BUFY v2.0 - Scratch builder contest #2
09-06-2008, 04:10 AM
#1
Look out for that tree!!!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Gig Harbor, Wa USA
Posts: 7,061
BUFY v2.0
Ok, this is going to be my first entry into the second WattFlyer scratch builders contest.
BUFY (Big Ugly Foamy Yak) v1.0 was built in classic shock flyer fashion from 1/2" blue styrofoam building insulation foamboard with a few bits of ply and carbon fiber here and there.
V2.0 will be the exact same outline and almost the same over all size with the major change being a full fuse and half decent carbon fibre landing gear legs.
Im not going to change the proportions much at all because v1 flew almost perfectly. Im hoping v2 will be the same
I have the foam on hand and I'll re-use all the servos, power system and electronics from v1.0 - which died recently in a low encounter with the earth.
Here are a few pics of v1 to get things rolling.
BUFY (Big Ugly Foamy Yak) v1.0 was built in classic shock flyer fashion from 1/2" blue styrofoam building insulation foamboard with a few bits of ply and carbon fiber here and there.
V2.0 will be the exact same outline and almost the same over all size with the major change being a full fuse and half decent carbon fibre landing gear legs.
Im not going to change the proportions much at all because v1 flew almost perfectly. Im hoping v2 will be the same
I have the foam on hand and I'll re-use all the servos, power system and electronics from v1.0 - which died recently in a low encounter with the earth.
Here are a few pics of v1 to get things rolling.
Last edited by Larry3215; 04-03-2009 at 06:53 AM.
09-06-2008, 05:04 AM
#3
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Originally Posted by Larry3215
I have the foam on hand and I'll re-use all the servos, power system and electronics from v1.0 - which died recently in a low encounter with the earth.
09-08-2008, 06:08 AM
#4
Look out for that tree!!!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Gig Harbor, Wa USA
Posts: 7,061
The first BUFY lasted a lot longer than I expected it to. When I started working with this foam I had serious doubts about its ability to hold up to stressful flying over time.
Turns out the only real problem areas are heavy point loads - engine mounts and landing gear hard points in particular. You have to take extra care to spread the loads out over a large area. This foam just cant handle it other wise.
Ive got all my planning done and have most everything on hand, but Im going to have to delay the start for a few more days.
This next weekend is our clubs annual Air Show so I need to spruce up/repair some models and get ready for that.
Turns out the only real problem areas are heavy point loads - engine mounts and landing gear hard points in particular. You have to take extra care to spread the loads out over a large area. This foam just cant handle it other wise.
Ive got all my planning done and have most everything on hand, but Im going to have to delay the start for a few more days.
This next weekend is our clubs annual Air Show so I need to spruce up/repair some models and get ready for that.
10-15-2008, 07:20 PM
#7
Look out for that tree!!!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Gig Harbor, Wa USA
Posts: 7,061
Yeah, I know... life, relatives, kids and pets have all been getting in the way of my fun lately!
Might be another week before I get started.
Im more motivated than I was. Ive discovered that my smaller planes just are not as much fun to fly and I miss my big ugly Yak!
Might be another week before I get started.
Im more motivated than I was. Ive discovered that my smaller planes just are not as much fun to fly and I miss my big ugly Yak!
12-20-2008, 12:03 AM
#8
Look out for that tree!!!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Gig Harbor, Wa USA
Posts: 7,061
Well folks, Im bowing out of the contest.
Things kept getting in the way if this build. Pets, kids, grand kids, wives, relatives, work, other planes that should have been a quick fix/build but took much looooonger than planned and now weather. On top of all that my hearts been captured by another plane for the time being.
Its to the point that there is no way I can finish it and get it flown before the end of the contest.
It WILL get finished before the spring thaw! The original was too much fun not to replace it.
Next time!
Things kept getting in the way if this build. Pets, kids, grand kids, wives, relatives, work, other planes that should have been a quick fix/build but took much looooonger than planned and now weather. On top of all that my hearts been captured by another plane for the time being.
Its to the point that there is no way I can finish it and get it flown before the end of the contest.
It WILL get finished before the spring thaw! The original was too much fun not to replace it.
Next time!
12-20-2008, 06:37 AM
#10
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Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Hesperia, So. Calif
Posts: 19,323
Originally Posted by Larry3215
Well folks, Im bowing out of the contest.
Things kept getting in the way if this build. Pets, kids, grand kids, wives, relatives, work, other planes that should have been a quick fix/build but took much looooonger than planned and now weather. On top of all that my hearts been captured by another plane for the time being.
Its to the point that there is no way I can finish it and get it flown before the end of the contest.
