FliteFest 2022 Dawn Patrol - Sopwith Pup

[The Fopster]

Centre wing section done tonight. Twice actually… made a measuring error that put the first one in the bin. Doh!
Anyway, it’s done and with a little packing seems to be in place aligned properly.
Tomorrow night I’ll try to get the wings finished - or at least one set of them.

 

[The Fopster]

After a break to take some care of myself I’ve finally got back to the Sopwith Pup. Still hope to have it ready in time for the FF dawn patrol (albeit I’ll be in the UK). Lots to do still but tonight I got the upper wing support structure in place so I can at least see light at the end of the tunnel! It’s heavier than I imagined because there’s a lot of heavy wire for the cabane (?) but as it’s also big and has (of course) two wings I hope it will still have a somewhat low wing loading. Currently at 900g with no electronics or undercarriage. 🤔

 

[Scary]

Wow, looks really nice can't wait to see the finished product, hope all is well

 

[Yankee2003]

After a break to take some care of myself I’ve finally got back to the Sopwith Pup. Still hope to have it ready in time for the FF dawn patrol (albeit I’ll be in the UK). Lots to do still but tonight I got the upper wing support structure in place so I can at least see light at the end of the tunnel! It’s heavier than I imagined because there’s a lot of heavy wire for the cabane (?) but as it’s also big and has (of course) two wings I hope it will still have a somewhat low wing loading. Currently at 900g with no electronics or undercarriage. 🤔
View attachment 225913 View attachment 225914 View attachment 225915

Wow.
My friend…this looks so great. It’s beautiful…it is clean…and it is built with patience and purpose. I am so jealous. I recognize my inexperience with Foamboard airplanes…but God help! my builds look down right childish In comparison.
I would love to sit and learn from you at FliteFest. You are inspiring me to press on.
Thank you for taking the time to post your progress. I too hope all is well with you and your family.

 

[Baron VonHelton]

A really nice livery......

 

[The Fopster]

A really nice livery......

That is nice. However…. I’m doing a brown and cream scheme because the full size is in a museum near my home.

 

[cyclone3350]

Vey nice colors for sure. I did my Pup using that livery & found that color combo to look perfect on that bird.

 

[The Fopster]

Been away for a few weeks so time is tight to get the Pup flyable in time for FF2022 but I’m going to give it a go. Cut out pieces from the fuselage to fix the wooden hard points for the landing gear. Propped it up on the wheels for the first time - looks OK. I’ll try to get a couple of wings closed up tomorrow evening. Lots to do!

 

[The Fopster]

Post script to the evening. I stuck a 2200mah 3s pack in the front of the fuselage and balanced the motor in the cowling to see if I have any hope of getting the CG right without a ton of nose weight. Actually it looks promising - even with the LW-PLA pilot balanced in the cockpit!

 

[The Fopster]

Some more progress today. Firewall and motor are installed, along with servos for rudder and elevator. I also glued on the rudder and elevator. Good job it has two wings because it’s HEAVY compared to anything else I’ve built. Lots of thick wire for supporting wing and landing gear seems to be the main culprit. I suspect I’ll come in Just under 2kg. Eek!

 

[The Fopster]

As the Pup (like most WW1 fighters) has such a short nose I’m expecting it’ll be hard to get the CG right, so I’m trying to be careful keeping the tail light. To that end I’m using these flexible plastic pushrods - a plastic tube runs inside another plastic tube, with wire glued inside at either end. I have to say I’m not a fan - lots of friction and a pain to get them working satisfactorily. Still - no time for plan B so they will have to do!

 

[willsonman]

I can bring you a package of dubro pull-pull lines if you need.

 

[The Fopster]

I can bring you a package of dubro pull-pull lines if you need.

Sadly I am having to “join” remotely as I’m in the UK, but thanks for the show of generosity! I’ll try to post video at the same time that the main gaggle are airborne. I may even raise a glass to toast the fallen, as almost inevitably I suspect there may be some minor carnage. In fact I may be the culprit!

 

[The Fopster]

Bottom wings closed up this evening and servos hooked up. Also designed and 3d printed some clamps to fix the undercarriage and upper wing cabane structure. So many little details in one of these!

 

[The Fopster]

Getting closer now. Wheels and undercarriage done. Need to finalise the wing attachment tomorrow and then I suspect it’s in a state where an attempt at flight could happen. Skin of the teeth but it may be airborne in time for the Dawn Patrol!

 

[The Fopster]

This is in an unfinished but flyable state. Weather watch has commenced…

 

[Baron VonHelton]

.........flyable state.

Um, as forum historian, I don't recommend that.

 

[The Fopster]

Um, as forum historian, I don't recommend that.

Noted!

 

[Bo123]

This is in an unfinished but flyable state. Weather watch has commenced…
View attachment 227302

WOW! Looking absolutely stunning. I wish I could build as nice as this .

 

[The Fopster]

WOW! Looking absolutely stunning. I wish I could build as nice as this .

Thanks. But I suspect the photos flatter the real thing.