Warming up into the Next level.. Jellybean Pattern Plane

[2NG]

Hello all,

I just started my JellyBean constuction. Jellybean is Designed by Dave Blum. 400 motor , 8 cell batteries. I have heard nothing but good things about this plane, and it was a pleasure when my friend let me flew his Jellybean.

Dave Blums Jellybean, pattern airplane.

[2NG]

First Stage:

--- Most of the balsa wood are cut out from 1/6" balsa sheet, I am using contest balsa, this seemed to be the perfect match for this airplane, because my goal is to keep her light as much, as possible, and being my first ever Scratch plane, I am taking thing nice and slow:)

I am warming up for Dave Robellen's pattern plane as well, as other planes, that I dream of having, but lacked the knowledge in scratch building, maybe this plane, can help me level into my adventures in R/C modeling.

I am so excited about this plane, because I want to use a pull/pull control link method, silk span, and all those good stuff, that I only hear about from my senior mentors.

[2NG]

Second Stage :)

The ribs are cut out from left over balsa, from all of my previous kits.

[2NG]

Fuse is cut away from 1/16" sheet of balsa, bottom is secured with 1/8" and then covered with 1/16".

I'm still not finish with the wings. My initial idea was going to configure the wings to where I can take them off for transport, but that idea means, I would be adding more weight to the total AUW, and I don't want to be penalized for that later on.

So far so good:) .. I will call her Jellito Benito:D

[2NG]

Front:)

[2NG]

Final setup and no more cut outs... Boy, I am glad. Now I know what to get, I wanna get a mini table saw, so I can put together airplanes faster than this:)

Anyone know, where I can get a power table saw, that is able to finely cut balsa?

Here is my progress:)

[2NG]

JB 2.:cool:

Tomorrow, I will try to attempt, forming my first plastic top fuselage:) and cowl as, as well:eek: (wish me luck):)

[Fwilly]

good luck
BTW plane looks nice.

[miraclesailor]

2NG

You are doing a really nice job for you first scratch built. Congratulations! I have mostly built from scratch or modified planes to suit my way of thinking. I am a huge proponent of removable wings. I do not have enough room in my work area to store them if the wings do not come off. I usually make the wings themselves come apart. Most of my planes come to about 2 ft total length when they are all apart. That is for 4ft wingspan planes. I like them to be small and easy to transport.

I have real good luck cutting bolsa with a small Delta bandsaw using a fine blade. If you are making lots of strips out of bolsa you may want a table saw. I think that there will be more you could do with a bandsaw. You can make curves with it and that is hard to do on a table saw.

Later,
Dan

[2NG]

Thank you guys for the warm and nice comments.


miraclesailor,

This is the first time, I've seen you here. Welcome:) I as well, as others. We are glad to have you aboard:)

***I think that there will be more you could do with a bandsaw. You can make curves with it and that is hard to do on a table saw.***

That is what I need. Man, I really enjoy scratch building, it makes me think, and challenges me. I love putting kits together, I can put them together in one night, if I'm really into it, but with my new passion. I'm loving it:)

***. I am a huge proponent of removable wings***

That was my first intent, but shy away from it, because the plane it self is light, and by doing such modification. I will be penalized, by adding extra weight. My goal is 16 oz. for a slick knife edge, and hover at least for 15 sec.

My only problem now is getting the plastic forming together, :( not easy, but I think, I am getting close to how, I want it to be:)

[468/f]

2NG,

You are really doing a nice job with that project! You don't look like this your first scratch building project. :) I really think there will be no holding you back now. :rolleyes:

You did a very nice job on the nose and the cowling. That kind of work can be a problem. I'll give you an "A" on that for fure.

I have only done one scratch project with tapered wings like this. That's a lot of work to make each one.

Keep up the great work,

Roger

[2NG]

Hello RC,

Thank you for the kind words:)

***You are really doing a nice job with that project! You don't look like this your first scratch building project. I really think there will be no holding you back now.
***

:D I always share info. I've been planning to do this last summer, but due to the nice weather that CA folks has been having, it was hard for me to do.

****I have only done one scratch project with tapered wings like this. That's a lot of work to make each one.****

It was a back, neck pain staking task, but I managed:D that is why, I really need a bandsaw just to prevent getting Carpal Tunnel:p

I am happy with this construction, and will be building some more in the near future. Bugatti is my next scratch build project:)

****You did a very nice job on the nose and the cowling. That kind of work can be a problem. I'll give you an "A"****

Thanks RC... I'm shooting for an A+ as soon, as I'm done covering my Jellito Benito:cool:

[468/f]

"It was a back, neck pain staking task, but I managed that is why, I really need a bandsaw just to prevent getting Carpal Tunnel!"

