My first build - a (modified) MUTTS

[messyhead]

I'm going to start building my first flyable FT modified design, and it's going to be a MUTTS. For the same reasons as @Hai-Lee in that the FB I have access to is heavier than the FT stuff.

https://forum.flitetest.com/index.php?threads/my-mutts.57768/

However, I'm going to use the original rudder, and not have the scaloped wings or tail. I plan to build it as a 3ch first, then move up to 4ch.

Progress might be slow as time allows.

I started to make the templates last night. Ignore the cut outs on the poster board, I had used it previously to make an RR Finch glider.

 

[Hai-Lee]

I'm going to start building my first flyable FT modified design, and it's going to be a MUTTS. For the same reasons as @Hai-Lee in that the FB I have access to is heavier than the FT stuff.

https://forum.flitetest.com/index.php?threads/my-mutts.57768/

However, I'm going to use the original rudder, and not have the scaloped wings or tail. I plan to build it as a 3ch first, then move up to 4ch.

Progress might be slow as time allows.

I started to make the templates last night. Ignore the cut outs on the poster board, I had used it previously to make an RR Finch glider.

View attachment 128730 View attachment 128732

If using the MUTTS wing it can be built with dihedral and so the plane can be flown 3 channel. If you are just using the MUTTS powerpod mod on a standard TT fuselage I would ensure that you add the landing gear as sadly large batteries do not fit inside the fuselage.

Again if using the original TT wings you could consider the increasing of the wing incidence to compensate for the heavier bird.

The MUTTS really loves a SF prop when using the MUTTS style wing and with full flaps, (around 40 degrees) if can crawl around, nose high) just above stall, (practice at height first of course).

The original version is still a flying member of my Squadron/hangar.

If you have any questions, tips, or issues just let me know!

Have fun!

 

[messyhead]

Thanks for the tips. I was wondering how the battery and things fit inside the TT fuselage. It does seem tight. I've still to get servos, esc, and battery, but I've ordered some motors.

If the MUTTS flies better as a 4ch, then I might just go with that. My son and I have been using Phoenix a lot with the TT and 3 and 4 channel, so we should hopefully manage to fly a 4ch from the start. I know it's not exactly the same as the real thing, but I imagine there will be a lot of transfer of knowledge from the sim, and the muscle memory will be there.

 

[Hai-Lee]

Thanks for the tips. I was wondering how the battery and things fit inside the TT fuselage. It does seem tight. I've still to get servos, esc, and battery, but I've ordered some motors.

If the MUTTS flies better as a 4ch, then I might just go with that. My son and I have been using Phoenix a lot with the TT and 3 and 4 channel, so we should hopefully manage to fly a 4ch from the start. I know it's not exactly the same as the real thing, but I imagine there will be a lot of transfer of knowledge from the sim, and the muscle memory will be there.

The modified Powerpod allows a 1300 3S battery to be fitted inside the fuselage. As both the motor and battery can now be a lot heavier it is possible to shift the ESC further into the fuselage and the servos further back in the outside of the fuselage to keep the balance where it should be.

The landing gear can be either Tricycle or Taildragger which ever suits you better.

As you are still lacking a bit of flight experience I would recommend that you fit a few degrees of dihedral as well just to give a little additional stability. If you go with the original flat wing then ensure that you use between 30 and 40 degrees of Expo just to make your control responses, (Especially the Ailerons), just a little subdued and to reduce any tendency to overcontrol initially.

If you wish it will fly using the original polyhedral TT wing but with the extra weight you may need to increase the wing incidence to keep the lift up and the required speed down. This cn be simply achieved by fitting a paddle pop stick under the wing Leading Edge.

If you have any build questions just ask!

Have fun!

 

[messyhead]

So as I'm quite new to this hobby, the electrics side of it still confuses me. Although I've not done a lot of reading up on batteries, esc, motors so far beyond the basics.

This is the kit I'm looking at getting for this build. Does it seem ok for this build?

Motor - EMAX CF2822 1200kv. I've ordered a pair of these from ebay, as they were new, and only £12 for a pair. It seemed a good deal.

