Parallax Foam Board Build Help?

[sms021]

FliteTest did an article a while back about Terry Dunn and his Parallax design. I followed the links and purchased the plans thinking it would be a fun build. After receiving the plans it quickly became apparent that I'm not in a space where I can work with large sheets of blue foam and make this model per Terry 's design. So I decided to try and convert them to foam board plans.

I was wondering if anyone who has done this type of thing would be able to look at the plans and tell me if they think it's going to work? I'm open to suggestions and advice for doing this type of thing in the future. Thanks!

 

[DamoRC]

Looks pretty good to me. Looking forward to seeing the build.

 

[Grifflyer]

I agree with damo looks good.

All I say to make sure you keep the wing thickness the same.

 

[sms021]

I agree with damo looks good.

All I say to make sure you keep the wing thickness the same.

Good call, I tried to match Terry’s profile and thought a single spar should do the trick. Once I get it folded I’ll match it up to the plans and see how close it is.

 

[Grifflyer]

One last thing you might want to take down the link to your plans because it's essentially letting people get a direct copy of his plans for free when you'd normally have to pay for them. The guy probably wouldn't care, but better safe than sorry.

 

[sms021]

One last thing you might want to take down the link to your plans because it's essentially letting people get a direct copy of his plans for free when you'd normally have to pay for them. The guy probably wouldn't care, but better safe than sorry.

Fair enough, I took it down. I didn't think it would be an issue because the plans specifically says "Copying for Resale of this drawing without the written approval or consent of AMA is expressly prohibited" but I get the general idea. If I was trying to sell plans I created I wouldn't want someone giving away their version of my idea. But that's a conversation for another thread.

I've just printed them out and going to hopefully start cutting them tonight. I'll post progress pictures as things go well, or most likely, not so well.

 

[sms021]

All cut out, ready to start building, here goes nothing.

 

[Grifflyer]

Good luck!!

 

[mrjdstewart]

that is cool. love the weird flyers!

good luck,

me

 

[jpot1]

What wingspan are you targeting? Reason I ask is if 40” or so the single layer of foam spar may not be enough support based on your flying style. Maybe throw a piece of cutdown paintstick to reinforce?

 

[sms021]

What wingspan are you targeting? Reason I ask is if 40” or so the single layer of foam spar may not be enough support based on your flying style. Maybe throw a piece of cutdown paintstick to reinforce?

Oh, wish I would have seen this last night. I did have an issue with the small spar between the two wings. Forgot to give room for the right aileron so I ended up using a 1/4” flat carbon fibre stick. Hope it works.

I’ll put together a full post later of my current progress. Thank you all for your help and motivation.

 

[sms021]

First, let me preface this by saying I’m still extremely new to this hobby, so I’m sorry for how clunky all this is.

After cutting everything out I started with the wing. As mentioned I had an issue with the lower spar but hoped the carbon fibre rod would work.

I then installed the Y harness for the ailerons

Folded over and glued the wing. Added a little extra glue and tape to try and help heel things together.

Then went to work on the fuselage and tail. Forgot to add a hatch to access components. Got the wing in and servos installed.

I have to admit it’s a funky looking bird, but a good learning experience. Now on to the pod and the rest of the electronics.

 

[DamoRC]

Some nice build skills on display there!

 

[Grifflyer]

It looks good to me, GREAT work so far!!

 

[sms021]

Quick build update, pod is done and installed on the wing

Servos, Motor, ESC and receiver is in

Once I center my servos and install the control arms comes the hard part, trying to get the CG set. It’s a single CG point that needs to be balanced front to back and left to right.

After that, we’ll see if it flies!

 

[exnasaguy]

Terry here. Your Parallax looks great! Good luck with the maiden. Let me know if you have any questions.
In-flight orientation can be a little tricky with this one, just because it is such an unusual shape. So you may want to consider adding a splash of color on the left wingtip (or anywhere) to give you a visual cue.

 

[Grifflyer]

Looking very good!!

 

[sms021]

Terry here. Your Parallax looks great! Good luck with the maiden. Let me know if you have any questions.
In-flight orientation can be a little tricky with this one, just because it is such an unusual shape. So you may want to consider adding a splash of color on the left wingtip (or anywhere) to give you a visual cue.

Thanks! I appreciate the feedback and advice. Very good idea to make it a little more recognizable in flight.

Quick question, should I expect this to be a speed daemon or will it cruise fairly well?

 

[exnasaguy]

Quick question, should I expect this to be a speed daemon or will it cruise fairly well?

That will depend on the flying weight. In the weight range shown on the plans 14-17oz, it's a just a normal, comfy park flyer...not particularly fast or slow. I know some examples have ended up at higher weights and they still flew okay. So there is some wiggle room.
How much power have you got on tap?

 

[sms021]

How much power have you got on tap?

So... being new to the hobby I’m not sure how to answer that. So I’m just going to list what I’m using and hopefully that will be enough.
- 3 cell 45C 850 mha
- 30A ESC
- Turnigy Air 3010C 1300KV 240W
- APC 8x6 SF prop