Mini Taurus

[pd1]

While looking for something else, I found a set of Plans for the Taurus.

Two sets actually, one from the kit, and one from Hobby Helpers.
I took the plans to Kinkos and had them reduced to 70%.

This comes out to a 50 inch wing and about 350 square inches of area.
Dynam A22-20L and four 8.4 gram servos.

When the Taurus first came out it was quite a sensation, I sold my Orion and built one right away.

The Taurus flew completely different than anything else, it was very slow.
It was also very slow going down hill. The plane was stable and with the old reed equipment flew a nice pattern.

I'm hoping to be just under two pounds with this one. I'm following the structure of the original.
When this is done I might make another one with todays type of structure, much lighter.

[pd1]

By the way, is this just old, or is it scale too?

[pd1]

The original Taurus didn't use a standard solid leading edge, instead it had sheet balsa wrapped around the front of the wing.


On the scaled down model, I went to 1/16 ribs and for the wrap around leading edge I used 1/32.

To make the leading edge, I soaked the balsa in hot water then wrapped it around a broomstick. After the wood dried I added some to make it wide enough to reach the spars and glued it on.

The picture on the left is the ribs and spars dry fit.

The picture on the right, the wing structure has been glued together.

The third picture is a view of the wing on end. It shows the lack of a leading edge, and how the sheet wraps around the front of the ribs.

Fourth picture is a new source of cheap lite ply. I cut the crates that Clementine oranges come in.

The plans only showed the right wing half, so I drew the left side for rib placement.

[pd1]

I had a piece of my second Taurus tacked up on the wall at my dads.
Apparently it first flew in Jan 1968, and crashed in Oct. 1969.
Plane had a Super Tigre .60 with Citizenship proportional DP-5 equipment.
Also was covered with Super Moneycoat.

A couple of more shots of the wing.

First two shots, the wing sheeted and joined.
Capstrips are on, also center section sheeting.

Third shot landing gear mount in.
Landing gear mount made from orange crate.

[pd1]

On the oft chance someone is actually reading this stuff, here's some more pictures.

First two pictures are of the stabilizer.
Same construction as the original.

Start of the fuselage sides. Sides are 3/32 sheet with 1/32 doublers up front. And 3/32 wing saddle doublers.
Diagonal strips on sides are 1/32.
I might silk and dope this one.
The strips should help in keeping the sides from curling when the dope shrinks,and shrinks and shrinks......

last two are checking for trueness. measured the centers, stuck pins in the centers of the formers and place a yardstick to check alignment.

Fuse and wing fit.

[pd1]

Since it doesn't look like there will be any comments other than my own, here's the last shots for now.


The fuselage top is one piece of balsa, as per the original.
After carving and hollowing I got the weight of the block down to 0.9 ounce.

The wing with gear weighs 5.1 ounces.
The fuselage with nosegear weighs 4.7 ounce.

Total weight so far with battery and equipment 1pound 8 ounces.
I expect another 4 ounces with covering and control surfaces.
Hopefully it will stay under the 2 pound mark.

[pd1]

Started covering.

Stabilizer is on permanent and not shown the elevators are done and hinged.

Next will be the vertical fin and rudder.
Motor is also in permanent along with nose wheel.

[turbo.gst]

pd1,

That looks really good. I look forward to more reports as the project continues.

turbo

[pd1]

Thanks Turbo,

Just finished the tail.
Just put the magnets to hold the cowl down in, waiting for the epoxy to cure.

Time to make the wingtips...
Wingtips are cut, will shape them after they dry.

[pd1]

Wing is covered, both aileron servos are in.

Originally I was going to use the same setup as the full sized one. it just seems a lot to ask of one tiny servo to move both the ailerons.
So I went with the dual setup.

Now I can play with flaperons if I want.

Still have to finish the trim, also have to make the ailerons and hinge them.

Maybe I can test it this weekend, weather permitting.

A friend of mine just gave me a wing jig, what do I build next?

[Grasshopper]

Wing is covered, both aileron servos are in.

Originally I was going to use the same setup as the full sized one. it just seems a lot to ask of one tiny servo to move both the ailerons.
So I went with the dual setup.

Now I can play with flaperons if I want.

Still have to finish the trim, also have to make the ailerons and hinge them.

Maybe I can test it this weekend, weather permitting.

A friend of mine just gave me a wing jig, what do I build next?


Ohh...Ohh....P-40....P-40.


