GliderFlyer
Elite member
Here goes nothing
FT delta
My own design foamboard Dakota
FT baby blender V2
FT commuter
Additional:
Mini scout
FT delta:
I chose this airplane because I wanted an edf that was super simple, but not too fast.
Plans:
https://s3.amazonaws.com/plans.flitetest.com/stonekap/DeltaPlans_tiled.pdf
EDF pod plans:
https://forum.flitetest.com/index.php?resources/grunjet-50mm-edf-jet.173/
Picture:
![IMG_20210223_180042[1].jpg](https://ftforumx2.s3.amazonaws.com/2021/03/355728_6fb0a4e66ef07ef580d47fc448f28551_thumb.jpg "IMG_20210223_180042[1].jpg")
Build log:
Build: simple
Flight: Risky
Time: 1 hour
Step 1: cut out the parts from the plans.
Step 2: assemble the power pod for the edf.
Step 3. Assemble the wing.
Step 4: Lengthen the original power pod from the Delta plans so that it is a bit longer than the plane is.
Before gluing, cut the front end of the power pod so that it slopes up towards the fuselage, making it look sort of like a boat hull. make sure that you still have the paper for the A fold on the sides of the trimmed pod front. Then glue it together.
Step 5: glue a square piece of foamboard at the rear of the original power pod (now a battery compartment) to close off the end.
Step 6: Attach edf power pod to wing using the mount from the grunjet plans. Make sure that you put the edf right over the CG so that you don't end up nose heave or tail heavy. You should have this so far:
![IMG_20210223_171551[1].jpg](https://ftforumx2.s3.amazonaws.com/2021/03/355734_e4998ddf91e5bcad120196a8f98cbf18_thumb.jpg "IMG_20210223_171551[1].jpg")
Step 7: Attach servos to the control surfaces at the rear of the wing. It is easiest this way, and does not take a lot of wire. I had to trim sections of the battery compartment out because the servos were mounted halfway inside.
Step 8: glue in the vertical stabilizers, using the guide in the plans.
![IMG_20210223_172355[1].jpg](https://ftforumx2.s3.amazonaws.com/2021/03/355736_32fe7827a9b782b091e941e17a62fb6b_thumb.jpg "IMG_20210223_172355[1].jpg")
( I did not use the guide, which is why they are not symmetrical and go straight up.)
Step 8: set up your radio so the controls work for elevons, plug in the esc and servos. The esc goes inside the battery compartment. The battery compartment I held on to the airframe with tape.
Color scheme:
![IMG_20210225_085853[1].jpg](https://ftforumx2.s3.amazonaws.com/2021/03/355738_36ccd09335c1438c8ded78f3fa295fd0.jpg "IMG_20210225_085853[1].jpg")
Maiden video:
Reflective statement-
Do: keep the weight down. It took full throttle to keep it cruising on the maiden video.
Don't: Rush it, like I did. That may be the difference between an airplane that flies once, and an airplane that flies for a year. (mine only flew once)
Dakota:
Plans:
https://forum.flitetest.com/index.php?resources/dakota-biplane.206/
I chose this plane because I thought it would is a classic free flight airplane that would fly well converted to RC. I also needed practice in inkscape, and this seemed easy.
Picture:
![IMG_20210209_113732[1].jpg](https://ftforumx2.s3.amazonaws.com/2021/03/355740_845fd3048615b4554e3b4ce401bf5ac0.jpg "IMG_20210209_113732[1].jpg")
Build log:
Build time: 2 hours
Complexity: 2/5
Flying: 4/5 (adverse yaw)
Step 1:
Cut out the parts.
Note: while cutting, leave in the lower wing cut-outs for rigidity. They will be removed later.
![IMG_20210209_101739[1].jpg](https://ftforumx2.s3.amazonaws.com/2021/03/355742_a83d31bbb204656567acabd74a780d0d_thumb.jpg "IMG_20210209_101739[1].jpg")
Step two:
Make creases, cavities, and bevel cuts where they are required.( I think you all can infer this if you have build foam board airplanes in the past)
Step three:
The wing. Use the camber gauge the same as intended for the mini scout wing
Use the dihedral gauge just as you would still build the mini scout,
And tape the joint
![IMG_20210209_103001[1].jpg](https://ftforumx2.s3.amazonaws.com/2021/03/355744_edda03e4dd6fbf5fff02b4a7fc1d68d1_thumb.jpg "IMG_20210209_103001[1].jpg")
Step four:
The fuselage
First, glue in the doublers. Make sure it is aligned like this:
![IMG_20210209_103702[1].jpg](https://ftforumx2.s3.amazonaws.com/2021/03/355746_5d5ef649df3381090743de0e71bb4e0f_thumb.jpg "IMG_20210209_103702[1].jpg")
Don't forget the other side, too.
