1/5 Scale Slingsby T51 Dart 17.

[B Sharp]

The dart build is progressing once again. I have started on the right hand wing build and it is going reasonably well. The plan shows servo trays in the wing for ailerons and brakes. However I am putting servos out at the aileron positions and I will use electronic brakes. This means that there will be a little bit of modification required. The wing extension to make a 17 rather than a 15 wing has gone ok so far.
I have left my bench untidy this time for the photo in an effort to help Barry Cole's "TIDY" anxiety problem.
Brian.

[Barry_Cole]

I feel so much better now.....



BC

[terry white]

Hi Brian, I couldn't work with such an untidy bench.

[B Sharp]

I know what you mean Terry, it is absolutely atrocious, but you have to take Barry's sensibilities into account.
Brian.

[B Sharp]

This has to be the slowest build that I have ever done. However it has been bucketing rain today so I have managed to spend several hours in the workshop.
The wing joiner boxes and their packing pieces were slid into place and glued up. At the moment there is no easy way for me to check their alignment so I will just have to trust in the laser cutting. The webbing between the spars has been added, 1/16 ply at the wing root and 1/16 balsa the rest of the way to the tip.
The upper leading edge sheeting has been glued and pinned in place. I nearly ran out of pins! I also cut out the slots for the airbrakes and dry – fitted the assembly in place. I have uses 0.225 electric units from “Gliders” as I have found them to be reliable in the past and it saves me messing about with servos and pushrods.
The weather forecast for the next few days is a bit variable so I suspect I will get some more of the upper surface sheeting in place quite soon.
Brian.

[Peter Balcombe]

Looking good Brian.

[B Sharp]

The top surface sheeting is now almost complete and has been trimmed up round the edges. The more observant among you will have noticed that I have opted for the more scale like open structure inner trailing edge rather than the all sheeted version. Having said that, at fifty feet no-one will know the difference (except me of course).
I have now started the underside sheeting. I am keeping my fingers crossed that I haven’t forgotten to install anything crucial before it is all closed off.
Brian.

[B Sharp]

Well that’s one wing now basically complete. The underside sheeting and rib caps have been added. The servo bay has been cut and prepped for the aileron servo. The wing tip and leading edge have been added and the whole wing sanded to shape.
I have also fitted the electric air brake, capped it and sanded it all to the wing profile. I am quite pleased with the finished panel as it is very light and fairly stiff.
The next job will be to repeat the process on the other (left) wing.
Note to self: Make sure it’s the left wing, make sure it’s the left wing, make sure it’s the ..................
Brian.

[Cliff Evans]

Brian, don't make another wing for the right-hand side. You must make the right wing for the Left-hand side. Try not to get confused.

[B Sharp]

Gee, That was helpful Cliff! I can now look forward to Barry's little gem of wisdom.
Brian.