IMAC Dalton 300 ml build thread.

[orthobird]

Thank you! As long as my wife lets me, I sneak to the shop and do a little bit here, and then a little bit there. TO me, it is the most relaxing thing to do. tomorrow, I will place the wings on the airplane, and then get a ball park idea on where the hard points go on the root of the wings, then glue them in, then I will glue on the root caps before sheeting the wings. Should be fun!!

 

[David Shriver]

Y'know with 4 wing panels you could try something new and build an Extra Biplane!

 

[orthobird]

I hear ya!!!THat would be cool!!!

 

[orthobird]

Just sanded down the phenolic tube support flush with the surface of the wing.
Started working on removing the glue from the root side, around the phenolic, which you want about 1/8" to stick out, so there is contact with the root cap. But, then, the battery for my dremel ran out, It is charging now, but I have to go to work, get back to it this evening.

 

[orthobird]

Got a lot of work done. Before I glue the turtle deck on, I wanted to do some fine minor details.

1st, I installed a conduit from the middle bay to the tail.

This will allow me to pass the extensions for the rudder and elevator servos.

 

[orthobird]

2nd, i needed to glue on the plywood hard points for the elevator/stab tabs.

 

[orthobird]

Then I moved on to getting the wings ready. I still cannot glue on the turtle deck, in that, I want to get a preliminary idea on where the hard points will go on the wing roots. SO this requires for me to place the fuselage inverted on my work bench. Although this is not required. But just the way I do it, since I do not have an assistant.

Before getting to this step, I need to trim the phenolics. Got my Dremel working again. Ok, to cut this tube, I used this Japanese saw. Have any of you ever seen this before>? It is extremely sharp, and it cuts as you pull on it.

 

[orthobird]

I use the root cap as a guide, before I cut it. Then I mark it with a Sharpie.
After cutting it, I use 80 grit sanding block to get it flush with the root cap.

 

[orthobird]

This is something I really like to demonstrate, as is an area in the build that can bring about confusion. Also, there is more than one way of doing this:

1. Skin the wings, then glue on the root caps.

or

2. Glue on the root caps, and then skin the foam wings.

I believe, if you glue the caps on 1st, then sheet it, this adds to the pull out strength of the wing bolts from the foam.
But I do not have scientific proof of this. Just my idea.

OK, one more important point, even though I am doing this step now. I still cannot glue on the caps until i get the fuselage on its side, and check the contact profile of the wing root onto the fuselage sides. It may require some sanding then rechecking before proceeding.

 

[Notorious B.E.N.]

I prefer to put the root caps on before sheeting too.