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TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE**

Posted: 31 Jan 2020, 17:19
by chris williams
Having flown Motley's version, I have to have one too: a perfect companion for the 1/4 scale Flamingo. My only worry is that having cut out the first parts today as a European, will the subsequent parts still fit tomorrow...? :D :D :D
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Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 31 Jan 2020, 17:39
by geoff_crew
Don't worry, they're bound to fit up to a 12 months time and by then even you should have it finished :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
and not only that, if it flies like mine it'll be your greatest creation yet :D :D

Geoff

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 02 Feb 2020, 12:04
by chris williams
Being a bit nervous about all the talk of non-alignment and divergence, I bit the bullet and cut out the remaining parts before the 11.00 pm deadline...

Now everything seems to fit perfectly... ;)
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Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 03 Feb 2020, 06:22
by SedB
The Petrel is a gorgeous glider, I for sure will stay tuned to this build :D !!
Daniel

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 03 Feb 2020, 08:31
by Trevor
Trouble is, you'll probably have this one finished before the 1/5 scale build I started back in November!

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 03 Feb 2020, 10:24
by VinceC
Trevor, I just checked your website and full marks on an interesting visit. I particularly enjoyed the videos and write up on your Rapide, one of my favourite aircraft of all time

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 03 Feb 2020, 22:30
by chris williams
For monocoque fuselages, the half-shell method of construction is pretty quick, provided you take precautions to keep the fuselage straight. Once the first side has has enough of the 1.5mm ply curved planking applied, the second side comes together very quickly. The small ply plates on F4 transfer the loads from unplanned landings from the thicker ply at the front to the thinner ply at the rear. (Trust me, it works!) The extra longeron is a left-over from the smaller version, and helps to carry the hand-launching loads...
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Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 06 Feb 2020, 10:11
by chris williams
The short hiatus due to being dragged off to fly yesterday is over... The 1.5mm ply planking at the front is applied in strips of three planks, each being partly cut into the ply and then bent to form a curvature to follow the contour of the fuselage. The important thing is that the fit does not have to be perfect, as the area will be filled on the outside and glassed inside. The result is a very tough and ding-proof front end for the fuselage, adding weight where it counts...
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Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 07 Feb 2020, 09:40
by chris williams
With the planking completed, time to put a little ecclesiastical plumbum as far forward as possible before applying any filler. Now that all the bracing is in place, the rear of the fuselage is rigid, and well able to cope with the strains of wrapping ply around it...
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Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 07 Feb 2020, 11:17
by SedB
You build at the speed of light :o
Since I'm not an experienced builder, I learn a lot from this, so thanks for sharing!!

Looking great so far!

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 07 Feb 2020, 16:45
by Peter Balcombe
SedB wrote: 07 Feb 2020, 11:17 You build at the speed of light :o
Since I'm not an experienced builder, I learn a lot from this, so thanks for sharing!!

Looking great so far!
Seb,
Think time-lapse photography ;)

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 07 Feb 2020, 19:58
by chris williams
Actually, there are hidden benefits to building at the speed of light...Thanks to Einstein's work on Time Dilation Theory, by the time this build is completed I will have aged only a few hours, whereas you lot will be many years older 8-)
(In fact, if I could just speed up a little more, I could finish the Petrel before I even started it)

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 08 Feb 2020, 10:11
by chris williams
On this version, I have included a de-bananariser for the tail end in the form of a 3mm lite ply template to sit between the spars and keep the tail end straight...

The filler for the nose needs to be applied in stages, 3 or 4 usually, otherwise gravity will cause bulges to form that will need extra elbow grease to remove...
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Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 09 Feb 2020, 10:05
by chris williams
Before much more can be done to the fuselage, the rear end needs to be sorted out. I have always found it best to set up the AMT as far as possible, before finally attaching the fin to the fuselage...
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Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 10 Feb 2020, 10:23
by chris williams
The AMT leading edges are made up from solid balsa, tapered and sanded to shape. The Fin is covered with 0.6mm ply, ready for setting up the AMT
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Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 11 Feb 2020, 09:35
by chris williams
For builders of the Petrel, the all-moving tail poses a bit of a dilemma... A quick bit of History: there were three Petrels built originally; one crashed, two remain. The best known of the two is Graham Saw's red Petrel, but here's the rub...Sometime during its history, the AMT was substituted with a conventional tailplane, that of a Rhonbussard if I remember correctly. I think most would agree that the AMT is a much more elegant shape than the substitute, so here we have a situation where even the iconic full size is not 'scale'. (The other 'scale' Petrel has been beautifully restored to it's original wood & varnish finish in the USA)
So, I make no apologies for using the original tailplane set up. I hope the diagram makes clear how it works: the tube in the fin hosts the AMT joiner bar, and the bellcrank rotates around the tube in the fin...
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Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 11 Feb 2020, 11:21
by Cliff Evans
You could give the option on both tailplanes Chris. I know it is more work but.....

