The EXTRA 300 EXT Build Thread

[AKfreak]

I have fixed the minor damage to the fuse wooden structure

Before

I used a C-clamp to flatten the damaged area, then used thin CA to soak in while it was being held flat. Then I removed the clamp anf used thin CA again to soak in the whole damaged area.

Then I taped it off and sanded to with 120, 220 then 320 until it was nice and smooth.

Next I used the iron to flatten the covering in the surrounding area of the tear, then trimmed the damaged covering nice and neat and prepared it for the patch.

I used a piece of the scrap cover that I removed and ironed it on the repaired area just to see if I could notice if the sheeting was not smooth. To me It looks fine, and I am ready for my covering to arrive.

 

[AKfreak]

Here is what the inside of the plane's structure looks like.

The Firewall is pretty beefy.

So is the area that hold the rudder servo.

The landing gear area is nice and strong, the use Aluminium angle pieces to reinforce the block area.

Here is how the rear section of the Fuse is built. It's not pefect, but it looks plenty stout, only time will tell.

 

[Dr. Gonzo]

Actually pretty nice looking plane. The ailerons could be bigger but far from the worst I have seen! Good video's by the way.

 

[gyro]

enjoyed the videos and the photos so far. I actually kinda dig the covering scheme and the shape of the cowl. Glad you were able to fix up the damage so quickly.

Thanks for posting the unboxing and details, keep it coming along!

 

[3dNater]

[MENTION=3014]AKfreak[/MENTION]... use the robart hinges... you won't have good luck with CA hinges on the bigger planes. The robarts are pretty easy to install... some like to use gorilla glue. I prefer 15 min epoxy. I don't really trust the gorilla glue. Your mileage may vary. Before you glue them be sure to put some Vaseline or some other kind of solid oil on them. The last ones I did I used shortening out of the kitchen. The idea is to avoid getting any glue or epoxy in the hinge itself. Make sure you can get at least 45* of throw on those surfaces when you glue them.

 

[AKfreak]

I am one step closer to my build. I got my ESC and I ordered my motor for this and my 64" MX2 build.

That's some serious cash for two little motors

 

[3dNater]

They never feel like little motors when you hold them in your hand

 

[gyro]

They never feel like little motors when you hold them in your hand

especially not that 4330... it's an big animal!

 

[AKfreak]

[MENTION=3014]AKfreak[/MENTION]... use the robart hinges... you won't have good luck with CA hinges on the bigger planes. The robarts are pretty easy to install... some like to use gorilla glue. I prefer 15 min epoxy. I don't really trust the gorilla glue. Your mileage may vary. Before you glue them be sure to put some Vaseline or some other kind of solid oil on them. The last ones I did I used shortening out of the kitchen. The idea is to avoid getting any glue or epoxy in the hinge itself. Make sure you can get at least 45* of throw on those surfaces when you glue them.

The plane has Robart type hinges, i just don't know if I can trust them. I am sure they will be fine, but here's what they look like so you can judge for yourself. I know Robart brand hinges are BA, and I will most likely replace the ones that came with the kit with the real ones I think. (what do you think?)

The Made in China hinge.

Each control surface is pre drilled with hinges installed. (Five hinges on each aileron)

Also inside each airfoil where a hinge is placed lives a block. This block is hinge mount. (I think they did a good job on this kit, glue is a little sloppy. I guess better more than less, but I am always concerned with weight.

 

[AKfreak]

Here are some images to give you an idea of the wing structure.

This is the servo reinforcement plate.

A view from the outside in. Notice the vertical bracing as well (strong)

The inside of the leading edge.

Carbon fiber reinforced where it accepts the wing tube.

And the wing root extension pocket, and rear wing pin (I wish the pins were made of carbon)

Also the wing mounting bolts are socket head cap screws not nylon bolts (very strong)