I next recommend putting in your centered servos now. Pick a spot above the wing and glue them staggered. (unlike this photo)
![IMG_20210209_104200[1].jpg](https://ftforumx2.s3.amazonaws.com/2021/03/355748_8660275c61589ead89b601354f327f7f_thumb.jpg "IMG_20210209_104200[1].jpg")
Based on servo location, cut the pushrod exit holes.
Note: the rudder pushrod goes above the elevator.
You also can reduce friction by inserting the pushrod straight into the cut and sliding it back and forth a few times to widen the cut.
Now you can glue up the sides.
Regular B fold but only the front section for now.
Now do the rear section.
![IMG_20210209_104911[1].jpg](https://ftforumx2.s3.amazonaws.com/2021/03/355750_55d49f24f9ecc303cffee743f2fc02de_thumb.jpg "IMG_20210209_104911[1].jpg")
After the bottom is glued, we start the top. Starting with a B fold on the front turtle deck (if that's what it's called)
Now simply glue the windshield
![IMG_20210209_104757[1].jpg](https://ftforumx2.s3.amazonaws.com/2021/03/355752_b9dfd79125cd79c0e309e83adb932530_thumb.jpg "IMG_20210209_104757[1].jpg")
We will put in the poster board windshield later, but right now, we glue on the top rear part, using the table as our friend.
It's time to put in the windshield already!
glue in the formers for the windshield
Then glue or tape(your choice(but tape is easier)) the posterboard around the formers and to the sides of the fuselage
Step five:
the tail surfaces
To be honest, I eyeballed it on this one. Make sure your elevator can move in the little fuselage cutout thingy though!
I also used the TLAR method on the vertical stabilizer too.
![IMG_20210209_110100[1].jpg](https://ftforumx2.s3.amazonaws.com/2021/03/355754_08f83139dd2f265516e012d75ce01bd7_thumb.jpg "IMG_20210209_110100[1].jpg")
Now's the time to hook up the pushrods to control surfaces because we're gluing the wing on top next.
Step six:
assembly
First, put in the bottom wing. I didn't use glue for this.
Next, I glued in the struts, Make sure you don't get these upside-down. The end with the longer base should go on the bottom wing.
![IMG_20210209_110734[1].jpg](https://ftforumx2.s3.amazonaws.com/2021/03/355756_46626ab61525e407570b6392908b1d0c_thumb.jpg "IMG_20210209_110734[1].jpg")
Finally, glue the top wing to the fuselage, and the struts. You can do this in two steps if you want.
![IMG_20210209_113953[1].jpg](https://ftforumx2.s3.amazonaws.com/2021/03/355760_b7b24c4d05aee724fb80f310aa18352d_thumb.jpg "IMG_20210209_113953[1].jpg")
Now unless I'm forgetting something, You're done!
Correct CG can be found by balancing the plane upside-down on the leading edge of the bottom wing.
No color scheme
Maiden video:
Post-project reflective statement:
It could probably use more right thrust. Ailerons might help a little, but I should do with just rudder. Although it builds similar to the mini scout, it does not fly like it. This plane is not a trainer.
FT baby blender
plans:
https://s3.amazonaws.com/plans.flitetest.com/stonekap/FTBabyBlenderv2.1Tiled.pdf
I chose this plane because I wanted an airplane that could carry my camera and get aerial footage.
Picture:
![IMG_20210204_201608[1].jpg](https://ftforumx2.s3.amazonaws.com/2021/03/355762_04cf589c84c130a920fcbe26168f2137_thumb.jpg "IMG_20210204_201608[1].jpg")
Build complexity: 3/5
Time: 3 hours
flying level: 2/5
Build log:
Step 1:
Cut out all the parts
Step 2:
Remove cavities, bevel, 50% cut, and crease where marked on the plans.
Step 3:
start the wings by gluing the spar together, and dry fitting it in the slot in the wing. Fold over the wing to shape it.
Step 4:
bevel the trailing edge of the top wing surface to sit flush against the bottom wing surface.
Step 5:
Fold over both wings with glue. You can do it in multiple steps, with the spar first, then the trailing edge.
Step 6:
Attach the poster board wingtips on all four tips.
Step 7:
Paint the wings if you wish at this step, because it is easiest here. After that,
5pts Picture of the plane with Plans link and/or Forum link (for other community members to find them) and your reason for choosing this plane.
FT delta
My own design foamboard Dakota
FT baby blender V2
Additional:
Mini scout
FT delta:
I chose this airplane because I wanted an edf that was super simple, but not too fast.
Plans:
https://s3.amazonaws.com/plans.flitetest.com/stonekap/DeltaPlans_tiled.pdf
EDF pod plans:
https://forum.flitetest.com/index.php?resources/grunjet-50mm-edf-jet.173/
Picture:
![IMG_20210223_180042[1].jpg](https://ftforumx2.s3.amazonaws.com/2021/03/355728_6fb0a4e66ef07ef580d47fc448f28551.jpg "IMG_20210223_180042[1].jpg")
Build log:
Build: simple
Flight: Risky
Time: 1 hour
Step 1: cut out the parts from the plans.
Step 2: assemble the power pod for the edf.
Step 3. Assemble the wing.
Step 4: Lengthen the original power pod from the Delta plans so that it is a bit longer than the plane is.
Before gluing, cut the front end of the power pod so that it slopes up towards the fuselage, making it look sort of like a boat hull. make sure that you still have the paper for the A fold on the sides of the trimmed pod front. Then glue it together.
Step 5: glue a square piece of foamboard at the rear of the original power pod (now a battery compartment) to close off the end.
Step 6: Attach edf power pod to wing using the mount from the grunjet plans. Make sure that you put the edf right over the CG so that you don't end up nose heave or tail heavy. You should have this so far:
![IMG_20210223_171551[1].jpg](https://ftforumx2.s3.amazonaws.com/2021/03/355734_e4998ddf91e5bcad120196a8f98cbf18.jpg "IMG_20210223_171551[1].jpg")
Step 7: Attach servos to the control surfaces at the rear of the wing. It is easiest this way, and does not take a lot of wire. I had to trim sections of the battery compartment out because the servos were mounted halfway inside.
Step 8: glue in the vertical stabilizers, using the guide in the plans.
![IMG_20210223_172355[1].jpg](https://ftforumx2.s3.amazonaws.com/2021/03/355736_32fe7827a9b782b091e941e17a62fb6b.jpg "IMG_20210223_172355[1].jpg")
( I did not use the guide, which is why they are not symmetrical and go straight up.)
Step 8: set up your radio so the controls work for elevons, plug in the esc and servos. The esc goes inside the battery compartment. The battery compartment I held on to the airframe with tape.
Color scheme:
Maiden video:
Do: keep the weight down. It took full throttle to keep it cruising on the maiden video.
Don't: Rush it, like I did. That may be the difference between an airplane that flies once, and an airplane that flies for a year. (mine only flew once)
Dakota:
Plans:
https://forum.flitetest.com/index.php?resources/dakota-biplane.206/
I chose this plane because I thought it would is a classic free flight airplane that would fly well converted to RC. I also needed practice in inkscape, and this seemed easy.
Picture:
Build log:
Build time: 2 hours
Complexity: 2/5
Flying: 4/5 (adverse yaw)
Step 1:
Cut out the parts.
Note: while cutting, leave in the lower wing cut-outs for rigidity. They will be removed later.
![IMG_20210209_101739[1].jpg](https://ftforumx2.s3.amazonaws.com/2021/03/355742_a83d31bbb204656567acabd74a780d0d.jpg "IMG_20210209_101739[1].jpg")
Step two:
Make creases, cavities, and bevel cuts where they are required.( I think you all can infer this if you have build foam board airplanes in the past)
Step three:
The wing. Use the camber gauge the same as intended for the mini scout wing
Use the dihedral gauge just as you would still build the mini scout,
And tape the joint
![IMG_20210209_103001[1].jpg](https://ftforumx2.s3.amazonaws.com/2021/03/355744_edda03e4dd6fbf5fff02b4a7fc1d68d1.jpg "IMG_20210209_103001[1].jpg")
Step four:
The fuselage
First, glue in the doublers. Make sure it is aligned like this:
![IMG_20210209_103702[1].jpg](https://ftforumx2.s3.amazonaws.com/2021/03/355746_5d5ef649df3381090743de0e71bb4e0f.jpg "IMG_20210209_103702[1].jpg")
Don't forget the other side, too.
I next recommend putting in your centered servos now. Pick a spot above the wing and glue them staggered. (unlike this photo)
![IMG_20210209_104200[1].jpg](https://ftforumx2.s3.amazonaws.com/2021/03/355748_8660275c61589ead89b601354f327f7f.jpg "IMG_20210209_104200[1].jpg")
Based on servo location, cut the pushrod exit holes.
