Scale RCM 1/3 Scale Champ Build

[TonyHallo]

Thanks, it's the same just the cowl is little larger!!! I've built several glass planes over the years so it's no big deal. I just like the joy of building. It is 90+ inch span and powered by a Valley View 40 twin. The plane was flown with a Quarda 35 back in 1986 when it was released. I think my kit was made before 1990 based on the style of Robart hinge point included. I always wanted one of these when I started flying but just couldn't swing it. I found the kit on line and bought it from a guy that lives 30 miles from me.

I have a Topflite Tomahawk with a glass fuselage on the shelve waiting. I spend more time building an airplane than flying it, that's part of the hobby that the next generation will miss out on.

 

[dhal22]

I spend more time building an airplane than flying it, that's part of the hobby that the next generation will miss out on.

Me too. A shame for the next generation for sure. That's something I've recognized for years.

 

[TonyHallo]

For the wing root connection I am cutting the spars down to slip into boxes above the cabin. For the layout I blocked the spars at the 2 degree dihedral angle then made gauge blocks out of scrap plywood to layout the cut lines. Once everything is cut and fit I believe the wings will go together rather quickly. I spent several hours making the wing root ribs. I plan make the boxes and glue the cabin top together before assembling the wings.

 

[dhal22]

That water heater is looking a little old, keep an eye on it........

 

[TonyHallo]

I laid out the rib position so that both wings will be the same. The wings will be built to lines rather than the other wing drawing. You can see the tongues on the spars at the bottom of the photo

 

[TonyHallo]

I spent yesterday and today making the metal parts for struts and ailerons. I use the disc sander to put the radius on the ends of the straps, just rotate the part about the axis. The straps are 16 gage steel. The aileron hinges were made out of 1/4" X 1/4" aluminum bar rather than two steel straps as shown on the plans.

 

[dhal22]

Tony, how did you cut the steel straps? Thx

 

[TonyHallo]

With a metal cutting band saw. It's not big, 5", but has served me well over the last 40 years. It has built many planes.

 

[dhal22]

5" bandsaw? That's a tiny one. Smallest I can find is 9" (or the micro mark saw).

 

[TonyHallo]

The wing assembly has begun! I glued the rib stubs onto the main spars. I still have a few details to resolve for the aileron hinges, I want to do all the drilling for the hinges on the drill press before the wings are glued up. I have the spar boxes built and need to assemble the cabin roof before I can actually begin gluing the ribs to the spars as well.