Prop

http://www.modelshopleeds.co.uk/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=105_106_51_971&products_id=23176

Batteries, I'm looking at these 2. Probably go for the 3s as it'll likely be windy where I fly.

http://www.modelshopleeds.co.uk/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=26_34_757&products_id=17322

http://www.modelshopleeds.co.uk/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=26_34_758&products_id=17297

ESC

http://www.modelshopleeds.co.uk/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=20203


I've not ordered batteries or ESC yet, and then I need to work out what charger to get.

 

[Hai-Lee]

Those items will definitely get it off of the ground for you!

You should go for the second series power pod modification for greater battery space and try to get the servos as far back as is possible. you MAY need a little tail weight or a little nose weight depending on how your build goes!

You could, after you get it flying and have got some air time on it, go for the fitting of flaps and then look for a similar sized SLOW FLY, (SF), prop!

Have fun!

 

[Gazoo]

Side note: When I first looked at the pic of the foam board, it looks like you cut the glider pieces out of wood. Then I realized that I was looking at the wood floor through the holes.

I wish you luck!

 

[messyhead]

Those items will definitely get it off of the ground for you!

You should go for the second series power pod modification for greater battery space and try to get the servos as far back as is possible. you MAY need a little tail weight or a little nose weight depending on how your build goes!

You could, after you get it flying and have got some air time on it, go for the fitting of flaps and then look for a similar sized SLOW FLY, (SF), prop!

Have fun!

Thanks. I'll order them next week.

The motors arrived today, so I think I'll start building the powerpack. Although there were no mounting screws with them, so I'll need to try and get some.

 

[messyhead]

Large TT power pod 2.0 done, apart from the firewall. But I don't think the family would be pleased if I started cutting with the dremel at 11pm 😄

 

[messyhead]

@Hai-Lee is this the correct fitment for your modified power pod into the nose?

 

[Hai-Lee]

@Hai-Lee is this the correct fitment for your modified power pod into the nose?

View attachment 129402 View attachment 129403

It surely is, you got it in one.

The fuselage tail should still but up against the remnants of the nose cheek and the powerpod should also push up against the nose cheek remnant. This way the nose cheek takes the forces of any impacts and effectively provides some protection for the skewer holes, (for moderate crashes only of course).

Have fun!

 

[messyhead]

Nose and power pod done. Although I need to get some BBQ skewers to secure it in place.

I'm not sure about the angle of the bulkhead though, it seems quite big.

 

[Hai-Lee]

Nose and power pod done. Although I need to get some BBQ skewers to secure it in place.

I'm not sure about the angle of the bulkhead though, it seems quite big.

View attachment 129433 View attachment 129434 View attachment 129435

Actually there should be no thrust angle unless shims are used. Having said that the right thrust will be OK as you have it done.

The powerpod is built normally on the NON-Side thrust end of the original powerpod.

If it gives you any turning effect to the right then you will need to reduce the angle but I have done too much side thrust in the past and they were always Ok.

Have fun!

 

[mayan]

@messyhead looking great so far!

 

[messyhead]

Actually there should be no thrust angle unless shims are used. Having said that the right thrust will be OK as you have it done.

The powerpod is built normally on the NON-Side thrust end of the original powerpod.

If it gives you any turning effect to the right then you will need to reduce the angle but I have done too much side thrust in the past and they were always Ok.

Have fun!

Ok, thanks. It's not too much work to build the power pod, and I have 2 motors. So I might build another with no angle, and then I can swap them if I need to.

Should the angle point the same or opposite to the motor rotation?

In other words, if the motor points to the right looking down on it from above, then the motor should also rotate to the right?

 

[mayan]

Should the angle point the same or opposite to the motor rotation?

If I am not mistaken usually the same angle. Otherwise you’d be counter acting it and that would be like building with no angle at all.

 

[messyhead]

What's the purpose of the angle?

 

[mayan]

Again I might be wrong, but I think it’s to avoid a roll effect on the plane because of the P factor that is effecting it be the spinning of the prop and motor.

Please correct me if I am wrong!

 

[messyhead]

I've gone as far as I can with making the fuselage, but I need control rods before I close it up.

If I order piano wire to make the rods, what thickness should I use? I was thinking 2mm.

 

[mayan]

I use 1.2mm wire.