Made a mistake on my Explorer build

[kore99]

I'm building an Explorer from tiled paper plans. In the build video they show how to mount the B-pack or C-pack motors, but it looks like the C-pack at that time was an in-runner, and it mounts inside the firewall assembly. So since my modern radial C-pack motor was similar to the B-motor in the video, I mounted mine on the outside of the firewall, and spaced it as described in the video. However, when I mount a 9 inch prop as described in the specs, it's going to strike the tail boom.

So question 1 - I mounted the motor outside the firewall, with the panhead screws inside the firewall. I'm not clear whether I should have used the metal X mounting plate instead. Did I do that right?

2. Should I have positioned the firewall in the pod differently? I'm not convinced that even if I raise the firewall to the very top of the pod that I'll have the required clearance.

Any advice?

 

[Dean is the name]

For the motor mount, I always put it on the metal mount for easy removal. And for the prop maybe you van pick a smaller prop or remove where you need clearance and reinforce it with something like a paintstick.

Hope this helps.

 

[kore99]

For the motor mount, I always put it on the metal mount for easy removal. And for the prop maybe you van pick a smaller prop or remove where you need clearance and reinforce it with something like a paintstick.

Hope this helps.

Can you explain how using the metal piece makes for easier removal? Do you access from the propeller side and remove the wood screws? I did your method for my simple cub but for the explorer you can access the back of the firewall readily.

 

[Dean is the name]

I mean that you can easily put it on powerpods and this way you don’t have to worry about the motor screws going to deep.

 

[Piotrsko]

You may not have enough downthrust. Mine cleared a 10 1/2" prop by a 1/2" with the FT C motor. Any way you install the motor works if it doesn't come loose.

 

[kore99]

You may not have enough downthrust. Mine cleared a 10 1/2" prop by a 1/2" with the FT C motor. Any way you install the motor works if it doesn't come loose.

OK, thanks. I used the lines indicated on the plans. I don't see any way for a 10.5 to fit on mine. Maybe I did something very different. In any case, I made a new pod, with 1/2" more clearance, and now it works.

 

[Mr NCT]

OK, thanks. I used the lines indicated on the plans. I don't see any way for a 10.5 to fit on mine. Maybe I did something very different. In any case, I made a new pod, with 1/2" more clearance, and now it works.

View attachment 198821

I had exactly the same result. I rebuilt the power pod and moved the firewall up about 3/8" to clear.

 

[kore99]

I had exactly the same result. I rebuilt the power pod and moved the firewall up about 3/8" to clear.

Good. Glad to hear I'm not crazy.

 

[Mr NCT]

Good. Glad to hear I'm not crazy.

Oh no, we're ALL crazy!! I mean we're flying planes made out of dollar store foam board for heavens sake!

 

[Merv]

Moving the motor higher should work just fine.
Switching to a smaller 3 blade prop would also work.