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scratch built 7m ASH 31

Posted: 10 Jul 2018, 23:14
by roo Hawkins
Hi, I started this about 6 weeks ago but it has been on hold. I am not planing to do one of my fast builds as I have a PT ASW 20 to do as well. I needed to start this so I can get over the fox build. I built a 5m ASH 31 about 3 years ago. It was OK but I wish I had made it in 1/3 scale. The fuz foam plug has been shaped but not filled and sanded plus the blue foam wing cores have been cut. I will post some more when more has been done.

Re: scratch built 7m ASH 31

Posted: 10 Jul 2018, 23:19
by roo Hawkins
Pictures

Re: scratch built 7m ASH 31

Posted: 10 Jul 2018, 23:21
by roo Hawkins
Wings

Re: scratch built 7m ASH 31

Posted: 11 Jul 2018, 06:58
by Simon WS
Looking good Roo!...

Si

Re: scratch built 7m ASH 31

Posted: 18 Oct 2018, 09:35
by roo Hawkins
Started to do a bit more on this plus I have ordered the glass and epoxy .doing bits in between outher models .to many repairs and builds.

Re: scratch built 7m ASH 31

Posted: 18 Oct 2018, 13:39
by Nigel Argall
Why the blue foam for the wings Roo? Is it just the obvious thing that it is stronger than EPS??

Re: scratch built 7m ASH 31

Posted: 18 Oct 2018, 13:41
by roo Hawkins
It makes a more accurate cut plus it is stronger

Re: scratch built 7m ASH 31

Posted: 18 Oct 2018, 16:10
by roo Hawkins
A bit more done today

Re: scratch built 7m ASH 31

Posted: 18 Oct 2018, 18:41
by Simon WS
Finished next week then Roo?!

Simon

Re: scratch built 7m ASH 31

Posted: 22 Oct 2018, 17:59
by roo Hawkins
Plug is now filled with wilco wall filler.just now need to sand and it is really for glassing

Re: scratch built 7m ASH 31

Posted: 22 Oct 2018, 18:02
by Simon WS
Looks like an icicle!

Re: scratch built 7m ASH 31

Posted: 31 Oct 2018, 14:38
by roo Hawkins
Glassed the fuz today 4 hours work. Carbon tape on tail boom day 1 next day 5 layers of 200gm glass.

Re: scratch built 7m ASH 31

Posted: 08 Nov 2018, 11:36
by roo Hawkins
Sanded all the glass with 60 grit. ready for filling with micro balloons then 2k filler.

Re: scratch built 7m ASH 31

Posted: 08 Nov 2018, 12:22
by Peter Balcombe
Looking good as usual Roo ;)

Re: scratch built 7m ASH 31

Posted: 11 Nov 2018, 20:56
by roo Hawkins
Filled with micro balloons

Re: scratch built 7m ASH 31

Posted: 16 May 2019, 12:03
by roo Hawkins
Started to work on the ash after a long time. Started to make spars carbon and wood sandwich.

Re: scratch built 7m ASH 31

Posted: 21 May 2019, 21:50
by roo Hawkins
Wing panels glued together and spar slot melted out with hot chisel.

Re: scratch built 7m ASH 31

Posted: 21 May 2019, 22:06
by Nigel Argall
Sounds crude but obviously works! How do you heat the chisel?

Re: scratch built 7m ASH 31

Posted: 22 May 2019, 15:08
by roo Hawkins
Heated with gas torch. It is crude but it works on blue foam ok. The spars are glued in with pu foaming glue after the carbon web is done the spar will have a 2in carbon tape on top .

Re: scratch built 7m ASH 31

Posted: 23 May 2019, 10:50
by roo Hawkins
Spars glued in and leading edge cut off ready for 4 mm ply and carbon tape web.

Re: scratch built 7m ASH 31

Posted: 31 May 2019, 09:51
by roo Hawkins
Wing joiners set in this morning. 18mm steel and 20 mm carbon tube fixed in with epoxy and carbon mix this is to set it it the right place it well then be carbon and epoxy reinforced later.

