Aeroworks Extra 35% 260 QB

[comparf]

I just recieved my winter project:
A 35% Aeroworks Etra 260 QB yellow. For the price I am stunned. Well built ,well covered, great Instructions on a CD with full colour photos, complete good quality hardware ( you need not buy anything) comes with 2 gas tanks, main wheels and tailwheel, All blind nuts installed and everthing already mounted, 3 motor templates for drilling including all necessary stand offs. All surfaces hinges glued in except the rudder due to box size limitations, Spare covering all colours, Clear covering to seal the hinge gaps, fuel line. velcro ties, Tinted canopy and painted canopy area, all screw locations prepunched, it even has wood to build engine cooling baffles, Cannister ready, antenna tube monted, good for IMAC or all out 3D.
$1,300.00 delivered to my door.
I am super excited to start and can't wait to fly. I will post some pics soon

[beto9]

Wow! They are coming better and better. Greg is very happy with his.
Did it come with a tiny tiny midget to fly it instead of the radio failsafe...?
What engine are you going to hang up in front?

[bob forest]

Congrats, Paul, can't wait to see this one fly.

[xed]

The 35% looks great as well, I just wish it would fit in my Jeep!

[comparf]

Greg you gotta a jeep and I gotta chain saw. It would fit.

I am going to install a DA 100 with headers and 2 75 cc cannisters.

It will have a 20/24 powerbox for power distribution coupled with 2 2600 mah 6 volt Nimh battery packs and Hitec 5955TG digital servos on every surface. 1 each elevator half. 2 for the rudder on a pull-pull system, 2 on each aileron, and a Hitec 5625MG digital servo for the throttle. I will not use matchboxes, I will program the servos with a Hitec servo prgrammer.
With a wing area of 1867 sq. inches and a flying weight of 26 lbs, it will have a wing loading of 32 oz per square foot (fantastic) and remember what I always say" wing loading,wing loading,wing loading,"

[beto9]

Congratulations Paul!
I hope you do a Bob on us and keep us posted on the building, with photos and comments, etc.
You already did a good job on the electronics specs.
I don't care where you will first fly it, I want to be there, properly dosed with Valium and with my camera.
Excuse my ignorance.... headers? I understand canisters....
Why digital for the throttle? It seems is the one everybody puts JUST a servo...

[jeffrey g]

This is what My header tank set-up looks like

It's a system that helps keep the fuel pick up tank full so there is less chances of air bubbles in the tubing during 3d or Aerobatic flights

sorry for my ugly drawing... one would not belive me if I said I'm a professionnal drafts man after looking at this ilustration.

[beto9]

Oh, yeah! Like the ones they use in helis...
I wonder why we don't use them more often, at least in some fair sized planes...
Way to go!

[comparf]

Alberto
The headers that I am talking about are the ones that go between the cylinders and the mufflers(cannisters) the headers allow the muffler to go inside the fuselage. I will absolutely let you know when it first flies. I won't fly it without you there to watch and take some pictures

[comparf]

I will post progress pictures once i figure out how to do it.

[bob forest]

I will post progress pictures once i figure out how to do it.
Paul, on your camera you most probably have a button, black or silver. you push on that and you will hear a clic, that means the picture was taken. then you attache your camera to your computor, and you download the pictures to your computor, in a little area that you give a nice name to. then you go to the WIMAC site, and on your thread you clic reply, and write what you want, at the bottom there is an area to go and get your pictures, you pic the pic especially the ones with me in them, and you say open which is spanish for OK in English. you can post five pics to one comment, or in other words, one comment to five pictures, it does not matter which way you look at it, there is no advantage to have the comment first or the pictures first. Now if you are really lost, you call Alberto, this guy knows everything, make sure you have a good cup of coffe for him when you are speaking on the phone with him. I hope this helps.

[beto9]

I like the way you make use of MY time, Bob...
Paul, anytime...

[comparf]

Alberto
I am using a digital servo on the throttle for a couple of reasons
1) Digital servos have better resolution than standard servos thus giving better response throught the servo travel. especially important for 3D and IMAC flying which is all about throttle managment.
2) I only use Hitec digital servos, which in my humble opinion are the best out there.
3) A Hitec digital is around the same price as the equivalent standard JR servo
4) Hitec digital servos are fully programmable.
5) I had a HS5625MG lying around.
6) I like the sound of the word Hitec. say it 4 times, go on, say it now. you will like it too "Hitec ,Hitec, Hitec" now didn't that feel good.

[comparf]

Ok here is my attempt to post progress pictures!!!

[comparf]

more pics for your viewing

[comparf]

Ok I think I got it

[bob forest]

Ok here is my attempt to post progress pictures!!!
Good attemp Paul, you got it, see I told you it was easy.

[comparf]

motor is a DA 100

[comparf]

I am really enjoying the build

[bob forest]

That really comes with heavy duty hardware, looks really neat.

[comparf]

The hardware is really good 6 screws per horn assembly with holes prepunched

[comparf]

The interior is very well laid out. and the pull-pull hardware is of very good quality

[comparf]

Yeah Bob the hardware is very good and heavy duty. The whole kit is very well thought out as I have said before I am really impressed so far "dollar to quality" in this size, It is the best I have seen. As far as I can tell It will fly fantastic. I haver only seen this plane fly 3 times (Randy Brown) it seemed to fly well. we shall see. I can not wait to get it into the sky this spring. I am waiting for some servo extension from hobbyville before I can start to work on the wings. next step tank and fuel lines.
I also am not sure where I am going to pu my powerbox switches you know the size they are quite large and there is not an ideal location for them . We will see

[xed]

That really comes with heavy duty hardware, looks really neat.

All the same hardware as mine. :freakedout:

[xed]

Yeah Bob the hardware is very good and heavy duty. The
I also am not sure where I am going to pu my powerbox switches you know the size they are quite large and there is not an ideal location for them . We will see

My switches are just behind the firewall on each side of the fuselage. You should have lots of wood there (if its same framing). If not, you can form up something near the back of the canopy in the empty space and use some light plywood.

No optical cut-off setup?

I didn't know that the 35% had the servos in the elevator halves. This could have potentially allowed me to go the bigger sized model.

Will you be using that metal clevis on the choke? Don't like them, safety wise, on an engine of this size....

[comparf]

Greg
The metal clevis on the choke is soldered in place and is connected to a plastic choke lever.
I plan to put in an optical cut off as well, the choke servo is only for starting the engine

[beto9]

Either you are working 35 hours a day on that plane or the thing is so well finished that is just push and fit. One clue is the pre-drilled holes... Wow!
And the damn thing is a looker!
When I use servo extension connectors I secure them with electrical shrink tubes. They do not come off, a peace of mind trick...
How are you going to be able to wait so long to put it in the air? Let's go to Florida, I know several sites there you can fly... just with MAAC.

[comparf]

Alberto.
It is that well put together. I am simply amazed at the quality.imagine doing that coulor scheme with monokote with all the curves etc. it would be very hard. All my extensions are attached with kevlar ties that are glued, they can never come apart and weight absolutley nothing. I can not wait to fly it. but for it to be allowed to fly at Joe Nall it has to have flown a minimum of 8 times. So the moment MRCC dries out up it goes. I may fly it the first time at a club more suited for 30% and up size craft. Either way with a max wing loading of 32 oz. per square foot it should float beautifully for landings, so I should be able to fly it most anywhere. Are you still up to be part of my first flight crew?

[comparf]

I would love to go to Forida, My mum lives there. The guy I bought the 42% extra 300 from is going to florida in one week. lucky him ,all year flying.
By the way I always keep my M.A.A.C. and A.M.A. memberships valid, just for the reason to be able to fly in the USA.

[comparf]

here's a picture of the 42% extra 300

[xed]

Huh, I thought MAAC was valid in USA?

[Don Casey]

You thought right.

[comparf]

I wish to stop the thread drift right away and keep this a build thrtead!!
MAAC is valid in the USA but not all of the smaller fields have heard of it and are skeptical I find it easier just to have the AMA not only that have you seen their magazine it is fantastic. back to the build progress.

the 2 ailerons alone have an area of 440 sq. inches ( my first 4 channel glow engine airplane, an eaglet had a total wing area of 288 sq. in. just to give some size refence) The ailerons are well hinged and the attachement points are well placed. There is also attachement redundancy by way of a spring clip through the 2 aluminum talignment tubes. This way I should not forget to properly attache the wings and I won't have to cry my self to sleep as I did when I smashed my 2.6 meter Composite arf Yak

[comparf]

whoops no photos

[comparf]

Here is the tank install. the first small bump. The kit calls for a 800ml. tank but is supplied with a 1000ml. tank ( the correct size for a DA100) The foam that came with the kit In my opinion is too hard, if you use anything thicker than 1/4" foam the tank and/or vent tubes hit the underside of the canopy frame.
With 1/4" cushy foam the fit snug but good. The velcro ties that come with the kit are the best I have seen.

[comparf]

Well I installed the powerbox switches and as Greg suggested, the only place was near the firewall. There was no too much wood material in that area, so I had to beef it up a bit and install a vertical former on each side to strengthen the fuselage sides around the switches. This is one step I was not lokking forward to since the powerbox switches quite big and the wood in that area is thin and small. But it is done and I am happy. Now I must wait for my servo extensions before I can start on the wing assembly. I am also missing fuel tubing from the tank to the carb. I am going to look on the internet for a suitable dashboard. I want to put a full face helmet type pilot in the plane if they are not too expensive.

[beto9]

Alberto.
It is that well put together. I am simply amazed at the quality.imagine doing that coulor scheme with monokote with all the curves etc. it would be very hard. All my extensions are attached with kevlar ties that are glued, they can never come apart and weight absolutley nothing. I can not wait to fly it. but for it to be allowed to fly at Joe Nall it has to have flown a minimum of 8 times. So the moment MRCC dries out up it goes. I may fly it the first time at a club more suited for 30% and up size craft. Either way with a max wing loading of 32 oz. per square foot it should float beautifully for landings, so I should be able to fly it most anywhere. Are you still up to be part of my first flight crew?

Of course! I WILL BE THERE FOR THE FIRST WHIFF OF GAS FUMES.... With camera and I repeat, Valium to keep me steady....:hmm:

[xed]

Troy Built Models have these really cool virtual cockpits and pilots but they won't be cheap nor will the brokerage fees after UPS is done with you.

[xed]

There also pilots from:


NOLIMITZ (http://dezso.homeip.net/NOLIMITZ/gallery.html)
Composite Creations (http://www.composite-creations.com/)

[comparf]

Thanx Greg
It is really nice to have such a good bunch of guys to share my build with.

[comparf]

I had to build an ignition module mount. with the throttle servo placed in the engine box the ignition sprk plug leads were too tight.

[beto9]

Is obvious from the pics that you are fighting for space in that plane....
Listen, if you finish it too soon the only thing left is to lift it in your arms and make engine noises while "flying" wildly... Slow down, create a problem and solve it...

[comparf]

Hey Alberto
I may be assembling too fast, but you forget, I am picking up a 42% extra 300 next week and I need the space to work on that plane.

Build step# ??
I have installed the ignition module and found using the existing holes for the spark plug wires put undue tension on the wires and I did not want to wear out the steel braiding. That is why I drilled the 2 new holes. next step rewiring and position the ingnition battery and the opto cutoff.

[comparf]

Well I finally got on to the wings. Hobbyville let me down Elan said my servo extensions would be in last thursday and they were not . So I had to buy them Modeliste. I will purcahse the ones from Hobbieville anyway because I ordered them. If any wants 2 36" HD servo extension or 4 18" HD servo extensions let me know.
The wing assembly went well the servos are a little bit bigger than the cutout provided. A little trim later and no problem all hardware was good. and I even installed the free advertising for Desert Aircraft, that I cut out by hand

[comparf]

This kit comes with an amazing amount of high quality vinyl cutout stickers to have this many stickers made would cost around $100-$150 dollars. I will plan care fully where to apply them.
The silver EXTRA260 and The Blue AEROWORKS are both about 24" long

[comparf]

I setup the servo throws with the throw meter supplied with the kit, It worked very well. I had to extend the counter balance because it would fluctuate 1 -2 degrees when it stopped. By extending the counter balance 12 inches it stopped at the same place each time. I set all my ATV's to 120% and all my sub trims to 0 (and that is where they will stay). With the Hitec servo programmer and the throw meter it took about 1 1/2 hours to set all the dead bands, centers, throws, speeds, rates, exponentials accurate to 1/2 of a degree per surface difference.
I set the throws as follows:
Elevators: 12, 18, 45(3D) degrees up. 16, 24, 45(3D) degrees down.
Rudder: 35, 40, 45(3D) degrees left and right.
Ailerons: 25, 30, 35(3D) degrees up and down.
I set the starting exponential as follows:
Elevators, Rudder, Ailerons,: low rate 15%, high rate 30%, 3D rate 60%.

[comparf]

I installed the vinyl graphics on the fuselage and the wings. the quality of the vinyl is #1 the cutting is perfect. The Futaba stickers came with my Composite-ARF 30% extra 330l. I had 2 sets I thought they would look good on this plane.

[xed]

Hmm Paul, you were supposed to double up those blue and gray graphics to give a relief look.

Oh well, still looks good. :lol:

That is the same meter I have, and I also had to put some stick on lead on the counter balance. It was nice that they included it in any case.

[comparf]

Greg
I though about that, But I plan to put many other graphic that I will make myself and I did not what it to be to busy. I prefer a clean looking airplane. I am not much into the fancy or prizm type graphics. I like clean lines. That being said My Yak was a ral way out kind of graphics. For me it has to be all out or very conservative. can you send me some pictures of how youplane came out

[xed]

Hi Paul,

Some of the pictures can be seen on my Picassa Web Album (http://picasaweb.google.com/gdavidp/AeroWorksExtra26030).

[comparf]

Well in the end I though about it and Greg was right. The stickers needed to be overlaid and I think it will look better. Since I used all the stickers that came with the kit. I had to cut all new ones by hand. The hardest was the word "AEROWORKS" in silver on the wings

[comparf]

The next stickers were the ones on the fuse a little easier but still alot of round numbers and they had to be exact.

[comparf]

Since I was on a roll I decided to make some canada stickers and a Dessert Aircraft for the cowl.

[comparf]

I decided that the elevators were a bit bland so I made a Canada sticker for the right side. I will put a Union Jack on the left side. Once I design something nice. I have already put a Canadian flag and a Union Jack on the under side of the elevators. I will post pics.

[comparf]

The next to come will be the FUTABA and the HITEC. I will cut them out tonight and install them.

[comparf]

This and the next post will be the final posts for this build thread. I hope you have enjoyed and got some ideas from it.

I have finished the build of the Aeroworks extra 206 QB and what a pleasure it was. It is a top quality kit. With the Hitec servos and a programmer and the included angle guage it was the easiest airplane I have set up to date.
I am sure it will fly as well as it is built. I must add that Ray B, and Isabel have bought the identical plane, after reading this thread and seeing the pictures.

[comparf]

I really love the look of this plane and I love the size. the graphics were a lot of fun to make, even if there is a lot of time in doing them.

[beto9]

Very interesting posting Paul.
Hope to see it flying (SOON!!!!)

[bob forest]

Beautifully done Paul, looking forward to seeing it fly. Should be a great spring, to see all our new birds fly. Your Extra, my Yak and I am sure many others. Great job, well done.

[stephane.savard]

hmm, next time I need stickers for my planes, I know who to ask :) Great looking work!

