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Re: 1/4 Scale Salto

Posted: 05 Sep 2020, 21:38
by Peter Balcombe
Many thanks Terry
I’m collecting some laser cut fuselage wing joiner box parts tomorrow morning, so hope to be able to do an initial assembly in a couple of days.

Re: 1/4 Scale Salto

Posted: 07 Sep 2020, 15:41
by Peter Balcombe
The wheel box was tack glued into position (using Polyester resin), then the small gaps filled using small pieces of 0.8mm ply before sealing all around with thickened (micro balloons) resin. The wheel box installation is now ready for reinforcing with glass in due course.

With the fuselage joiner assembly parts now to hand, these have been dry assembled (using M3 bolts through the four pre-cut holes in all parts) and the ends fettled to fit the internal fuselage profile prior to joining all parts except the rear plate with epoxy. (Don’t use too much epoxy as you will otherwise have a job cleaning out the joiner tube slots!)
A 1/4” thick fuselage bulkhead is provided & this can be used at the rear of the joiner assembly to firmly anchor it to the fuselage and act as a wing spreader bar. The bulkhead also sits just behind the wheel, so helps spread landing loads into the fuselage structure

With the joiner assembly positioned, the 4 bolt holes can be spotted through to the bulkhead & holes subsequently drilled. (I made the bulkhead holes 4mm to allow some adjustment during final fitting to ensure the wing joiners were correctly positioned in the wing roots). I’ve currently only enough joiner tube in stock to fit 1 joiner per wing, so will delay final fixing when Gliders Distribution can re-stock.
However, I hope to be able to do a trial wing assembly when the weather improves - hopefully tomorrow.
Wheel box sealed
Wheel box sealed
Wheel fitted
Wheel fitted
Joiner assembly
Joiner assembly
Joiner & bulkhead
Joiner & bulkhead

Re: 1/4 Scale Salto

Posted: 08 Sep 2020, 10:17
by Peter Balcombe
1st assembly just done & everything seems to fit :)
The cavalry are arriving soon with more wing joiner, so will be able to set all into place & then get an idea of amount of weight needed up front to achieve balance in order to cast a nose weight compatible with a nose release.
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Re: 1/4 Scale Salto

Posted: 08 Sep 2020, 17:33
by B Sharp
Peter, I've never seen the wing joiner system done like that before. I must bear it in mind if I use steel blades again in the future.
Brian. :)

Re: 1/4 Scale Salto

Posted: 10 Sep 2020, 23:56
by Cliff Evans
Looking good Peter.

Re: 1/4 Scale Salto

Posted: 20 Sep 2020, 15:44
by Peter Balcombe
Canopy frame fitted with fixings comprising a 3mm Carbon peg at the front & 3 magnets at the rear.
Now ready to be painted prior to fitting the canopy.

Meanwhile, a moulded nose weight has been cast and a tow release installed. As usual, the nose weight will be fixed in place using silicone sealant - makes subsequent removal pretty easy ;)
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Re: 1/4 Scale Salto

Posted: 25 Sep 2020, 10:45
by Peter Balcombe
Canopy frame now painted & ready for canopy fixing.
Meanwhile, the nose weight/tow release has been fitted and the release servo installed on a Liteply plate, in addition to a further battery mounting plate on the side of the fuselage.

The wing tips have been modified to accept plug-on tips as a variety of tip plates/winglets/smoke canister arrangements can be fitted on the full size gliders.
I have gone for the “fish” type plate which has a skid & small vertical fin.

The upper wing surfaces have been glassed with 25gsm cloth & epoxy resin, so time to mask the airbrake seats & do the underside plus all of the flappy bits.
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Re: 1/4 Scale Salto

Posted: 26 Sep 2020, 22:29
by steve dowell
Hi peter looking very good , I,m on your tail .. I will send you some photos soon.

Re: 1/4 Scale Salto

Posted: 28 Sep 2020, 15:29
by roo Hawkins
Looking good Peter. I need to re start my salto soon.

Re: 1/4 Scale Salto

Posted: 30 Sep 2020, 09:10
by SteveArchibald
Wow that's coming along beautifully.

I better get building.