Re: scratch built 7m ASH 31

Posted: 01 Jun 2019, 14:32
by roo Hawkins
Carbon web glassed ply carbon sandwich

Re: scratch built 7m ASH 31

Posted: 06 Jun 2019, 11:30
by roo Hawkins
Leading edge fixed on and carbon tape on top of spar done. Started the outer panels.

Re: scratch built 7m ASH 31

Posted: 06 Jun 2019, 17:03
by roo Hawkins
first rig up

Re: scratch built 7m ASH 31

Posted: 09 Jun 2019, 15:14
by roo Hawkins
Outer wing joiner made up out of steel tube and glass reinforced with carbon.

Re: scratch built 7m ASH 31

Posted: 10 Jul 2019, 15:53
by roo Hawkins
Carbon d box glassed with 100gm ud and bi carbon cloth.

Re: scratch built 7m ASH 31

Posted: 17 Jul 2019, 19:10
by roo Hawkins
Bottom veneer skin has been epoxied on and carbon T.E added.

Re: scratch built 7m ASH 31

Posted: 17 Jul 2019, 21:36
by roo Hawkins
More pictures

Re: scratch built 7m ASH 31

Posted: 18 Jul 2019, 23:44
by roo Hawkins
More pictures

Re: scratch built 7m ASH 31

Posted: 28 Jul 2019, 19:57
by roo Hawkins
Wings cut out for kevlar hinges

Re: scratch built 7m ASH 31

Posted: 27 Aug 2019, 11:41
by roo Hawkins
Not a lot of work done latey but I have finished the hinges and removed the foam. There seems to be not a lot of interest in the thead so I may not be posting .but will up date maybe when finished

Re: scratch built 7m ASH 31

Posted: 27 Aug 2019, 14:19
by John Vella
Roo, I am interested and following your build. Keep posting . A very good friend of mine owns a full-size 31 at Aston Down.what a lovely sailplane. Regards John.

Re: scratch built 7m ASH 31

Posted: 27 Aug 2019, 14:37
by Jolly Roger
Always a pleasure to follow your posts Roo. Creativity is always worth sharing :)

Re: scratch built 7m ASH 31

Posted: 27 Oct 2019, 09:34
by roo Hawkins
Restarted the build. Wings filled ready for sanding and have started the tail bits.

Re: scratch built 7m ASH 31

Posted: 07 Nov 2019, 15:10
by roo Hawkins
A bit more work done ready for glassing with carbon.

Re: scratch built 7m ASH 31

Posted: 07 Nov 2019, 15:22
by MDev
Trouble is Roo, we can read faster than you can write, keep going.
M

Re: scratch built 7m ASH 31

Posted: 11 Nov 2019, 16:27
by roo Hawkins
Started to make the cockpit tray. Pvc foam sheet I had left from sailboard building from the 90s. This is perfect for making trays place it on the cockpit opening lay a heavy weight on it and then heat gun it and it will follow the shape of the cockpit. Finished off with blue foam. Will glass with glass cloth and carbon.

Re: scratch built 7m ASH 31

Posted: 12 Nov 2019, 11:45
by roo Hawkins
Glassed last night ready for fitting and sanding

Re: scratch built 7m ASH 31

Posted: 14 Nov 2019, 11:27
by roo Hawkins
A good morning's work done today. Carbon tow pulled though the outer joiner carbon layed on the bottom of the frame and pulled the canopy.

Re: scratch built 7m ASH 31

Posted: 25 Nov 2019, 14:36
by roo Hawkins
Frame finished and canopy glued on.

Re: scratch built 7m ASH 31

Posted: 25 Nov 2019, 17:22
by terry white
Thats looking great Roo. Can you also make them in red. :lol:

I think at a later date many modelers would like a step by step instructional thread on the highs and lows of pulling your own canopies.

Re: scratch built 7m ASH 31

Posted: 26 Nov 2019, 17:11
by roo Hawkins
Thanks mate. There already is one on how to make a canopy.

Re: scratch built 7m ASH 31

Posted: 05 Dec 2019, 10:22
by roo Hawkins
Prototype number 3 made for canopy hinge copy of topmodel hinge for front lifting canopy.

Re: scratch built 7m ASH 31

Posted: 05 Dec 2019, 17:35
by John Vella
Roo, very neat canopy hinge. Regards John.

