1st build

[drummaker]

I am wondering if I am alone in this. It seems that even though I have been a fabricator and craftsman for years doing things many would never try, I am finding building my 1st airplaine model to be daunting.

I am building a Mountain Models J3 cub.

aside from Gluing too soon I believe I made EVERY MISTAKE possible

It started with covering the tail feathers without sanding a bevel on the edges.

I decided to just let it be and soon I glued the Tail feathers onto the fuseloge. I notisce the next day that I had the whole thing tilting low on the right side.

Then... I decided to fix it so I put several applications of debonder and waited.... and waited...... (I seem to be perpetually in a hurry so this seemed to be a LONG time)
finally I was able to lift the right side a little.... I know now of course I should have continued to completely disassemble this, but what I did was push the right side up and build a small fillet to hold it up. Awesome I got away with it right? no..... It seems after I started looking the next day that I had only lifted the front of the wing and It is now about 3/16" higher on the leading edge where it touches the fuselage.
I then managed to debond this stuff and re align it properly.

I messed up the hinges... A couple of times... Then I covered the tail section without seperating the elevator from the horiz stab. MESSY
then I rebuilt the whole trailing edge of the horiz stab and front edge of the elevator... Got the hinges in beautifully.

In the process I recovered them BEFORE I put them together.. I was very cautious. I had come to realize that my Top Flite iron was too hot for the ultralite covering I was using so I bought the coverite trim iron. everything went beautifully then I used the covering iron to shrink.. (my heat gun has already given up) I lingered too long over one spot on the elevator and.... a big hole.

This whole thing has been one screw up after another.
I burned up the cheep brushless I ordered by putting a prop that was too big on it.. (I was trying to discover my battery life)

I ordered a watt meter on amazon and forgot to make sure it wasn't coming to me on a slow boat from china... which it is.

on
and
on
and on


It seems I have broken and reconstructed this thing several times. Anytime I have to apply any pressure to anything, I wand up breaking something else.

I have covered this thing several times do to having to fix things that I have messed up.

I Believe now that I am nearly complete and I am pretty sure it will fly fine, And I don't think that most people can tell just how many times I broke repaired and redid stuff...

I guess the question is...

Am I the only one who seems to do things like this? I keep telling myself that I am supposed to be good at this kind of thing, but I just am starting to feel a little inferior.

hmmm

Can't wait to start another project... Maybe I won't have to build this one 3 times.

[rcers]

Measure 3x cut once. It all comes with time and experience. I have never completed a build without an error or two.

Mike

[drummaker]

Thanks Mike.
It is actually starting to look pretty good now. I guess that like everything else I do. I only make the same mistake several times and then seldom again. I guess I am glad I made so many of them on my 1st project. I am thinking my second will go well.

I have decided on the House of Balsa AT6 Micro Electric.

[xmech2k]

Hi Drummaker, I just started my first kit last night. A Mini Drake from Zeke's Park Scale Models. I screwed up on the first things I glued together! (Although my story is, the instructions weren't clear about proper alignment, and I'm sticking to it!) It was an easy fix by just cutting a slot, it won't show when all is done. Just realized, I could have glued the piece I cut out into the other former that no longer needs the slot. I guess that's what scrap balsa is for? Now I need more bits from the LHS to continue even though I just barely started... I think my story will wind up being like yours before I'm through!

Honestly, I'm starting to wonder if this whole building thing is for me. At the outset, I figured a plane you built yourself would wind up being ummm, more affordable than an ARF, but I have yet to get a rx for this plane and it's cost more than many ARF's I've purchased, even fancy name-brand ones. (Edit: I guess that's what slave labor get's you!) And the only name-brand item I'm going to use in it is the rx, the rest are less expensive stuff, motor, esc, servos, etc. I guess I mostly like the idea i'll have something unique that I can say i made myself, if it survives!

[drummaker]

Originally Posted by xmech2k

Hi Drummaker, I just started my first kit last night. A Mini Drake from Zeke's Park Scale Models. I screwed up on the first things I glued together! (Although my story is, the instructions weren't clear about proper alignment, and I'm sticking to it!) It was an easy fix by just cutting a slot, it won't show when all is done. Just realized, I could have glued the piece I cut out into the other former that no longer needs the slot. I guess that's what scrap balsa is for? Now I need more bits from the LHS to continue even though I just barely started... I think my story will wind up being like yours before I'm through!

Honestly, I'm starting to wonder if this whole building thing is for me. At the outset, I figured a plane you built yourself would wind up being ummm, more affordable than an ARF, but I have yet to get a rx for this plane and it's cost more than many ARF's I've purchased, even fancy name-brand ones. (Edit: I guess that's what slave labor get's you!) And the only name-brand item I'm going to use in it is the rx, the rest are less expensive stuff, motor, esc, servos, etc. I guess I mostly like the idea i'll have something unique that I can say i made myself, if it survives!

