FTFC'18 WWII Vought XF5U "Flying Flapjack" designed by SP0NZ & LocalFiend

[Air-headed Aviator]

Yeah, plenty of big 4 blade props out there, just not many that have counterrotating pairs. Maybe I'll have to combine a couple props. They were kinda offset on the full scale version anyway.

I'm starting another airframe that will
hopefully have the final skins as a double check. The last one was close, but not good enough. Maybe I'll finish the skins on the old one and do some glide tests.

It's even more skeletal, but I think this thing will be stupid strong anyway.

What do y'all use to cut out the ribs and such? Do y'all have your own laser cutter or built a wire cutter? I still cut out by hand all my models so it'd be nice to explore an upgrade for faster building (plans to pieces phase is the WORST).

 

[SP0NZ]

Dale built his own CNC machine that can cut foam and a lot of other materials. I, unfortunately, am still cutting by hand.

 

[localfiend]

What do y'all use to cut out the ribs and such? Do y'all have your own laser cutter or built a wire cutter? I still cut out by hand all my models so it'd be nice to explore an upgrade for faster building (plans to pieces phase is the WORST).

Here's what I use.

http://forum.flitetest.com/showthread.php?29213-1000x1000mm-C-Beam-ACME-Driven-CNC

4-flute .040 milling bit. I actually like the milled edges a lot better than laser cuts.

 

[localfiend]

Had a bit of time to work this evening.

The first two skin row pieces are now perfectly shaped. 3 third row still needs a bit of work, but adjustments for it have already been made in CAD. Should get rid of the little ripples along the top edge. I'm a bit OCD, but the better the parts fit the more wiggle room you have.

Tail is just held on with tape, so it doesn't hug the frame and looks ugly. Just trying to get a feel for what needs tweaking, and where to stick servos. I think this is going to be a pretty lightweight plane.

 

[SP0NZ]

A little progress on the air intakes. We plan to do foam and printed versions of the extras, but our sclae model will makes use of some 3D printed parts.

 

[Michael9865]

Sweet inlet. That is evidence of some nice 3D designing skills.

 

[PsyBorg]

Yes this is one of the "Super" Teams in this years builds. Look for a lot of special things from these guys. :applause:

Nice work on both the 3d stuff and the foam fitting. For some reason every time I see that bare frame work picture I want waffles..

 

[Sir Fly]

Yes this is one of the "Super" Teams in this years builds. Look for a lot of special things from these guys. :applause:

Nice work on both the 3d stuff and the foam fitting. For some reason every time I see that bare frame work picture I want waffles..

No, the Flying Waffles are jerks. You need some French Toast Sticks...

 

[SP0NZ]

Finally got around to doing a test print of the intake.

This is only the second version. It has not been fitted to the foam model yet. But I'm pretty pleased with the results so far.

 

[wilmracer]

Looks great!

 

[HilldaFlyer]

Wow - that is great. Test print - my foot! Looks like the final version.
Looks like we're graduating into new FT techniques. Sure... why not, they sell 3D printers now!

 

[Grifflyer]

ooohhh, Fancy.

 

[Namactual]

Wow, that skeletal structure is unreal.

This is an amazing build, color me green guys.

Great work.

 

[FoamyDM]

I have a severe case of design envy.

Did you trim post-mold on the skinning, or did you have it good in the design stage... if so HOW?! :applause:

I really need to learn that trick. I feel it would bring my scratch building to the next level.

Beautiful work so far.

BTW - Come over to the Team ALLIED FORCES thread and talk shop camo, logos etc. with other Allied members. (see Sig. for link

 

[Spacewalker]

Beautiful Work!!! Love the Flapjacks, truly one of my favourites!

:black_eyed:

http://forum.flitetest.com/showthre...8-by-SpaceWalker&p=372246&posted=1#post372246

http://forum.flitetest.com/showthread.php?37406-Spacewalker-s-BV-141

 

[MojoIron]

Awesome!!!

I'm new to FT but I've loved this plane forever man!
Can't wait to see what you guys come up with

 

[Jetcrafter_2000]

You are building verry clean, i love the construction!

 

[localfiend]

Sorry, got caught up in apple harvest and haven't had any time for fun stuff till this month. Just thought I'd chime in and say this project isn't dead.

Might even get in a test flight this weekend.

 

[localfiend]

 

[wilmracer]

Love it!