Re: scratch built 7m ASH 31

Posted: 08 Dec 2019, 15:40
by roo Hawkins
John Vella wrote: 05 Dec 2019, 17:35 Roo, very neat canopy hinge. Regards John.
Thanks John it was not easy to do.

Re: scratch built 7m ASH 31

Posted: 19 Dec 2019, 15:25
by roo Hawkins
Wings now covered with vinyl. Just need to cover the flappy bits.

Re: scratch built 7m ASH 31

Posted: 19 Dec 2019, 16:21
by Peter Balcombe
Very nice Roo :)

Re: scratch built 7m ASH 31

Posted: 05 Jan 2020, 16:06
by roo Hawkins
Last bit of covering finished

Re: scratch built 7m ASH 31

Posted: 06 Jan 2020, 19:55
by SteveArchibald
Looks brilliant like it was said earlier a pointer to some topics on vac forming would be great.

Superb build

Re: scratch built 7m ASH 31

Posted: 07 Jan 2020, 09:30
by John Vella
Roo, well done this build is turning into a lovely model. The added bonus is you will end up with a model with a superb flight performance at a fraction of the cost of a European glass ship. Regards John.

Re: scratch built 7m ASH 31

Posted: 07 Jan 2020, 13:11
by roo Hawkins
SteveArchibald wrote: 06 Jan 2020, 19:55 Looks brilliant like it was said earlier a pointer to some topics on vac forming would be great.

Superb build
Have a look here. viewtopic.php?f=39&t=1630

Re: scratch built 7m ASH 31

Posted: 07 Jan 2020, 13:13
by roo Hawkins
John Vella wrote: 07 Jan 2020, 09:30 Roo, well done this build is turning into a lovely model. The added bonus is you will end up with a model with a superb flight performance at a fraction of the cost of a European glass ship. Regards John.
Thanks John. It has been a difficult build

Re: scratch built 7m ASH 31

Posted: 08 Jan 2020, 07:36
by SteveArchibald
Brilliant Thanks

Re: scratch built 7m ASH 31

Posted: 16 Jan 2020, 13:45
by roo Hawkins
Finally paint for some reason I can not upload photos anymore is there anything wrong with this site

(Well it works for me, must be you Andrew. 8-) 8-) , BC)

Re: scratch built 7m ASH 31

Posted: 06 Feb 2020, 17:19
by roo Hawkins
See if this works. Glider rigged up today

Re: scratch built 7m ASH 31

Posted: 15 Feb 2020, 15:16
by roo Hawkins
A few more bits done now needs graphics and radio.

Re: scratch built 7m ASH 31

Posted: 15 Feb 2020, 16:41
by John Vella
Roo, great work, nearly there. The Maughmer Winglets really look great on the ASH31. Regards John.

Re: scratch built 7m ASH 31

Posted: 24 Feb 2020, 17:17
by ColinP
May I ask what Vinyl you use Roo, and where do you get it from. Reason for asking is I have a refurbished Wik Astir, the wings of which need re-covering and I am reluctant to spray them as I don't think the paint will adhere well to the old epoxy painted surface which was peeling all along the leading edge and required a lot of restoration.
Thanks
Colin.

Re: scratch built 7m ASH 31

Posted: 25 Feb 2020, 08:34
by roo Hawkins
I get it from zoom signs on eBay for £9 for 5m or £17 for 10m.

Re: scratch built 7m ASH 31

Posted: 26 Feb 2020, 18:47
by ColinP
Thanks Roo
Really appreciate the response.
I’ll order 10m and give vinyl a go.

Love your models by the way.
regards Colin

Re: scratch built 7m ASH 31

Posted: 03 Apr 2020, 17:46
by roo Hawkins
Not much work done latey. But have fitted rc and set up .started logo's I think I now not in a rush to get finished with all the lock down

Re: scratch built 7m ASH 31

Posted: 03 Apr 2020, 18:49
by Jolly Roger
Looks fantastic Roo! I love your DIY approach to all aspects of modelling.

Nice to see my old Vega fin in the background too. ;)

Re: scratch built 7m ASH 31

Posted: 05 Apr 2020, 19:19
by SedB
Nice!!
Did you print the decals your self, or are the off the shelf?