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 11 Feb 2020, 12:53
by chris williams
I can offer the drawing from my 3.5 scale version, scaled down, but I'm not building two fuselages...!
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Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 11 Feb 2020, 14:26
by Barry_Cole
I can offer the drawing from my 3.5 scale version, scaled down, but I'm not building two fuselages...!

Go on, you know you want to....

8-) 8-) 8-) 8-)

BC

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 11 Feb 2020, 15:44
by Cliff Evans
It would only take you 5 mins with your time machine!

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 12 Feb 2020, 00:24
by chris williams
I think you're confusing my Time Machine with my Microwave Bed (8 hours sleep in ten minutes)

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 12 Feb 2020, 07:43
by Cliff Evans
Hmm, I have one of those!

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 12 Feb 2020, 09:05
by chris williams
A quick diversion to the front end to remove the temporary formers and beef up the cockpit aperture edges with 3 x 6mm spruce strip.
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Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 13 Feb 2020, 09:57
by chris williams
With the cockpit area glassed and the servos fitted, attention now moves to fitting the fin to the fuselage...
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Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 14 Feb 2020, 09:44
by chris williams
After checking the fit of the fin, it's time to put the rudder together....
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Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 15 Feb 2020, 11:03
by chris williams
The rudder is completed by adding the solid balsa aerodynamic balance at the front. I've made my usual mistake with the rear ply sheeting by not allowing for the thickness of the fin post...
With the tail feathers completed, the fin can now be epoxied to the fuselage, using a vertical guide in the cockpit to help with alignment...
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Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 15 Feb 2020, 11:20
by Barry_Cole
. I've made my usual mistake with the rear ply sheeting by not allowing for the thickness of the fin post...

Rooky mistake. Once you have built a few you get it right first time.

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

BC

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 16 Feb 2020, 11:37
by chris williams
The top ply sheeting on the fuselage is 0.6mm ply. Thanks to Motley for pointing out its existence! It seems an excellent compromise between the flimsy .0.4mm ply and the much-harder-to-bend 0.8mm ply. Work on the rear end continues...
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Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 16 Feb 2020, 12:19
by Cliff Evans
Where are you getting the .6 from Chris.

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 16 Feb 2020, 12:21
by chris williams
SLEC do it...

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 16 Feb 2020, 12:29
by Peter Balcombe
Swindon Aircraft Company is a couple of £ cheaper than SLEC if you get the full sheet. ;)
Peter

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 17 Feb 2020, 08:03
by john greenfield
Peter Balcombe wrote: 16 Feb 2020, 12:29 Swindon Aircraft Company is a couple of £ cheaper than SLEC if you get the full sheet. ;)
Peter
Not when you add on the postage !!

AEB

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 17 Feb 2020, 11:20
by chris williams
Rudder cable guides are from Bowden outers: the stuff from Gliders in nice and straight, and perfect for the job...
Due the sharpish curve at the rear, the lower ply sheeting is glued in the middle first, then, when the PVA has dried, the lower edges simultaneously glued in place with tensioned masking tape...
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Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 18 Feb 2020, 08:55
by chris williams
A quick look at the root and tip wing ribs shows just how tapered the Petrel wings are...! In its earliest stage, the wing is assembled flat on the board before being hoisted up on to the supports in order to add the top spar. The gentle angle of the gull break means that the 5mm sq spars aren't overly distressed at being forced into the correct angle.
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Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 18 Feb 2020, 10:47
by SedB
Nice progress Chris!
The ribs (before assembly) look very fragile to me, guess I'd manage to break while testfitting! :lol:

Daniel

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 19 Feb 2020, 11:39
by chris williams
Med/hard 2.4mm balsa, Dan...strong enough!

