Tulsa Combat Special

[smokejohnson]

This is my newest experiment the Tulsa Combat Special . It is a culmination of different things I have seen and learned on different planes that I have built from different plans.

I have built several 3D planes using this method so I know how tough it is. In fact I have already flown this one once and sure enough it's tough . I didn't take any pics of the build but I am about ready to build another with a few changes and I will post pics and explain a little.

The plan is to create a downloadable PDF file that can be tiled and printed. I'm confident that version 1.1 will be the final change so I am about ready to figure out how to create a PDF. I am thinking that I will draw it out on a big piece of construction paper and take it to Kinkos to have it scanned. I haven't looked into it yet. If anybody has any ideas I am all ears .

[gfdengine204]

James,

Can you post the plans non-tiled also, so we have the option of having Kinkos print them complete
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[smokejohnson]

Sure.

You want to build one with me? I'll cut a couple out this weekend and mail ya one. I think I still have your address around here somewhere.

[gfdengine204]

James,

I can try to fit that in to my schedule. Basketball has been keeping me busy, and I am getting ready to start my Mountain Models Clipped Wing Cub, but what's one more project?

Is this one laminated to double-thickness, with some lightening holes? I see the servos appear to be mounted differently. And is that an AR6000 I see??

Let me know if you need my address again. (Geez, I still have yours..... )

[smokejohnson]

Yep that's an AR6000 .

The fuse is doubled with a spar running from the back of the stick to the tail. I taped it down to one side before glueing the halves together so I should be able to reuse it.

The wing is a KF airfoil with lightening holes on the bottom covered with packing tape. It should be interesting to experiment with the TCS and the Top Gun plane to see if the KF really makes a difference. They both weigh the same...around 9.5 ounces.

Between the doubled up fuse and the KF wing it is one stout bird.

[gfdengine204]

Originally Posted by smokejohnson

Yep that's an AR6000 .

The fuse is doubled with a spar running from the back of the stick to the tail. I taped it down to one side before glueing the halves together so I should be able to reuse it.

The wing is a KF airfoil with lightening holes on the bottom covered with packing tape. It should be interesting to experiment with the TCS and the Top Gun plane to see if the KF really makes a difference. They both weigh the same...around 9.5 ounces.

Between the doubled up fuse and the KF wing it is one stout bird.

Not sure how it's done yet, but what about the motor stick and spar being one and the same?

Have you flown it yet? Curious how the 2408-21 power system works on it with the almost-doubled weight. (Or did you change the powerplant?)

[smokejohnson]

I got the spar in the stick idea from Waterdog on RCG. It's how he does it on a couple of his planes...works good.

The weight is the same. I know it doesn't seem possible but it is. I do end up using less hot glue so I am sure that helps a lot.

I am still using the same 2408-21 set up as I use on the Top Gun planes and yes I have flown it. First flight was tail heavy, I think the KF changes the balance point. Either that or I just put the wing in the wrong spot when I built it. I think it needs to move forward about 1/2 an inch.

But anyhow I cart wheeled it in with no major damage except the tail busted loose. I need to run the CF spar past the horizontal stabilizer next time. I put a piece of tape on the tail for a quick fix, moved the CG, and flew it again. This time it was much better. It was really windy so it was hard to tell if the KF was making any difference but it will roll and loop with the best of 'em .

[LipoPilot]

Originally Posted by smokejohnson

Sure.

You want to build one with me? I'll cut a couple out this weekend and mail ya one. I think I still have your address around here somewhere.

Cut 3....LoL

Hey James thanks for the invite here to WF, I'm sure my builds fit way better here... I would love to iron out this plane you got designed and put her to flight in the Land Of Oz.

[smokejohnson]

I think you will like it at Wattflyer James...there's lots of cool people that hang out here .

I have a new toy that my friend Scott gave me. It's called a "Styro Wonder Cutter" and it works great. I forget where he said he bought it but it was either Michaels or Miss Hobby Lobby. It works off of 2 D size batteries and makes some really nice clean cuts through FFF. I will try to get my wife to take some video of it in action.

I'm making my templates from 1/4" masonite. After I am satisfied with the shape I will make a small hole for the tacks to sit in and epoxy them in place to hold the foam. I haven't made up my mind how I will cut out the lightening holes yet. I can either make a slit for my "Wonder Cutter" to go through, which would work since I am doubling it up with a Kf or I can try one of those soldering irons that you can put a knife blade in.

You guys give me a couple of weeks to finish my templates and I'll cut 'em out and send 'em.

[smokejohnson]

Goofin' off with the Styro Cutter last night. I messed up the I but you get the idea.

[gfdengine204]

James,

For the lightening holes, do you have a rotozip? You could plunge that and cut the circles. Not sure how clean it would be, maybe a similar bit in a Dremel.

Does the hot wire cutter have the ability to disconnect the wire to put it in a pilot hole (like drilling a hole for a jigsaw blade to slip in to cut inside shapes like your letters)? (Hoping that made sense.)

[smokejohnson]

Kev my friend you are a genius . Yes all you have to do is squeeze the bar together and you can slip the wire off. That's how I'll do it.

[gfdengine204]

Well, I dunno about genius, but I'm glad you can slip that off. Just dont do it while it's hot.

Not having seen the cutter, can you poke the wire thru, or do you still need a pilot hole? I might need to go get me one of those.

[gfdengine204]

http://www.misterart.com/g5823/Flora...&WT.mc_id=5823

$8.92 seems very reasonable for this.

[smokejohnson]

I would have to poke a hole. Scott was telling me about a wand type hot wire cutter that they sell but I haven't looked for it.

The more I think about it I am still going to make slits for the wire to pass through. I think it will be faster and the slits are not a problem. But I will probably take it off to cut the servo holes and wing slot in the fuze.

I think I am going to add the bottom step on my next wing. I will take the paper off of some foam board and use it. It's thin and light. I'd also like to pick up a blue wonder just so I can shave an ounce off the weight.

[gfdengine204]

Here are some electric options from Amazon.......

http://www.amazon.com/Styro-Wonder-C.../dp/B000PCWKUG

[smokejohnson]

I bet that's it.

[LipoPilot]

James when you send the parts I will get them put on the plotter and have parts cut from laser. I should be able to get the hole cnc in too.

[gfdengine204]

Laser cutting? <perk>

[smokejohnson]

You have a laser cutter to play with...sweet

[gfdengine204]

James, I think we found a new best friend.

[smokejohnson]

No kiddin'

[smokejohnson]

Finally found the motor mount that came with my Slofly.

http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbycity/s...ff_Mounts_10mm

I have no idea how well they will hold up to combat but if it works it should save some weight. I'm thinking with it and a 24 gr motor I could shave 1.5 ounces off the AUW putting the plane at 8oz or under. Should be a noticeable difference.

[gfdengine204]

James,

Is that mount held by tension with the screw, like the small metal mounts with the fins?

[smokejohnson]

Yep...I'm prepared to JBWeld a 2408-21 in place if that's watt it takes. That's just how I roll .

It's just something to play with. I'm still happy with the way I do them now but it would be nice to shave an ounce or better.