F22trainer

Curious if anyone has recommendations for an under-camber wing covering? I have an old trainer 3- channel airplane I bought long ago...needs wing recovered. I tried Monokote, but just didn't work out to my liking and underside did not adhere well.

dereckbc

Might try using my trainer. Most MEN like it. I am sure Blair can iron out your rough spots.

Wildflyer

I should start working on my MEN trainer, my wife started it many years ago but lost interest in modeling.

My old flying buddy built one in the 70"s he covered with monokote, but he used Balsarite on the bottom surfaces. It increases the bond.

He ironed the covering to the bottom of the spar then to the bottom of the ribs being careful to keep the covering smooth. When he shrunk the covering he did not touch the ribs or spar.

It takes time but it can work.

Silkspan or Silk might be a good choice also.

There used to be a material called Silron, it had Silk fibers running one direction and Rayon running the other. The Silk fibers shrink more than the Rayon (if I remember right) you wanted the fibers that shrank more running the length of the wing. It worked very well on wings like a Proctor Antic

F22trainer

Iron on covering is definitely the wrong for this application...

Wildflyer

Should have told him before he did it successfully about 40 years ago.

F22trainer

Not what I meant there ( referring to the model with the putter), but Sounds like that technique would work. My thinking was something like silkspan might lay in the arc better. I agree it is going to be an exercise in patience.

F22trainer

Ok, so maybe it was a tease- bought this from Bob Rainey back in the 80's as my first RC. so I dug it out to get some pictures. The OS 20 will go to anew home. Hoping a Power 25 will do about the same job with a 9x6 prop.
I think I still have the old World Radio TX / RX...but that will yield to Spektrum.
As you can see, the wing covering needs some serious attention, but the fuse came out great.
By the way, does anyone have copies of the prints or perhaps some specs on thrust angles and CG location?

Wildflyer

I should have the plan, I'll look tomorrow

F22trainer

That would be great. Hope you'll pick up yours and finish. I think they would be a blast to fly with electrics. Mine usually ran great for about 90 sec. and was then glider practice, getting it restarted was always a pain.

Brner

Here's a snippet from the plan showing the CG....HTH

Don

F22trainer

Nice job - Thanks very much! Pretty much where I would have started at 75% chord.

F22trainer

Got a detail on engine / thrust angles?
Thanks. Been looking for a whole kit, but no luck yet. Ordering plans from AMA, but am ready to install engine.

Brner

Here's a PDF showing down thrust, no side thrust shown that I can find. I put the angular measurement in there. Looks like a lot of down thrust but that's what it shows.

BTW, you can find the plans I have on this on the Outerzone site..

http://outerzone.co.uk/

Don

F22trainer

I spent many search sessions looking for that - HUGE Thanks!
I plan to get the wing recovered this weekend.

dereckbc

Not exactly a model. It is Blair O'Neal a LPGA Tour Player.

F22trainer

Got busy with the wing and a few other tasks.
Test fit of the Eflite Power 10 looks simple enough should not have to get fancy with a motor mount. Contemplating a simple cowl.
Rudder and elevator install with new push rods and servos was smooth. Lots of room compared to that P38 (which is moving along nicely with the sheeting).
Picked up Spektrum AR400 receiver which I think will get lost in that huge box for the gas tank I removed.
Got the wing stripped and nearly cleaned up and ready the cover. It does not balance at all, due to some obvious repairs with structure on one side. Didn't know about that but it looks straight and sturdy.
I think I will go with white iron on covering - any recommendations on what to avoid? I appreciate the suggestions on undercamber wing coverage. Guess it will depend on what LHS has in stock.
Will pick that up along with a new set of gear and lite wheels tomorrow on the way home from work.
Enjoy hearing your ideas - Thanx guys!

F22trainer

Got engine installed and started the new covering. Undercamber wing was a challenge and took time - used your suggestions, but did try the heat gun with no problems. Engine mount was 1/4" Sintra with vent holes.

F22trainer

Now with any luck, I may get the landing gear bent and axles pressed, etc. on my next day off...whenever that is. LHS had nothing in the gear selection so it's a DIY. Almost ready for a trip to the field.

F22trainer

Anyone know the wheel / strut measurements on these?
I'd like to use them on the MEN, and are they aluminum struts? HZ has no info except they are for the eFlite Cessna CZ - 150.
Would be perfect if #'s work!
https://www.hobbyzone.com/EFL1408.html

Brner

You did a great job on that wing covering....nice work all around!

Don

F22trainer

Big Thanks! The stripes are temporary/test - think I will go with a navy blue instead.

F22trainer

Had the club instructor help me with the maiden first flight, and I got a few pics of the landing. Was a little squirrelly on the first T/O, and elevator trim was maxed out and was still climbing. Rudder needed a little more left as well. Made the adjustments and got 2 more flights. Very crisp handling in the air, but still squirrelly on takeoff, mostly due to 'ailerrudder' controls.

F22trainer

Got the new landing gear and wheels on, removed the tail feathers and replace tail wheel bracket. Covering was poor so just decided to go all out with new colors and fillets too. Found a lighter tail wheel, and I guess the lighter landing gear offset the tailwheel - no change in nose weight. Weighs 4.4 lbs AUW...about 2 times what I figured, but she flew well on the last flight. I hope to try some different props next flights- got a 9x6 on it now. Picked up a 9x7 and 9x8. It flew well at half throttle. Had to add 12 oz. in the nose to balance, so that was part of the weight increase.

F22trainer

Repairs are underway after she encountered a mesquite tree. Seems my method of ID for charged batteries had a loophole and I got the weak one, so now I always do a 30 second run up to listen for constant power...hmm I do that all the time with piston engine aircraft. Not too bad a hit - wing section LE and partial front section of a rib to replace and recover from tip to about 10 inches in.
She is fun, and always get a few questions. Sorry no damage photos- too much like bad luck. I'll try get some video next trip out as it looks great on low passes!
Meanwhile, my Cub has eased me into Intermediate mode and those short takeoffs are so cool. Have yet to try a full flap landing though.

F22trainer

Got 6 flights out of this bird over the weekend. She does not like wind with those ailer-rudders...
But that said, this morning it was dead calm and 3 flights with a 1500mah pack, 7 mins each and a tad more than 1/2 throttle. Flew nicely hands off after some minor trimming. Still a bit squirrelly on take off so I am working on that and improving.
Since she is nearly 50, that's her in the background, Gentle flights are the norm and quite fun actually!
My current weekend flyers, but a PT-17 is coming soon and another Cub is on the board.