The Taurus looks great Pat! Kind of reminds me of a .40 size Sig Kiwi I used to fly.

[pd1]

Ohh...Ohh....P-40....P-40.


The Taurus looks great Pat! Kind of reminds me of a .40 size Sig Kiwi I used to fly.


Thanks Tom.

PAUL

[pd1]

Done, 1 pound 15.9 ounces.
Made it under the two pound mark,now I don't have to do the fancy checkers under the wing.

Recap. Dynam A22-20L motor
ELE 30A esc.
4 Dynam 8.4 gram servos
2100MAH lipo Blackdog rc.
Spektrum AR6000.

12.5 ounce wing loading.
The sun is out and I thought I'd take a couple of shots outside for a change.

The Taurus is 1 ounce lighter than the Delta.
And a lot heavier than the yellow one.

[pd1]

I haven't flown a Taurus since 1969.
Now I remember why it was soo good.

I flew the mini today, what a nice flying plane.

[Grasshopper]

Congrats on the maiden Paul. With those sleek lines, I'll bet it is a good flyer.

[pd1]

Thanks Tom, it does fly good.
Not bad only two weeks from start to first flight.

[turbo.gst]

pd1,

WOW! Those in flight photo's are great. It is fantastic to see those classic lines flying again. Thanks for sharing. The Mini Taurus looks fantastic.

turbo

[pd1]

turbo.gst, thanks. I was a little bit leery of the motor size, but it pull the plane around nicely. That's why I started playing with it.

After flying this a while I wonder why I didn't replace my last one.

Built a Trainermaster wing this morning.

[mred]

That Taurus looks GREAT. I loved the Taurus when it first came out and am going to get another one soon. I just may reduce my plans like you did and build a small one too. I already have the motor.
Ed

[pd1]

That Taurus looks GREAT. I loved the Taurus when it first came out and am going to get another one soon. I just may reduce my plans like you did and build a small one too. I already have the motor.
Ed

Thanks Ed.
Do a build thread when you make another.

Paul

[mred]

I'd love to, but I don't have a camera. I know, I live in the stone age, but I just never got around to buying one. I'll let you know how it turns out though.

Ed

[jrb]

Very cool Paul!

What vintage model is on your list next?

Jim

[pd1]

Very cool Paul!

What vintage model is on your list next?

Jim

Not sure, I have a kits for the Falcon, Skylark Jr, Kaos, Royal P-51, Klemm 25, and a couple Cleveland Bonanza's waiting for attention.
I also have plans for an Aeromaster and Goldberg Shoestring too.

I'm finishing an Alley Kat right now, so that doesn't quite count as "next".

Paul

[mred]

How about a scaled down Orion about the same size as the Taurus? I had an Orion around 1966 and I loved it. I cut the wing cutout to make it O deg. but left the stab the way it was. It flew fantastic until I lose power to the radio and it went in on cement and totaled it. I loved the way it flew though. I have been thinking of building another one. Maybe after I build the Taurus and the mini Taurus. Think I'll build the mini Taurus first though. Yours looks GREAT and I hope mine turns out that good.
Ed

[pd1]

Thanks Ed,
I had the Orion too. I can't find the plans though, they're here .... somewhere.
I too zero my stabs and wings.

Paul

[mred]

I didn't zero the tail, I didn't build it. Bought it off an officer that decided he didn't want it after all. He had another guy to build it for him and then almost gave it to me for nothing. I think I payed $35.00 for it. I got a new set of plans from Model Air Plane News and they should still have it.
Ed

[diverdon]

turbo.gst, thanks. I was a little bit leery of the motor size, but it pull the plane around nicely. That's why I started playing with it.

After flying this a while I wonder why I didn't replace my last one.

Built a Trainermaster wing this morning.


Thanks for the GREAT Build thread .. Very nice plane .. Would this be a good one for a first balsa scratch build ??

Could you please tell / show me what a Trainermaster wing is ?
Thanks Again Paul ......, Don J.

[mred]

Thanks for the GREAT Build thread .. Very nice plane .. Would this be a good one for a first balsa scratch build ??

Could you please tell / show me what a Trainermaster wing is ?
Thanks Again Paul ......, Don J.


http://www.earlyrcmodels.com/id15.html

Here you go. This is the Trainermaster for you. Scroll down the page, second to the last. Was made by Lew Andrews when it first came out.

