1/2a c/l beginner build/combat wing

Hey Michael,

I wasn't sure if you totally wanted to avoid working with wood, or just wanted a simple balsa structure that builds quick and easy. My "Epoxy Bomb" is a scaled up (and thickened) version of one of Riley Wooten's flat-plate combat wings from the early 1960's...the "Lil Bomb".



Lil Bomb spans 18 inches, where Epoxy Bomb is slightly over 21". I wanted a simple 1/2A without as much "Zip" as Lil Bomb because, with a healthy engine up front, it's almost too fast for me to enjoy. Epoxy Bomb ought to fly just right with a little more tweaking.

I got a little carried away with elevator pylons and rudders on the first Epoxy Bomb, and am extending it's engine mount a bit to make up for all that weight in it's rear. It's descendant's (gonna build one for my bud, Patrick) will have just two rudders and pylon mounts for the elevators.



If you think you could use it, I'll take a photo of it laying on some poster paper, with it's dimensions noted like the Lil Bomb photo above. A bit crude, but that's the way I roll !

Also, Welcome to the Forum !!! Lots of fun stuff going on here !!!

That fluted plastic wing is awesome looking Mark. If I have leftover from my current project I am making one (I probably will have enough leftover for 2)

I built a platter extreme from fluted plastic
http://aeromaniacs.com/Freeplans.htm
and have flown it with my daughter a number of times. Very nearly bullet-proof after a few dozen crashes! The wing looks a lot easier to launch from a stooge using a wing wrap. My platter I hook onto a stick using the motor mount...it is dicey.

Phil

Mark Boesen wrote:

I built this and put an extended run tank Cox 049 on it, nothing special at all. Balanced right on the first try. I used 35 ft spectra Power Pro lines. Launches from a wing wrap stooge quite nicely...slightly wonky with full up on takeoff, but level launch setup is fine. 5x4 and 6x3 props work well, the 6x3 seems to pull better on this engine. I didn't try a 6x4.

I would call it underpowered on this engine. It is possibly my weakest engine. I was thrilled with the reliability I had from this engine.

With this setup it is a gentle performing level flight machine that can do high wing overs and inside loops. Inverted was fine on a full tank. This engine does not like inverted flight however. The asymmetrical wing does not require tip weight in either attitude.

While I did an overhead 8 with it, I almost crashed because the outside portion was so overlarge. I suspect the hinge is too stiff even though I cut 2 flutes to make a Z hinge and soften it up. I might remove windows from the hinge to soften it more.

After a few crashes the motor mount loosened up. I recommend gluing the motor mount (but don't know what glue to use) and double nutting the bolts (CA the nuts too). Since the layout line for 18 degrees was in sharpie and didn't wash out right away I was easily able to straighten the motor, tighten, and fly again.

I would recommend this plane as a trainer in this setup.

Phil

Hey Kim am loving the scaled up lil bomb will definitely have to have a go at that I have a scratch built combat wing but hasnt had its maiden yet when I'm finished with the gnat conversion will give this a go I think or maybe the lil bomb not to sure yet but looks a nice model for some fun are u using a tee dee or reedie on it ?

Well, I don't fly combat, so maybe 18 degrees is needed to keep line tension.

You might try running a reedie in reverse with a left handed prop to improve line tension.

This has worked well for me in the past.