Build a plane entirely out of scraps

[Gazoo]

For some reason I insist on saving all of my foam board scraps. I must really be cheap. So, I thought, "Hey, I wonder if I can build a standard FT plane from just scraps".

I watched a video of a guy that glued a bunch of scraps together and flew it. Pretty cool but I can't find the vid now. If anyone can find it, please post it.

I figured that I could either make an Old Fogey or an Old Speedster since:

1. Construction is very basic
2. Lots of straight lines and flat surfaces
3. Not a folded wing

I went with the Old Speedster because it looks flippin' sweet .

Here is my attempt. I spliced various panels together by using some scotch tape and then hot gluing together in the same manner that the wings are glued before folding. I used Ross, white DTFB, black DTFB and "new" DTFB. I also widened the wheel pants so that I could fit the ping-pong ball wheels that were rolling around in the "general stuff" drawer.

I have to admit that the wire for the landing gear was from a marker flag that was...sniff, sniff...NEW. (Hangs head in shame) Don't judge me.

What is the most awesome FT (or any other) plane that you can make with only scraps?

 

[Gazoo]

More pics

 

[earthsciteach]

I tend to save most of my scraps too. I guess I'm a hoarder. I like the ping pong wheels! Very clever!

 

[JimCR120]

I tend to save most of my scraps too. I guess I'm a hoarder. I like the ping pong wheels! Very clever!

What he said.

 

[Ross]

Yes, those wheels are brilliant! I will be incorporating those in a future build.

 

[Hai-Lee]

I generate a large number of OFF-CUTS and I also collect them from my FB supplier, (for free), and I have found a myriad of uses for them.

As per the above post I also searched for a small simple model to make out of "OFF-CUTS". I selected the (DAS) little parkflyer stick and eventually built 9 of them for gifting just prior to Christmas. At our Christmas celebration we had organised dogfighting using the "Scrap?" models with a prize for the winner of a RASCAL RACER, (Also built from OFF-CUTS). 8 of the planes are still flying with the only wounded bird awaiting a replacement motor. A few pics can be found under the PLANS thread.

I use off-cuts for the smaller parts in my new builds like the tail feathers, Wing Spars, Power Pods, and retract doors. The main "OTHER" use for my off-cuts is to join them together into a larger sheet to cut out templates for often built planes or parts.

As for the "Folding" of the sheet during wing construction I make the "OFF-CUT" wing as a separate top sheet and bottom sheet and butt them together and tape along the leading edge. I then treat the wing as per normal. Larger OFF-CUTS and sheet remnants only!

Damaged planes and parts are evaluated for "SALVAGE" of scraps and are "Patched" using off-cuts where possible. I believe my wastage of FB is less than 5% of all the FB that passes through my workshop.

DO NOT throw away your scraps just use them to repair and build. Your wife or partner can't object if you build that new plane out of Scraps, Recycling rather than adding to landfill. Have fun always!

 

[CaptBill]

Nice! It provides to my wife that I am somewhat civilized in not using her kitchen for building planes.

 

[Gazoo]

Hai-Lee,

I know that foam board is a little difficult to source in Australia. I respect your frugal use of it. 5% waste? That is an awesome number. I bow down...

CaptBill,

You're making me feel guilty about building in the kitchen. I get a lot of sideways looks as I practice my "art". She especially like the sound of the tape as I peel it off the roll. It's soothing... (dripping with sarcasm)

 

[SlingShot]

You're making me feel guilty about building in the kitchen. I get a lot of sideways looks as I practice my "art". She especially like the sound of the tape as I peel it off the roll. It's soothing... (dripping with sarcasm)

My little table in my "shop" is not true. I save the use of the kitchen table for only those maneuvers that require the table to be my friend. It's an in and out kinda deal.

 

[Ketchup]

Does a whole sheet of leftover foam board from a build count? And if it doesn’t, can I just cut it up and use the “scraps”? (Jk about the second one)