Very Newbie!

[CraigPMiller]

I've had an itch for flying forever but haven't had time to focus on it.
Caught the youtube videos and had to have a go!

Waiting for my PowerUp Dart to arrive!

Love wings and while I've never worked with foam, I'd thought I'd try with cardboard.
Worked the downloadable files to fit a manila folder and dived in.
Wingspan - 25 cms
Flies quite well but needs power!

Cheers!

 

[Seahunter]

Welcome to our FT family. If you need any help, just post here or in the category to match your build and we have a lot of mentors who love solving problems. Great start with the manila folder, you should do well

 

[CraigPMiller]

Welcome to our FT family. If you need any help, just post here or in the category to match your build and we have a lot of mentors who love solving problems. Great start with the manila folder, you should do well

Thanks.
I wanted to start small - maybe too small but I was aiming for something the PowerUp Dart could drive.
I want to build a VariEze!
Cheers

 

[JamesonOKC]

Welcome to the FT Family. Your wing looks great. Have Fun!

 

[CraigPMiller]

Welcome to the FT Family. Your wing looks great. Have Fun!

Thanks - I'm setting up to make my first foam-sheet plane.

 

[JamesonOKC]

Take your time it is worth it. I actually enjoy building them as much as flying them. Have fun!

 

[CraigPMiller]

Take your time it is worth it. I actually enjoy building them as much as flying them. Have fun!

Slow and steady wins the race... or so I'm told.

 

[runfly]

Welcome to the FT family if you need anything just let me know

 

[CraigPMiller]

Welcome to the FT family if you need anything just let me know

Thanks. I expect my first effort will be a horrible mess - but a good learning experience.
I've downloaded the plans for the FT-Mini Tiny Trainer.
My first mistake was not realizing the model's size. I bought A3 sheets. I should be able to join them together for the larger parts. 🤞

 

[mjmccarron]

Interesting medium. I use to build 3D models of my assignments from file folders when in college as I had a hard time visualizing the assignment from just 3 views. takes me back.

 

[CraigPMiller]

Interesting medium. I use to build 3D models of my assignments from file folders when in college as I had a hard time visualizing the assignment from just 3 views. takes me back.

Didn't you have a perspective view? I used to teach 3D animation. It can take practice to go from a mental image of what you want and using a tool - computer or bit of paper - to make it. Cheers

 

[CraigPMiller]

The first cut is the deepest...
Cutting out the nose for the glider version...
The cutting guides for the B-fold join seem thin - 4mm as opposed to the 5mm board. Have made adjustments...

 

[CraigPMiller]

My first B-fold -
Goodness - cutting curves is hard!

 

[CraigPMiller]

Lots to learn and practice.
#1 - cutting the foam square
#2 - My glue gun technique needs more practice


Getting there...

 

[Dante]

I have also found that cutting curves is hard because it beads up, and the knife always seems to cut at an angle.
Three recommendations:
1) use as sharp of a blade as possible
2) on straight sections use a wide blade to keep it straight (like a sharp utility knife blade) like this

3) on curves use a skinny blade like an exacto knife or a small break off blade razor like this

 

[mjmccarron]

Didn't you have a perspective view? I used to teach 3D animation. It can take practice to go from a mental image of what you want and using a tool - computer or bit of paper - to make it. Cheers

This was before CAD. (I'm old). Most often, I would only have a 3 view to go from. I found it helpful to build models from manila file folder to help me visualize the finished product. I guess that's why FT is so appealing to me. We're talking early '80's here. Seeing your post took me back.

 

[CraigPMiller]

The fuselage was tricky - especially the narrow tail - Seems to be working.

 

[CraigPMiller]

This was before CAD. (I'm old). Most often, I would only have a 3 view to go from. I found it helpful to build models from manila file folder to help me visualize the finished product. I guess that's why FT is so appealing to me. We're talking early '80's here. Seeing your post took me back.

OLD! Join the club! I started doing CGI in the mid-80s on a Symbolics Lisp machine. (Had to get State Dept. approval to import it into NZ because it could calculate ballistic flight paths - but it couldn't render shadows! ) More power in your phone these days.

 

[CraigPMiller]

I have also found that cutting curves is hard because it beads up, and the knife always seems to cut at an angle.
Three recommendations:
1) use as sharp of a blade as possible
2) on straight sections use a wide blade to keep it straight (like a sharp utility knife blade) like this
View attachment 115237
3) on curves use a skinny blade like an exacto knife or a small break off blade razor like this
View attachment 115236

Yes. I'm working with two blade types, but getting the cuts square is still tricky.
Practice. Practice. Practice.
(But i don't want to go to Carnegie Hall! )

 

[CraigPMiller]

Wings were tricky - I hope the extra joins don't unbalance it.
I joined two A3 sheets to make each wing and put the joint at the polyhedral bend.
Too late to go flying today...