her, and fly her soon.

It was a bit gusty, and the winds were from the north making the 36 Runway necessary, with its challenge of coming in over the Ents of the South. All in all it was a great day of flying.

My Hanger 9 Power Pro Starter has always had a twitchy switch. Hate it for that switch. I had taken it apart to try to fix it, which require disassembling the whole damn thing. It finally gave out completely today. Having nothing to lose, I bought a push button switch at Radio Shack and replaced the switch. It's fixed... there is still something not quite right about it, but it's working again. If it fails again, screw it, I'll get a different one.

Good-bye Ol' friend...

Last week, in a moment of loss of orientation, I killed my Eflite Ultimate 20-300. She had never crashed*, per se, but has taken a beating over the years. She was one of my first planes, and was a favorite flyer. She would do whatever I asked and was incredibly predictable.

*(Umm.. on reviewing my posts apparently I did smash the motor box once and had rebuilt it)

Today I mustered up the courage and canabiblized her parts... It was harder than I expected, emotionally.

My old address and cell number from Biloxi, MS.

Its a shame she is discontinued... this Eflite Ultimate was an awesome aircraft.

Here are links to her history on my blog.

Good-bye, ol' friend...

Phoenix Spitfire MKII Build - Parts Ordered

A while back I purchased my Phoenix Spitfire MKII 60 a few months ago on a special from  Tower Hobbies.  Today I ordered the parts I need.

I plan on using Tactic TSX-47 Digital metal gear servos on ailerons, rudder, elevator and throttle. I saved $50 by using Hitec HS-485HB karbonite gear servos on the flaps that I have on hand. I prefer metal gears on my gassers, but I think this is safe and appropriate.

I will use the RCGF 10cc gas engine, the newest one with attached carb and a choke, and attach a mini-tachometer.  It will have a 4 20cc gas tank. It will have an RC EXCEL optical remote cut-off I install on all my gassers. I will install a Star dual power switch, and Kazu fuel dot and vent. I purchased two 6V NIMH reciever/ignition packs from Hobbyking. I plan to use a Master Airscrew 13x8 3 blade prop I have on hand, and ordered a Dubro 3 blade 3 inch Spinner.

I had purchased electric landing gear retracts from HK as well. I bought them as a pair, but can't find them. They weren't very expensive, I think less than $20  a pair. I just don't trust mechanical retracts.

The parts will start to arrive over the next couple of weeks. Stay tuned!

Twinstar 2 is Ready!

It was a quick build. Checked CG today with a 4S battery, and she is ready to maiden as soon as the wind calms.