Scale RCM 1/3 Scale Champ Build

[AKNick]

Definitely buy a sewing machine. Plus you can make some wing covers to keep the dust off! Such a useful tool!

 

[TonyHallo]

Discovered a friend has a portable sewing machine I can borrow, picking it up this afternoon while we play cards.
Did some more detailing in the cockpit area, cut a groove in the left side panel for the throttle control. Used a Dremel with a router attachment, the groove got messed up as the bit hit hardwood under the plywood, repaired the groove with SuperFill. Also drilled the mounting holes for the 3 1/4" gauges. The two smaller gauges must be mounted from the back like an automotive gauge. Made the mount for the fuel level gauge located on top of the dash from a 7/8 dowel, filled the sides with SuperFill as well. Need to get to Michaels for the seat cover material an hopefully they will have 1/2" wooden balls for the throttle control.
Thinking of putting the plane together and do a weight and balance. Thinking of using two of these for the batteries, https://hobbyking.com/en_us/zippy-compact-2100mah-2s3p-7-4v-receiver-pack.html, anyone out there use these before? They are a perfect size, both will fit under one seat.

 

[TonyHallo]

Put the Champ on the Walmart digital bathroom scale today for a weight and balance. The plane weights 34 1/2# currently needing to finish the fuselage and tail plane covering. Current calculated CG is spot on which will make the plane tail heavy once finished. Going to look and see what if anything can be done. It looks like the 40 pound estimate was close.

 

[TonyHallo]

When the landing gear was built several sets of springs were purchased not knowing what spring rate was needed. The lowest rate was installed, 18#/inch however they are collapsed under the current weight, have 23#/inch and 32#/inch available. Hope the 23# works.

 

[TonyHallo]

One final note for today, covered the landing gear struts with aluminum sheet. I think I'm finally done cutting, bending drilling aluminum.

 

[Snoopy1]

Reread most of the thread just to get back up to speed. Must say great build and some very good info and learnt a lot again, great build and thanks for doing it, I know it is a lot of work.

 

[TonyHallo]

Started working on cooling the engine, needed a baffle plate that is vertical at the engine centerline then slopes back to allow installation of the exhaust pipes. Cut a piece of 1/2" foam board to the measured angle, covered with clear package tape, and laid up two layers of 6 ounce cloth. The layup pops right off the package tape without any release agent.
The baffle will be glassed to the bottom half of the cowl. The openings for the cylinders will be fitted with sneak by baffles as well, this will keep the air flowing from the high to lower pressure areas in contact the cylinder fins for a longer period of time.

 

[TonyHallo]

Made the sneak by baffles in the same manner and fit the baffles over the cylinders. Also put a 1/2" flange around the top of the baffle to stiffen and make a close fit to the top of the cowl. It's not as pretty as I would like but it will be effective, a little flat black paint will hide most of the sins.

 

[Stevendavis]

Great work!!

 

[pawnshopmike]

Looks amazing!