Yes I went through that whole thing. I have always wanted to fly rc planes but never actually had the time or money to do it.. (at least I didn't want to spend the money for it anyway)

I am a builder type person and for me the most important part IS the build. I am aghast at the price of modeling vs the price of foamies. I would like to believe that the foamies are inferior, but I am sure that is not the case, in fact it could be the opposite. Still after finishing the build of the J3 cub... I look at it and am fascinated by the construction and weight. These things are built much like the real thing, and I can't wait to see mine fly.

I build my own hand drums and never play one that someone else has made. I have found many people prefer to play a drum that someone they know built for them, and I believe it is that way with RC planes..
Some people just like it more because it was hand built by someone who's job is NOT building model planes

Best of luck on your build. CA glue and Balsa together are AMAZING you will do find just be persistant

[BroncoSquid]

I like to build also, just wish I had more time. I am not a big fan of showing up at a flying field with a new foamie and setting it down with 4 identical ones brought by other people.

[xmech2k]

Thanks, Drummaker. From what I understand, built-up balsa planes are supposed to be better fliers than foam, not flexing and stuff in-flight, I guess. Those Mountain Models kits look good. I've considered trying a start with some of their stuff, but the Mini Drake really hooked me. I'll see how this Mini Drake goes, then I really liked this short kit I saw: Britten-Norman Defender, but in the shorter civilian BN-Islander version. Supposed to be relatively easy with a straight wing, and boxy fuselage.

Edit: Hi Bronc, you posted while I was typing! Good point there! Though I have to admit the mass Mentor flight we had at the last float fly was pretty fun!

[drummaker]

Originally Posted by xmech2k

Hi Drummaker, I just started my first kit last night. A Mini Drake from Zeke's Park Scale Models. I screwed up on the first things I glued together! (Although my story is, the instructions weren't clear about proper alignment, and I'm sticking to it!) It was an easy fix by just cutting a slot, it won't show when all is done. Just realized, I could have glued the piece I cut out into the other former that no longer needs the slot. I guess that's what scrap balsa is for? Now I need more bits from the LHS to continue even though I just barely started... I think my story will wind up being like yours before I'm through!

Honestly, I'm starting to wonder if this whole building thing is for me. At the outset, I figured a plane you built yourself would wind up being ummm, more affordable than an ARF, but I have yet to get a rx for this plane and it's cost more than many ARF's I've purchased, even fancy name-brand ones. (Edit: I guess that's what slave labor get's you!) And the only name-brand item I'm going to use in it is the rx, the rest are less expensive stuff, motor, esc, servos, etc. I guess I mostly like the idea i'll have something unique that I can say i made myself, if it survives!

MiniDrake
that thing looks cool. I actually saw recently and thought about buying one. Let me know how it goes

[pizzano]

Drummaker......the fun has only begun......you'll still have a hill to climb once you've got the airframe, wings and such, all together.

Check out this thread:
Since you've started a build, the first few pages will just be examples of choices, but the last 2 to 3 pages may explain some of the common experiences you've been (will be) faced with.

http://www.wattflyer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=69712

And it may prepare you a bit (emotionaly) for the next several stages of the build you'll get into........

Glad your'e keeping a great attitude and perseverance...there's really no better personal satisfaction you can experience in this hobby than having built & flown something constructed by your own hands.

Keep at bro....and happy flying!

[drummaker]

Originally Posted by pizzano

Drummaker......the fun has only begun......you'll still have a hill to climb once you've got the airframe, wings and such, all together.

Check out this thread:
Since you've started a build, the first few pages will just be examples of choices, but the last 2 to 3 pages may explain some of the common experiences you've been (will be) faced with.

http://www.wattflyer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=69712

And it may prepare you a bit (emotionaly) for the next several stages of the build you'll get into........

Glad your'e keeping a great attitude and perseverance...there's really no better personal satisfaction you can experience in this hobby than having built & flown something constructed by your own hands.

Keep at bro....and happy flying!

Hey Thanks for the info.
I am now done with the Cub... I finished yesterday.

The first thing I did was buy a Simulator and spend at least 5 hrs a week on it sometimes as much as 15. I am to the point that orientation is only a problem to me when I can't tell what my orientation actually is. and can almost always land any Prop plane without incident. This is true as long as the plane will actually come down into whatever head wind I program in. This is also true when I play with things like torque and thrust angle to make things extreme.
I do have problems with very small landing areas. but I still play on those sites to try and overcome the challange.

