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Flite Test Simple Cub

Posted: Sun Mar 15, 2020 8:43 pm
by MGC
Hi Folks!

Well, i smashed up my fms bf109 800mm one to many times. I decided to retire it and pull the electronics out, which lead to "what am i gona do with this stuff?" Build a plan from scratch naturally! :lol:

I never built an RC plane before, so after lots of research
I landed on building the Flite Test Simple Cub. I used dollar store foamboard and hot glue, and added a few small modifications like a steerable tail wheel. It was a joy to build and has some rather clever design work. The lads at Flite Test sure know their stuff!

Today I took it out for its maiden, kind of accidentally! I had it out seeing how it taxied and checking its ground handling, then a puff of head wind came at the same time that I gave it a throttle bump, and well, up she lept! There was no turning back! And let me tell you it flew like a dream. If anyone is looking for a great Flight Test build, i would highly recommend the simple cub!

Next I'll be painting it since it came back to earth in one peice. I'll post some photos when its finished.

Cheers!
Mark

Re: Flite Test Simple Cub

Posted: Mon Mar 16, 2020 5:56 pm
by bdg
Looks pretty great Mark! What was the overall cost? Just the foam? Did you remove the paper?

Thanks for sharing!

Re: Flite Test Simple Cub

Posted: Sun Mar 22, 2020 10:41 pm
by MGC
Thanks! It was a lot of fun to build. The total cost of materials (not including electronics and wheels) was under 10 dollars. The materials are dollar store foam board, hot glue, marker flag wire, packing tape and bbq skewers! The paper was left on for this design.

Stay safe out there! :D
Mark

Re: Flite Test Simple Cub

Posted: Mon Mar 23, 2020 10:24 am
by MGC
I've finished the paint! This is a color scheme based off a US Army Piper Cub. Won't have any trouble finding it in the bushes ;)

I used a mix of airbrush and bristle brush with acrylic paints. Everything on it has been painted, which was a challenge, but i didn't want to spend any money having decals made. I'm to cheap! lol

I airbrushed a wing rib effect by placing a sheet of paper across the wing and lightly spraying down the side of the paper, leaving a crisp edge simulating the rib of a wing. A simple little technique that really brings some life to the plane. I put a single coat of Pledge floor gloss over the paint to give it some protection from the damp mornings. It's great stuff, very light and brushes on easily. It's not hyper glossy either.

A great little trick for keeping the wheels on is to use a bit of fuel line to make a "cap". To make the rear tail wheel,I used some piano wire and placed it in a small straw filled with hot glue. Then glued it to the bottom of the rudder.

I installed a spektrum AR636 in it and found a nice mix for AS3X stabilization. On that note, i've been spending a lot of time learning how to program as3x on the AR636 receivers. if anyone has any questions or needs help tweaking one of these, please let me know and I'll be more than happy to help! The instructions are ... "lacking" to say it nicely. lol

Can't wait to fly this bird with her new paint!!

See you out there :)

Mark

Re: Flite Test Simple Cub

Posted: Mon Mar 23, 2020 11:36 am
by JohnOSullivan
Excellent Job Mark.
There is no better satisfaction in model flying than creating your own model. Beautiful finish on it.

Re: Flite Test Simple Cub

Posted: Sun Apr 05, 2020 3:29 pm
by MGC
Thanks John! I'm really enjoying the build process. Problem is, where am I going to put these planes so my wife doesn't kick me out! ;)

Re: Flite Test Simple Cub

Posted: Mon Apr 13, 2020 12:08 pm
by MGC
Built a little "engine" for the cub, attempting to model the Piper's distinctive motor and exhaust. Foam board, plastic straws and some dry brushing did the trick. I wanted to keep it simple looking to match the feel of the rest of the plane. Boy, they are some fuel efficient too! ;) hehe

Re: Flite Test Simple Cub

Posted: Mon Apr 13, 2020 2:32 pm
by yorcram
Very nice.
Going to make the wing 'V' struts?

Re: Flite Test Simple Cub

Posted: Mon Apr 13, 2020 3:01 pm
by MGC
Thanks!

Wing struts would look pretty slick wouldn't it. Now you got me thinkin'.... I do have some thin hollow fiberglass rods that might work. Well, off to the workbench then! :)

Re: Flite Test Simple Cub

Posted: Mon Apr 13, 2020 7:47 pm
by yorcram
Coffee stir sticks can work, or strip balsa to keep weight down. Attaching have a few options from velcro to screws, to glues. :D