solentlife

Yep ... I've gone through 5 so far .... because they are so such a great flyer - its the sheer use of them that I have worn them out. The Depron gets a bit 'tired' ... and they start to get a bit 'ornery' at times.

So out with the 3mm Depron to make templates. Oh I forgot to add ....

I have printed up the plans so often because its difficult to keep taped tiled plans in good order. So this time .. new print ... tape up and cut into parts ... then create permanent 3mm templates.
I did this with my G&G models ... now is time for Polaris.

No need for photo run of build ... its been so many times posted ...

I will incorporate my usual personal mods ...

1. My standard split servo arrangement with servos set out in the wing for ailerons.
2. Rudder servo mounted in the fin
3. Motor and servo leads will be led down the leading edge of fin in a channel and not buried in the laminations.
4. Fin will have a vertical thin ply tongue inserted in to tie in with ply plate on wing.
5. Nose will be a Depron box with PU glue / water mix poured in to foam up and form a tough light addition.

I am also toying with idea whether to add working canards .... the Polaris is well known for its tendency to not pull out at bottom of outside loops, to need a lot of down elevator ... maybe adding canards can help by controlling the nose ?

Nigel

soarrich

Progress report?

solentlife

I've been travelling around Caspian and Middle East so only got back last night ...

She's about 30% built ...

Top view showing the extra large ply plate I use ... this is very light fruit box ply ... stiffens that area really well ...



Closer look ... its epoxied as well to create a really strong bond .. you can also just make out the channel down the front of the fin that servo and motor leads bury into ...



Underside ..



The fin is more stiff and stronger as it doesn't have the internal channel for leads ...

Nigel

solentlife

To follow on from my previous showing the larger ply plate ...

Here is with all coming to top fuselage so no runs inside lower section (ESC / Rx to come) :



Close up of cables and fin leading edge channel ...



Servos in wing for ailerons ... previous were just unprotected (never had any damage to them) - decided to add foam fairings ...



My sponsons are slightly different in that I altered shape and glued to flat plate before adding to wing - this allowed shaping and getting front edge to match wing more easily. Elevator and stabiliser both have CF ...



Elevator and rudder servos set into the nacelle ...





Just waiting new Rx and ESC from HK to go in there.

I have been experimenting - modifying various 3D items to see if they can be used. One is a motor cowl from a Graupner model ... scaled back and shortened it looks good to cowl my 2826 ...
I did try a nose cone but needs squaring off ...

Presently playing with floats ... I have a 3D item that gives the top and hull parts separately. Scaling the hull part could produce a printable sponson ...

More on these later ...

Build is really not needed to go quick as its basically being made ready for winter fun.

Nigel

solentlife

Thought I'd do my bit for Queen and Country !



Nigel

Don Sims

Nice paint job!

solentlife

Construction of the Polaris is based on 6mm Depron - so paint choice needs care. I use Poster paint here ... its water based and dries in minutes, but is totally flat matt ...

Being Poster Paint as well - it would never survive water use ... so it needs sealing.

Standard clear varnish is what I use. Applied over the top of the Poster Paint - it gives a full gloss shine and waterproofs the scheme. Not only that - but the Poster Paint is able to fill any 'cracks / potential leaks' and the varnish locks it all in.

The varnish also gives the bottom a really smooth finish to slide over the grass / snow etc.

Nigel

solentlife

She flew absolutely beautifully ............. pity the Soloshot3 was so crap in tracking her ... but here's two videos ...

The maiden via SS3 and the second is via GoPro (both maiden and second flight).

I did go home with one sponson snapped off - that was my stupid fault when the battery died I gave her a throttle burst and she pitched up before hitting deck ...





Nigel

solentlife

Couple of Soloshot videos of the same flight today ... apologies for remote microphone ... just not working properly ...