Sig Kobra build thread
I am starting to build a Sig Mfg. Kobra. There are a few mods I am going to do to the plane: Mech. Retracts, convert to tail dragger, Sheet entire wing, Fiberglass Fuse and wing, Finish the model using automotive paint and clear coat. Should be interesting to say the least. I am documenting the entire build with pics and breif desc. If you see a better way to accomplish something, throw it out there.
Here are the Specs on the plane:
Sig Mfg. Kobra airplane kit # RC-53
Wingspan: 45"
Engine: .19 to .35(I'll using an OS 32sx)
Weight: 3 to 3.5 lbs.
Man, that is going to be nicccce! I look forward to the build.
Well I got a little done tonite. The both wing skeletons are complete and joined. The build on this plane easy and moves quickly. Next, I will sheet the top of the wing. I can't sheet the bottom until I get my retracts from Tower next week.
How do you lay your plans out? what kind of backing? Is that plastic over the plans?
Rey,
I use a "Great Planes" 36" building board for small builds. On larger planes I use 2' x 4' ceiling tile from Home Depot $6-7. T-pins stick easily to both. I cover the plans w/kitchen cling wrap. I used to use wax paper, works fine but the CA glue tends to stick to it.
The best thing I've used is the clear Monokote backing, non-stick, thicker than cling wrap and very clear. Tower sells the monokote plan cover material, but I'm cheap.
I really want to try my hand a that. watching this is really gonna be helpfull.
Rain today, a good time to work on the build! No yard work. The fuse has the layout printed right on them, easy to build a left and right not two left sides. I got the fuse rough built and had to stop again to wait for parts to arrive. I built the Stab and tail and will attempt to glass them Sunday.
The intructions are clear and they give you tips along the way.
Rey- a good first build would be a "Great Planes" kit. They all fly well and the instructions are good. The Sig kits tend to have spots that say, "Make this block, Look like this".
Matt- The ceiling tiles work great, just make sure you have a flat, level surface under them.
I glassed the stab and tail. I also took weights of the parts prior to glassing to see what the weight penalty would be over Moneykote.
Heres a quick description of the method I used.
Be sure to sand and fill balsa parts to make them smooth. It's easier to do it now.
Big Brown left me goodies on the doorstep today. I got the retract suports roughed in tonight, very rough. lol.
Big Brown left me goodies on the doorstep today[image]. I got the retract suports roughed in tonight, very rough. lol.
[image]-patrick
How did the retracts come along? I am putting mech retracts in my spare p-51 wing, and I am trying to figure out the best way to do it.
The retracts were the usual fuss. I did find a good article with a few good tips:
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1015996
Nice! That is the exact wing I am putting them in! I guess that works well for me
Well I kinda blew it on the build thread. My ADD got me again. I just built and did not take pics.
Here is the finished product. With all the mods: Sheeting the wing, adding retracts, Glassing, paint and running a 5 cell batt(6v), I came in at an AUW of 4lbs 2 oz. It's about 12 oz. over the advertised weight. Over half of that is the retract servo and gear. So the Glassing did not add that much weight.
WOW! I can't wait to see it live.I'm impressed. that looks great.
Nice job Patrick. Well done, that is just pretty.
