Building/Flying kit 902 Bird Dog

[WIDDOG]

Hi Mitch.

Sorry the picture is misleading. What I wanted to represent was the "Stringers" being bent and glued into place. Not the Landing Gear. I used Wood Glue to glue my Landing Gear in place. I like your suggestion about the Epoxy.

Here's the a motivational video for the Bird Dog http://youtu.be/BG9n0GFFCkI

[WIDDOG]

Even as an Intermediate Level builder/flyer I know the importance of a good noseblock. I actually like to use the Guillow's plastic nose cowling in my noseblocks. I never glue them into place, they are always removable. I have been working only with the under 18 inch wing span models, so I don't have to worry about too much stress on the kit plastic nose cowling. Since the nose cowling can be replace through the Guillow's spare parts it can be very easy to replace a broken cowling. IMHO the Noseblock takes the worst of it. i.e. trimming and flying into stuff.

Here is the Noseblock I am going to use with my Bird Dog. Basically a wood Noseblock that I will cover with the kit plastic cowling, I hold it on with two tiny wood screws.



Uploaded with ImageShack.us

[Mitch]

Hey Dog,

Even when I have to bend the wood (I might get it wet first), I still use wood glue and clamp in place. Of course every time you do that you have to wait for the glue to dry.

Any time I glue dis-similar items together, that is when I use epoxy.

I like your nose block/cowling. But I know it is important to be able to adjust the thrust setting. Can you do that? Also I used to screw my cowlings on, but in the heat of "Battle" (competition) I found this to be totally inadequate. But for a backyard (School Yard) flyer I think it would be fine!

Mitch

[WIDDOG]

Hi Mitch,

I have a thought on the Loctite Super Glue Gel Control. Since I like to work with kits that are under 18 inch wing span. I noticed that clamping and drying is kind of a frustrating thing with these size kits. Also I don't use clamps I use pins. IMHO these kits are too fragile to pin or clamp. It takes a soft tough but I think holding is the best rout to take with these size kits. So I really think this Loctite Super Glue Gel Control is perfect for the 900 Series kits.

For thrust adjustment I use shims. Now you make a good point for competition I would want Micro adjustments of everything including the thrust line. I do have a Gizmo Gezer propeller that I am going to start to use. http://www.gizmogeezer.com/pfw.htm

[Mitch]

Dog,

Good for you... What size Gizmo? I have one, with a 9-1/2 inch prop... but I had so much going on, I decided NOT to use it in Colorado... I want to work on ONE new thing at a time and it would have be OVERLOAD for me...

So for info for other people, and you if you are unsure. The Gizmo also has 3 small screws for down and right thrust adjustment! As well as it will disengage the prop to be free wheeling, after the rubber is no longer turning for power!

The important thing is to always have FUN and be a good sport!

Getting a GOOD flight is always nice! Mitch

[WIDDOG]

When I ordered my Gizmo, I got to talk to the designer. Since I work on models under 18 inch wing span, he suggested I buy the Gizmo kit and use a smaller PP propeller. No big deal the propeller shaft has to be bent by hand instead of by the factory. Anyway I tried it and it worked out great. The problem I had was about the time I got my Gizmo I flew a model high into a tree. Well now that I have the tree stuff worked out I may try out my Gizmo.

http://img827.imageshack.us/img827/1108/ehao.png

[WIDDOG]

I finished the Bird Dog this morning. Now I will move on to flying. Just wanted to say this was a super fun kit to build!!!!!!



Uploaded with ImageShack.us

[Mitch]

The model looks VERY NICE! Please give us the statistics:

How much is the AUW? All up weight
Did you calculate the wing area?
If so what is your Wing Loading?
What size prop are you using, How much rubber?

You said you use shims to adjust thrust, but if you are using the Gizmo Prop assembly there are 3 micro screws for that, you should have a small Allen wrench for those.

Good Luck flying and keep us posted... Mitch

[WIDDOG]

#2 trim flight I did not think it would fly so well. Crash damage is serious I will try to repair. http://youtu.be/_-xnK0dEnzU

Be warned these kits fly great. Don't be stupid like me and underestimate their flying ability.

BTW I have a Gizmo Free Wheeler propeller but I have not used it yet.

[Mitch]

Ouch! Gotta watch out for those trees! At least you have it documented that it flew! Mitch

[WIDDOG]

LOL Thanks Mitch,

I was able to make repairs. I think I can even try flying her again tomorrow. I think I'm getting better with the HC (Hat Cam). The HC kind of mixes two of my favorite hobbies. Model airplanes and photography. I'm posting the link again to the Hobby King Key Chain video camera. It's so inexpensive and makes a nice gadget. http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/stor ... _card.html.

[stx44]

So this is my bird dog, just completed. Pretty happy with the result, however initial test flights indicate I will need to do something with the nose cone- the vac formed job is moving about under power and altering the thrust line.

Maybe I will carve a balsa block one- havent decided as yet.



Uploaded with ImageShack.us

[WIDDOG]

Hi Stx44

Very nice Bird Dog thanks much for posting!

I was able to repair my Bird Dog. I was just thinking I really owe a lot to this Forum and the other members. Thank You!

http://youtu.be/-fJe3cLMd6Q

[Mitch]

Those are both nice looking planes.

Dog... I'm glad you got yours back in the air. Have you joined a local Flying Club? You are doing well and when has friendly competition it will continue to improve your skills. I think there are more events in your corner of the country than mine... I think you should check it out.

Stx... Yes, you really need to have the nose block secure and be able to adjust the thrust. I do not have the kit, but WIDDOG's plane has more dihedral than yours, so your plane might be more difficult to get to fly like WIDDOG's...

Mitch

[Wildpig]

Hey, WIDDOG, That's a really nice flight and a wheel landing at that.