1. UnEZ Bronco
This is a redesign/upgrade for my much-loved
EZ Bronco (currently sitting at 270 community downloads)
The yellow/orange Bronco above is my EZ Bronco from last year's challenge. The others are all prototypes of the UnEZ Bronco.
So as you can see, the plan is to create a more scale-looking version for the EZ Pack. All the electronics will be hidden (barring wiring that leads from the fuselage to the nacelles), and a CAL FIRE skin created to boot (see the plane on the top of the pile)
I started playing with this design late last year and have gotten 90% there, but hit a snag in created the canopy.
The rounded canopy is a possibility, but in the end, I decided it was just too finicky to be a reliable resource. I shelved the project, until I stumbled upon the Build-rary challenge. Mission is back on!
So in Illustrator, I dumbed down the canopy design to a 'boxier' version that was more along the lines of how I originally started (see the planes at the bottom of the pile), and for now, I assume this will be the best way forward.
10 February 2023:
I printed the updated fuselage plan with the boxy canopy, and did a quick test-build to see if it would work.
It works and doesn't look too bad! The actual model will be a bit more moulded, so should look slightly better.
Next steps: Fix/update the CAL Fire Skin I created and then the actual build can start!
11 February 2023:
Updated skins printed, glued to foam board and basic parts cut out!
Sharpies and pens used to colour and detail the foam edges.
For the nacelles and fuselage, I've left out printing/tracing the plans on the inside, as I've made the plane before and am lazy, so skipping this step. When the eventual plans cover out, the skinned versions will also have the inside skins with the plans on where to cut/bevel,mould.
I also taped over the canopy with clear packing tape for two reasons: glass is generally shiny, and this will also help the paper from tearing when I mould the canopy into shape. Hopefully.
Next steps: Cut the bevels and cavities and start putting things together!
13 February 2023:
Parts starting to be moulded and wing shape formed.
14 February 2023:
Completed the build! I've experimented a bit with bevel edges instead of the usually cavities for putting the box-shapes together. It allows for less harsh edges in the fuselage and booms.
I was a tad heavy-handed with the glue at stages, so she came out a bit heavy at 41g all up before the battery, so it's pretty close to the (unnecessary self-devised devised) 50g AUW target.
I'm potentially going to attempt some wheels for it before maidening, and need to find a good interior area for the maiden. I don't really want to crash it into the snow and mud...
