1st Balsa Build, Sig Four-Star 20

[Wildthing]

All the controls/servos are in except the throttle linkage. Once I get the engine mounted first thing will be to see if I have enough travel , I had to shorten it's servo arm to be able to run the three servos on the same mount. If it doesn't I just have to build a separate mount for it so I can put on a longer servo arm.

 

[Wildthing]

Are they 9g servos?

Yes, Emax steel gear ones. well technically I think 13 grams or something like that but same size as our standard 9gr plastic gear servos.

 

[BATTLEAXE]

Yes, Emax steel gear ones. well technically I think 13 grams or something like that but same size as our standard 9gr plastic gear servos.

Its looking good man! how well is the blue and grey gonna work for orientation do you think?

 

[Wildthing]

Oh hey @BATTLEAXE , look what I scored at the HS, it was from that estate sale of the member that passed away. A little mini iron

 

[Wildthing]

Its looking good man! how well is the blue and grey gonna work for orientation do you think?

Well I had enough blue to do the whole plane but decided to atleast make the underside of the wing grey, plus there will be some decals that go on later.

 

[Wildthing]

Next step was to design the base for the cowl , now to get the engine mounted so I can get the final measurements and print it off.

 

[Wildthing]

Oops, forgot the canopy part.

 

[BATTLEAXE]

Oops, forgot the canopy part.

View attachment 185986 View attachment 185987

I used a detail iron like the one you picked up mostly for tacking down and shaping edges. I tried the household iron and that was successful, but it went really fast and seemed a little uneven in the shrink. But the heat gun had more control comparatively then the iron so that was used mostly. I would like to get a regular hobby iron for better results.

The pilot looks 3D printed, are you printing something for the cowl or using the one that comes with the kit?

I guess a nitro motor will get warm and possibly distort the PLA?

 

[Wildthing]

I used a detail iron like the one you picked up mostly for tacking down and shaping edges. I tried the household iron and that was successful, but it went really fast and seemed a little uneven in the shrink. But the heat gun had more control comparatively then the iron so that was used mostly. I would like to get a regular hobby iron for better results.

The pilot looks 3D printed, are you printing something for the cowl or using the one that comes with the kit?

I guess a nitro motor will get warm and possibly distort the PLA?

The model of iron I have is a Hangar 9 model HAN101, I think I got it from A-Main hobbies

Yes I have to make a cowl , the one supplied is about a 1/2" to short for the nitro engine.

 

[bracesport]

@Wildthing - this really taking shape now, will there be a winter flight or will you wait till spring?

 

[GliderFlyer]

@Wildthing - this really taking shape now

Goodness, I'll say. Its only been a little more than a week and your almost done. I guess it could go that fast if you have more time (and CA glue). I need to find more time to work on my project. Its not progressing as fast as I would prefer.
Good work, though, and on your first balsa build

 

[Wildthing]

@Wildthing - this really taking shape now, will there be a winter flight or will you wait till spring?

It's coming, I doubt it will fly until spring unless I make some skis for it

 

[Wildthing]

Goodness, I'll say. Its only been a little more than a week and your almost done. I guess it could go that fast if you have more time (and CA glue). I need to find more time to work on my project. Its not progressing as fast as I would prefer.
Good work, though, and on your first balsa build

Thanks, I have more time then money

 

[Javiester]

Now the mods to convert it to gas. Even though Sig shows the option all they have is a picture of the plane with a gas engine so zero parts for the conversion which I was a little disappointed in. They supplied a couple thick spacers for the electric setup to allow room (length) for the gas engine . Their measurement from firewall to the prop flange is suppose to be 2 5/8" when you set it up well my engine with mount is 1/2" longer so it looks like I will have to 3D print a new cowl.

Anyways, once the glue cures I can start on the top of the fuse.

View attachment 185563 View attachment 185564 View attachment 185565 View attachment 185566 View attachment 185567

a question
fuel consumption does not change CG?
It is a question that has been around me since I have little .049

 

[bracesport]

I seem to be endlessly tweaking things but not flying. Our spring has been wet and windy (wrong winds) and there seems to be lots on with non flying related family activities! I do have some new stick on Velcro which is working well, so some upgrades in progress there.

 

[Wildthing]

a question
fuel consumption does not change CG?
It is a question that has been around me since I have little .049

I say it does but I guess not enough to worry about .
Balance the plane with an empty tank so you in a sense start off nose heavy and when the tank is empty you are perfect.

 

[Wildthing]

I seem to be endlessly tweaking things but not flying. Our spring has been wet and windy (wrong winds) and there seems to be lots on with non flying related family activities! I do have some new stick on Velcro which is working well, so some upgrades in progress there.

You should have some batteries charged for days when the wind is wrong, we know you have some perfectly good electric planes ready to go

 

[Bricks]

The correct way to set up a linear throttle. You just do not want total zero you need to leave some travel for shutting down the engine since you are using glow and not gas where a switch is used to kill the engine.

 

[Wildthing]

View attachment 185994 The correct way to set up a linear throttle. You just do not want total zero you need to leave some travel for shutting down the engine since you are using glow and not gas where a switch is used to kill the engine.

Interesting, I know to keep some for 0 throttle to shutdown the engine but your picture is like adding a mechanical curve to it. Going to give it a whirl, thanks.

 

[Wildthing]

Engine mounted and 1st print of the cowl, fits without the carb . It is very close to the flange area and sits pretty high so I need to design a hood scoop for it.