TexMechsRobot
Posted a thousand or more times
This will be a thread to document my build on the Dynaflight Bird of Time balsa build. They sell and ARF version as well but I love building balsa and wanted the experience of constructing this plane as it was originally designed. I have intended to convert the plans to electric power from the start. The ARF comes with BB's in the nose for ballast and has an AUW of about 60 oz and the balsa instructions tell you to replicate this to get the AUW of the build up kit to between 52-70 oz depending on requirements. Since ballast is still required for the kit, adding electric power seems like a no-brainer.
I spent a TON of time researching power requirements for the BoT. In every case I can remember, people are converting the ARF version while I couldn't find anyone specifically describing converting the balsa kit. In my research, I ran across some videos by Ben Jones who runs RCAirMods.com. He has researched the conversion of the BoT ARF extensively and even designed and sells parts to make that conversion seamless. I felt that the workmanship of his product would make my life easier and require less mistakes on my end to figure things out. So I placed an order for the motor, battery, spoiler kit, servo trays, ESC, nose adapter, and prop/spinner assembly. And this is where I have to give a compliment to Ben.
Through a brief email conversation, he realized that I was using his parts to build the balsa kit and not converting the ARF. This concerned him because the parts weren't designed for this and haven't been tested to his knowledge. So he created a 6 minute unlisted YouTube video to walk me through each part I ordered and how he thought their design might affect my build. Most of the time he wasn't sure since he hadn't yet tried it himself and he took the time to share his reasons behind the design of his parts so that I could make an informed decision about whether or not to continue with my order. Well, I knew that his parts weren't designed for the balsa kit but I also know that they are well made and that I have some skill when it comes to building. I believe that I can use what he has created to get a little further ahead than if I had to start with nothing except ideas.
So, I ordered those parts (minus one unnecessary jig) and those should be arriving soon. The real issue, I can't start building this just yet! I have two plastic model kits that I'm working on and need to finish first. I expect that I should wrap those up by the end of May or sooner and then I can begin building this bird. There won't be much activity on this thread until then so subscribe if you want to know when it becomes active again. I plan to post ton of pictures and detail the inclusion of Ben's parts into the balsa build.
I spent a TON of time researching power requirements for the BoT. In every case I can remember, people are converting the ARF version while I couldn't find anyone specifically describing converting the balsa kit. In my research, I ran across some videos by Ben Jones who runs RCAirMods.com. He has researched the conversion of the BoT ARF extensively and even designed and sells parts to make that conversion seamless. I felt that the workmanship of his product would make my life easier and require less mistakes on my end to figure things out. So I placed an order for the motor, battery, spoiler kit, servo trays, ESC, nose adapter, and prop/spinner assembly. And this is where I have to give a compliment to Ben.
Through a brief email conversation, he realized that I was using his parts to build the balsa kit and not converting the ARF. This concerned him because the parts weren't designed for this and haven't been tested to his knowledge. So he created a 6 minute unlisted YouTube video to walk me through each part I ordered and how he thought their design might affect my build. Most of the time he wasn't sure since he hadn't yet tried it himself and he took the time to share his reasons behind the design of his parts so that I could make an informed decision about whether or not to continue with my order. Well, I knew that his parts weren't designed for the balsa kit but I also know that they are well made and that I have some skill when it comes to building. I believe that I can use what he has created to get a little further ahead than if I had to start with nothing except ideas.
So, I ordered those parts (minus one unnecessary jig) and those should be arriving soon. The real issue, I can't start building this just yet! I have two plastic model kits that I'm working on and need to finish first. I expect that I should wrap those up by the end of May or sooner and then I can begin building this bird. There won't be much activity on this thread until then so subscribe if you want to know when it becomes active again. I plan to post ton of pictures and detail the inclusion of Ben's parts into the balsa build.