1/3 Scale SE5a Scratch Build

smcouch77 · 3 Weeks Ago

OK, here we go! I got my wing plans printed yesterday. I knew it was a big plane, but when I rolled the plan out on the bench, I realized just how big. One thing’s for sure. I’ll never misplace it!
The ribs are three sections of 1/8” balsa with 1/16”x 1/8” bass wood cap strips. I’ll be busy for awhile making these. There are a bunch of them.
Steve

Greyhead · 3 Weeks Ago

Now that is big, it makes your 1/6th scale look like a toy!

I’m going to enjoy this thread, at this scale you should be able to include every conceivable detail, I’ll be really jealous.

smcouch77 · 3 Weeks Ago

Thanks Grahame. I got a DVD today from a gent that worked on the restoration of 904 at the Shuttleworth Collection. Over 200 pics for me to pour over for the next couple of months! I'm in Hog Heaven!

Here are a couple of samples.
Steve

tigertc · 3 Weeks Ago

I have a spare 10 year old child when you're ready to test fly it!

smcouch77 · 3 Weeks Ago

Sorry Terry! That job's already spoken for.
Steve

smcouch77 · 3 Weeks Ago

I made some progress today. I made patterns in ModelCad and attached them to a stack of 1/8" balsa. I stack cut them using a band saw for the outside cuts and a scroll saw for the inside cuts. It took about one hour to cut the parts for 40 ribs.
I set up a jig on my building board, pin the parts in place, and wrap the cap strips around. I soak the front 1/4 of the strip to help it bend.
If I keep at it I may get to start framing wings this weekend.
Steve

tigertc · 3 Weeks Ago

Quote:

Originally Posted by smcouch77

Sorry Terry! That job's already spoken for.
Steve

Ace! make it the 2 seater version....Copilot?????

Calter · 3 Weeks Ago

Very nice

Greyhead · 3 Weeks Ago

That’s a neat idea making the ribs in sections; I wish I’d thought of that when making the centre section ribs for my SE5a. I ended up cutting most of the rib away at the spar positions, which resulted in ribs that required very delicate handling during the construction stage.

smcouch77 · 1 Week Ago

I started working on the wings this weekend. I did some research online, and found that fir is a good substitute for spruce. It’s a little heavier but it’s also a little stronger. But best of all, it’s available at the lumber yard. I ripped the spars to size on the table saw, and shaped the ends on the band saw. I drilled for all the brackets and cut the slots for the hinges. (I’m using regular hinges for the ailerons since they don’t show). The leading edge is 3/16 carbon fiber tube and the trailing edge is 1/16x1/2 carbon fiber sheet.
I routered out the area between the ribs 1/8” on both sides of the spars. This dropped 28 grams on the front spar and 21 grams on the rear. That’s almost ½ lb for the four wing panels. It was well worth the extra work.
Steve