FliteTest Progressive Build List

[Gazoo]

I want to start a build list that begins at the (FliteTest) beginning. I have built a number of FT planes but have always kind of skipped around to whatever interested me at the time. The purpose of this build list it to attempt to sucker someone in to start building with me (either local or online). I want to start with the FT Flyer and work my way through.

The Blue Wonder motor and 20 amp ESC will be the base, along with a Lemon RX receiver and two 9g servos.

I think that the list should start very basic and pick up certain features along the way. 3 channel, flat wing then airfoils...so on and so on...fast and high performance.

Here is the list so far so any input would be very much welcomed:

Flyer
NutBall
Delta

Bloody Wonder (should this be after the Fogey and Speedster as it has a proper airfoil?)

Old Fogey
Old Speedster
FT 22

 

[Grifflyer]

I want to start a build list that begins at the (FliteTest) beginning. I have built a number of FT planes but have always kind of skipped around to whatever interested me at the time. The purpose of this build list it to attempt to sucker someone in to start building with me (either local or online). I want to start with the FT Flyer and work my way through.

The Blue Wonder motor and 20 amp ESC will be the base, along with a Lemon RX receiver and two 9g servos.

I think that the list should start very basic and pick up certain features along the way. 3 channel, flat wing then airfoils...so on and so on...fast and high performance.

Here is the list so far so any input would be very much welcomed:

Flyer
NutBall
Delta

Bloody Wonder (should this be after the Fogey and Speedster as it has a proper airfoil?)

Old Fogey
Old Speedster
FT 22

Interesting idea.

I think the Bloody Wonder should come after the Fogey/Speedster.

 

[Balu]

The planes with "simple" in their name should probably right on the top .

 

[Tench745]

I suppose it depends if you want to go easiest to build first, easiest to fly first, or some combination thereof. As far as being easy to fly, I would put the Bloody wonder further down the list, definitely after the Fogey and Speedster. Based on the plans, pilot reports, and my own personal biases, I would put the planes I have plans for on my computer in the following loose order. Disclaimer: I have not built or flown all of these.
Simple Cub
Simple Scout
FT Explorer
FT Flyer
Simple Soarer
FT Speedster
Tiny Trainer
FT Sportster
FT Storch
FT Pietenpol
Mini Scout
FT SE5
FT DR1
Bloody Wonder
FT Spitfire
FT Mustang
Bushwacker
FT Duster
FT Cruiser
Guineapig
Sea Duck
FT Racer
Mig 3
Baby Blender
FT3D
FT Corsair
FT Otter
Punjet

Wings:
Bluntnose Versa
Kraken
FT Spear
FT Arrow

 

[Gazoo]

I guess I haven't thought too hard about it. There are so many ways to consider each plane. I want to keep it to the B-Pack for electronics so that rules out many of them. I wonder what my present self with my current experience would recommend to my past self on how this whole foamboard plane journey should be approached? What would be the best path for success and ultimately fun?

Then again, I'm pretty sure my past self would tell my present self to take a hike and build whatever he wants to build at the time anyway.

Should it be a weighted scale?

1. When flown, level of anxiety
2. When crashed, level of disappointment (or stuck in tree)
3. Level of difficulty to build
4. Level of difficulty to fly

Basic 3 to learn building and thumb skills
Flyer
NutBall
Delta

Easy to build 3 channel and simple airfoil
Old Fogey
Old Speedster

Intermediate build, still 3 channel but adds ailerons
Bloody Wonder

Full 4 channel but still forgiving, proper airfoil
Simple Cub
Simple Scout
Storch

Anything after that will probably need to bump up to a C-Pack.

I have built and flown this list already but my intention is to talk someone into a build-along. I intend to actually use the same power pod as I "level up" to each plane. I will reinforce the pod and make the plane the sacrificial part in a crash.

Thanks for the input friends. I look forward to your comments and ideas!

 

[Gazoo]

Parts scavenged of of the miscellaneous box. Ready to start the reinforced power pod. I can't remember what size the battery is as the cover is long gone. I believe it is a 1000 mAh 3S that is at least 30C. I will have to get some 9X4.7 SF props.