I am joining a club and will learn from one of the instructors.
They use Spektrum for training and I have a Spektrum. So they will be able to teach me on my own plane once trimmed in.

I have bought a Foamie Easy Flyer type plane cause I want to learn on it so I don't destroy my Cub which I worked so hard to build.

Anything I have missed?

PS I hope to have learned to fly fairly well by the time I finish my At6 Texan

[Rockin Robbins]

Originally Posted by drummaker

Hey Thanks for the info.
I am now done with the Cub... I finished yesterday.

Most important thing is to have the thing thoroughly checked out and flown by an instructor at a club. There are plenty of reasons a kit might look great and not be able to fly. Use your experts!

Originally Posted by drummaker

The first thing I did was buy a Simulator and spend at least 5 hrs a week on it sometimes as much as 15. I am to the point that orientation is only a problem to me when I can't tell what my orientation actually is. and can almost always land any Prop plane without incident. This is true as long as the plane will actually come down into whatever head wind I program in. This is also true when I play with things like torque and thrust angle to make things extreme.
I do have problems with very small landing areas. but I still play on those sites to try and overcome the challange.

All that being said, you are a rank beginner pilot. You have learned some things. Many of them are dead wrong and you don't know which things the simulator told you are lies. You will be very surprised. Lots of people can knife-edge every plane on the simulator and can't fly a Champ. Your enemies are overconfidence, overconfidence and overconfidence.

Originally Posted by drummaker

I am joining a club and will learn from one of the instructors.
They use Spektrum for training and I have a Spektrum. So they will be able to teach me on my own plane once trimmed in.

And the instructor is who will teach you to fly. The sim can't do that. Some of what you learned on the sim will transfer pretty well, like orientation. You will still have the problem when you can't see what the orientation of the plane is (ask me how I know....) When the instructor conflicts with the sim, do what the instructor says.

Originally Posted by drummaker

I have bought a Foamie Easy Flyer type plane cause I want to learn on it so I don't destroy my Cub which I worked so hard to build.

Anything I have missed?

PS I hope to have learned to fly fairly well by the time I finish my At6 Texan

You know, with an instructor and a buddy box there is really no need for the foamy. He could teach you perfectly well with cub if he's willing. Watch out for the AT6. Those things stall when you just think about it. Pull just a G too much in a turn it stalls. Slow her down a tad too much on approach and it stalls. When they stall, AT6's go into the spiral of DEATH. You need LOTS of altitude and good technique to escape. There are two kinds of AT6s: those who are a smoking hole in the ground and those that will be a smoking hole. Many pilots have a healthy fear and hatred of the plane's flying characteristics.

[drummaker]

You know, with an instructor and a buddy box there is really no need for the foamy. He could teach you perfectly well with cub if he's willing. Watch out for the AT6. Those things stall when you just think about it. Pull just a G too much in a turn it stalls. Slow her down a tad too much on approach and it stalls. When they stall, AT6's go into the spiral of DEATH. You need LOTS of altitude and good technique to escape. There are two kinds of AT6s: those who are a smoking hole in the ground and those that will be a smoking hole. Many pilots have a healthy fear and hatred of the plane's flying characteristics.[/QUOTE]

I am aware of the characterstics of the AT6. This is one of the reasons I bought it.

I am aware that I don't actually know how to fly yet, but since I am quite proficient with the controls, I believe I will be a very quick student. That being said I bought the AT6 because is it a trainer in the truest sense. If I can fly it... I believe I will be ready for a bigger and much more expensive project. I am thinking of the AT6 as sort of disposable.

Not my 1st... so I can build it pretty quickly and won't be so emotionally attached. Not particularly expensive since I will be thinking of the electronics I put in it as reusable in something else.

I know that I will be able to repair it if it is not totally destroyed, because I have repaired so many breaks in my 1st project and am getting the touch. I plan on tracing the pieces before I assemble them so I have a good pattern in order to replace anything broken.

so... Although it may seem to be an odd 2nd project for a novice pilot, there are reasons I picked it.

I am the sort of guy who jumps in feet first, and it was all I could do to talk myself out of a 1/3 or 1/4 plane as a next project.

so
the AT6 is a test for me to see if I am able to fly something problematic so I can know if I can trust myself to build something big expensive, and dangerous.

Thank you for your Great advice... It is good that people like you are watching out for us novices.

I have spent a lot of time on the boards, and if it weren't for people like you, I believe people like me might not be able to get into this hobby..

[Rockin Robbins]

People who love 'em say the AT6 has "character." Webster defines "character" as something that hates you and has a death wish.

You're on a good course. You'll be fine!

