Simple Beech Staggerwing

[Mr NCT]

While I'm down sick (not covid but feel rotten) I thought I'd start on a "simple" style Staggerwing like the FT Simple Cub. It also gives me more time to work with Fusion 360. Hope you appreciate the self control it took not to title this thread "Staggerwingly Simple" or "Simply Stagger(w)ing".

 

[skymaster]

While I'm down sick (not covid but feel rotten) I thought I'd start on a "simple" style Staggerwing like the FT Simple Cub. It also gives me more time to work with Fusion 360. Hope you appreciate the self control it took not to title this thread "Staggerwingly Simple" or "Simply Stagger(w)ing". View attachment 228407

hope you feel better

 

[churchjw]

I like this. Looking forward to you build/fly it.
I am hoping to develop a Staggerwing design this winter.

 

[Bo123]

Looking nice!

 

[Mr NCT]

Prototype is coming together. The fuselage without the wings looks out of proportion, too tall, even though it matches the plans. Looks better with the wings on.

 

[Mr NCT]

WOO HOO! I took it over to the soybean field for glide test and with the CG about 1/2" behind the leading edge of the top wing it glides straight and true. It will FLY!!

 

[Mr NCT]

Finished the Staggerwing and maidened it this morning! You'll see in the video that I've got too much elevator and it's needs a little down thrust but other than that it flies great. Simple box fuselage, two identical wings and 3D cowl and struts, EZPZ.

 

[Mr NCT]

Working on version 2 (after I did half a roll on low rates only 2 mistakes high with V1). Came up with this idea for mounting landing gear. It's an amalgam of lots of different methods I've seen on various posts here and elsewhere. I printed a rectangle 3/16" thick to match the FB and extruded a slot for the 3/32" piano wire and some holes for wire ties. I positioned it so that it's supported by the front fold of the wing and the double spar. I'll let you know if it holds up!

 

[JeepyJayhawk]

Very cool! Looking forward to your plans!

 

[Mr NCT]

Staggerwing V2.0 is done. Changes from V1.0: Less elevator area, mounted rear servos more flush to fuselage, added fixed gear and flaps on the lower wing. This one's painted with thinned latex samples from Home Depot. It works great as long as you THOROUGHLY wipe excess poly from the foam board. If you don't do a good job you get checking and orange peel like you see on the top wing. AUW with "C" power pack size motor and 2200 3s battery is 858g, 31" long, 36" wing span.

 

[Mr NCT]

Here's the plans. I'll be posting the stl files for the 3D struts, cowl, and gear mounts soon. If you build on please post pics and videos.

 

[Yankee2003]

Staggerwing V2.0 is done. Changes from V1.0: Less elevator area, mounted rear servos more flush to fuselage, added fixed gear and flaps on the lower wing. This one's painted with thinned latex samples from Home Depot. It works great as long as you THOROUGHLY wipe excess poly from the foam board. If you don't do a good job you get checking and orange peel like you see on the top wing. AUW with "C" power pack size motor and 2200 3s battery is 858g, 31" long, 36" wing span.

View attachment 229378 View attachment 229379 View attachment 229380

I was wondering if you used Windex to thin the latex paint? Do you thin it 50% and spray at 30 psi?
The model looks very clean. The craftsmanship shows through.

 

[Mr NCT]

I was wondering if you used Windex to thin the latex paint? Do you thin it 50% and spray at 30 psi?
The model looks very clean. The craftsmanship shows through.

Thanks! I tried to make it a very simple build but then I had to go overboard with paint. If you can build the simple cub you can build and fly this.
I'm still experimenting with the latex and haven't tried using Windex - I'll give it a shot next time. I've tried diluting 50% with both distilled water and then with rubbing alcohol and got the same results with both. I'm really impressed with how quickly it dries and how well it adheres. I've had no lifting at all even on the bad areas.

 

[Yankee2003]

Thanks! I tried to make it a very simple build but then I had to go overboard with paint. If you can build the simple cub you can build and fly this.
I'm still experimenting with the latex and haven't tried using Windex - I'll give it a shot next time. I've tried diluting 50% with both distilled water and then with rubbing alcohol and got the same results with both. I'm really impressed with how quickly it dries and how well it adheres. I've had no lifting at all even on the bad areas.

All good things to hear. I can’t wait to get the airbrush out and try the latex paints.
Thank you for spending your time to help me out.

 

[Mr NCT]

Plans V2.1 are in the resource section. Made some minor changes after the last build and spiffed them up a bit. It needs about 1° right and 2° or 3° down on the thrust angle. Here's the maiden - exciting launch and uneventful landing bracketing a dull speck flying in circles video.

 

[Yankee2003]

Who doesn’t love the Staggerwing? You have done an excellent job of capturing her beauty.
You should be proud of the work you have done there.

 

[Bo123]

Hmm time to build one when my foam arrives.

 

[luvmy40]

So, when I went to print the struts, the .stl comes out as both struts grouped and is larger than my Ender 3 Pro print bed. It won't let me ungroup and shrink the foot print.

 

[Mr NCT]

So, when I went to print the struts, the .stl comes out as both struts grouped and is larger than my Ender 3 Pro print bed. It won't let me ungroup and shrink the foot print.

Here is one strut, sorry about that. It prints best using a brim to keep the points from curling. I used some 3mm diameter skewers to pin them inside the wing for easy removal.

 

[luvmy40]

Here is one strut, sorry about that. It prints best using a brim to keep the points from curling. I used some 3mm diameter skewers to pin them inside the wing for easy removal.
View attachment 230070

Thank you sir! I don't have any CAD software loaded on anything and haven't done any 3D modeling in many years anyway. Did you do these on Fusion?