The Blue Wonder has been rewound because it pulled out of the mount and damaged the leads and windings. I got some wire off of Ebay and gave it around 12 turns per pole if I remember correctly. Not because of science but mostly because that's what would fit. Fingers crossed.

The firewall needs a few more holes as well.

 

[Gazoo]

The power pod is finished. I reinforced the firewall with a section of tongue depressor and the skewer holes with the leftover rectangular sections. The bottom is all hook side Velcro. Weight is 4.5 oz.

 

[Gazoo]

FT Flyer. Ready for maiden. Went with a 2S 800mAh battery and 8X4 prop.

 

[foamtest]

Good luck with the maiden!

 

[Gazoo]

Maidened the Flyer. It flew great. It was a bit gusty but it was easy to handle. The only problem was that the o-ring on nthe prop is not strong enough and the prop kept popping out of the saver. This was only an issue when I stepped up to 3S though. I'll add another o-ring.

Nutball is on deck for the maiden!

EDIT: Forgot to post that the Nutball took to the air with all the grace and dignity that it could muster. It will hover on 2S...WHAT??? This is a cool little plane.

 

[donalson]

Maidened the Flyer. It flew great. It was a bit gusty but it was easy to handle. The only problem was that the o-ring on nthe prop is not strong enough and the prop kept popping out of the saver. This was only an issue when I stepped up to 3S though. I'll add another o-ring.

Nutball is on deck for the maiden!

on a few of my planes I have to double up the O rings when I fly... good thing I bought a 100 pack not long back haha... the other day I failed to do that on my bloody brit and it tossed the prop... funny part was it was the nicest landing I had that day, nice and smooth.

 

[Gazoo]

Built and flew the Delta. I stuck with 2S 500mAh because I upped the prop to a 9X4.7SF. It flies nice and gentle. The battery was all of the way at the tail end to balance out.

 

[Gazoo]

Built and flew the FT Old Fogey. I forgot how much Dutch Roll this old fella has. It required three clicks of right trim to keep it from doing tight circles. I assume that is was due to the torque, P-factor and such. Still using the original power pod!

 

[Gazoo]

Video of the Old Fogey maiden. It was a nice sunset.

 

[donalson]

Built and flew the Delta. I stuck with 2S 500mAh because I upped the prop to a 9X4.7SF. It flies nice and gentle. The battery was all of the way at the tail end to balance out.

this really is making me want to go and get this thing flying... how does it compare for slow flying to the fogy?... I'm really wanting to build up a slow flyer for smaller parks...

Built and flew the FT Old Fogey. I forgot how much Dutch Roll this old fella has. It required three clicks of right trim to keep it from doing tight circles. I assume that is was due to the torque, P-factor and such. Still using the original power pod!

this one always seemed like fun, I still wonder how it would fly with a F pack, similar weight and thrust from what I can recall...

 

[Gazoo]

this really is making me want to go and get this thing flying... how does it compare for slow flying to the fogy?... I'm really wanting to build up a slow flyer for smaller parks...



this one always seemed like fun, I still wonder how it would fly with a F pack, similar weight and thrust from what I can recall...

The Delta was a bit twitchy in a slight wind. You need to correct it all of the time. The roll rates are pretty good. It really isn't all that fast though. I build one a while ago and ran it on 3S and it was pretty fun but the wings warped downward. It looks like this one is doing the same. Doesn't matter though. As long as you stay on top of it.

Not sure the Fogey would do too well with the F-pack because it needs a large prop turning slow. There is a very large cavity at the front that would swallow up all of the trust from a six inch prop. I believe that someone shrunk it down for the F-pack. From what I understand, it kept the same slow fly properties. Dutch Roll and all.

 

[Gazoo]

Ready for the Old Speedster....

 

[Gazoo]

Old Speedster is complete. Ready to take to the skies.

I had to jump to 3S to balance it out. Otherwise, I kept the same power pod and landing gear.

 

[Grifflyer]

Where did you get the black posterboard, is it painted?

 

[Gazoo]

Where did you get the black posterboard, is it painted?

I got it from Dollar Tree. 50 cents a sheet. It comes in a lot of colors including black. It is thinner but I like it better. Unfortunately, the thinner stuff does not come in white.

I like to make windows and decals with it too. Use a little spray adhesive.