13th Squadron's MXS build

[mcmoyer]

Had a good productive day today in regards to scratch building. I had a bit of the cowl done before today, but worked on it more today. Got a good amount done on the fuselage and the tail feathers. Really love the design of this model. Would have liked to have a build video, but there's only been a couple "oh crud" moments so far when I realized I shouldn't have made that cut or not torn off the paper on a certain section.

Only thing I've deviated on so far is using a milk jug hinge instead of trying to carve it all out of one piece. Need to run to the hardware store to pick up the aluminum spar so I can start on the wings.

 

[Mr Man]

Awesome 👍

 

[CrshNBrn]

Looks great so far. 13th Squadron planes are awesome.

 

[mcmoyer]

Got the wings done and finished up work on what is possibly the most complicated foam board cowl I've ever worked on. These wings are nice and thin. Only 3/4 inch at their thickest.

 

[Mr Man]

When you finish a complete model, please take a picture and upload it here so I can admire your work.

We already can, Just look at that cowling!
Great job mcmoyer!

 

[mcmoyer]

more good progress today, but seeing more areas where the plans aren't quite exact and trimming and adding needs to be done to get things to fit correctly. The top of the fuselage needs some trimming, but I've been working on it a bit too much today and I'll take a break for the night here.

 

[bisco]

looking good!

 

[Niez13]

more good progress today, but seeing more areas where the plans aren't quite exact and trimming and adding needs to be done to get things to fit correctly. The top of the fuselage needs some trimming, but I've been working on it a bit too much today and I'll take a break for the night here.

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I feel bad just seeing all of this but that is awesome! So clean and great build! And it sounds like despite some problems its going all right which is good to hear. As for that top hatch piece I am sorry it is not perfect but luckily any trimmings/additions to the piece will still be able to have a good looking cockpit on their and still be a good hatch. Can't wait to see the finished product!

 

[mcmoyer]

I feel bad just seeing all of this but that is awesome! So clean and great build! And it sounds like despite some problems its going all right which is good to hear. As for that top hatch piece I am sorry it is not perfect but luckily any trimmings/additions to the piece will still be able to have a good looking cockpit on their and still be a good hatch. Can't wait to see the finished product!

no need to apologize. This has been a very enjoyable build. I haven't made much progress in the past few nights because I'm trying to figure out how I can make the wings detachable, or maybe they already are that way?

 

[Niez13]

no need to apologize. This has been a very enjoyable build. I haven't made much progress in the past few nights because I'm trying to figure out how I can make the wings detachable, or maybe they already are that way?

That would be cool. They are not designed that way but I feel that it can be adapted to be that way. The wings use the main box spar in the fuselage to be aligned with everything. Just make sure to make the removeable wing mechanism strong enough to handle the G loads.

 

[mcmoyer]

too much indecisiveness and haven't figured out exactly how I want to attach the wings. Was thinking about printing something that would act like a brace in the front that you'd insert the wings into. The way the wings meet the inner spar though means I'd have to cut away a bit of them. Then the question would be how to secure the back of the wings. Maybe more experienced builders could give me their thoughts.

 

[Mr Man]

You could attach it with rubber bands?

 

[Mr Man]

This might be helpful:

 

[mcmoyer]

roadblock cleared. Went to the local hardware store, grabbed a couple of nylon bolts and wing nuts. Larger wood piece fits under the main spar to distribute the force a bit. Holds it tight and the rest of the fuselage holds the wings straight. The downside is that it added about 25g of weight.

 

[mcmoyer]

oh man, I really love the lines of this plane. Was going to mount the motor, but somehow I've run out of appropriately sized screws. Guess another trip to Lowes is scheduled for tomorrow. Attached the cowl with magnets and still need to puts some magnets in to hold the hatch in place.

 

[Mr Man]

Awesome!👍😀

 

[CrshNBrn]

Looks great. Your wing attachment system is really savvy, too.

 

[bisco]

beautiful model

 

[Niez13]

oh man, I really love the lines of this plane. Was going to mount the motor, but somehow I've run out of appropriately sized screws. Guess another trip to Lowes is scheduled for tomorrow. Attached the cowl with magnets and still need to puts some magnets in to hold the hatch in place.


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Everything came out great and clean! I love the added details with removeable cowling and wing attachment. The one thing I will mention is when you bend the landing gear wire, make it a little longer than what I have on the plans. That is if you are using a ten inch prop but either way better safe than sorry.

 

[mcmoyer]

Everything came out great and clean! I love the added details with removeable cowling and wing attachment. The one thing I will mention is when you bend the landing gear wire, make it a little longer than what I have on the plans. That is if you are using a ten inch prop but either way better safe than sorry.

speaking of landing gear, what size wire did you use. I have the 1/8 inch wire from my FT 3D XL build, but it's too large for the holes without some drilling, and I have the wire that I use for my smaller FT models is way too loose.