Edge model contest

[davidchoate]

i've read in a couple other posts about the Guillows model contest. I'm almost done my current model, and my local hobby store has an Edge in stock. I think I got time to build it ' but am unsure of the contest rules,and or the judging. I mean, if it doesnt have to fly, for example, you can add alot more weight consuming detals. And what about skill level? I'm only on my 4th model;how can I exoect to be competitive against all the Mitch's and Dave Duckets out there. Some of you gus are highly advanced'and building awesome models. Then there are people who like to convert to RC, which takes a certain amount of innovation and no two are alike. Does anyone know these rules?

[Wildpig]

If you are talking about the Guillow G-Challenge, hosted by none other than our own kittyfritters, the rules are somewhere on this forum. Or there is a Yahoo Group for Guillow Model Builders for this challenge.

By the way, note that it's a challenge not labeled as a contest. The spirit of the challenge is to foster better model building with the exchange of ideas. So one day, we too can build super nice models.

I think the Challenge deadline is Oct. 31 ????

[stx44]

Ive just completed the Edge- and from a build point, I would say go for it!

I found the slight differences to the other kits an enjoyable challenge, but overall the build was fairly easy. I found the thicker wood easier to work with too (my other builds have been 900 series and the javelin, all very thin wood). Being a newer kit, the laser cutting was perfect (parts almost fell out) and the presentation and contents are fantastic.

If you are going to build it, I would, however suggest you ditch the 4 small locater pins for the nosecone- they need to be made from something stronger than balsa. When loading a motor, it is too easy to bump the balsa and snap it. I think I have some plastic rod that I think I will try instead.

I cant comment on how it flies- we have 35+ winds outside today, so probably wont get any flight testing done.

[Mitch]

I do not have a yahoo account yet, but am planning on entering my Edge. As stated here before this is to create better modelers, and "challenge" builders. I believe it is a flying timed event, and that would be on the "honor" system as this is for you to learn and improve your skills.

My model so far is built with ALL Guillow parts. The 4 pins that hold in the front are as per Guillow instructions.

wait... I did add some thin strips of bamboo to the front of F0 to increase the strength of that frame. I do not have any pics of that, but they were cut from bamboo skewers and added all around the front of the frame.


That 3/32 stock seemed very strong and hard to me.


With the laser cut square holes everything lines up.


I plan to add 2 small screws on top and left side for thust adjustment.

I hope this helps. Mitch

PS Although I am using ALL kit wood, I am "lightening" everything up as much as possible:


No secrets, I will show you everything I did and how I did it!

[Wildpig]

Here is the post from kittyfritters for the 2013 Challenge:

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=2519&p=17000&hilit=challenge#p17000

[Mitch]

Thanks for the re-post on the "challenge"

As you see in my last photo, the front end of my build has a twist in it. I do not know if I can fix that.

What I have done so far:
1. Used all kit wood
2. Lightened the structure
3. Moved the peg mount
4. Reinforced the front end
5. Increased the dihedral

I plan to use the 7 inch kit prop and thrust button, but may use an adjusted rubber motor... tba (to be announced)... I have had good flights with Guillows Grey rubber before. I believe it has better torque and will spin the prop faster than the tan rubber!

In addition to drilling all the holes, I have sanded the model to reduce the thickness of the longrons...More weight reduction!

I also plan to bring my finished model (if it survives the challenge flights) to a model show at the Boeing Museum of Flight on Nov. 3!

Mitch... Keep Building, Keep Flying, Keep Learning!

UPDATE: Quick fix to twisted fuselage. I held the fuselage over a pot of boiling water and let the steam vapor penetrate the wood. Then gently twisted the fuselage PAST neutral position a few times. Looks like it is straight now. I will check again in the AM. If still straight I will start to cover the model.

[davidchoate]

i have noticed a couple of models were perfectly straight when finished, but after a few months developed warping; each in different areas. i think its from weather seasons changing. thats my theory. i used the same method to fix them as you, and it works so far. the ones that didnt warp were the ones i made into rc. my theory there is that i substituted balsa spars with basswood at several locations. sometimes spruce.

[Mitch]

Thanks... Looks like it is straight for now.

NOTE: I did alternate adding stringers when building the frame. I noticed the twist when I was sanding the fuselage.
If anymore twists develop after papering, I will do the same. I plan to add a little washout in the wings during covering.

Mitch

[Mitch]

For my display part of the contest I decided to use some 5 inch Guillow props I had in my parts box:

I used a wheel for the center hub:

The wheel fits nicely in the spinner:

I will glue up the prop tonight the cut the slots in the spinner.

So for those of you who do not like to carve props... This may be an alternative!

Then the cowling and spinner will get a spray of yellow paint!
Mitch

[davidchoate]

i love the way you always make nice things out of leftover free stuff. thats a cool prop idea.

[Mitch]

Thanks... I have a lot of time to think about this stuff on the ship... looking out at the endless sea...

So here is my 3 blade prop:

I would NOT use this for a flying prop. One could shave down the blades for a more scale look, but if I did that I would have done that before assembly. I will paint the prop then mount in the spinner. The Guillow mark is on the other side of the blades.

The directions say "do not use the spinner for the flying model", so I will just unplug this "semi-scale" prop with spinner and attach the desired larger prop w/o spinner for flying! Moreover, I am still having trouble having spinners on a flying model.

Mitch

[kittyfritters]

Mitch,

That is a really clever approach to a three or four bladed prop. With a suitable hub (drilled so that the individual blade hubs lock in), the right adhesives, and a little carbon fiber reinforcement, it could be used as a flying prop.

Howard

[Mitch]

Yes, thank you... I like the idea also, and I have a lot of 7 inch props that will nicely in the 400 series as I fly these with a peck 9-1/2 inch!

So here is the rear peg with blast tube:

I have the peg in as far back as possible to and also allow the blast tube to protect the model. The blast tube has two slots in it and will lock in place when winding! Instruments are trimmed down from a 400 series model. I am also building to FAC standards!

And here is the fuselage sitting on her legs:

I am also using the plastic wheels from the 500 series. They are a tight fit, but I think they look better than the smaller woods wheel provided.

Now onto the papering... Mitch

UPDATE:

Here she is so far... taking a break and will finish the papering tomorrow:

I am using a glue stick and will cover the entire model, wait a couple of hours , then wet with water.

and one more view... I plan to have the tail wheel movable. The tail gear is inside a small tube which will be epoxied to the model. Squeeze a small piece of foam above to give some response...

...from Don Ross' book pg 132. See fig 13-1 swivel and bounce tail wheel.

Mitch

[Mitch]

Installed the tail wheel gear, and waiting for the glue to dry, I came across this you tube video...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BycHBgQKnQ0
Enjoy, Mitch

[davidchoate]

whats that blast tube made from? is the red and white yissue that came with kit not as light. is that why u chose ble?