Monocoupe 90a - Park Scale Models Build

[Forge]

Guys,

Well I am starting my next build. Actually it's my son's build, but I am working with him as a team to get this project done, so I'm sure it will be an extended process.

The Park Scale Model kit is really beautiful, with nice laser cut parts and a well formed plastic cowl and wheel pants. It likes like it will go together very smoothly.

It comes with a couple of wing options and we are building the aileron set up. It even has a flap option, which looks really cool, and would be nice, but we are going to try to keep it light and simple.

Here's a link to the website:
http://www.parkscalemodels.com/shop/item.aspx?itemid=2

We built the fuselage formers and just got all our electronic parts shipped in yesterday. Have a look if you're interested.

Forge

[birdDog]

Looks like a nice kit. Nice easy flier and will be around for a long time.
Shouldn't take too long, two builders, no problem. You guys will be maidening before you know it!

I am always looking for a different company to build a kit from. I figure, if I build enough kits from a bunch of different manufacturers, I can put all these different techniques togerther for when I start scratch building.

Looking forward to this build thread.

[jofrost]

Forge ,

Looks like your off to a good start . It appears Zeke has got it going now with the box and moulded bits . Mine must be an early model ( not built yet ) with no plastic and no box other than the Priority Mail box .

Looking forward to you and your sons build .

-John

[Forge]

John,

I understand that this kit has been around for a while and Zeke has upgraded some of the features. We did a little more work on it today.

How does yours fly? Good control or more twitchy. Do you like it?

This is a great hobby. I used to build models when I was young, and now you build them and get to fly them too. It's awesome, I'm really enjoying this hobby/sport.

Thanks!

Forge

[firemanbill]

Looks like a good project Forge, Good that your son is involved with you. Me and my Son really enjoy this hobby together too, It's just icing on the cake that he loves it too!

My Son, Mason, is 13. How old is your son?

[rcers]

Cool what power system?

[Forge]

Bill,

My little guy is nine. He's a bit impatient, but he's enjoying it. He has been flying a slow stick very nicely for the past few months. We built that together from the left over parts from my very first plane which hit the ground in a fireball of foam. (well not exactly a fireball, but a big mess )

This will be a challenge for him to fly. I have a DX6i, and it appears that they don't have an effective buddy box solution...I don't really want to buy another 6i for a slave.

I will probably take off and land for him when it's time to take it up....no rush.

Have a great weekend.

Forge

[firemanbill]

Cool, Mason solo'd on his GWS Pico Cub when he was 9. Your little man is off to a good start!

[Forge]

Originally Posted by rcers

Cool what power system?

Rcers,

I picked up a Great Planes Rimfire 300 28-22-1380 motor, I have a 20 amp e-flite ESC (a bit overkill) that I had from another project, and picked up a 2s 15c 640mah great planes battery, and an APC slow fly 8 x 3.8 prop.

From what I see that Zeke has speced out I think it should work fine...I hope

Forge

[Sparkie]

Very nice project Forge, I'll be following along, Zeke puts out a nice kit.

Glenn

[jofrost]

Originally Posted by Forge

John,

I understand that this kit has been around for a while and Zeke has upgraded some of the features. We did a little more work on it today.

How does yours fly? Good control or more twitchy. Do you like it?

Forge

I haven't built mine yet . Perhaps this build will make me blow the dust off the box ... I had a builder in the RCG Funbuild last year that built a beautiful one and flew very nicely http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showt...07#post9435047

-John

[Forge]

Guys,

Just a quick update. Did a little work with my son today and got some more done. This could be a fairly long build as there are a lot of distractions for a nine year old.

If you wanted to get this kit done quickly, you could. The parts and instructions are well laid out and the kit fits together like a charm so far.

Take a look. Will post more as we progress.

Thanks

Forge

[jofrost]

Forge ,

Looking great ! How well I know about attention spans . I no sooner get all set up and going with a build with my daughters and they want to do something else ...which results in quite lengthy builds .

I must admit that this one will definately be my next build . Thanks for bringing this one back into light .

...Now to go find where I put the kit box

-John

[Forge]

John,

Thanks, I am tempted to go down the basement now and work on it myself , but I promised myself this would be his build. (and he does seem interested in making his own).

Good luck with yours! Feel free to post some of your pictures here as you progress.

Forge

[dogsheep]

Say, I'm considering an order, but I can't find the shipping costs in the U.S. on Zeke's site: how much did you pay for shipping?

[Forge]

Originally Posted by dogsheep

Say, I'm considering an order, but I can't find the shipping costs in the U.S. on Zeke's site: how much did you pay for shipping?

Dogsheep,

Sorry, not sure how much he charges to ship. I bought my kit at a local hobby shop here in CT.

