How to Build an RC Airplane From A DIY Fiberglass Mould - Part 5 of 9

[vh2q]

This is a 1:25 scale Tunnan, not very big at all, and the 35mm edf only produces 10oz of thrust, so I am going as light as possible, 2 servos ails and elevator only. The bulkheads will be balsa/fiberglass/balsa sandwich using 1/16" balsa. The duct will be super light fg and yes, I have a lathe so I will make the mandrel out of steel, good idea. If I have weight to spare, I may mould the fuse in two halves and keep the tail FG sheet, 1/8". Wings will be sheeted balsa.

[b1heqh54]

@vh2q Great stuff, and yes, much smaller than I was envisioning. Sounds like a plan, and I'd love to see a video...sounds fast.

[vh2q]

Thanks for your input.  Since the duct is tapered, I am going to try to do it in one piece not two.

Having given this some thought, I would have to make an ouiter skin (fuselage) mould; and a separate EDF duct mold, with some bulkheads to postion the duct within the fuselage. I fear this will be too heavy. So I have decided to mold the inner duct supported by bulkheads, and the outer skin will be monokote over balsa stringers ie conventional

[b1heqh54]

@vh2q You might consider fabricating those bulkheads out of foam and them glassing them to reduce the weight from ply. If it's an option you might also machine that duct mold from some mild steel. Placing the cured part in the freezer for an hour or two would result in the finished duct just about falling off of the mandrel.

[vh2q]

This is a "magnum opus" - pretty amazing and really enjoy the "context".... what happened to the sound track on no 3? Who the *&@$ is "WMP" to approve or not approve?

On a technical note, I need to build a mold for an EDF plane, so I need a SMOOTH internal duct ... how does one accomplish that??

[b1heqh54]

@vh2q I would make a smooth mandrel and then wrap glass and epoxy around it. I would make it in two pieces by creating a parting plane longitudinally down the centre line with non-hardening modelling clay or a parting board. Good luck you should be able to get a mirror finish.

[chantervz]

I love trying interesting and exciting projects. This is something totally new for me and I'm really enjoying even just doing the prep work for it. I've looked at other resources but yours is the most enjoyable and it's my number one source. Thank you so much for making such a great series here. Keep up the great work!

[b1heqh54]

@chantervz Well thank you very much indeed. Stay tuned there's much more to come. Subscribe for updates if you haven't yet: I'm about to start a wing mould that should be even more exciting. Thanks again.

[bwayne641]

Ya know Video has this new fangled thing called MOVING PICTURES, LOL. Just jerkin your chain, Great, Slideshow, I mean Video. Thanks

[kostucha031]

These video's are nothing short of amazing! I just hope that episodes 3 & 4 come up soon! Thank you very much though!

[b1heqh54]

I'm glad you're enjoying the videos. 3 & 4 will be back up shortly.

[Crashmo1]

Hi,

Too bad the music people seem to have hijacked your #3 and #4 in the series. Is there any way you can repost without the sound? I'm guessing that is why they yanked these 2 in the series. Good luck. Thanks for the great education.

[b1heqh54]

My apologies for the delayed response.  I'm working on #3 and #4 now.