Grumman S-2 Tracker Foam Board Build

[vhandon]

I have built many FT planes, a few from kits but most from just the plans. I decided I wanted to build something different and it had to be something rare. I first thought of a building a Boeing 247 and I still may build one in the future. The obvious choice for me though is the Grumman S-2 Tracker. I have a special connection with this plane since my father was an electronics specialist and was part of the crew on one in the Navy. As soon as I find a picture of him with the plane I will post it. I have only found a few of these that have been built and flown and they were all large high-end balsa builds. I plan on using mostly foam board and achieving scale looks (from a distance).

I found good plans for a 63" wingspan balsa build that I am using as my template. I think I can power it with the FT Twin Power Pack C.

I am hoping to have flaps and retracts but static landing gear would be fine as well. If anyone one has a suggestion for retracts that do not come out of China please let me know. If not, I will have to order them soon so I can get this thing ready for Flite Fest Texas.

 

[Michael9865]

Could you adapt either of these?
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2913901
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1418261

 

[Samh]

Where did you get the plans

 

[vhandon]

Could you adapt either of these?
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2913901
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1418261

Good find on the "Mini retract unit for RC planes" thing. I will be printing a copy of that one today. I am on thingiverse a lot but missed that one some how.

I already printed a copy of "Landing gear retract rc V2" but I am not in love with it.

 

[vhandon]

Where did you get the plans

I ordered the plans from this website.
http://flying-models.com/
There are a lot of plans there and reasonably priced so I will be back for a future build for sure.

Here is a direct link to the one I am using now.
https://store.flying-models.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=151

 

[vhandon]

Good find on the "Mini retract unit for RC planes" thing. I will be printing a copy of that one today. I am on thingiverse a lot but missed that one some how.

I already printed a copy of "Landing gear retract rc V2" but I am not in love with it.

Got a chance to print the Mini Retracts and I think they came out nice. It was a little work to clear out the built in printing supports, had to pull out the Dremel. I would prefer that the model leave those out and let the slicing software add them but just a minor nuisance.



These are definitely a contender but I also found a nice set from MotionRC that appear to be the right size and reasonably priced.

https://www.motionrc.com/products/flightlinerc-1600mm-f7f-nose-landing-gear-flw3021081#qa-tab
https://www.motionrc.com/products/f...ding-gear-left-flw3021082?variant=30792037516
https://www.motionrc.com/products/f...ing-gear-right-flw3021083?variant=30792038476

I guess it would not hurt to have both on hand and use the set that fits the best.

 

[vhandon]

Build Update 1

It rained all weekend so instead of flying at a near by event I stayed in and worked on the Tracker. I made some good progress. Hopefully I can keep up the momentum and get it built in the next few months.

Fuselage skeleton and and Tail:


Tail closeup:


Inside the Horizontal Stabilizer:


I had a few unknowns going into this project. Some I have think I have answers for and some that are still up in the air:

1. How do I want to address the separate elevator surfaces? Should I use two servos or just split the control rods and use one?
2. How do I want to finish the outside? Paint or some type of wrap or coating?
3. How to mount the wings? They need to be removable for transport.
4. Should I install the electronics under the wing or from a hatch in the bottom that is accessible when the wings are installed?
5. Finding the CG? I never seem to get this right on the first attempt.

Think I will tackle the wing next.

 

[vhandon]

Build Update 2

The rain continues so the build does as well.

Took me three attempts to get the wing exactly the way I wanted but I am happy with the results. Everything is fitting together well so far.



Received all the electronics except the landing gear tonight so I will try to get them installed this weekend along with all the control surfaces. And maybe clean up my work-space if I have time.

 

[FlyingMonkey]

There's one of these sitting at my local airport.

 

[vhandon]

There's one of these sitting at my local airport.

Very cool. I have only seen it once in person and that was on the USS Yorktown in Mount Pleasant, SC. It, along with the carrier was nicely preserved. I hope it can survive the storms there without any significant damage.

 

[vhandon]

Got a chance to print the Mini Retracts and I think they came out nice. It was a little work to clear out the built in printing supports, had to pull out the Dremel. I would prefer that the model leave those out and let the slicing software add them but just a minor nuisance.

View attachment 114358 View attachment 114359 View attachment 114361 View attachment 114360

These are definitely a contender but I also found a nice set from MotionRC that appear to be the right size and reasonably priced.

https://www.motionrc.com/products/flightlinerc-1600mm-f7f-nose-landing-gear-flw3021081#qa-tab
https://www.motionrc.com/products/f...ding-gear-left-flw3021082?variant=30792037516
https://www.motionrc.com/products/f...ing-gear-right-flw3021083?variant=30792038476

I guess it would not hurt to have both on hand and use the set that fits the best.

I went ahead and ordered the retracts from MotionRC. They are very nice but they are too big for this project. I knew I was taking a chance without more precise measurements but I am sure I can use them on a future project and i'm only out about $70.

 

[vhandon]

Build Update 3

Since the retracts are not going to work out and I don't trust the 3d printed ones without real testing I decided to install fixed gear. I was also able to get all the electronics and control surfaces installed. I reinforced the wing and figured out the mounting system.



Front Steering installed.


Here it is standing on its own three wheels. I will need to add a tail wheel or drag.


I learned a new term when researching how to connect the split elevator surfaces to one server. In my short time in the hobby I had never heard of a Triple Rod Connector. I found some online but not at any local hobby shops. I did, however find something that would work at the local hardware store. Found these in the electrical aisle, a package of two for $7.


Hope to get the motors mounted and start skinning it this weekend.

 

[vhandon]

Build Update 4

Finished skinning the entire plane and mounted all the motors. Just realized I did not test the motors yet. Hope I left enough room to get them out if there is a problem with either one. I think I lucked out with the CG, two 2200 3s in front of the wing seems to balance perfectly. Without the batteries the plane weighs in at exactly 1300 grams. I think the twin C power pack should have enough power to get it in the air. All that's left is a lot of sanding, filling, sanding, filling, sanding, then paint. My other hobbies include automotive paint so I am used to the sanding and filling associated with body work.

 

[AkimboGlueGuns]

That looks spectacular! Once it's all shaved down that will be one of the nicest looking foamboard planes I've ever seen.

 

[Michael9865]

Wow! Great progress.

 

[DamoRC]

Build Update 4

Finished skinning the entire plane and mounted all the motors. Just realized I did not test the motors yet. Hope I left enough room to get them out if there is a problem with either one. I think I lucked out with the CG, two 2200 3s in front of the wing seems to balance perfectly. Without the batteries the plane weighs in at exactly 1300 grams. I think the twin C power pack should have enough power to get it in the air. All that's left is a lot of sanding, filling, sanding, filling, sanding, then paint. My other hobbies include automotive paint so I am used to the sanding and filling associated with body work.

View attachment 115432 View attachment 115433 View attachment 115434 View attachment 115435 View attachment 115436 View attachment 115437

Excellent work!

DamoRC

 

[FlyingMonkey]

 

[CrashRecovery]

go to ramy rc on youtube for pointers on your skin work. Great job so far!!!!

 

[vhandon]

View attachment 115454 View attachment 115455

Hopefully someone will come along someday and restore this one. Praying that mine is a little more airworthy.

 

[vhandon]

go to ramy rc on youtube for pointers on your skin work. Great job so far!!!!

I got a lot of inspiration from the Ramy RC channel. I need to revisit a few of the segments on his finishing work.