Muncie group F&F Streamer combat design

[smokejohnson]

Finally decided to build one of these. I've already started cutting out the pieces and I can already tell it will be faster and easier to put together than what I have been using for combat. No pics yet but I will try to get some posted tomorrow.

If you have one of these or want to build one feel free to post your pics along with any tips or tricks.

[Buzzsaw]

This is my mod to help stiffen up the motor mount area.
The wing tips can be your choice, some of ours are cut straight back, tapered,and some with a radius.
Buzzy

[surfer dude]

Buzz: what size, and KV motor are you running, prop,ESC, Batt, etc....?
Because what ever you tell James to run, I wana be bigger, better, badder.

[Buzzsaw]

Originally Posted by surfer dude

Buzz: what size, and KV motor are you running, prop,ESC, Batt, etc....?
Because what ever you tell James to run, I wana be bigger, better, badder.

This is what we are using just because we used this on our WWII planes for the last 3 years and everyone had pretty of them.
2408-21
20 amp.sc
2 cell-1000-1300 battery
gws9070 prop

Some of the guys are using a direct drive prop which is stiffer and you dont get the buzz or flex on the dive. With this motor and battery we have tried different props and this seems to work the best to be able to get the 5 minute round in.There may be a better motor and battery combination which will result in a faster plane. But faster means less control and more damage when you mid air. Our set up seems to be just right for our group. We still have a few pilots still trying to catch up to to F&F planes over the WWII planes we have been flying. Also with the motor and cell count required in the rules it's all about flying ability.
Buzzy

[smokejohnson]

Originally Posted by Buzzsaw

This is my mod to help stiffen up the motor mount area.
The wing tips can be your choice, some of ours are cut straight back, tapered,and some with a radius.
Buzzy

Thanks for posting that over here Buzzy.

Originally Posted by surfer dude

Buzz: what size, and KV motor are you running, prop,ESC, Batt, etc....?
Because what ever you tell James to run, I wana be bigger, better, badder.

LOL I'm going to be running all the same gear we have been using which is the same as Buzzy and the Muncie group.

[smokejohnson]

The F&F goes together fast, I like it. I think I have a new favorite combat plane as long as it can hold up in battle. Here is what I have so far.

Here is a pic of all the pieces cut out.

I used white Gorilla glue to put the skid together. I just ran a bead where you see the black line and then a few drops in the middle for good measure. Sit it under a brick and set it aside.

Next I beveled the wing and horizontal stabilizer for the control surfaces. I don't bevel the control surface because I like to have as much meat as possible for the control horns to hold on to. To bevel the edges I set the wing on a hard corner and then use a metal straight edge 3/8" back to guide my blade. You need to have a sharp blade every time when doing this.

To tape the hinge I flip the control surface over and on top of the h. stab. Run your tape and then flip the piece over and tape the other side. It's kind of hard to explain but it is really easy to do and you come out with a good hinge. Another thing that I like to do is have the servo pull the hinge gap closed so which ever side the control rod will be on is the side I bevel.

I used Duck brand duct tape to tape the carbon fiber leading edge on. I hate trying to get the glue off of C.F. so I have been doing this on all my combat planes for a long time...it works.



I'm almost done but that's all the time I have this evening, I'll post some more pics tomorrow.

[smokejohnson]

Maybe a couple of more pics showing how far along it is.

[Buzzsaw]

It's looking good James and nice build photos. Put a streamer on it when you first test fly and trim it out. Being a short coupled plane the cg is pretty critical. You want to be a little nose heavy if anything. Once you get it trim fly inverted and it will tell you which way to shift your battery. Give us a flight report.
Buzzy
I notice you were using a firewall motor mount. Which will probally move the cg more forward than the mounts we use.Just recheck and make sure the cg is between 1 3/4 to 2in from leading edge.

[smokejohnson]

Will do Buzzy. I might see if I can get Jack to video the maiden as well.

I have more build pics I just ran out of steam last night.

[Buzzsaw]

Originally Posted by smokejohnson

Will do Buzzy. I might see if I can get Jack to video the maiden as well.

I have more build pics I just ran out of steam last night.

I added something to my last post about the firewall mount.
Buzzy

[surfer dude]

Originally Posted by smokejohnson

Maybe a couple of more pics showing how far along it is.

WOW! That looks great James, cant wait to see it fly. I'll order some motors in a few weeks. (still saving for the Hobby City order) mabee I'll get one built and be ready to combat by the midle of July.
I'm flying the bug at least once a day. I'm teaching it, by the time you get it back it will know how to do all the 3D tricks.

[smokejohnson]

Thanks Brett, for the complements on the plane and for training my Bug .

[smokejohnson]

On the bottom of the plane I put a straight edge on the center line and then used a piece of scrap foam to draw a line where the skid goes. This is when I kind of messed up but it's no big deal. I cut the servo hole out centered on the line drawn for the skid...oops. Easy fix.



I used hot glue for the skid and then cut the tape where the motor mount stick glues on. I used white Gorilla Glue for the motor stick.

[Bluebird]

Hey Smoke, I think ur gonna love the F&F. One thing more on the "Beefin' Up". The narrow area between wing TE & stab LE tends to crack in a midair/ rough landing. I'm now using a CF sheet strip, 1/2" X 3" on each side centered & on the bottom. It does help. Don't ask how we know.(heehee). Some guys are using thin plywood, etc.. Buzzy just didn't want to give away all our "secrets". LOL. Can't wait to hear his comment on THAT ONE!! Have more FUN, fly MORE Combat!!

[smokejohnson]

Thanks Bluebird. I was looking at that area and thinking it could use some packing tape at the very least. I will look in my scrap bin and see what I have that could be used to beef it up with out adding too much weight.

[j4ck4]

hey bluebird thanks for the headsup on the cf. I'm working on mine now. Gotta try and catch up with James on his build. i said I was gonna start last night but, by the time I got home from work I had a hankering to build a B2 so started that last night. So many planes so little time to build.

[j4ck4]

I am also building mine with a kf airfoil on top and bottom. May get in trouble with all you Muncie F&F lovers but I like my kf airfoils.

[j4ck4]

Originally Posted by smokejohnson

Will do Buzzy. I might see if I can get Jack to video the maiden as well.

I have more build pics I just ran out of steam last night.

Yes James

I will be more than happy to video the maiden. If I can come up with a motor maybe I can maiden mine at the same time, or at least the same day. Gonna try and rewind one of the Hextronik motors I got from Guy a while back.

[smokejohnson]

Thanks Jack. My new radio should be here any day and that's all I'm waiting on now. My weight ready to fly is just under 9 ounces so it should be a screamer. I can't wait to get it in the air and see what it's like.

[j4ck4]

Can always bind it to my radio to fly maiden if you want to try it out, let me know.

[smokejohnson]

Thanks Jack, I appreciate the offer. Like I said on the phone it's too windy today but if my radio is not here on the next calm day I will take you up on the offer.

[smokejohnson]

I cut out some scrap pieces of foam to help brace the mount stick and then a little more duct tape for it's chin. After I was done underneath I flipped it over and used hot glue on the vertical.

For the control horns I like to use a piece of 1/16 balsa (cuts with scissors) hot glued to the control surface to help spread the load. Drill a hole, small dab of hot glue, and shove a micro control horn in. I found a short stick of flat carbon fiber to cut in half for the center section. I used a some 5 minute epoxy to glue them on. I use micro E/Z connectors on the servo end.


I have it balanced 1.75" from the leading edge. Now all I need is some time and calm winds.

[j4ck4]

Looks good James, better than mine I must say. Probably fly much better too.

[surfer dude]

James, are you going to be at the unclub field Sat. morning? I would like to take a closer look at your F&F. Looks Great!
What is your AUW with Lipo RTF?

[smokejohnson]

Thanks guys, AUW ready to fly is 8.95 ounces.