Note: the rudder pushrod goes above the elevator.
You also can reduce friction by inserting the pushrod straight into the cut and sliding it back and forth a few times to widen the cut.
Now you can glue up the sides.
Regular B fold but only the front section for now.
Now do the rear section.
![IMG_20210209_104911[1].jpg](https://ftforumx2.s3.amazonaws.com/2021/03/355750_55d49f24f9ecc303cffee743f2fc02de.jpg "IMG_20210209_104911[1].jpg")
After the bottom is glued, we start the top. Starting with a B fold on the front turtle deck (if that's what it's called)
Now simply glue the windshield
![IMG_20210209_104757[1].jpg](https://ftforumx2.s3.amazonaws.com/2021/03/355752_b9dfd79125cd79c0e309e83adb932530.jpg "IMG_20210209_104757[1].jpg")
We will put in the poster board windshield later, but right now, we glue on the top rear part, using the table as our friend.
It's time to put in the windshield already!
glue in the formers for the windshield
Then glue or tape(your choice(but tape is easier)) the posterboard around the formers and to the sides of the fuselage
Step five:
the tail surfaces
To be honest, I eyeballed it on this one. Make sure your elevator can move in the little fuselage cutout thingy though!
I also used the TLAR method on the vertical stabilizer too.
![IMG_20210209_110100[1].jpg](https://ftforumx2.s3.amazonaws.com/2021/03/355754_08f83139dd2f265516e012d75ce01bd7.jpg "IMG_20210209_110100[1].jpg")
Now's the time to hook up the pushrods to control surfaces because we're gluing the wing on top next.
Step six:
assembly
First, put in the bottom wing. I didn't use glue for this.
Next, I glued in the struts, Make sure you don't get these upside-down. The end with the longer base should go on the bottom wing.
![IMG_20210209_110734[1].jpg](https://ftforumx2.s3.amazonaws.com/2021/03/355756_46626ab61525e407570b6392908b1d0c.jpg "IMG_20210209_110734[1].jpg")
Finally, glue the top wing to the fuselage, and the struts. You can do this in two steps if you want.
![IMG_20210209_113953[1].jpg](https://ftforumx2.s3.amazonaws.com/2021/03/355760_b7b24c4d05aee724fb80f310aa18352d.jpg "IMG_20210209_113953[1].jpg")
Now unless I'm forgetting something, You're done!
Correct CG can be found by balancing the plane upside-down on the leading edge of the bottom wing.
No color scheme
Maiden video:
It could probably use more right thrust. Ailerons might help a little, but I should do with just rudder. Although it builds similar to the mini scout, it does not fly like it. This plane is not a trainer.
FT baby blender
plans:
https://s3.amazonaws.com/plans.flitetest.com/stonekap/FTBabyBlenderv2.1Tiled.pdf
I chose this plane because I wanted an airplane that could carry my camera and get aerial footage.
Picture:
![IMG_20210204_201608[1].jpg](https://ftforumx2.s3.amazonaws.com/2021/03/355762_04cf589c84c130a920fcbe26168f2137.jpg "IMG_20210204_201608[1].jpg")
Build complexity: 3/5
Time: 3 hours
flying level: 2/5
Build log:
Step 1:
Cut out all the parts
Step 2:
Remove cavities, bevel, 50% cut, and crease where marked on the plans.
Step 3:
start the wings by gluing the spar together, and dry fitting it in the slot in the wing. Fold over the wing to shape it.
Step 4:
bevel the trailing edge of the top wing surface to sit flush against the bottom wing surface.
Step 5:
Fold over both wings with glue. You can do it in multiple steps, with the spar first, then the trailing edge.
Step 6:
Attach the poster board wingtips on all four tips.
Step 7:
Paint the wings if you wish at this step, because it is easiest here. After that,
5pts Picture of the plane with Plans link and/or Forum link (for other community members to find them) and your reason for choosing this plane.
- 8pts Build-log: A brief explanation of your build process, and note difficulties, changes and tips along the way. Be sure include your build pics and a estimated build time. Include your take on how the build went (1 Simple -5 Complex) and how it flew (1-easy to 5-Hard). [2 pts basic, 4 pts helpful, 6pts detailed and helpful, 8pts article ready.]
- 3pts Color Scheme - A decorated plane is more fun.
- 5pts Maiden Video *Due before March 8th*
- 2 pts Post-project reflective statement. (Summary of Do's, Don't and tips)
Last edited:
