FTFC24: Build-ruary by FoamyDM

[FoamyDM]

1. FTFC24: Build-ruary by FoamyDM (Build Skill: 4 Skilled, Pilot SKill: 4 Not Crashing all the time)

1. FoamyDM - Disc Plane Dark Wings Rubber Powered Ornithopter
2. FoamyDM - Disc Plane
3. FoamyDM - Disc Plane
4. WindCatcher RC Gladiator

I know it doesn't seem terribly challenging for me this year, but i am building a Giant Scale+ Build for FF.
if you want to hear more about it you can list in to this last episode , and join our Discord

 

[Spitfire76]

Does this challenge allow building 3dprinted planes and if so can the parts be printed but not assembled beforehand like foam parts being pre-cut for foam scratch builds or speed build kits ?

 

[FoamyDM]

Does this challenge allow building 3dprinted planes and if so can the parts be printed but not assembled beforehand like foam parts being pre-cut for foam scratch builds or speed build kits ?

Yes, I can do that Richard. I will amend the rules so it is clear. It would be good to see how comparable a printed 3d plane is to a speed build.

 

[Spitfire76]

Yes, I can do that Richard. I will amend the rules so it is clear. It would be good to see how comparable a printed 3d plane is to a speed build.

My understanding of this challenge is to build at least 4 planes during February including maiden’s, is that correct? I do have one that is printed but yet to be assembled and flown. The other 3 would need printing and as you know that can take time especially if using light weight PLA.

Just realized that I walked all over your build log and the main post for this challenge is
https://forum.flitetest.com/index.php?threads/ftfc24-buildruary-build-off-challenge.75080/

 

[FoamyDM]

My understanding of this challenge is to build at least 4 planes during February including maiden’s, is that correct? I do have one that is printed but yet to be assembled and flown. The other 3 would need printing and as you know that can take time especially if using light weight PLA.

Just realized that I walked all over your build log and the main post for this challenge is
https://forum.flitetest.com/index.php?threads/ftfc24-buildruary-build-off-challenge.75080/

He He. Not to worry. If it isn't assembled that will be considered a speed build kit.

 

[Spitfire76]

He He. Not to worry. If it isn't assembled that will be considered a speed build kit.

Yes, not assembled just the parts printed like foam board parts are already cut out.

 

[FoamyDM]

Sounds good! Keep at it. I look forward to your attempt.

 

[iCrash]

Oh! A Gladiator! Looking forward to seeing you fly that one.

 

[FoamyDM]

Oh! A Gladiator! Looking forward to seeing you fly that one.

Me too. @iCrash - still time to join in ... You know you want to.

 

[FoamyDM]

Entries 1-3 (4) - Build Log for Disc Planes

Design goals and Reason for the build

• These will be designed to sly with the V2 FT EZ pack.
• I want them to be built at FF by beginners
• I want them to be able to land on the airborne carrier (artist rendering below*) I'm designing as well.
• I want them to be able to launch from the carrier.
• They should be capable of FPV.

The Build 2/2
This is a one-sheet Wonder build. I have sandwiched 4 sheet of foam. I have laid out the design in the top sheet and plan to cut them all out at once. Then I can build them in on fell swoop.

2/7
Time for cutting.

Done.
Starting to get these assembled. I am still looking to find the components.


*kidding on the design look

2/17
I assembled the planes and added some color

I plan to try different motors, and tried different shapes of the dihedral/anhedral. straight, or curved t at the tail, break at the tail, curved. The last picture shows how I used the table edge to ensure the outer panels were even and parallel.

2/19
Today I had a wild idea about motorizing the micro rings for the small carrier.

While I got no footage, in true form I went to the front yard. It was a wobbly circuit and a half. But it flew fairly well and had room in the throttle.

2/22
I added an A-pack motor set to the blue one. And I still searching for the rx to send it.
I will set the two 9g servos to work like a flying wing.


2/24
And I also added a V1 EZ pack to the Yellow one. The one needs to be light weight, to fly.

More to come tomorrow.

Associated, I added the motors to the big carriers front wing.


Here's the 7" ring flyer video:

Here's the 20" Yellow one in the FT-EZ V1 pack:

 

[FoamyDM]

Reserved for Gladiator Build(s)

 

[FoamyDM]

Well, I have already punted sort of.
I found this kit I purchased very long ago. I put it together and flew it within and hour. It has been on my build list for like a million years.
I had a moment, so I got to work.

The build:
The kit has some very small parts, but they are sturdy and fit well and intuitively.
I taped flat the skin as best I could, and it helped with the tape lay down, and sticking the CF frame to it
The results are below: it took ~45 leisurely minutes of building
I did not use CA glue, but it might ensure the model stays tight.
The finished look:



Here's is the maiden flight:

Takeaway
I would recommend trying this. It is interesting, and a quick and somewhat simple build.
The flight duration is... Sad, but maybe I can try it in a gym and see. I'm glad I did it! 🙂

 

[FoamyDM]

I updated the ring posts with a maiden flight.

 

[FoamyDM]

You can also see I built 4 Old Fogeys at the last minute.
While I finished 2 within the month, I didn't get the maiden in time... but I did get to maiden two the other day, recording only one flight. I apparently flew on dead batteries, but I got enough time to trim and prove flight. I did very little different other than adding a BBQ skewer in the wing crease, centered. and protective craft sticks.

Maiden Flight:

 

[Foamforce]

How are you using the old drone guts in a push/pull configuration? What does the flight controller think of that?

 

[FoamyDM]

That has been the tricky part. Put the front facing forward, and the rear facing back, but the props flipped. And our so they push.

So far, not consistent results yet.

 

[FishbonesAir]

2/24
And I also added a V1 EZ pack to the Yellow one. The one needs to be light weight, to fly.
View attachment 242738 View attachment 242739
More to come tomorrow.

Foamy, is there a plan somewhere for this, lol?
Capt Fishbones

PS My son is very intrigued by the thought of landing on that carrier. Definitely let me know if you get that working by FF24.