With the basic wing structure taped to the gull supports, the top spar can be added, as well as the 0.8mm ply reinforcements to the rear of the ribs...
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Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 20 Feb 2020, 11:47
by chris williams
The wing joiner boxes are 16mm & 13mm respectively. The all-important sub spar is let in against the ply web plates on the front of the main spar (10 minute job per spar)
The sheeting will be 1.5mm hard balsa..
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Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 21 Feb 2020, 11:50
by chris williams
With both sub spars added, the lower sheeting can be glued in place. Thanks to the gentle gull angle, this can be achieved in one piece...
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Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 22 Feb 2020, 09:05
by chris williams
In a similar manner to the sub spars, the diagonal sheeting supports at the root are retro-fitted. The wing is weighed down on its jigging supports for the addition of the top sheeting. This, too, can be fitted in one piece, although it will put up a bit of a fight! After clamping the rear of the sheeting to the spar, masking tape at the front will force the sheeting into submission. As a precaution, the inner panel TE is clamped to a straight edge to preserve its integrity...
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Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 23 Feb 2020, 11:35
by chris williams
Time to close off the wing roots, now...BTW the long sanding block is a very useful tool: this one is simply a length of 6mm balsa sheet with 40 grit strips glued to both sides. This, and the 80 grit version, are good for many jobs, especially where a straight edge is required...
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Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 24 Feb 2020, 09:49
by chris williams
There'a purpose to letting all the brass tubes protrude from the wing roots... To make up the wing root fairing liners for the fuselage, a 1.5mm ply blank is pressed up against the wing root in order to make an impression in the strategically placed double piece of masking tape... This is then cut out and the blank placed over the protruding wing joiner box and the process repeated for the incidence peg tube. The blank can then be offered up again to the wing root and the wing profile drawn on it before cutting it to shape...(Takes longer to explain than to actually do!)
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Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 25 Feb 2020, 09:41
by chris williams
Now it's time for the tricky bit..attaching the wings to the fuselage... they have to be correctly aligned in 3 axis: parallel to the AMT, at right angles to the fuselage and set at the correct angle of attack: the pics should tell the story...
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Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 26 Feb 2020, 09:58
by chris williams
Once the problems of alignment have been sorted, the brass box can be glued in place, thus allowing the ends to be trimmed off, prior to offering up the wings and finalising the wing root fairings...
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Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 27 Feb 2020, 09:41
by chris williams
Scrap TE stock is ideal for filling in the spaces in the wing root fairings. A final application of thin CA, and it's time to start adding the filler...
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Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 28 Feb 2020, 09:59
by chris williams
With the initial application of filler blocked back, the fit of the wings can be finalised. Always a good idea to separate the wings before the filler has fully cured ;)
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Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 29 Feb 2020, 10:02
by chris williams
Having finished off the sheeting of the fuselage, it's time to make up the ailerons. For simplicity and extra efficiency, these are top-hinged and sealed underneath with Mylar strip. Built flat on the board, it's important to ensure the LE is flush to the board when adding the ribs. The whole thing can be built with CA, and goes together surprisingly quickly...
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Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 01 Mar 2020, 15:14
by chris williams
Next up: the spoilers...
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Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 02 Mar 2020, 15:49
by chris williams
Moving on to the canopy, the side rails are made up from 2 lams of 3 x 6mm spruce strip, held to the side of the fuz in order to take up the curve, and packed out to allow for spring-back... The frame is made up inside the cockpit aperture. 7 sets of 10mm diameter magnets have been used this time around, as the 4 sets in the Flamingo didn't seem all that secure...
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Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 03 Mar 2020, 09:43
by chris williams
With the instrument panel made up, the canopy can now be fitted...
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Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 04 Mar 2020, 11:22
by chris williams
That's it for the Petrel airframe, then: this channel will now observe radio silence as the covering & painting commences...
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Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 04 Mar 2020, 12:13
by Geoff Pearce
looking nice, once again Criss
what colour pink? :lol:

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 04 Mar 2020, 12:14
by Barry_Cole
Must be time for "Incoming" then???

;) ;) ;) ;)

BC

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 04 Mar 2020, 18:41
by Ray Watts
That's 4 1/2 weeks from start of cutting out, to ready for covering, of a quarter scale all built up woodie. You are unbelievable Chris.

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 04 Mar 2020, 19:14
by chris williams
Ray, I call it...'retirement' :D

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 04 Mar 2020, 21:16
by Trevor
chris williams wrote: 04 Mar 2020, 19:14 Ray, I call it...'retirement' :D
Well, I’ve been retired for 20 years but I’m 4 months in and counting with my build of the 1/5 version - and I started with Cliff’s laser-cut parts!

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 13 Mar 2020, 17:30
by chris williams
Mission-ready... ;)
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Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 13 Mar 2020, 18:12
by Peter Balcombe
Very nice Chris.
Ready in time for the March White Sheet bash - weather permitting :)

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 13 Mar 2020, 19:26
by Trevor
Very pretty. Now I know where Hobbyking’s stock of clear covering went!

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 13 Mar 2020, 20:24
by SedB
My god, this Petrel looks gorgeous!!
Looks even bigger than 1/4th size! I still can't believe how quick this one came together :o !!
Can I already wish you good luck for the maiden!?

Daniel

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 13 Mar 2020, 22:14
by VinceC
Nice one Chris

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 17 Mar 2020, 11:40
by chris williams
I consider myself fortunate indeed to have been able to get a last-minute maiden of the Petrel at CMFC yesterday before Johnson's Mass-Geezer-House-Arrest edict kicked in... Just a few clicks of up-trim were required, the model unsurprisingly a clone of Motley's version...
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Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 17 Mar 2020, 11:48
by SedB
!!GORGEOUS!!
Lovely pics of this first flight!!

Daniel

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 17 Mar 2020, 12:09
by Cliff Evans
Again Chris, B****y lovely!

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 17 Mar 2020, 15:19
by Geoff Pearce
Nice pics again, your worth it!
I just can't think what for :lol:

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 17 Mar 2020, 19:09
by Jolly Roger
Well done Chris. Fred would be proud!

A couple more Petrels and you'll have matched your Minimoa tally?

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 19 Mar 2020, 15:07
by StephenB
Lovely!

Are people really not allowed out for some fresh air on a hillside??

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 19 Mar 2020, 17:54
by RobbieB
StephenB wrote: 19 Mar 2020, 15:07 Lovely!

Are people really not allowed out for some fresh air on a hillside??
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Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 19 Mar 2020, 18:56
by Cliff Evans
Thanks Robbie.

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 15 Apr 2020, 21:21
by SedB
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Chris, may I ask what you use for covering? Is that natural Solartex, or maybe Oratex antique?
Thanks!

Daniel

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 15 Apr 2020, 21:48
by Trevor
I’m pretty sure it’s HobbyKing’s clear polyester film (like Oracover). Good luck on finding any in stock though.

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 16 Apr 2020, 00:11
by chris williams
Yes, it's HK's new matt clear film...the reason you can't buy any at the moment is because I bought the bloomin' lot!

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 16 Apr 2020, 09:03
by VinceC
Was it you that bought all the toilet rolls as well?

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 16 Apr 2020, 09:34
by chris williams
Update: HK's EU warehouse is now showing the film back in stock. Also, the Corona wing servos. No toilet rolls. Has anyone noticed that the HItec wing servos seem to be re-badged Corona servos at the three times the price?

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 16 Apr 2020, 11:15
by SedB
Thanks gents!!

Daniel

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 17 Apr 2020, 09:03
by andynrose315
Hi Chris - i now have a 1/5 scale Petrel kit and slowly progressing. Not sure what the policy is here about posting - thought about a separate thread but not going to compete or be ashamed by my own abilities! Anyway have a question with the AMT, which is probably as relevant. Just been trying to dry fit one side of the AMT and have brain freeze with the best way to assemble the brass tube that fits inside brass tube support ply parts and maintain alignment. easy enough dry fitting but when would the tube be glued in? There is some play between the tube and support. Andy

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 17 Apr 2020, 09:46
by chris williams
First of all, Andy, have you had the full set of build pics from me?

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 17 Apr 2020, 10:35
by andynrose315
Hi Chris - no just been going on those in this thread plus Trevor Hewsons thread

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 17 Apr 2020, 11:40
by chris williams
OK, let me have your email address, and I'll send 'em to you?