I don't think that would happen. At least I hope not. I cut on one of those plastic cutting boards now. In fact, except for the wing of the SB Sport, It is alwaus under whay I am building now. It is not nearly as hard to cut with a nice backing like that. You might want to try that before trading money for a tool.

I think you are really going to enjoy flying it.

Zoom zoom!

Roger

[2NG]

Successful attempt:cool:

Plastic forming.

I have only read R/C articles that talked about plastic forming methods. Never tried it, thinking that it would be too much. Came to find out, until I tried it this evening that there's nothing to it.

Dave Blum Method.

1. Start by carving a form for the part.I use soft balsa cause it's easy to work with. You dont have to go crazy filling the grain,because unlike vacuuforming,most of it won't show. I usually sand 80grit,220,and 400,and thats good enough.

2. Glue your form to a piece of wood tall enough to allow you to pull the plastic down over the sides.I have a small vise I clamp it in to hold it on the counter.Place this near the burner.

3.Thumbtack the plastic sheet(I use .010 to .015 thick) to a couple pieces of wood to use as handles.Don't use plastic coated thumbtacks cause the plastic melts and falls on to the burner.

4.turn the burner on high and hold the plastic 5-6in above it. Be sure to keep it moving to heat it evenly.Here comes the part that takes practice.

[2NG]

Finish product. Excess plastic cut away, and she's done:) ****** Be sure to move the plastic evenly, while heating.

[468/f]

Nice Job!!!

(Oh, where will it end! :rolleyes: )

Now that you have learned to heat form plastic, are you taking orders for cowlings and neat Cub windshields like on the Wattage Cub 400? :)

You da man!

Roger

[2NG]

***the Wattage Cub 400? ***

I'll make you one, for you. I think that's .020 plastic:) remember the package? I'm getting it shipped sometime this.............xxxxxxx. Won't tell ya when.:D

[468/f]

2NG,

You wiley Pup! :p So, Santa makes the Christmas season a little larger. ;)

Thanks, I don't need one, I was just thinking and dreaming about being able to replace the one I have if it ever went in and that ws that. They have a nice one. Do you still have your Cub 400? I can't remember.

Your hanger is almost like a library! Circulation occurs so fast. :rolleyes:

Let's not forget the real reason for the season!

Lots to do today. Bill and Carolin will be in Sunday night! Larry, Bonnie and David fly in from MT tomorrow sometime. It will be nice to have everyone closer!

Roger

[Mike Taylor]

Dremel used to make a nice little table jig-saw out of metal. A few years ago I saw they were being made out of plastic. If they still make one, they are (were) very good for cutting small curved parts.

[2NG]

***Thanks, I don't need one, I was just thinking and dreaming about being able to replace the one I have if it ever went in and that ws that. They have a nice one. Do you still have your Cub 400? I can't remember.***

Of course, I will do it for you. I just traced the balsa block, last night, I had visitors over, so I won't be done, but should have it to ya in 7 day's snail mail:D along with me other surprise:)

I still have the cub, I'm going to re-cover her with silk span, something new:)

***Lots to do today. Bill and Carolin will be in Sunday night! Larry, Bonnie and David fly in from MT tomorrow sometime. It will be nice to have everyone closer!***

I have a full house too. Jen's cousin are down from Santa Cruz, with her boyfriend Brian, cool guy. I known Brian before, back in Elementary school in Lahaina, Hawaii. What a coincidence, that they paired together.. :cool:

***Dremel used to make a nice little table jig-saw out of metal. A few years ago I saw they were being made out of plastic. If they still make one, they are (were) very good for cutting small curved parts.***

Mike,

I need one of those too:D My christmas will be full of give for me. LOL!!!! I need tools like that, because I think, I like this scratch building thing. Scratch building keeps me in a a good pace.

[flyinhigh]

Hey 2NG
Your JellyBean is looking good !! I have a question ,do you know of a place online to get the plastic from?Also Why do you plan on using silkspan?Just wondering:)
Happy Hovering
MIKE

[2NG]

Mike,

I would know where to get plastic to be use in forming. I am using .015 on my JB, and I bought it at sheldon's hobby's. I don't really know where to get some online..

Silk span? I just like to try it:)

[flyinhigh]

Heya 2NG
I will do some shopping around then.I will be going back home to Norfolk ,VA Beach next weekend,and although we are lacking Big Hobby shops down there too we happen to have a Huge arts and craft store in Newport News.But Im keeping my fingers crossed on that one too...Hopefully they will have a nice balsa supply too (One that doesnt just say Prmium balsa on it)
I have a feeling the stretch forming is going to become a real habit in the future ;)
Take Care
MIKE
Oh Yeah How come they took the JellyBean Plans off the Site?