Edge model contest

[Mitch]

Thanks Howard I really appreciate that. I can use some help (If you are allowed) or anyone else out there...

Just got back from the park: Weather is calm, but damp and a mist.

First flight with 500 winds (that is VERY cautious). The model had a nice slight climb and long slow left turn. I liked that. As the power was dying out the model was definitely porpoising. Here is where I need advice. I think it is still a little tail heavy?
Flight 1... 12 seconds

So I packed in 4 more grams (I had a few measured balls of clay) into the nose around the washer. Next flight I wanted to go to 550 but I only want to change one thing at a time, so 500 again. This time the model flew towards the ground and did not quite pull out in time...
Flight 2... 4 seconds

At this point the model is getting very damp and had a few water spots on my lettering... So I decide to come home, let the model dry off. If the mist does not turn to rain I will go to my school yard at 3 pm...

Best Flights as of now: 12,5,4... I know the model can do better but that will depend on the weather... forecast...RAIN


Picture of added clay and rain spots on the "R".

So I think I am now too heavy, so I removed the 2 small balls of clay and will only leave in the clay around the washer. Back at the hanger, I weighed the model. She will be exactly 55 grams (AUW) and a wing area of 55 square inches. I think that is the limit for a model to fly 1 gram per square inch! I hope to go out for one more time trial!

My model is not getting "Battle Damage" but it is receiving "Race Wear" Mitch

[Steve Blanchard]

Mitch,

The first thing you must do is be sure that it is balancing at the proper CG point (I know you probably know all of this). Once you have that established you will then glide it and see what happens. The only adjustments to the plane you make for the glide are then with the horizontal stab. Do not add or take away any weight to get it to glide properly. It's all about the flight surfaces at this point. Once you get a good glide then you should start again with the power tests and adjust for power stalls or dives with shims for thrust angles. That's it. It is a tedious process but it is really the only way to get it right.

Steve

[Mitch]

Steve,

Thanks so much... Yes I have been told that before, but I am new and still learning. That 12 second flight was REAL nice! I hope it does not rain so I can go out one more time. My model was getting soggy and the paper was sagging so I left the field this morning. I thought better to leave while I still have a flyable model. I posted my times on the yahoo, but I am still trimming. I believe this model can best a 20 second flight!

Mitch

[kittyfritters]

Mitch,

When you use printed tissue insignia, spray a light mist of Krylon #1305 over it after it is applied. Not waterproof, but very water resistant, and adds negligible weight. I have one of my Beaver prototypes, covered with Guillow's tissue and Kryloned, that was hit by a sudden rain storm while very high on a test flight. I could hear the rain beating on the wings as it circled overhead. Not only did it survive, but the tissue returned to it's original tightness, (with no warps!) when it dried. It is still flyable.

Howard

[Mitch]

Thanks,

And my "decals" are just on Bond Paper..."oh the weight!" That's one reason why I did not put too many on. The weather is a bit dryer and I plan to go to the school soon!

FYI: The model was sealed with 2 coats of Top Flite LuterKote. And then one more coat just over the "decals". I applied the markings with a simple glue stick. The model is drum tight again, and except for the water spots... as good as she gets!

Let's go Flying! Mitch

UPDATE: Just got back...I did 2 more flights

Flight 1 550 winds 13 seconds
Flight 2 600 winds 17 seconds

On that second flight I could really see the plane coming into its groove, a nice slow turn to the left about 50 feet in diameter. Then after one complete turn it straightened out flew a bit more and did a little porpoising. Upon landing I noticed the cowling was out and the motor popped off. One of the square holes broke a bit and a piece of balsa is missing. The plane is getting soggy and I think it is going to start to drizzle again. I decide to call it a good day.

So my best times are 17,13,12.

On a better day with a fresh motor and more winds on the motor I know she can break 20 seconds, but I will wait for another day. I submit my times, that is the best I can do for now...

...so I have my model intact and will get her ready for her Static Show on Sunday!