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 17 Apr 2020, 12:01
by andynrose315
great thank you.

anrose@btinternet.com

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 17 Apr 2020, 12:14
by chris williams
OK, job done...if you still have questions, fire away...

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 27 Apr 2020, 08:15
by andynrose315
Chris - many thanks for the pictures and parts. Much appreciated. Moving steadily forward - AMT was not so bad after all! I am now at the stage of adding the ply to the top of the fuselage. Made a template, - now thinking best way of gluing and holding in place. are the spring clamps the best way- looking at your photos you have Uk stock of spring clamps it seems. I dont have as many so unfortunately but could use masking tape.Presume best to fit in one piece in one go. Any advice would be appreciated........Andy

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 27 Apr 2020, 10:08
by chris williams
Andy, a bit of pre-bending always goes a long way... Tape it into a curve; wet it up, and iron it dry... (You won't get that much of a curve but every little helps) Tape is good, of course, but in my pre-clamp days I always found it beneficial to raid the missus's store of clothes pegs.
P1050875.jpg
06290003.jpg

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 27 Apr 2020, 17:08
by andynrose315
Chris. okay. went with the clothes pegs with the help of a hardwood strip. Ply was prebent as recommended. Glad adhesive is not fast setting. Excuse the messy table. Got there in the end. Thought is worse than putting it together. Andy.
63A8A5FE-66C3-4963-8258-0654C9840919.jpeg

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 27 Apr 2020, 17:35
by Barry_Cole
From my (very) limited experience with doing this, I drill a 2mm hole through the centre of the ply at each end, into the former , and put a cocktail stick in when gluing. That stops the ply sliding around on the glue, while you are clamping it down.

Hope that helps.

BC

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 27 Apr 2020, 19:42
by chris williams
Also, for stubborn bits, one or two small screws can be helpful...

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 28 Apr 2020, 08:57
by john greenfield
Alternatively, you could use the PVA and hot iron method. See links to video tutorial below. The video shows wing sheeting around a much smaller radius than a fuselage but the technique is exactly the same but start in the middle of the sheet and attach to a longeron and then work down both sides.

http://www.ghostsquadron.co.uk/construc ... _tips.html

AEB

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 05 May 2020, 19:53
by andynrose315
thank you for the guidance. Managed in the most with 0.8mm ply. dropped to 0.6 in the tail. i am now starting the wings and have a question when the sub leading edge is applied and if it is split at the gull break. Chris the photos sent through suggest it’s fitted when on the flat, then lifted onto the supports. can’t quite make out if the sub LE is in two at that point. i.e joined following lifting on to the supports. Andy

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 05 May 2020, 20:39
by chris williams
I can't either, and I certainly can't remember! Cut the LE with a pair of scissors at the break (having not applied any glue to the front of that rib) before lifting on to the jigging supports and re-glue...?

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 06 May 2020, 21:24
by SedB
chris williams wrote: 20 Feb 2020, 11:47 Image

The wing joiner boxes are 16mm & 13mm respectively. The all-important sub spar is let in against the ply web plates on the front of the main spar (10 minute job per spar)
The sheeting will be 1.5mm hard balsa..
Anyone for a shop where I can get both these brass boxes and a the steel joiner at the same place? Here in the Netherlands I find it difficult to find a shop who sell both online.

Daniel

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 06 May 2020, 21:40
by Peter Balcombe
SedB, the 2 sizes are the outside dimensions of the brass tubes that hold 12x2mm & 15x2mm steel joiner strips.
The brass tubes are 13x3 & 16x3mm respectively.
Gliders Distribution in the U K stock both (sold as 1m lengths normally, but I don’t know if they are able to ship to the Netherlands, or maybe there is a supplier on your side of the English Channel.

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 06 May 2020, 22:19
by chris williams
The steel and brass are products supplied by Aeronaut as I understand it... They must supply to the continent

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 07 May 2020, 06:38
by Cliff Evans

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 07 May 2020, 08:47
by SedB
Thanks Gents!

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 02 Jun 2020, 07:08
by andynrose315
. i’m working my way through the second wing of the 1/5 build. i have just noticed that there is balsa sheet spanning one rib each side of the gull break in this build. This does not appear on the 1/5 plan. Now thinking if i should sheet this area too as it probably stiffens the structure. Any recommendations?

