Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser-Backcountry Edition

[Taildragger]

This is probably going to be a long one, 10 months to 10 months-and-a-half, but it should be worth it. Basically My friend has a Super Cub LP that has many upgrades, Bush tires, custom trim scheme, etc. (must be noted that he does NOT have the brushless upgrade as we both agree we like the handling/power/sound better with brushed)

He let me fly this recently and now i NEED a cub about this size, so I remembered this one pilot who took me up in the backcountry once has a reeeaaallly pretty cub that is also black, white, and red.

Now, I know this looks like a Super Cub, but be aware that it is different. It is actually *drumroll* a PA-12 Super Cruiser!
How am I going to design one of those?
Maybe use a Super Cub plan and just paint it the same?
Too many differences for me to be fine with it.
Use a three view?
Possible, but some things that aren't visible I don't trust myself to make up?
Maybe someone already has plans?
YES!
Now a few things need to be decided. What build techniques do I use? Master Series, Skinning, Ironed Edges, I'm going all out!

A few days later: *notification rings*

A float plane?
Could this be a float plane?


Yep.
butttt how to waterproof it?

Ok. Add Minwax to my technique list.

Now I am Faced with one more decision before beginning the project:
Do I just print the plans and build from them, or do I use the plans as a template in CAD?

 

[The Hangar]

Good luck, I’ll be following! I’ve got two of those old super Cubs, I haven’t fixed either one of them yet though. They seem like great little planes!

 

[Taildragger]

Good luck, I’ll be following! I’ve got two of those old super Cubs, I haven’t fixed either one of them yet though. They seem like great little planes!

They are and I'm constantly annoyed that they're discontinued lol
also they aren't exactly "little" planes as I have only been flying micros lately

 

[cyclone3350]

This is probably going to be a long one, month to month-and-a-half, but it should be worth it. Basically My friend has a Super Cub LP that has many upgrades, Bush tires, custom trim scheme, etc. (must be noted that he does NOT have the brushless upgrade as we both agree we like the handling/power/sound better with brushed)
View attachment 206340
He let me fly this recently and now i NEED a cub about this size, so I remembered this one pilot who took me up in the backcountry once has a reeeaaallly pretty cub that is also black, white, and orange.
View attachment 206339
Now, I know this looks like a Super Cub, but be aware that it is different. It is actually *drumroll* a PA-12 Super Cruiser!
How am I going to design one of those?
Maybe use a Super Cub plan and just paint it the same?
Too many differences for me to be fine with it.
Use a three view?
Possible, but some things that aren't visible I don't trust myself to make up?
Maybe someone already has plans?
YES!
Now a few things need to be decided. What build techniques do I use? Master Series, Skinning, Ironed Edges, I'm going all out!

A few days later: *notification rings*
View attachment 206342
A float plane?
Could this be a float plane?
View attachment 206344
View attachment 206343
Yep.
butttt how to waterproof it?
View attachment 206345
Ok. Add Minwax to my technique list.

Now I am Faced with one more decision before beginning the project:
Do I just print the plans and build from them, or do I use the plans as a template in CAD?

Oh how I wish I could do cad. I have built built quite a few planes from balsa to DTFB. So, I do it ole school. I just use the exiting plans and make the pattern and formers form there. Here R some postings from an old guy If U want to see an example of this. U might get some ideas. I would think that if U could transfer that info into CAD, U might be able to get it more precise and make the any custom changes a bit easier. https://forum.flitetest.com/index.php?threads/new-to-ft-my-stuff.66655/page-2

 

[Taildragger]

Oh how I wish I could do cad. I have built built quite a few planes from balsa to DTFB. So, I do it ole school. I just use the exiting plans and make the pattern and formers form there. Here R some postings from an old guy If U want to see an example of this. U might get some ideas. I would think that if U could transfer that info into CAD, U might be able to get it more precise and make the any custom changes a bit easier. https://forum.flitetest.com/index.php?threads/new-to-ft-my-stuff.66655/page-2

I may make a prototype the old fashoined way, then CAD my final model.

 

[JClaude]

Ouh! interesting project...

 

[Taildragger]

oops forgot to add the link to the plans i'm going to use
https://outerzone.co.uk/plan_details.asp?ID=12510

 

[The Hangar]

They are and I'm constantly annoyed that they're discontinued lol
also they aren't exactly "little" planes as I have only been flying micros lately

Compared to my carbon-z cub and a lot of my other planes… 😂

 

[Quinnyperks]

Compared to my carbon-z cub and a lot of my other planes… 😂

Carbon z cub gang

 

[Taildragger]

Carbon z cub gang

*carbon z super cub

 

[Quinnyperks]

*carbon z super cub

It’s a modded cub

 

[Taildragger]

Progress...

 

[cyclone3350]

Progress...
View attachment 206935
View attachment 206936

R U going to this one in 1/5th scale?

 

[Taildragger]

R U going to this one in 1/5th scale?

I scaled the original 1/5 scale plans down to 60% so I have a 51" WS and can use a ppc motor

 

[Taildragger]

Do you guys think this will work?

I use a box spar like on the ft cub (red) and leave an empty cavity (blue) for all my wires to go through and the servo will just slide up into the spar through a hole (also like the simple cub)

 

[cyclone3350]

I scaled the original 1/5 scale plans down to 60% so I have a 51" WS and can use a ppc motor

That is a decent size. I have a 54" Taylorcraft and it is one of my favorite flying planes.

 

[Scotto]

Do you guys think this will work?
View attachment 206937
I use a box spar like on the ft cub (red) and leave an empty cavity (blue) for all my wires to go through and the servo will just slide up into the spar through a hole (also like the simple cub)

Ya that looks great! Id probly put some wood or carbon fiber in there too. Somehow

 

[The Fopster]

Do you guys think this will work?
View attachment 206937
I use a box spar like on the ft cub (red) and leave an empty cavity (blue) for all my wires to go through and the servo will just slide up into the spar through a hole (also like the simple cub)

I've got a Cessna about that size with a box spar and it's fine. You could put a strip of thin plywood on the front of the box spar if you're planning on getting enthusiastic on the sticks!

 

[cyclone3350]

Do you guys think this will work?
View attachment 206937
I use a box spar like on the ft cub (red) and leave an empty cavity (blue) for all my wires to go through and the servo will just slide up into the spar through a hole (also like the simple cub)

I was looking @ the plans. From rib W1-W3, it shows a dihedral brace in front and behind the front spar. I would think U could use 1/16 or maybe 1/8 balsa to tie the wings together. Put one in front and behind your box spar. That should give U plenty of strength.

 

[cyclone3350]

Oh, BTW, I like how this going so far.