[DHC Beaver]

One thing nobody seems to have mentioned,you need a healthy dose of patience!From what i read in your initial post,patience is not your strong point,so you need to stand back and take stock of what you're trying to achieve.
If your prime objective is building your own models,you definitely need to learn patience.
If flying is more important to you,you're probably better of with artf's.
For me,the satisfaction is seeing something you build with your own hands take to the sky.Priceless!

[drummaker]

Originally Posted by DHC Beaver

One thing nobody seems to have mentioned,you need a healthy dose of patience!From what i read in your initial post,patience is not your strong point,so you need to stand back and take stock of what you're trying to achieve.
If your prime objective is building your own models,you definitely need to learn patience.
If flying is more important to you,you're probably better of with artf's.
For me,the satisfaction is seeing something you build with your own hands take to the sky.Priceless!

Yep.. Patience is something I am constantly having to fight. In my experience, and don't get confused this may not be the case with RC planes, I am able to acquire the knowlege it takes to do things well even thought I do NOT have that much patience. What seems to happen with me is that I make mistake after mistake but since I have PERSISTENCE, I can get through all these issues. I often learn as much on one project as many learn on several.

Anyway I am hoping it is the case. I have finished my Cub, and I believe it is not to bad!... I will find out more when I go to my 1st club meeting.

I have managed to do Many very difficult things in the past that many could not because of PERSISTENCE. My wife wants to call it patience, but I believe what you are talking about is actually patience.. think.... think... measure... do

I am more like think... do.... fix... think do fix some more...
then next time
think do..... done

I think there are multiple ways of going at a thing. I screw lots of things up then eventually learn the right way. Sometimes I get really good fast because I have so much experience from all the mess ups I do.

anyway thanks for the advice

Oh.. My goal

I am a builder. I am never happy unless my hands are busy. This is what it takes for my brain to be calm.
so.. I will probably NOT ever buy another RTF Plane once I have flying experience.

However....
what good would building do me if I wasn't going to fly?

So Both

[BroncoSquid]

Originally Posted by drummaker

I am a builder. I am never happy unless my hands are busy. This is what it takes for my brain to be calm.
so.. I will probably NOT ever buy another RTF Plane once I have flying experience.

I look forward to your builds in the scratch and kitbuild section.

[Tracy Jackson]

Hey drummaker, your wacko, you don't happen to live in Waco, Tx do you? I like you!

[pattern14]

Originally Posted by BroncoSquid

I look forward to your builds in the scratch and kitbuild section.

Like wise. If it helps, you are doing better than I did with my first build; all it takes is practice, patience and perseverence. Skill will naturally come along for the ride once you gain a little confidence. Kit and scratch builders are a different breed to the ARF/RTF crowd; no better or worse, just different. Ditto for foam and balsa, with different ways of building and construction, but the goal is much the same. Best of luck with this one

[drummaker]

here are some pics. I am a horrible photographer... And please ignore the fact that I never cleaned it up.

The color scheme is for the purpose of orientation recognition.

I know this is a scale model... But I have never built a motorcycle drum or anything else for that matter stock

[rcers]

You missed the pics....

[drummaker]

Originally Posted by drummaker

here are some pics. I am a horrible photographer... And please ignore the fact that I never cleaned it up.

The color scheme is for the purpose of orientation recognition.

I know this is a scale model... But I have never built a motorcycle drum or anything else for that mater stock

If I had a Real J3 you can bet your buns it would NOT be yellow with a lightning bolt...

just not the way I roll Haha


oh ya
lots of fingerprints on the black... this was microlite and I have to say.. the black is beautiful... but the iron burns it very easily and scuffs it and the color comes off on the iron

[drummaker]

Originally Posted by Tracy Jackson

Hey drummaker, your wacko, you don't happen to live in Waco, Tx do you? I like you!

No but I love Texas

Wacky Cole the Drummakin Wakoen

has a ring to it

[drummaker]

Originally Posted by BroncoSquid

I look forward to your builds in the scratch and kitbuild section.

Hi Broncosquid.

I see you are in the Navy. My son is in the Army... Thank you for your service to our country

[DHC Beaver]

Well,Drummaker.looking at your pics,i have to say if that's your first effort at building an rc plane,you did a helluva lot better than i did on my first one
If you continue like that,I don't think you'll have too many problems.
just try to get an experienced flyer to test it for you,and enjoy the moment of it's first flight.

[drummaker]

Originally Posted by DHC Beaver

Well,Drummaker.looking at your pics,i have to say if that's your first effort at building an rc plane,you did a helluva lot better than i did on my first one
If you continue like that,I don't think you'll have too many problems.
just try to get an experienced flyer to test it for you,and enjoy the moment of it's first flight.

Thank you DHC Beaver...

If you will notice the little squares on the back of the wing...... My wife asked me how I came up with that pattern and I said..

that is binary for Drummaker punched holes here!