Skyray 35 Build - Faux Streak look

Thanks. As easy as others make these builds look, it's been quite hard for me. Granted, next time wouldn't be so much but I'm relieved to finally be on the home stretch. I'm proud of how it's turning out.
Rusty

All ribs checked for nicks and cracks, minor sanding done, Urethane is on the fuse and looks good. Landing gear is mounted, Fuel tank is mounted, engine is temp mounted until bearers arrive. Decals printed, Monokote goes on the wing tomorrow if I'm up for it.

Also I have not weighed this thing yet. It's tail heavy without the muffler and Monokote.  Hooo, gotta install the tail wheel. Mine is rotten and crusty. Might turn down a wood 1/2A wheel to go back there.
I know y'all are bored shirtless with this neverending build dragging on... I promise it will fly by next weekend.

I bolted on a 9x4 Topflite Power point. How's that sound for an FP25?

Rusty

roddie wrote:COOL airplane man!!!! I really like that look! I started packing-up the bearers tonight.. and then I was called for dinner. You should have them by Friday. What size tail-wheel and hub do you need? I may have one in my wheel-box. Do you need a collar for it too?

I usually manage to scavenge a collar and drill it bigger if necessary. It will be on 3/32" wire and the wheel will be in the 1/2-3/4" range. That's not a big deal, I can make a skid work easily too. Thanks Roddie.

The plane is looking really good Rusty. WOW!

Great building. Cant wait to see it in colours.

Theo

Looks Really Good there Rusty , I know you put a lot of hard work into this build after the maiden flight alittle trimming I believe you will have another trophy winner there!!    Eric

Man I wanted some Monokote on it bad by tonight. I started putting gussets on the wingtips today, Went out to finish after supper, but it wasn't to be. Hot in the shop, 94% humility. I got 8 out of 12 cut and glued and just ran out of gas. Tomorrow it will be easy again. Here's what I was working on. The last piece of anything to be made and glued for this plane. I did make and install the tailwheel today. Well I didn't make the wheel, but, you know what I mean

Three on the top and three on the bottom of each wingtip. Each one custom made.

Construction, sanding, final checks for hidden rib cracks, it's all done. The table is cleaned off and ready for decorating to begin. Whew! I probably spent way more detail and energy than was ever meant to go into a Skyray. I hope my first build of a pattern ship rewards me.
Rusty

Well, let's see it!

Cribbs74 wrote:Well, let's see it!

Hey Ron, I will. I'll take some walk-around pictures and make a slideshow that summarizes the build from start to finish. That might be interesting and hopefully helpful to someone.

Ian, here is a thread debating Sig control line kits that may be of interest to you:
http://stunthanger.com/smf/index.php/topic,36195.0.html

Rusty

P.S. Guess what's on the table now.

Hi Rusty,

I am a member of that site and have not posted a single entry. I do not like the argumentative diatribe that grows in some of the threads. I like people to be able to express opinions without vitriol. That is why I like this forum. I prefer facts.

I did find it interesting that Sig are continuing to make kits - maybe I will get the Banshee I have been looking for eventually.

I do not like the quality of materials I found in the Sig Skyray kit but it wasn't expensive. Here, plans from articles recently published in Aeromodeller are £11 ($16).

A Sig Skyray kit is currently $57 (£40). The KK Radian kit (1/2A) that I built for RTP was £59.95 ($90) - this was produced by a one man band and the materials were excellent. Smaller but 50% more expensive.

I believe I got what I paid for even though I am going to change the build. I also have the Akromaster, Twister and the baby Skyray. The contents of these kits look much better.

The RSM P40 is $120, similar size to the Skyray , I have the RSM P51 ($80) and the materials are choice but a lot more expensive than Sig. Horses for courses.

ian1954 wrote:Hi Rusty,

I am a member of that site and have not posted a single entry. I do not like the argumentative diatribe that grows in some of the threads. I like people to be able to express opinions without vitriol. That is why I like this forum. I prefer facts.

I know.

RknRusty wrote:

ian1954 wrote:Hi Rusty,

I am a member of that site and have not posted a single entry. I do not like the argumentative diatribe that grows in some of the threads. I like people to be able to express opinions without vitriol. That is why I like this forum. I prefer facts.

I know.

I'm a member as well and find I generally get prompt, informative responses to my questions from experienced modelers. It's a wealth of information. But man there are some grumpy old curmudgeons that get their shorts in a bunch over nothing.

Jim

A lot of those are the stunt "specialists" of yesteryear, but I really enjoy some of the guys too. I've mentioned troubles and had unsolicited helpful things show up in the mail, and returned the favors to others just like here. You just have to remember it is a larger group, so more personalities in the mix, not the smalltown charm of CEF.  

Cribbs74 wrote:Well, let's see it!

Here's one last look before I started ironing om Monokote tonight. Not much you haven't seen before but just a last look before it's ll hidden.

Each of the 4 wing panels will weigh just less than 18grams. I was surprised it was that heavy, so by the time I finish it'll have 2-3 ounces of covering on it. If you recall I weighed it with engine, muffler, tank, everything but the little gussets I did last thing. it was 29.9 ounces then. Getting heavy.





The bottom outboard panel is now blue.
I'll do that build, start to finish slideshow soon. That should be cool.
Rusty

No fancy decorations yet, but it looks pretty good in its sky blue. I still have to paint the tail fin and canopy. Decals, etc. Come hell or high water she maidens Saturday.

Well done, Rusty.

andrew wrote:Well done, Rusty.

Hi Andrew. I've come a long way since we first met back in about 2010. Count yourself as one of my major influences. Thanks.
Rusty

So Streaky!  

Good job Rusty, crank it and bank it! Then post video. 

I shot it with Lustrekote so I can go ahead and mount the engine and tank. Making decals now. Here's one I made for the nose cheek. Wherever there is white will be silver once applied.


And another but I think I like #1 better.


I'm working on a tail fin decal now. Tomorrow I'll start cutting the silver Monokote wing feather designs that will span the wings. I think a silver sunburst on the stab will be easy enough. I wish I'd never put primer on the rudder fin. I tried to Monokote it and it won't stick.
I'll show you whatever I come up with.
Rusty

It is looking great Rusty.

I also cannot believe the monokote is so heavy.

The number 1 decal is a beauty. She is going to look stunning!!

Cant wait to see the finished product.

Theo

It will be interesting to see the final weight. According to a few postings elsewhere the standard kit build would end up somewhere between 35 and 36 oz.

I have seen "lightened" version described as 30, 31 and 31.6 oz. There was a 34 oz somewhere.

I am following your build and am glad you have been keeping a weight score.

I know you have built light with the proverbial "contest" balsa but then you have added the undercart, wing tips for more character, adjustable leadouts ...............

I will be interested in the final tally.

Yeah, Ian, she's eating a lot of sugar. We'll see.