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 02 Jun 2020, 07:35
by Trevor
My recommendation would be yes. As well as strengthening the structure, the covering will look neater too.

http://www.bartonhewsons.uk/home/modelf ... ctdia.html

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 02 Jun 2020, 10:23
by chris williams
Hmmm, looks like an omission at the magazine end: my original drawing shows the gull section fully sheeted. Have I sent you the complete build pic sequence: it shows clearly enough on there?
Untitled-1.jpg
P1040976.jpg

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 02 Jun 2020, 13:12
by andynrose315
Chris thanks will add the sheeting. you are correct the photos do show this sheeting.

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 02 Jun 2020, 18:12
by andynrose315
Trevor wrote: 02 Jun 2020, 07:35 My recommendation would be yes. As well as strengthening the structure, the covering will look neater too.

http://www.bartonhewsons.uk/home/modelf ... ctdia.html
Trevor thanks. will be adding the sheeting. Andy

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 16 Jun 2020, 20:15
by andynrose315
Chris/Trevor
My current plan is to use heat covering for wings and fuselage. but
not really used car filler before. is it best painted or does it take covering ok? i have tested a small area and seems to adhere but also had to be careful as the heat appeared to lift the filler where it was really thin. just wondering about longer term issues.
thanks areas most affected are the nose and wing fairings.
Andy

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 16 Jun 2020, 20:24
by chris williams
As you know, Andy, I cover my fuselages with 'Tex and 2K prime the areas you mention. 'Tex needs a higher temperature than film, and that doesn't affect the filler, but for further piece of mind, thin CA over the edges should seal it all off...
Having said that, Trev's filmed fuz looks the Dog's Danglers

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 17 Jun 2020, 08:30
by Trevor
But the fuselage on my 1/5 Petrel is skinned with balsa not ply, so I've never used the car filler. The lightweight filler that I use in cracks and dents takes film okay over small areas but, as you say, I'd be wary of larger areas for fear of the filler lifting. I suspect the car body filler has much stronger cohesion than these lightweight fillers though, so may be okay.

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 06 Jul 2020, 19:55
by andynrose315
just about finished now and soon be ready to fly. one last highly technical question - any recommendations for the rubber bands or other elastic to hold the wings?

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 06 Jul 2020, 20:11
by chris williams
If you Google No 63 Rubber Bands, I've been using these for years...

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 08 Jul 2020, 10:23
by chris williams
Finally, finally, a decent day's flying at White Sheet. The Petrel, along with other Slope Virgins, like Trev's 5th scale Petrel and my Zugvogel, had a merry old time... (Also, the little Wolf slopeside in it's new livery for the 1st time)
f1.jpg
f2.jpg
f3.jpg
f4.jpg
f5.jpg
f6.jpg

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 19 Feb 2021, 11:35
by chris williams
Also, for those who enjoy Scroll Saw Therapy, the parts are available from me in PDF form, all ready to print out in an A4 printer. (Note: always check the printout outs against the plan)

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 27 Jun 2021, 08:29
by chris williams
...and finally:


Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 05 Aug 2021, 23:37
by Alex Tankink
john greenfield wrote: 28 Apr 2020, 08:57 Alternatively, you could use the PVA and hot iron method. See links to video tutorial below. The video shows wing sheeting around a much smaller radius than a fuselage but the technique is exactly the same but start in the middle of the sheet and attach to a longeron and then work down both sides.

http://www.ghostsquadron.co.uk/construc ... _tips.html

AEB
Hey John

Tried to follow the links to learn about the PVA method.

The links don’t work / unavailable

Any other tutorials you guys can point me towards?

Cheers

Alex

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 06 Aug 2021, 08:28
by Peter Balcombe
Alex,
Link works for me in the U.K.
Try going the long way around by searching for the ‘Ghost Squadron Model Aircraft’ team to see if you can find their main website, then click on the Constructional video & tips button on LH side of main page once you get in.
Good luck,
Peter

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 06 Aug 2021, 08:31
by Cliff Evans
I cannot get to them either! /Have spoken to John about it.


Screenshot (48).png

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE

Posted: 06 Aug 2021, 08:38
by Peter Balcombe
Ah yes, although I can get to videos page, I can’t actually get a video to run either :oops:
I’m sure John will sort it out before long.
Peter

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE**

Posted: 06 Aug 2021, 09:27
by john greenfield
Thanks for letting me know about the video problem. Not sure what the problem is but we are working on it and hopefully will have it fixed soon.

AEB

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE**

Posted: 18 Aug 2021, 21:04
by andynrose315
sorry gate crashing the larger sibling but finally got round to maidening my Petrel. Video is not great but linked below.


Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE**

Posted: 15 Dec 2021, 20:45
by chris williams
Well done Andy: looks a lot like WSA's Horses' slope?

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE**

Posted: 15 Dec 2021, 20:46
by chris williams
Time now for a 1/4 scale version of the red Petrel...

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE**

Posted: 18 Dec 2021, 20:27
by andynrose315
chris williams wrote: 15 Dec 2021, 20:45 Well done Andy: looks a lot like WSA's Horses' slope?
Hi Chris. yes horses. Also tried winklebury on better weather conditions. Really like the model. thanks for sharing!!

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE**

Posted: 22 Feb 2022, 12:51
by chris williams
The 1/4 scale version of the 'Red' Petrel is maiden-ready...

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE**

Posted: 16 Mar 2022, 10:04
by chris williams
Proof of the pud...!

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE**

Posted: 18 Mar 2022, 17:13
by MartinE
Looks fabulous Chris.

Annoyingly, I'm on a weekend away, with a view of White sheet- but the winds in the wrong direction ;)

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE**

Posted: 21 Nov 2022, 20:31
by lionel_69
Hi All,

I'm new here, and i'm currently building the Petrel kit from Sarik hobbies. I found this thread by searching for pictures of the build , and I was very glad to find the real designer of this model ! ;)
I hope I may ask a few questions about the build...

Regards

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE**

Posted: 22 Nov 2022, 08:42
by chris williams
No prob, Lionel, ask away...

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE**

Posted: 22 Nov 2022, 16:26
by lionel_69
Hi Chris, thanks it will be easier for me.

I noticed several differences between the pictures of your build, and the note on the plan.
For example: the full length fuselage longeron: should I go balsa (the plan) or spruce ? (your pic)
2022-11-22 002.JPG
WHat is your advice?

Regards

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE**

Posted: 22 Nov 2022, 22:25
by chris williams
That's a typo, Lionel. It should read spruce: the fill ins between the formers on top of the longeron are balsa...

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE**

Posted: 25 Nov 2022, 21:50
by lionel_69
Thanks Chris.
Great, I just received my order of square spruce and started to build the first half fuse.

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE**

Posted: 09 Dec 2022, 13:51
by lionel_69
Hello ,
The first half fuse isn't bad, very straight.


IMG_20221201_123748.jpg

The other half fuselage is built on the first, with a support, screwed on the table.


IMG_20221204_114551.jpg


spruce longeron is added



IMG_20221205_074330.jpg



Not too bad it seems...



2022-12-06 004.JPG

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE**

Posted: 14 Jan 2023, 17:41
by lionel_69
Hi all, and happy new year.

It seems I managed to plank the half top rear fuse without to much pain. After that I cut out the holes for my system of spar joiner. I choose the easier to find alu tube, rather than the flat metal.

IMG_20230103_221831.jpg


I then glued the rudder support. You can see I placed the elevator servo near the stab. With a short lever, it will be more rigid I guess.

IMG_20230108_102942.jpg


The ailerons were build flat to the table, it went without difficulty.
IMG_20230111_203852.jpg


NOw, i'm starting the wings and I have some painful questions ;)
It is written on the plan (and in several build logs) to start building the wing flat on the table, raise them with the right gull angle balsa support, and add the top spar.

How is it possible to build it flat? If the ribs touches the trailing edge (not to mention the tiniest gluing surface on this side), then the spar doesn't fit well in the slot
2023-01-14 001.JPG
2023-01-14 002.JPG


And if I plugged the ribs correctly onto the square spruce spar, then it raise at the back, inevitably.
2023-01-14 003.JPG
2023-01-14 004.JPG


How guys did you solve this paradox? :)

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE**

Posted: 15 Jan 2023, 09:04
by Trevor
I seem to remember sliding shims of scrap ply under the bottom spar in places to ensure it went fully into the ribs.

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE**

Posted: 15 Jan 2023, 10:59
by lionel_69
Trevor wrote: 15 Jan 2023, 09:04 I seem to remember sliding shims of scrap ply under the bottom spar in places to ensure it went fully into the ribs.
Hi Trevor,

I follow your Petrel Project Diary too, and now that you say that, I better understand some of your picture.Thank you.
I will try this method. but I will make a larger trailing edge.
Capture.JPG

Best regards

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE**

Posted: 15 Jan 2023, 11:40
by chris williams
The shape of the wing section is such that part of the rear of the ribs protrude slightly below the TE/lower spar. My standard approach is to cyano the rib to the spar first, then the rib to the TE. This allows the spar to lift slightly from the board. Alternatively, either the spar or the TE can be packed up to achieve the same result...

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE**

Posted: 19 Jan 2023, 11:09
by lionel_69
Hi to all,

The build of the wing has been completed. At least the first step,when all is flat.
2023-01-17 001.JPG

2023-01-17 002.JPG
Now , this is the "raise the gull angle" part! I assembled the support jig that were in the kit, BUT there is a new mystery to solve.
There are two jigs, one for put under the spar, and another under the trailing edge/aileron, but it seems that the gull break is not at the same distance ??
Even if the rear jig should be a little longer because it's not parallel to the spar jig, still it can't explain this massive difference in length. Do I need to recut a new one ?

jigsupport.JPG


Best regards

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE**

Posted: 20 Jan 2023, 08:03
by Trevor
Although there's no mention of it in my build diary, I do have a vague memory of an issue with the jigs. I can't remember the detail though so hopefully Chris will pick up on this in due course.

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE**

Posted: 21 Jan 2023, 10:20
by chris williams
Lionel, don't get too hung up on these supports; they are only temporary and have no effect on the final shape of the wing, other than the angle of the gull break. Just allow the TE support to extend under the root rib and line up the other end accordingly... (Note: this design has been simplified from the full size, where the TE also has a gull bend in it)

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE**

Posted: 14 Mar 2023, 18:26
by lionel_69
Hello everyone,

Juste finish the planking of the wings. I started with the underside, and an unexpected effect occured: the wing bended a little to the front as the planking dried.
2023-02-04 018.JPG

I corrected by soak the spar and plankig with an abundant solution of ammonia, and then rig it with weights and clamps.
I then have to make the spoilers
2023-03-06 002.JPG
2023-03-06 004.JPG

Now i have to prepare the wing roots for assembling the wing to the fuse....
Regards

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE**

Posted: 14 Mar 2023, 19:46
by Trevor
Very neat work on those spoiler hinges.

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE**

Posted: 02 Jul 2023, 16:20
by lionel_69
Hello everyone,

I have to post a big update about the model : It has flown !
not for very long time but....

I finally completed the process of planking the wing, the fuse, etc...
covering could start:
IMG_20230608_094206.jpg
IMG_20230527_222121.jpg

One fast forward step, and we are on the club ground...
2023-06-29 002.JPG

A friend of mine lend me his launching cart for the maiden

2023-06-29 005.JPG

We did the range test, the full throttle test, the fast move all the servos ...
and we were ready to fly.

The plane took off after 15m of rolling, and climbed rapidely, thanks to the 1200w motor, and then "Pang!!" the propeller broke !!
I was at 10-12m high, just in front of a nice sunflower field... I took the decision to U-turn and landed it backwind.
The glider handled well and I could land it without damages, but i've seen less stressfull maiden....
Well,I have to buy a better prop, and fix a hook to launch it with a bungee.

Next time I hope there'll be a video.

Regards

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE**

Posted: 02 Jul 2023, 21:36
by Trevor
Well done! That must indeed have been quite a stressful first flight.

Trevor

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE**

Posted: 02 Jul 2023, 22:18
by chris williams
Brave to turn back at that height, Lionel, so well done...!

Re: TYPE 13 PETREL 1/4 SCALE**

Posted: 07 Jul 2023, 06:11
by lionel_69
It has flown !
And very well ! I'm very happy with the handling and the speed...The landing is very easy, and the flaps effective.
I added a hook to be able to launch it with a bungee, here is the video, enjoy !



Best regards