FT Edge 540 Progress

[Phin G]

One final picture with the tail section in position, not ready for hot glue yet though few more jobs to complete first.
View attachment 195236

Cant wait for you to finish it.

 

[TheFlyingBrit]

Thats one neat nose! Is it scratchbuilt or are u using the kit?

Scratch built. All my foamboards are scratch builds, I don't build the kits living in the UK delivery costs are seriously expensive.
Thanks for the complement about the nose

 

[TheFlyingBrit]

Continued today with the Edge build. Having fabricated the plywood brace for the elevator, I needed a control horn before it could be installed.
So made a couple of plywood control horns and push rods, using my new Z bend pliers.
Once the funeral is over tomorrow, I can progress with the build properly by installing the horizontal stabiliser into the fuselage. I can then move on to the vertical stabiliser and rudder installation.
Realised today I had forgot to make up the plywood braces for the fuselage, where the wooden skewers pass through. So that will be a priority job for Wednesday along with finishing the tail installation.
The landing gear is now built up. I found some rubber wheels (which are more durable, than the foam ones I planned to use). Plus they are 15mm bigger so look more in keeping with the planes dimensions than the previous 50mm versions.
I also used some filler on the canopy, cover around the seams to tidy it up a little. That just needs sanding before I spray it with a base coat/ primer to seal it from damp.
Thursday will hopefully be finishing off day for filling gaps on the fuselage and around the tail. I can then use Thursday night to commence the building of the wings, finally I can see an end to this project. That means I can finally get around to building my Sea Otter and assembling my Phoenix 2M glider.

 

[TheFlyingBrit]

Sorry didn't get chance to take any pictures, plus not much to show anyway at this stage.

 

[TheFlyingBrit]

Not really got much further to be honest, still filling cracks between joints. Although the horizontal stabiliser and elevator are now installed.
As soon as I have finished with the filling and sanding I will install the vertical stabiliser and rudder.
For me that's the worst section done, just the wings undercarriage plywood braces to do and its paint time. That's if I can decide what colour to do it

 

[TheFlyingBrit]

Might post some pictures later when I have done some more sanding.

 

[TheFlyingBrit]

Decided to wait till I have finished the full assembly before I post more pictures.
The vertical stab and rudder are in place, next job is the wing assembly and preparing the servos ready for installation.

 

[Headbang]

I built one for someone else, was the kind of build you need to take your time on for sure. Turned put good, unfortunately the person I did it for gave me a motor and servos that were not a good match and heavy. If I were to do it again I would look for ways to lighten it up. Does not need to be super strong unless you intent to meet earth rapidly!

 

[TheFlyingBrit]

My Edge 540 is almost complete just a few minor jobs, which I can complete when I get up later today and tonight.
Weekend is painting stage, hoping to get it maidened next week now my clubs finally opening up again.

 

[FlyingWithRyan]

not to be critical but you use WAY too much hot glue.

i like my Edge but i never have seemed to be able to find that sweet spot on motor, prop, battery combo. it is fun but if i want to fly 3D i have much better planes to choose from.

laters,

me

I run a Sunnysky 2820 1250kv with a 12x6 prop on a hobbywing skywalker 80a, and a 2200 3s. 3d flying for 4 minutes but could probably squeak more out if I ran a bigger battery. Cruises at about 15% throttle, hovers at about half, and full is pretty much there just for fun haha. Far more power than the C pack radial. Over twice the watt output!

 

[FlyingWithRyan]

The hot glue issue is because I struggled with the motor mount. It will be fine.

I'm using the suggested Power Pack C. I trust that it will be fine.

I would recommend more power or you’re strictly limited to 4 cell if you plan to do 3D flying. I found that a much bigger motor as mentioned in my previous post was more efficient at a lower throttle percentage while yielding far more thrust.

 

[FlyingWithRyan]

Just finished off a couple of jobs on mine tonight, the vertical and horizontal stabs have hinges fitted and the edges prepared and sealed.
I have also mounted the front cowl. It was a relief when it was finally secured in place, as it was a pain in the arse to construct and assemble from a plan. Although it was not quite as bad as the rear turtle deck, that took 3 attempts to get right. My foamboard just doesn't like to bend even with heat backing paper removed and working with the grain.
View attachment 195229 View attachment 195230 View attachment 195231 View attachment 195232
Tomorrow night is filler (spackle) night, plus sanding and more filler. I also need to fit the side supports inside the cover and finish off the cockpit.

Gosh those edges sure look pretty, not sure why hinges would be necessary though, the paper does just fine. I vowed to myself after my last edge Id make em all quick and fast so when I bin them doing crankshafts or snap the tail off in a blender I can toss them together in about 3 hours

 

[Quackerhonk]

Can they do crankshafts?

Gosh those edges sure look pretty, not sure why hinges would be necessary though, the paper does just fine. I vowed to myself after my last edge Id make em all quick and fast so when I bin them doing crankshafts or snap the tail off in a blender I can toss them together in about 3 hours