You can contact him on the site here.
http://www.parkscalemodels.com/shop/contactus.aspx

I'm sure he will answer, I read a very extensive build forum on rcgoups where Zeke was in constant communications with the guys building this kit. http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=318024

Good luck.

Forge

ps. fyi, it appears that the original kit contents has been upgraded, and now includes a detailed cowl, wheel pants and brushless motor mount which I don't believe were included in the original design. There is also a choice of 4 different wing configurations.

[jofrost]

Originally Posted by Forge

John,

Good luck with yours! Feel free to post some of your pictures here as you progress.

Forge

Thanks . I will do that as soon as I wrap up at least one of the build I have going .

Have you chosen a paint scheme for yours . I like the one you posted from Zekes site . Though I think if I could find a red/white one ...I may be tempted .

-John

[Forge]

Guys,

Been months since I updated this thread, but I finally got back to building this kit up again. I had another kit on the table for a few months, and my son who's kit this was supposed to be, lost most of interest in putting it together, so now I am having fun with it.

It is a nicely designed model, and I am progressing with it again. Goes together fairly easily. I am starting to cover it now and look forward to adding a white wing with a scalloped red leading edge...we'll see.

Anyway here's some new shots.

Good flying.

Forge

[spad]

Looks quite nice-your April post inspired me to build one a month ago, a clipped wing. You don't need that "huge" motor, but you'll love the way it flies.

[Forge]

Spad,

Great to hear. Clipped wing...you must need a little more airspeed on take off and landing, probably more maneuverable too. Post a picture of your plane here if your inclined.

Thanks

Forge

[ZBrubaker]

Forge,

Glad to see you're back at it, your build is looking great! If you need some templates for cutting the scallops for the wing, let me know and I'll email them to you.

A word of caution, that motor is going to put out way more power than you need, so take it easy on the throttle until you get a good feel for how it flies. What battery do you plan to put in it?

-Zeke

p.s. - now that a lot of home improvement are putting out those pint sized paint samples, take some of your covering and apply it to a scrap piece of white styrene (spray some windex, apply and squeegee - no need for heat) and let them color match it.

[Forge]

Zeke,

Wow, nice to get some feedback from the designer. My compliments, you put together a great kit.

I realize that I am a bit overpowered, and may end up with a smaller motor. I will be using a great planes 640mah 3s battery, weighs in at 2 oz. My total all up weight is coming in at 11.9 oz right now. If I scaled down the motor and battery, I could cut out at least 1.5 oz. (not the lightest build for this plane I know )

Regarding the scalloping, thanks for the offer, I already cut my covering based on a program I used as a template from a graphics program. I haven't covered that many models so my biggest concern is how to cover econokote over econokote cleanly. I read about some ammonia spray methods or I am considering using Monokote's trim solvent. Any suggestions would be appreciated. ...It seems like your suggestion would be to paint it based upon you note.

Thanks!

Forge

[jofrost]

Forge ,

Really looking great ( and red too ) Unfortunately mine got sidelined again , but am building a close cousin ( Mr. Mulligan from Pat Tritle plans in the RCG Funbuild 3 )

A Bluewonder type motor may save you some weight and still give plenty of power .

I should build my Monocoupe as a hanger mate for the Mr. Mulligan...

I know what you mean about kids losing interest ...I have several unfinished projects my two started...

-John

[spad]

No surprise, but the motor Zeke sells for this plane is a perfect balance of thrust, amperage usage and weight: buy it, then fly it!

[ZBrubaker]

Originally Posted by Forge

Zeke,

Wow, nice to get some feedback from the designer. My compliments, you put together a great kit.

I realize that I am a bit overpowered, and may end up with a smaller motor. I will be using a great planes 640mah 3s battery, weighs in at 2 oz. My total all up weight is coming in at 11.9 oz right now. If I scaled down the motor and battery, I could cut out at least 1.5 oz. (not the lightest build for this plane I know )

Regarding the scalloping, thanks for the offer, I already cut my covering based on a program I used as a template from a graphics program. I haven't covered that many models so my biggest concern is how to cover econokote over econokote cleanly. I read about some ammonia spray methods or I am considering using Monokote's trim solvent. Any suggestions would be appreciated. ...It seems like your suggestion would be to paint it based upon you note.

Thanks!

Forge

Windex is the best means I have found for applying covering over covering - spray it on, apply trim and squeegee out the excess. Once applied, let it dry for a couple days and then seal down the perimeter with a trim iron. My paint suggestion is for the plastic cowl and wheelpants.

Don't worry about the weight, even at 12oz, the Monocoupe will fly just fine.

-Zeke