It WILL get finished before the spring thaw! The original was too much fun not to replace it.
Next time!
Things kept getting in the way if this build. Pets, kids, grand kids, wives, relatives, work, other planes that should have been a quick fix/build but took much looooonger than planned and now weather. On top of all that my hearts been captured by another plane for the time being.
Its to the point that there is no way I can finish it and get it flown before the end of the contest.
It WILL get finished before the spring thaw! The original was too much fun not to replace it.
Next time!
Poor Buffy 
I am going to miss her 
Ok, Your Excused This time
But Buffy #2 better be back in the Air Soon 
with some PINK trim on Her 
Take care Larry 
01-29-2009, 09:08 AM
#11
Look out for that tree!!!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Gig Harbor, Wa USA
Posts: 7,061
Its been a while but Im about ready to get back to work on this project.
I will be wrapping up the XXL Polaris build in the next day or two so my bench will be clear!
Ive been debating about making this version a hybrid of Depron and blue foam. Id use my full airfoil Depron wings from my old 6Bits project (the one in my avatar) and doing the full fuse on this one from the 1/2" blue foam.
If Im going to the trouble of doing a full fuse it would look a whole lot better to have airfoiled wings. The other plus point is the wings are almost complete
I could always use the wings on the 6Bits project when I get back arounbd to finishing it.
I dont mind arguing with myself - I cant lose
I will be wrapping up the XXL Polaris build in the next day or two so my bench will be clear!
Ive been debating about making this version a hybrid of Depron and blue foam. Id use my full airfoil Depron wings from my old 6Bits project (the one in my avatar) and doing the full fuse on this one from the 1/2" blue foam.
If Im going to the trouble of doing a full fuse it would look a whole lot better to have airfoiled wings. The other plus point is the wings are almost complete
I could always use the wings on the 6Bits project when I get back arounbd to finishing it.
I dont mind arguing with myself - I cant lose
01-30-2009, 06:56 AM
#12
Super Contributor
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Hesperia, So. Calif
Posts: 19,323
Originally Posted by Larry3215
Its been a while but Im about ready to get back to work on this project.
I will be wrapping up the XXL Polaris build in the next day or two so my bench will be clear!
Ive been debating about making this version a hybrid of Depron and blue foam. Id use my full airfoil Depron wings from my old 6Bits project (the one in my avatar) and doing the full fuse on this one from the 1/2" blue foam.
If Im going to the trouble of doing a full fuse it would look a whole lot better to have airfoiled wings. The other plus point is the wings are almost complete
I could always use the wings on the 6Bits project when I get back arounbd to finishing it.
I dont mind arguing with myself - I cant lose
I will be wrapping up the XXL Polaris build in the next day or two so my bench will be clear!
Ive been debating about making this version a hybrid of Depron and blue foam. Id use my full airfoil Depron wings from my old 6Bits project (the one in my avatar) and doing the full fuse on this one from the 1/2" blue foam.
If Im going to the trouble of doing a full fuse it would look a whole lot better to have airfoiled wings. The other plus point is the wings are almost complete
I could always use the wings on the 6Bits project when I get back arounbd to finishing it.
I dont mind arguing with myself - I cant lose
I Win every argument with myself 
I just have to tell myself, SELF Ok, You Win Works every time, There is something wrong with me Take care, Chellie
01-30-2009, 07:19 AM
#13
Look out for that tree!!!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Gig Harbor, Wa USA
Posts: 7,061
Now, Chellie. Dont be silly. We all know that, except for this thing you have about pink airplanes, you are perfect!
Last edited by Larry3215; 04-03-2009 at 06:43 AM.
01-30-2009, 07:26 AM
#14
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Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Hesperia, So. Calif
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Originally Posted by Larry3215
Now, Chellie. Dont be silly. We all know that, except for this think you have about pink airplanes, you are perfect!
Darn, I cant find the Thank You Button
LOL
04-03-2009, 08:51 AM
#16
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Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Hesperia, So. Calif
Posts: 19,323
Originally Posted by Larry3215
I've been working on the new BUFY off and on and Im making progress. Might even get it finished up this week sometime
No wonder you have such nice planes, was the last Bufy a profile fuselage and your making a full fuselage this time it looks that way 
Take care and have fun, Chellie
04-04-2009, 01:25 AM
#17
Look out for that tree!!!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Gig Harbor, Wa USA
Posts: 7,061
Yeah, its full fuse this time around. Still relatively flat. I over sized the vertical dimensions of the fuse to enhance knife edge performance so Im afraid to do a full round fuse. The nose section would be almost the diameter of my prop
I did it mostly for the stiffness it adds to the fuse. Should be about the same total weight as a similar flat fuse that had enough added carbon to make it this stiff and twist resistant.
Im working on the tail feathers now....
I did it mostly for the stiffness it adds to the fuse. Should be about the same total weight as a similar flat fuse that had enough added carbon to make it this stiff and twist resistant.
Im working on the tail feathers now....
04-11-2009, 08:11 AM
#18
Look out for that tree!!!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Gig Harbor, Wa USA
Posts: 7,061
Ive been making progress on the v2 BUFY. Its almost ready to maiden!
I still need to add some magnets to the hatch and do the wing retention bolts and battery straps.
Its 64" long by 72" span.All up weight as it is now is 6 lbs 7 ounces. Color and the last few misc items might add another 3 or 4 ounces.
Thats about 7 or 8 ounces more than the profile fuse version.
The wing has 1008 sq inches of area and the fuse has about 750 sq inches. It should knife edge very very well
I'll add some color after it flys....
I still need to add some magnets to the hatch and do the wing retention bolts and battery straps.
Its 64" long by 72" span.All up weight as it is now is 6 lbs 7 ounces. Color and the last few misc items might add another 3 or 4 ounces.
Thats about 7 or 8 ounces more than the profile fuse version.
The wing has 1008 sq inches of area and the fuse has about 750 sq inches. It should knife edge very very well
I'll add some color after it flys....
04-17-2009, 06:41 AM
#20
Look out for that tree!!!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Gig Harbor, Wa USA
Posts: 7,061
Dont worry Chellie, Ive learned my lesson and there WILL BE some pink on it for sure
I got a chance to do a fast maiden late today and it flys great!
I didnt get a chance to really wring it out but I found out I need to get the CG back some more and prop up a bit. I just barely have 1:1 thrust to weight and I like a bit more than that.
Knife edge is as good as I hoped and it hovers easily even with the forward CG. Im jazzed to be back in business
Now I'll ad a bit of color and go fly the heck out of it!
I got a chance to do a fast maiden late today and it flys great!
I didnt get a chance to really wring it out but I found out I need to get the CG back some more and prop up a bit. I just barely have 1:1 thrust to weight and I like a bit more than that.
Knife edge is as good as I hoped and it hovers easily even with the forward CG. Im jazzed to be back in business
Now I'll ad a bit of color and go fly the heck out of it!
04-17-2009, 07:37 AM
#21
Super Contributor
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Hesperia, So. Calif
Posts: 19,323
Originally Posted by Larry3215
Dont worry Chellie, Ive learned my lesson and there WILL BE some pink on it for sure
I got a chance to do a fast maiden late today and it flys great!
I didnt get a chance to really wring it out but I found out I need to get the CG back some more and prop up a bit. I just barely have 1:1 thrust to weight and I like a bit more than that.
Knife edge is as good as I hoped and it hovers easily even with the forward CG. Im jazzed to be back in business
Now I'll ad a bit of color and go fly the heck out of it!
I got a chance to do a fast maiden late today and it flys great!
I didnt get a chance to really wring it out but I found out I need to get the CG back some more and prop up a bit. I just barely have 1:1 thrust to weight and I like a bit more than that.
Knife edge is as good as I hoped and it hovers easily even with the forward CG. Im jazzed to be back in business
Now I'll ad a bit of color and go fly the heck out of it!
Glad it flys Well for you, We Need SomeVideo Take care, Chellie
05-03-2009, 05:50 AM
#22
Look out for that tree!!!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Gig Harbor, Wa USA
Posts: 7,061
BUFY gets wet!
I got the original floats re-fit onto the new BUFY and went to the Lake Washington float fly this last Thursday.
Gerry D. was there too and he got some video of the maiden water flight.
The new BUFY handles just as well on the water as the original so I am very very pleased
Thanks for taking the video Gerry!
He didnt catch it on video but during my second flight of the day I got a little carried away (ok, I was showing off just a little tiny bit) and didnt watch my time like I should and ran out of electrons well out on the lake.
Lucky for me I came down up wind from the beach area so all I had to do was wait for it to drift in. Thats the pick of it sitting out on the water dead stick
Now that Im sure its a keeper, I need to add some color.
Gerry D. was there too and he got some video of the maiden water flight.
The new BUFY handles just as well on the water as the original so I am very very pleased
Thanks for taking the video Gerry!
He didnt catch it on video but during my second flight of the day I got a little carried away (ok, I was showing off just a little tiny bit) and didnt watch my time like I should and ran out of electrons well out on the lake.
Lucky for me I came down up wind from the beach area so all I had to do was wait for it to drift in. Thats the pick of it sitting out on the water dead stick
Now that Im sure its a keeper, I need to add some color.
