FT Explorer - Start Date: 2/4
Day 1. I thought it would be a great idea to use my speed build kit as a template since this will be my first build and I don't want to screw it up too badly. Our Dollar Tree didn't have any of the suggested foam board but I found some Elmers board at Wal-Mart. I traced out the pieces and have 5 of the 6 sheets cut out. **Edit** After finishing this post I was more annoyed that I couldn't finish the 6th sheet, so I finished it...
Through this process I have learned two things. First hardware store razor blades run dull kind of quickly, in my opinion. Second, Elmer's foam board seems quite dense compared to the FT Foam Board. Thickness doesn't seem to be an issue but removing paper when needed should prove difficult.
Day 2. I managed to mark all of my cut lines and started assembling the fuselage/nose
The fuselage part turned out better than I hoped as it looked like my cut lines were really nice. The tabs where the power pod part slid in took a little force but I managed.
The nose on the other hand really showed off the jagged lines.
I'm still very happy with it. I mean it fit and all! Plus it seems quite secure. Tomorrow will be the tail boom!
Day 3 (and 4). Tail boom completed! ...but then I noticed that I left the servo walls (anchors?) out. Had to cut in and and a new half section to the bottom plate. Day 4 got the firewall put together, ESC and motor soldered, and motor mounted.
Day 5:
Trainer wing complete. That wing really is a two person job though unless you have heavy stuff to place as the glue sets. Luckily my son was eager to help. That thing is insanely huge sitting next to my apprentice wing though! Sport wing and paint hopefully finished on day 6 so I can get a maiden flight on the 7th.
Day 6:
I'm withholding pictures for the maiden tomorrow. Sport wing is complete. Paint job complete. Transmitter is bound. Have to install servos on the sport wing and connect the wires. I'll pack it up tomorrow and see what I get.
Day 7
Maiden flight. I knew it was tail heavy but was curious how bad it would react.
Day 8:
Finally got out for another go at a maiden flight. Realized I didn't post a picture of the finished product.
Re-Maiden video: