IMAC Double Build, Carden Pro 124" Extra 300 40%

[orthobird]

I was able to finally install the cowl, and all my measurements came out real well.

I am really starting to like this kit even more now, and can now appreciate the complexity of the build, but give it full merit, as I feel this is an incredibly well designed airplane. I feel honored to be able to build it. This was always a dream of mine, to one day, build a Carden, and today, for the 1st time, I am really feeling blessed and lucky to be doing so. You will understand why soon!!!


These mods, are not from the plans. I used the advice from Dean @Fixed Wing

I am using these Ohio super star threads. There are 4 screws that fix the bottom cowl to the fuselage. 2 on each side.

i then sanded the corners down smooth, and it is looking real good!

i then installed the top cowl, and then drilled from inside the fuselage into the hard point of the top cowl. Then I glued in a Tee Nut for a 6-32 screw.

some of the screws were installed

 

[orthobird]

this is a test run of the turtle deck on the fuselage.

the plans have these templates and they work great! really made it a breeze to do this step. Once i cut out the piece from the tail end of the turtle deck, then I used a round dowel wrapped with sand paper to do the finishing smoothing out.

I weighed the fuselage, with the cowl and turtle deck, and so far, 9 pounds. Not bad i guess..

OK, before gluing on the turtle deck, two things need to be done:
you must add a 1/16th balsa thick, 3/4" wide strip to the top of the fuselage, according to the plans.
then, I obtained these super light weight, rocket tubes, and glued them together. Since this airplane may have a tendency to be tail heavy, I will place the radio system, in front of the fuel tank. That way, my batteries do not have to be as forward.


Here are the rocket tubes Size BT 50

this is the forward fixation point. One tube for the rudder extension leads, and the other tube for the elevator leads.

this is the tube for the rudder servos.

here is the tube for the elevator servo leads....

Ok, here it is....






the turtle deck has been glued on. Now, just waiting for it to cure.

It is starting to look like an airplane now!

 

[orthobird]

Sharks with lasers on their heads.....

anyone remember that one?


I am very happy and satisfied, all the hard work, and perseverance has paid off.

 

[JAG]

Amazing work. Can't wait to see the finished product. Cardens fly amazing.

 

[orthobird]

Amazing work. Can't wait to see the finished product. Cardens fly amazing.

Me too! I am looking forward to seeing how this one flies.

 

[JAG]

Me too! I am looking forward to seeing how this one flies.

I haven't flown a Pro but they look good in the air. The 35% edge and Extra fly amazing.

 

[ROLLERMAN]

Nice Job Cam, I have exactly 100 flights on mine now. You are going to love it.

 

[orthobird]

Thank you Primo @ROLLERMAN , I have been using your build thread and Dean's as a guide. Right now, I am studying all the different ways to make the canopy.

Pictures to come soon....

 

[orthobird]

Got back yesterday from the Sherman 20 year straight of IMAC contests!! WOW, what a blast. Got my butt kicked, but, I had plenty of fun and laughs. Well worth it.

I am starting on building the hatch. I have made two of most for now, so that it saves me time. Here is the back plate for the hatch..

once has had more finishing on it than the other one. The bottom and top are matched to the cap on the turtle deck.

the one on the bottom of the picture has been bevelled to match the lines of the fuselage.

here are the sides, one is bevelled. the other still needs more work.

I also made some tabs for the screws that hold it on..

there are several of the pieces that need to be recessed to make up for the thickness of the canopy. The rear cap is one.


the black marking is where I need to smooth out, to account for the canopy thickness.

I then cut out some of the inside. As an aside, this is a deviation from the plans. The plans call for a 1/4" balsa cap, but I made mine laminated 1/4" balsa + 1/8" lite ply.

Once I cut out the middle, i used this as a template for the other cap.

Once it was all smoothed out, now you can see the fit:

this is the side view...

i then marked the center point.

 

[orthobird]

the side rails also need to be recessed.

Once recessed, then all the cut and pieces were glued on.

On the front part, I will drill a hole from the 1/4" balsa to the hardwood, to lock the angled joint, just like @ROLLERMAN Primo did on his build, and fill the hole with a hardwood dowel.