[comparf]

Alberto and Bob, as soon as the ground is good enough to fly on at the feild I will start flying. Iwll fly my 30% Composite arf extra 330l first, just to get my thumbs at their best, 1 -2 days then it is Extra 260 all the way I have to ready to compete in IMAC Intermediate by the first contest. Thanx for all the nice comments and input from everyone.

[comparf]

Any time anyone wants help with stickers or decals let me know I have about 150 yards of many colours of vinyl and I can also get a good price on vinyl in a huge assortment of colours. To give you an idea of what can be done by hand ,I have attached the photo of the calvin I put on the tail and the print I made it from. As you can see it is in black and white and not very lean line wise.

[comparf]

whoops wrong picture

[comparf]

Bob
The "Canada" graphic was made from a photo of the graphic on a plane at the london IMAC meet.
I think it was Bob Hudson's Carden. Nope was not Bob' "Big red 3"

[isabel]

I like these building threads, they provide valuable information, thanks to those who write them.
Paul, would you give a bit more details about making the vinyl decals - is the vinyl adhesive, or do you use some kind of glue? Where do you get such vinyl?

[comparf]

Hello Isabel
It is good to here from you.
I buy all my vinyl and vinyl accessories from Omer Des Serres in St. Laurent.
They have many different qualities and and finishes.
The vinyl is self adhesive, but it must be applied with a neutralizing agent(liquid) You can make the liquid yourself, I have found, with over 200 hours of vinyl graphics making and applying ,that the neutalizer I buy from Omer Des Serres is better than any I have made. If you do not use neutralizer the graphic will stick to itself or stick too quickly or misaligned to the surface. The vinyl graphics are very hard to get off, once applied, without damaging the surface(especially monokote type coverings) You must also use transfer tape with any slightly complicated graphics or the graphics will fall apart or stick to itself. Let me know if I can be of any more help

[stephane.savard]

I didn't know they made special liquid for this stuff. I buy my vinyl at Omer Deserres too (my combat MiG uses the red vinyl from there). Except Paul here is quite a lot more adept at cutting nice graphics out of it than I :)

My trick for the "neutralizer agent" is to use tap water with a tiny bit of dishwashing soap (Palmolive)

[comparf]

Well I have now completely finished The Aeroworks extra 260 QB
I have had my headers repaired the welding is great , they fit perfectly and they were repaired no charge. The MTW 75 cc cannisters are a little tight so I needed to slightly sand the main opening other than that there is ample space for even longer cannisters. The installation of the cooling baffles was a piece of cake. A note if you install cannisters and headers be aware that there are different drops (distance from the exhaust port to the horizontal header pipe) and each airframe may need different headers

[comparf]

I have now made my 260 IMAC intermidiate legal I have installed a dash and pilot. I had a pilot head from a larger plane but it did not fit. They are quite expensive, so I got cheap went to Rona bought some 1 1/2" foam ,foam glue, sand paper and Krylon C02 paint and went to town. The new pilot head weighs 1.3 oz and is 5.5 inches high. I took the basic design from my 42% pilot head. I started to build it Sunday April 1st at 1:00pm and finished it after work monday April 2 at 8:00pm. Total cost $12.00 plus time.

[comparf]

more pics of head

[comparf]

More pics of foam head

[bob forest]

I can't believe the job you did on that pilot. fantastic. Congrats on a job well done.

[xed]

Yep very nice Paul!

[beto9]

I admire the patience you have for those little things, pilot, decals, etc.
And they come out perfect... I have seen your decal and painting work in your other planes... you should talk with the big guys, Zomenzini et al. to offer your services...

[pauldaigle]

What a nice job!

I wish I could get Dufus to look so good.

After many paint jobs, I still cant get "The Man" to look as good.

Good info on the decals, I will try that.

You might get a few negative comments on the sponser, but i'ts still my favorite brand! :-)

:blink:

[xed]

While putting on the final set of vinyl stickers on my Extra 260 this weekend, being bored out of my mind, I found my first major (j/k) repair. One of the dowels was loose on my canopy. :owws: