RE: Bulding a 1/4 sccale BUSA Fokker D7
Hey jeffEE, thanks for sharing great ideas. That's what this forum is all about. It's not about bragging how good I am, but to give other fellow modellers constructive ideas. If I can help bipeflr with my posts, then I know my efforts are not wasted. I do appreciate any response from you guys. Thanks a bunch. thevirginian
Posted on: 3/15/2012 4:26 PM by Author "thevirginian" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11001663

RE: Bulding a 1/4 sccale BUSA Fokker D7
In the mean time I received my pilot figure from Alan Hawes in England. The lady who stitches the pilots does a great job. This guy fits perfectly in my cockpit. I also covered the ammo box with sticky alum tape. Same stuff the AC guys use. Looks really good.
Posted on: 3/11/2012 7:07 AM by Author "thevirginian" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10995220

RE: Bulding a 1/4 sccale BUSA Fokker D7
bipeflr, here is the firewall installed and the motor temporarely mounted. The motor is my trusty DL-50.
Posted on: 3/11/2012 6:59 AM by Author "thevirginian" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10995212

RE: Bulding a 1/4 sccale BUSA Fokker D7
It is, Andy. It is a working compass. Can't you see the needle?
Posted on: 3/6/2012 5:47 PM by Author "thevirginian" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10989258

RE: Bulding a 1/4 sccale BUSA Fokker D7
I am especially happy with my compass the way it turned out.
Posted on: 3/4/2012 12:53 PM by Author "thevirginian" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10986234

RE: Bulding a 1/4 sccale BUSA Fokker D7
These are the gun retainers. A little bit of brass sheet and tubing and you have a nice set of brackets. Along with the gun retainers I made the gun support tubing that goes across the dash board from 1/4" wooden dowel with alum tubing for the curved parts. Before mounting the guns to the ammo box I wanted to give the box the authentic look what it was back then. It was made from shiny aluminum sheet metal. I covered it with a adhesive alum tape. Same stuff AC guys use to tape insulation to a furnace. The last picture shows everything installed.
Posted on: 3/4/2012 12:42 PM by Author "thevirginian" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10986226

RE: Bulding a 1/4 sccale BUSA Fokker D7
the seat was really easy to build. I used fuel tubing for the rim (coaming).
Posted on: 3/4/2012 10:22 AM by Author "thevirginian" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10986062

RE: Bulding a 1/4 sccale BUSA Fokker D7
The next step was to make all the details for the cockpit, such as instruments, switches, gas lever, etc. I had palnned to make everything from scratch, nothing bought from places like Arizona or Glenn Torrance. The dash board was quickly built from 1/8" light ply. Stained and coated with satin finish. For punshing out the dials, the glass and the back side of the instruments you need to buy a good punch set. The dials were printed on a premium high gloss printing paper. Any ink jet printer nowadays will do a great print job.
Posted on: 3/4/2012 10:15 AM by Author "thevirginian" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10986053

RE: Bulding a 1/4 sccale BUSA Fokker D7
Well, for all who thought I abandoned this thread, I had to interrupt for awhile, due to business related travel and other distractions. Also, I did some work on my Fokker that was not really worth mentioning. I did spend quite some time though scratchbuilding the cockpit, which is almost done. And now I am back in business with my build. Here is my progess in chronological order. First I finished the cockpit floor board with pedal tracks. Then I built the steering column and attached it to the floor. On the back edge of floor I attached the bell cranks for the elevator control.
Posted on: 3/1/2012 9:42 AM by Author "thevirginian" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10983008

RE: Bulding a 1/4 sccale BUSA Fokker D7
Hey Fly4Real, I already admired your pilots well before I started my project. I didn't realize you would sell those beautiful pilot figures on line. Unforunately I already ordered a pilot from Alan Hawes in GB. Hes delivery time is somewhat long, but I have seen his work and it is nice, although by far not as nice as yours. But I keep you in mind for my next project, I promise. iflytailies, I like your detailed instruments very much, but decided to build them myself. If I don't do them myself, I feel like I am cheating. I am sure you know what I mean.
Posted on: 1/17/2012 7:07 AM by Author "thevirginian" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10913228

RE: Bulding a 1/4 sccale BUSA Fokker D7
Roger that, foodstick. I was hoping BUSA would include the ammo chute in their gun kit. But no, I had to scratch built it myself.
Posted on: 1/16/2012 1:17 PM by Author "thevirginian" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10911933

RE: Bulding a 1/4 sccale BUSA Fokker D7
Made the Ammo chutes. What's left to do are the ammo belts.
Posted on: 1/16/2012 8:58 AM by Author "thevirginian" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10911556

RE: Bulding a 1/4 sccale BUSA Fokker D7
Sorry bipeflr, I didn't mean to ignore you. Yes, I made those control arms. Made them a while ago for a 3D-plane that crashed. Naturally I salvaged them.
Posted on: 1/15/2012 1:56 PM by Author "thevirginian" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10910272

RE: Bulding a 1/4 sccale BUSA Fokker D7
Thanks for your kind words, glazier808. Actually it was not as hard or time consuming as you may think. foodstick, and I thought I am slow. I sure don't want to miss the nice season and time is flying. I will add flying wires for the tail. BUSA strongly recommends it, too. But I will make mine from CF-rods. They are unbreakable and don't vibrate. Because of the incidence issue I heard and read about with airplane it was a must for me to make the stab adjustable. Finished both Spandau guns last night. They were kinda finiky to build. Still need to paint them. Started with the servo installation. Everything will be pull-pull.
Posted on: 1/15/2012 1:54 PM by Author "thevirginian" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10910269

RE: Bulding a 1/4 sccale BUSA Fokker D7
Although I don't seem to get much response here with my build I will still post pictures and report my building progress. I started to cover the tail feathers. Solartex is most likely the easiest cover material to work with. It has a tremendous shrinkage capability, which maks it superiour over other covering materials. But care must be taken when it comes to cover fragile frame work. Because it shrinks so much, it can and will easily destort delicate air frames, such as wings, stabs, rudders or elevators. The secret lies in the correct temperatur setting. To attach it to a balsa frame higher settings are no problem. But when you tighten large surfaces, such as wings, turn the heat back. I has to do my horizontal stab twice, because of too much heat. At the end it turnned out very nice. I mounted my horizontal stab with screws, so I can change the incidence, in case I have to.
Posted on: 1/14/2012 1:33 PM by Author "thevirginian" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10908684

RE: Bulding a 1/4 sccale BUSA Fokker D7
Here is the dummy engine finish painted
Posted on: 1/12/2012 9:18 AM by Author "thevirginian" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10905051

RE: Bulding a 1/4 sccale BUSA Fokker D7
Was able to finish the dummy engine tonight. Had to wind my own springs, since I couldn't find decent ones. Now she is ready for a paint job.
Posted on: 1/8/2012 5:01 PM by Author "thevirginian" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10898613

RE: Bulding a 1/4 sccale BUSA Fokker D7
Hey bipeflr, I missed your posting before I posted mine. But I will answer you here. You are absolutely correct. There are some discrepansies with certain parts in this kit. But luckily nothing serious an experienced builder (like us [;)]) can't handle. This is certainly not an airplane for a novice builder. A few ribs were off, but, again, nothing major to throw you off track. The problem is, this kit is die cut and not laser cut. So any corrections would require new toolings, adding extra costs to the kit. But BUSA definitely could do some mentioning in the manual, so builders are warned and not puzzled. Other than that I am having a blast with the build. I didn't realize how spoiled we are nowadays by buying all these Chinese build ARFs. We forgot how to appreciate what amount of labor and effort goes into a nicely build airplane. Let alone the rewarding feeling when the maiden was a success. My last real built was at least 10 years ago, just before the beginning of the real ARF-invasion. I know that this will not be my last one. I am already eyeballing the next kit, the 1/3 scale Pup from BUSA. But for right now, I am concentrating on this one, since I know how well they fly. There are quite a few D7 in my club and every new one adds more to the fun. bipeflr don't hesitate to ask me anytime, if you run into a snafu.
Posted on: 1/8/2012 8:31 AM by Author "thevirginian" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10897784

RE: Bulding a 1/4 sccale BUSA Fokker D7
Here are some pictures of my dummy engine. Almost done. All that 's left to do are the rocker arms with their springs. I also received the two Spandau Gun kits in the mail.
Posted on: 1/8/2012 8:08 AM by Author "thevirginian" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10897755

RE: Bulding a 1/4 sccale BUSA Fokker D7
Next progress report: Last thing to glue together was the subwing. Here she is. Nothing really exciting to mention. Decided to fabricate my own tail skid, which, of course, is spring loaded. Believe it or not, but my design weighs the same, as the wire skid BUSA supplies in the kit. Mine is removable, in case the rubber band breaks. Also started on the dummy engine. Now the real fun has started.
Posted on: 1/8/2012 8:02 AM by Author "thevirginian" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10897743

RE: Bulding a 1/4 sccale BUSA Fokker D7
Here is the cowl pretty much finished. I just don't like the radiator wire mesh. It's too flimsy. Very easily to damage by hand. So I guess I am going to replace it with something stiffer. I also tried a DL-50 inside the motor compartment and, yes, it fit nicely. So my decision is made: A 50cc it is.
Posted on: 1/4/2012 5:00 PM by Author "thevirginian" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10891932

RE: Bulding a 1/4 sccale BUSA Fokker D7
Thanks for the inspiration, jeffEE. You're right, I have seen them before. As I mentioned before, my preference is hw Jasta 15 paint schemes, but haven't made up my mind completely. I already got three rolls of plain white solartex sitting around, waiting to be put on the airframe. But I've got long way till then. Next update with pictures is coming soon.
Posted on: 1/3/2012 1:21 PM by Author "thevirginian" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10889833

RE: Bulding a 1/4 sccale BUSA Fokker D7
Thanks for the warning, guys. My intention is to fiberglass the ABS-cowl piece on the inside. I have some nice CF-woving that is ideal for jobs like that. It is really encouraging to hear that a 50cc will fit under the hood, because I know what a G-38 is capable of pulling. For this biplane it would be rather low end. Started the cowl, which is pretty complex to build.
Posted on: 1/1/2012 11:39 AM by Author "thevirginian" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10886203

RE: Bulding a 1/4 sccale BUSA Fokker D7
The fuse is going together quickly.
Posted on: 1/1/2012 6:51 AM by Author "thevirginian" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10885842

RE: Bulding a 1/4 sccale BUSA Fokker D7
Oops, must have forgotten to click on that darn OK button again. Sorry.
Posted on: 12/31/2011 5:40 PM by Author "thevirginian" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10885221

RE: Bulding a 1/4 sccale BUSA Fokker D7
You are too funny, Marios. If I am an electric freak, like you, I probably would consider a Hacker Brushless. But a WWI warbird without noise is totally unthinkable. No, I havn't decide on a motor, yet. I want a 50cc if i get it to fit the small engine compartment. If not than the other alternative is going with a G-38. Started on the fuselage. This is really easy stuff. Heeded a buddy's advice and went with hardwood longerons. Have a nice piece of Western Red Cedar in my gargage. So I cut me the 1/4x3/8 longerons from that board. Weightwise, believe it, or not, almost no diffference to the balsa wood. I read a lot of opinions regarding the incidence issues with the horizontal stab. I decided to go with what the majority did. Added 2.5 degree positive to it, which needed to be built in to the upper longerons. Here are some pictures of todays progress. The last picture should demonstrate the incidence change.
Posted on: 12/31/2011 5:37 PM by Author "thevirginian" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10885214

RE: Bulding a 1/4 sccale BUSA Fokker D7
Thanks jeffEE, I like to tinker with things. I normally don't take anything for granted. And even BUSA's building manual says something in that direction. There is always ways to improve, or to do different, whatever your personal preference is. As I mentioned, the next parts are the tail feathers, followed by the fuselage. Not much to say here. The stabs are very light, but strong.
Posted on: 12/31/2011 6:35 AM by Author "thevirginian" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10884283

RE: Bulding a 1/4 sccale BUSA Fokker D7
More progress. Both wings are done. As you can see I added a couple of improvements to them. First I doubled the scallop shaped trailing edges to make them stronger. The added weight is negligible in comparison to the gain in strength. On the top wing I added cable channels for the aileron servsos, made out of 1/32 balsa sheet. That'll help feeding the extension wires through. No it's time for the tail feathers, which should be done quickly.
Posted on: 12/30/2011 7:44 AM by Author "thevirginian" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10882805

RE: Bulding a 1/4 sccale BUSA Fokker D7
That's what everybody is saying who has one.
Posted on: 12/29/2011 9:05 AM by Author "thevirginian" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10881302

RE: Bulding a 1/4 sccale BUSA Fokker D7
Oops, forgot to hit the OK button after the picture upload.
Posted on: 12/28/2011 10:53 AM by Author "thevirginian" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10879811