Rufe/Zero 500 Series (507) RC Conversation.

[WIDDOG]

Ever since I was a young kid I wanted to convert a Guillows model into a RC plane. My school friends and I would often talk about getting a single channel RC and doing the Ole Galloping Ghost. Long story short I saw a Ultra Micro Parkzone T 28 kit and thought I wonder if it would fit in a 500 Series Guillow’s. Anyway this is a dream build for me.

[ADW 123]

the kit might be a little too much for the power package on those ultra micro series... its worth a shot though. having flown some ultra micros from parkzone a bunch, im pretty used to how much thrust they provide. you never know...

[WIDDOG]

Here is my motor mount. I used Balsa and Uhu por glue and no screws or bolts.[/img]http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n636/widdog/DSC00228.jpg[img]

[WIDDOG]

Ok here is something I overlooked on the first Rufe/Zero mock up. There needs to be holes drilled in the formers so the push rod tubs can travel through freely. It can’t be seen in this picture but there are holes drilled for the push rods. Also I would recommend that the battery location be figured out now. I decided to put mine in the underbelly of the fuselage. I use rubber banded removable wings so I should be able to get at the battery easy. Also I’m going to cover the tail pieces and finish them. I will than hook up the rudder and elevator before I finish the fuselage.

[WIDDOG]

I posted the Bench Test of the model on Youtube http://youtu.be/42oO67kLSHc I borrowed and idea from Plantraco and used Shrink Wrap Wire Insulation on the push rods. Small tricky stuff but I did get it hooked up.

[WIDDOG]

I finished the model but not have flown her yet. Since I’m a Nooby to RC I probably will wreck her. Ether way I had a lot of fun building this model kit.

[ADW 123]

does it have the motor thrust to get enough lift/weight ratio to get it flying?

[WIDDOG]

I believe the test for thrust is to hold the model vertically and give her some power. I did and the model does want to pull itself up and out of my hands.

[WIDDOG]

ADW123 I believe you are correct. On hind sight I wish I had put the radio more forward of the center of gravity. In order to balance the model now I will need to much nose clay. Even though it didn’t work out due to my inexperience. It still was a very fun build. I think it will be easer to “Gut” this plane and back to my workbaord. (900 Series Skyraider)

900 - Easy to Build Scale Flying


Sleek rubber powered models of WWII fighters for indoor or outdoor flying. Built light, they are great flyers with ample wing areas and effective rubber motor/propeller combinations. Kits contain top quality balsa, plastic nose cowls, canopies and decals.

[WIDDOG]

This is where I messed up with the Zero. I’m a Noob to RC.

[WIDDOG]

I made a rubber motor access panel for the motor.

[WIDDOG]

This time I made the motor removable. I also straddled the Center of Gravity with the radio.

[rayd]

Hey guys...this may be of interest to you. Was yaking with Phugoid, got valuable info from him re rubber band powered models (lots of variables involved). Kudos in order. Besides verbal, he provided title of a book for more in depth info. I checked, and saw a second book available which talks of rubber also CO2 and electric power/RC. Both books by Don Ross.

I checked reviews, both good. Guillows site has books listed, also Amazon. One firm out of stock on one, other has lengthy delay on other. Do shop. Both books seem good. Phugoids knowledge impressed. Am returning to hobby via rubber power, but not too familiar with many rubber band variables. Would however enjoy someday getting into craftsmen quality R/C, not toy grade. Both books may help. R/C fans might want to look at second book by Don Ross. However, both seem interesting in general for modelers of flying airplanes. I ordered both and look forward to their arrival.

[SteveM]

I have both Don Ross books and have read both cover to cover. The first is excellent and pertinent as rubber bands haven't changed a whole lot over the years. The second book may still be relevant for CO2, but for electric power and the state of R/C it is a bit like reading up on how to service a Model T then walking out to your garage to work on the fuel injection system of your modern car.

The second book is an interesting read, but don't expect to be able to find and purchase any of the products listed. Those handy little tables to show you which components to purchase for which plane are utterly useless now. When the book was written brushed motors and NiCd batteries were cutting edge and no one had heard of LiPo, brushless motors, or 2.4GHz spread spectrum computerized radios.

Even if you could find a recent book on the topic, none will have the wealth of knowledge on R/C conversions of Guillow's models like these build logs do: http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=827861

[WIDDOG]

I have both Don Ross books. When I was a kid I actually had a copy that was autographed by Don Ross.

As a teenager it was kind of confusing ordering a book from Guillow’s that talked about how Guillow’s models don’t fly.

I’m a Intermediate Level builder and Beginner to RC. I think the point of my builds is to see if an average modeler can do something or not. I mean I have seen advanced model builders do this conversion many times.