The Taurus is a nice flying plane and would be a great scratch build. Should be pretty easy at this size. You can put a normal leading edge on it and make is a little easier to build too. Makes for a nice slow flying plane, or at least the full size one with the old engines was. I don't think this one will fly quite as slow, but should still be a great flying plane.

Ed

[pd1]

Hi Don,
I wouldn't recommend the Mini Taurus as a first time balsa build.
While not difficult, there are a few things that might hang you up.
A double tapered wing is not what I'd recommend for your first balsa scratch build.

If your looking for a balsa plane to build, I'll get you some plans of one, right after we get you flying consistently.

Here's my thread on the Trainermaster.
http://www.wattflyer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20546

I don't recommend this as a first time plane either, although the kit by Early RC would be a good one. I think the plane would be a bit too fast for you.
I think my Trainermaster is between 80 and 100 mph.

Next time I come down, I'll try to bring one of them with me and I'll let you try it.
If you like it after a test flight, I'll see what I can do to help you.

Early RC has a Falcon Jr kit that would make a nice first time balsa build.

Paul

[diverdon]

okHi Don,
I wouldn't recommend the Mini Taurus as a first time balsa build.
While not difficult, there are a few things that might hang you up.
A double tapered wing is not what I'd recommend for your first balsa scratch build.

If your looking for a balsa plane to build, I'll get you some plans of one, right after we get you flying consistently.

Here's my thread on the Trainermaster.
http://www.wattflyer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20546

I don't recommend this as a first time plane either, although the kit by Early RC would be a good one. I think the plane would be a bit too fast for you.

Hello Paul ... Ha. Ha :rolleyes:.. My thought was that if I was to work on a Balsa plane with all of those parts it would take quite some time to build and take my mind off of building every type of foam plane I see or think up .. I need something to work on but don't need to keep going like I am ... This apartment will be impossable to walk thru if I do keep building like this ... Ha! Ha?:{..

Then again It would really be better to go flying more often and then I could be fixing all of the broken planes I produce .. And maybe even get comfortable flying eventually .. Good "Talking" to you again Paul .. Don J.


I think my Trainermaster is between 80 and 100 mph.

Next time I come down, I'll try to bring one of them with me and I'll let you try it.
If you like it after a test flight, I'll see what I can do to help you.

Early RC has a Falcon Jr kit that would make a nice first time balsa build.

Paul

[Slowjohn]

Such a nice build there Paul. I wish I'd of seen this one while you were building it so I could have followed along.
One question though. How do you get your lines so straight when you change colors like between the Red & White? Mine always come out looking like a snake slithering along.

Standing By,
SJ

[Murocflyer]

On the oft chance someone is actually reading this stuff, here's some more pictures.



I often feel the same way Paul. It's hit and miss 'round these parts.

Great work on the Mini Taurus! As always, another fine job.

Funny thing was, I was just searching the 'net on those list of planes you told me about which included the Taurus.

Frank

[pd1]

Such a nice build there Paul. I wish I'd of seen this one while you were building it so I could have followed along.
One question though. How do you get your lines so straight when you change colors like between the Red & White? Mine always come out looking like a snake slithering along.

Standing By,
SJ

Hi John,
Sometimes I join two pieces of plastic covering together and cover with that.
Sometimes I lay one color over the other.
This one was white on first then the red.

I cut the red on the bench. I used an aluminum yardstick as a straight edge and cut the red with a new X-Acto.

I placed the red in position and tacked the overlapping edge down in one corner. I gently pulled the edge snug and tacked it down across the whole seam. This give the straight line.
Then I went back and sealed the seam with a little more heat and a little pressure.
Next I pulled the rest of the sheet into position and tacked it down.
Again seal the edges and use the iron from the center out to get rid of the remaining wrinkles.
Don't use too much heat, and sometimes if you get a bubble that you can't get rid of, a small cut with the point of the X-Acto blade.

A small syringe works real well for getting the bubbles out too.

If the edge still comes out wavy, cover the seam with a strip of dark trim.
I have a Monocote Trim Cutter to cut the strips.
Tack one end and pull the strip tight into position and heat towards the pulled end. Just tacking as you go.
Then go back and seal the edge down.

It sounds harder to do than it really is.

Paul

[Slowjohn]

Thanks a lot for the directions Paul. I think I may be using too much heat causing the covering to distort and draw up. I'll lower the heat till the covering just barely sticks. I have always wound up covering the contrasting line with a narrow strip like you mentioned.

Thanks,
SJ