Daniel

Re: scratch built 7m ASH 31

Posted: 05 Apr 2020, 21:30
by roo Hawkins
I cut them out of vinly myself. They are very simple design to do.

Re: scratch built 7m ASH 31

Posted: 08 Apr 2020, 17:22
by roo Hawkins
Logos finished

Re: scratch built 7m ASH 31

Posted: 09 Apr 2020, 16:20
by roo Hawkins
Last post before maiden but do not know when looking like it might be next year. This is the last big build I am doing running out of space and I am now fed up with building. But I will be hopefully doing a pat teakle glider build sometime.

Re: scratch built 7m ASH 31

Posted: 09 Apr 2020, 16:53
by Jolly Roger
Man that looks good! You must be proud, although I can imagine why you’re exhausted.

Good luck with the maiden flight, whenever that might be...

Re: scratch built 7m ASH 31

Posted: 09 Apr 2020, 19:29
by B Sharp
Just the business Roo.
Brian. :)

Re: scratch built 7m ASH 31

Posted: 10 Apr 2020, 08:53
by John Vella
Roo, well done with sticking with it. Lovely job to produce a glider of this complexity from scratch. Regards John.

Re: scratch built 7m ASH 31

Posted: 10 Apr 2020, 09:05
by Barry_Cole
Not only a great glider, but you managed to get some decent photos at last.

:D 8-) :D 8-) :D

BC

Re: scratch built 7m ASH 31

Posted: 24 May 2020, 22:09
by roo Hawkins
Great day on the mynd for maiden. No problem

Re: scratch built 7m ASH 31

Posted: 24 May 2020, 22:41
by B Sharp
Well done Roo. By the way, do you use that big white thing to measure your social distancing? :D :D :D
Brian.

Re: scratch built 7m ASH 31

Posted: 24 May 2020, 23:49
by MDev
Nah, he only learnt to count in tens!

Re: scratch built 7m ASH 31

Posted: 25 May 2020, 11:23
by Phill Tadman
Nice one Roo!

Re: scratch built 7m ASH 31

Posted: 25 May 2020, 15:07
by Nigel Argall
Well done Roo! Outstanding!

Re: scratch built 7m ASH 31

Posted: 25 May 2020, 16:36
by Barry_Cole
And more photos...

:D :D :D :D

BC

Re: scratch built 7m ASH 31

Posted: 25 May 2020, 17:11
by John Vella
Well done Roo. It is at moments like this that you realise all that work is well worthwhile. Regards John.

Re: scratch built 7m ASH 31

Posted: 25 May 2020, 18:52
by Keith
Well done Roo.

Re: scratch built 7m ASH 31

Posted: 25 May 2020, 22:15
by roo Hawkins
Link to video

Re: scratch built 7m ASH 31

Posted: 25 May 2020, 22:43
by Antonia
Well done Roo, nice wing flex :D

Re: scratch built 7m ASH 31

Posted: 01 Feb 2021, 15:57
by roo Hawkins
Slowly motivating my self. So I thought I would start to modify my ash 31. There was a few things that I was not happy with so I added a titanium grade 23 joiners. Lowering the weight of more than 600g. Removed some lead outility of the nose. Was not happy with crow only so have made air brakes and fitted. Also not happy with the dihedral so a bit of surgery and removed the carbon joiners and reset with more carbon. For some reason the top veneer has been having small cracking in a few places but is still glued to the carbon and foam. So I have stripped off the vinyl and will glass.

Re: scratch built 7m ASH 31

Posted: 01 Feb 2021, 16:00
by roo Hawkins
Pic

Re: scratch built 7m ASH 31

Posted: 01 Feb 2021, 21:17
by Phill Tadman
Looking forward to seeing it fly!

Phill

Re: scratch built 7m ASH 31

Posted: 02 Feb 2021, 09:13
by john greenfield
Welcome back Roo :lol: :lol: :lol:
AEB

Re: scratch built 7m ASH 31

Posted: 02 Feb 2021, 18:51
by catwok
Looking forward to launching it again Rooster... NOT! :lol: