RE: Lightning Build
Joe, Thank you again for the wing cores, they worked out perfect! Arch, unfortunately she gained a bit in the reconstruction process. I was unable to get wing sheeting as light as I had originally, and repainting added a bit as well. I guess I will have to build a new airplane to win the battle at the scale. I am planning on Muncie next summer, so I will see you then. By the way, the Vols are looking better this year. Jeff
Posted on: 9/17/2012 8:45 PM by Author "Viper Driver" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11231907

RE: Lightning Build
It has been almost a year since I had a midair with my Lightning. Today, it finally got to slip the surly bonds once again. It still flies great! The midair repair consisted of new wings, repairing minor structural fuselage damage, repairing three major gouges in the fuselage and canopy, repairing some superficial dents and dings in the fuselage, and repairing gouges in the stabilizer leading edge. The fuselage was sanded down and received an all new paint job. All landing today were 100% better than its last one in South Carolina!
Posted on: 9/16/2012 8:19 PM by Author "Viper Driver" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11230591

RE: Lightning Build
John, I sent you a PM. There is only one sheet 6. There sould not be a sheet 6a and 6b. I still have the plans if anyone needs them. Jeff
Posted on: 9/16/2012 1:19 PM by Author "Viper Driver" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11230183

RE: Lightning Build
Larry, I will have to give the bandages a try on my next airplane. I have considered the foam plug technique for the turtle deck, but since it is has compound curves, making the plug seemed like more work than to just form over the fuselage. A straight hotwired turtle deck would certainly get you in the ball park. Jeff
Posted on: 9/1/2012 8:37 AM by Author "Viper Driver" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11213502

RE: Dist 7, 3rd Annual Top Gun Pattern Classic (Mira Mar) San Diego,Ca
Have fun this weekend. Unfortunately work is going to keep me from attending. I hope to get back on the contest trail sooner rather than later. Jeff
Posted on: 8/10/2012 3:28 PM by Author "Viper Driver" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11188644

RE: Lightning Build
Terry, I used .75 oz glass cloth and Aerospace Composites resin. After the cloth was layed down and wetted out, if let it start to cure for about a half hour, I then rubbed micro-ballons into the resin. This made sanding easier and reduced the depth of the weave. Some people thin the resin with acetone, but I tried it and didn't like the results. Jeff
Posted on: 8/8/2012 9:00 AM by Author "Viper Driver" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11185570

RE: Lightning Build
Here is the general set-up for the wing hold down: The wing root contains the adjuster socket along with two 1/4-20 nylon bolts. The fuselage has the adjuster mechanism mounted inside, with the pin protruding from the fuselage side. There are also oversized holes for the nylon bolts to slide into the fuselage. The adjuster pin slides into the socket in the wing root, locking the incidence in place. 1/4-20 wing nuts are threaded on the studs that protrude into the fuselage to hold the wing to the fuselage. I don't have very good pictures of this set-up, but I have attached what I do have. Jeff
Posted on: 8/2/2012 9:00 AM by Author "Viper Driver" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11178448

RE: Lightning Build
To cut the squares out of the wing, I use my fish fillet knife. I make templates for both sides of the core out of poster board to help guide the knife. For a built up wing, I think 3/32 sheeting is the way to go. Jeff
Posted on: 8/1/2012 9:47 PM by Author "Viper Driver" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11178042

RE: Lightning Build
Attached is the list of wood required. This is list represents the minimum to complete the airplane, but I would order extra to ensure you have the lightest wood available. The repairs to my Lightning are nearing the end. The fuselage is painted and the wings are ready for covering. Good luck with your builds! Jeff
Posted on: 8/1/2012 8:07 AM by Author "Viper Driver" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11177160

RE: Lightning Build
WOW, your Lightning Dynamic looks fantastic! It is the first one I have seen, other than my own, and you made it look great. What a satisfying feeling to break ground with an airplane you have spent 6 to 9 months of your time on. Good luck in your first contest back. I have had to take a few extended breaks from competition and everytime I realize I have missed it more than I thought. Congratulations! Jeff
Posted on: 6/9/2012 8:11 AM by Author "Viper Driver" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11112289

RE: Nuance
Arch, Nice job on the finish! I may have to send my plane back to you for completion. How does it fly compared to the Wind?
Posted on: 6/4/2012 6:15 PM by Author "Viper Driver" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11106563

RE: Lightning Build
Congratulations on completing your Lightning. I am looking forward to pictures and a flight report!
Posted on: 6/4/2012 6:04 PM by Author "Viper Driver" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11106542

RE: 3rd annual Harry Gould Memorial Pattern Contest - Hemet, CA May 26-27
Derek, I moved from South Carolina to Phoenix in December. I hope Dad can get something figured out, Creswell was a fantastic contest! Jeff
Posted on: 5/29/2012 8:29 PM by Author "Viper Driver" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11099369

RE: 3rd annual Harry Gould Memorial Pattern Contest - Hemet, CA May 26-27
I have to second everything Tony said, what a great contest! Bill and Nancy, thank you for the wonderful hospitality all weekend. It was a fantastic introduction to District 7. I had a great time catching up with old friends and meeting news ones as well. I attached a few pictures from Saturday and then Sunday for comparison. See everyone on the contest trail! Jeff
Posted on: 5/28/2012 8:44 AM by Author "Viper Driver" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11097330

RE: New Berlin Texas Smokin Hole Challenge May 19,20
Chuck, Congratulations on what looks to have been a great event! Wish I could have been there. Jeff
Posted on: 5/22/2012 8:43 AM by Author "Viper Driver" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11090385

RE: Lightning Build
RoadRunner, It would be possible to use a gas engine, but the are a few changes that would have to be made. The Lightning was designed to use an electric motor, so there is no cowl. Additionally, since the electric motor has much less vibration, the airframe was designed lighter. With a gas motor, the front end of the fuselage should be strengthened. These modifications will add weight, but it should be posible to stay under 11 pounds. The official weight of mine at the 2011 Nats was 4612 grams. Jeff
Posted on: 5/3/2012 9:56 PM by Author "Viper Driver" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11067769

RE: Lightning Build
Tim, You are welcome. You can use Profili or Compufoil to print out wing ribs. I am using Profili Pro version for a future project and it works very well. It has some nice features, such as the ability to adjust the trailing edge thickness, that come in handy for pattern plane design. Jeff
Posted on: 4/25/2012 10:23 PM by Author "Viper Driver" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11056958

RE: Lightning Build
Steve, I omitted FN1 from my fin. If you added FN1, just cut it to fit between FN6 and the tail post. To mount the fin, glue FN6 to to F12, glue the sheeting from the fin to the top of the 1/8" balsa fuselage sides, and F13 glues to the inside of the fin sheeting and FN2. In the picture with the fin mounted, you can kind of make out the glue joint at the base of the fin. Unfortunately, these are the best pictures of the fin mounting. PM me if you need more info. Jeff
Posted on: 4/18/2012 5:48 PM by Author "Viper Driver" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11047798

RE: Lightning Build
Here are a few current pictures of the new wings being glued to the root rib. Just make sure to twist the wing tube about every 30 minutes or so just in case some glue made its way on to the wing tube.
Posted on: 4/14/2012 10:33 AM by Author "Viper Driver" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11041617

RE: Lightning Build
Here are the ribs being prepared to be glued to the stab and wing, as well as one of the wing being glued to the wing root. I pin the rib to the fuselage side, and then glue the wing to the rib.
Posted on: 4/14/2012 8:22 AM by Author "Viper Driver" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11041489

RE: Lightning Build
Steve, The picture you are refering to is of the root ribs for the wing and stab panels. They are glued to to the wing and stab, not the fuselage sides. The carbonfiber is added to the balsa to provide strength for the anti-rotation points.
Posted on: 4/14/2012 8:16 AM by Author "Viper Driver" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11041482

RE: Lightning Build
Here are some pictures of the gear and also the promised picture of the elevator servo setup. My camera charger still has not been found post move, so the low quality phone camera pics will have to do.
Posted on: 3/24/2012 9:26 AM by Author "Viper Driver" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11013007

RE: Lightning Build
Terry, It is critical that the landing gear be mounted to the bottom of the gear plate rather than above. If the gear were to be mounted to the top, a majority of the structure designed to carry the stress from the gear plate to the fuselage side would be cut away to accept the gear legs. The method I use is to take 4-40 blind nuts and cut the teeth off of them. Then I drill the gear legs so the blind nuts are a press fit into the gear leg. I then use a 4-40 bolt to pull the blind nut into the hole. I tighten it to the point just prior to the circular portion making contact with the gear leg. I then put medium CA in the gap and then tighten the rest of the way. One key to success here is to use a drill press to make the holes in the gear legs so the blind nuts are in line with the mounting holes.
Posted on: 3/24/2012 9:06 AM by Author "Viper Driver" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11012986

RE: Lightning Build
Arch, thank you for the kind words. Steve, I am using 9650s, but the are mounted in the stabilizer halves, not in the fuselage. I will try to get some pictures when I can get to it. Unfortunately, I don't have a video of the airplane flying.
Posted on: 3/6/2012 5:07 PM by Author "Viper Driver" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10989196

RE: Lightning Build
Steve, It is looking doubtful, with work, that I will be able to fly in the contest. I will probably come out to visit for a bit. Jeff
Posted on: 2/17/2012 6:12 PM by Author "Viper Driver" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10963888

RE: Turning point of Classic.. Zeus 120 build
Way to go JR! She looks great!
Posted on: 2/15/2012 7:59 PM by Author "Viper Driver" in the forum "Classic RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10961081

RE: Lightning Build
I have seen the Himax in action and it would be a great lower cost setup for this airplane. Jeff
Posted on: 2/15/2012 7:54 PM by Author "Viper Driver" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10961075

RE: Lightning Build
The all up weight with a Hacker C50 14XL, Hacker Spin 99 ESC, Power Unlimited 4900 batteries, and a 900 mAh receiver battery was 4612 grams as the NATs. This weight is also with an APC prop and a Tru turn spinner, which are not the lightest equipment. The key to making this kind of weight is to not allow and piece of wood that is not the lightest into the airplane. I weighed each part that went into my airplane. Out of all the wood I ordered, the difference between the two heaviest fuselage side sheets and the lightest fuselage side sheet was 3 ounces. Saving a gram here and there really adds up in the end. As far as electric set ups, there are many good setups. If you are new to it, I would use a proven combination. There are quite a few threads dedicated to electric set-ups on this forum. Jeff
Posted on: 1/27/2012 7:27 PM by Author "Viper Driver" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10931583

RE: Lightning Build
Mel, Glad the kit looks good, I hope you enjoy the build. I am preping to build my new wings to get the bird back in the air. I just made new sockets since the carbon wing tube is still good. Jeff
Posted on: 1/10/2012 7:41 PM by Author "Viper Driver" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10902756

RE: European Cup for F3A on floats
Claude, That is one fantastic color scheme! Jeff
Posted on: 12/19/2011 6:56 AM by Author "Viper Driver" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10866343