Happy Halloween:


Mitch

UPDATE: Here is the break I am talking about:

I also noticed the hole on the bottom right is also broken (but the piece is there) I will re-glue that, and replace the missing piece, then re-enforce the back of F1 with bamboo like I did the front of F0. I think I made a good decision to quit when I did! I need to repair the landing gear also.

She'll be all cleaned up for her debut at the Museum of Flight on Sunday!

See you at the Races! Mitch

FURTHER UPDATE: I am making repairs to the model, and upon inspection of my motor I see at least 2 cracks in the motor. I think it was a VERY GOOD choice I stopped when I did! As I was starting to increase winds to get to what I thought was a safe limit. This Motor is USED UP!

[Steve Blanchard]

Hey Mitch Great job! Just a note about the bond paper decals. They are just fine and don't add much weight especially if you use a little trick which is to turn them over and sand the back to thin them down a bit. Just use a very fine sandpaper and you'll be great.

Steve

[Mitch]

Thanks Steve and to all,

I had a great time. This was a fun and easy model to put together. My daughter enjoyed my excitement and is now my official "mechanic". She says she will go with me to the school yard anytime to help me!

This model went together in about two weeks. I built it on my 12 day trip (to Alaska on a Container Ship) and since I had more time I just kept drilling more holes everyday, careful not to break ribs or frames. I have been home for a week and finished the model as I showed here. After my final flight I removed the wheels and am working on the pants again to remove the seem mark and adding fresh pant.

I am just happy to have finished the model in time, see it fly, and still have it intact. As I said I was notified about a Model Show for flying models at the Museum of Flight. It is hosted by the Marymoor RC club, but I was notified by the Eagle Squadron of the FAC that ALL flying models are invited. I do NOT want to miss an opportunity to show people Rubber Powered Flying models still exist!

I will take some pictures at the show!

Mitch

PS: Last night I saw the late show of the new movie "Captain Phillips"... one reason why I am on the Alaska route!

[Mitch]

Good Morning,

All repairs made to the Edge 540 are complete. Also took off the wheel pants, more sanding to remove the seam, and a fresh coat of paint on that. Time to sit and relax with a Red Bull.


Made up a Sign for the Show. Of course on the top line I give credit to Guillow's!


I do not know how much space they will give me, but I am ready for the show... Also joined the Eagle Squadron on Yahoo and told those guys I will be at the show with my newest model!

Mitch

NOTE: Under closer inspection of the motor I see at least 7 cracks in the rubber, I am sure it would have exploded if I wound it again as I was still increasing my turns, and thought I could go to 700 safely. I was only at 600 on the final flight.

[Mitch]

Hey Guys and Gals,

I had a great day at the museum. I enjoyed showing my models to the young kids and all those young at heart.

I was a good day, to finish off a good year of building, flying, and sharing information...

Now I will get back to my workshop... Mitch

[kittyfritters]

Hi Everyone!

I have to thank Mark Tennant, Dale Barker and the other staff at Guillow for judging the appearance portion of the Challenge and returning the results so quickly. The final standings are:

!st Don Butman 110.1 points 90.1 Appearance (2) 20 Flying

2nd Mitchell Schoonejans 108.7 points 91.1 Appearance (1) 17 Flying

3rd Jim Bassham 82.4 points 82.4 Appearance (3)

4th Randy Black 77.5 points 77.5 Appearance (4)

5th rpfaff80 76.9 points 76.9 Appearance (5)

Good job to everyone who finished one! I know that there are a lot of you that have them under construction and we still want to see them. When you finish one, please, post photos to the 2013 Challenge Entry album with the title "Late Finish".

In case anyone was wondering why I didn't build one, I already had two of them, built before the Challenge started, and I had too many other things going.

Yes, I will find the time to run next year's "G" Challenge. It's shaping up to be the by the numbers kits 600 and 700 series (leaving out the Edge) and the "Flyboy". These are inexpensive, don't take a lot of time, and are almost guaranteed to fly. The 2014 Challenge will run from the time I post the rules until October 31, 2014.

Keep 'Em Flying!

Howard