Mountain Models Cessna 180 Buildup

[CalmAir]

Hello Everyone,

I finally got back to working on my Cessna 180 from Mountain Models (http://www.mountainmodels.com).

This is a scale type kit and was a gift from my Dad, who also built one. First I must say that the folks at Mountain Models are very fast with the shipping and pleasant to deal with.

The kit features laser cut wood with all of the necessary hardware, CAD plans and instruction manual. The laser cutting is great and the manual is very well written with a clear black and white photo for nearly every step. The kit builds up quickly due primarily to the tab and notch type construction and the use of thin CA glue. I am pleased with the strength of the fuselage while still maintaining a lightweight structure.

The left side of the wing is built first and came out fine, but when I rocked it over to the right side and finished it, I noticed that I had warped the trailing edge somehow. To cure this I blocked up the wing and measured the left side at several points. I then blocked the right side the same and installed the top piece of the trailing edge. After it was dried the trailing edge had pulled back like the left. Whew, I was worried for a minute.

There were two discrepancies with the kit. The trailing edges get a balsa stick glued in between the edges for extra strength. There are 13 places for this but only 12 sticks in the kit. No big deal, I just cut one to size. The second was the strut platform that is installed in the wing for strut connection. The plans show it in one position and the picture in the manual shows it the opposite direction. I installed it per the CAD plans.

All in all I am pleased with how it is going so far. All of the wood is finished. It is now time to take it apart and cover it. I will be using the So-Lite film that is recommended. Since my Dad ordered it with red I will be making it a custom reversed color scheme, (red with white trimming), instead of the normal white. Here are a couple of photos of the progress to this point. I will post more pics when it is covered.

Happy flying,

Dale

[flyinhigh]

Hey there CALMAIR:D
Ive been waiting for you to come back and build this plane.But now youve caught me in the middle of the AT-6.
Looking good! You have exactly the reverse trim scheme I have;) Cant Waite to see how yours will turn out...
Ill be waiting
MIKE

[flyinhigh]

I forgot to tell you that the underside up near the cowl is a real pain in the butt too.This is what made me put the cessna to the side for a while.So Beware....
MIKE

[CalmAir]

Hi Mike,

The fuselage is covered and I will work on the wings tonight. I normally shrink open framework with a gun, but I had better results using the iron to finish the fuse. I performed a pre-shrink with the gun to make sure there were no big sags and then used the iron for the finish. Your right about under the cowling, it takes some patience in that area, but I was able to work it out in several steps. I had to use the gun in that area.

I used balsa filler in the crack between the top cowl and the sides. Even though the red is semi-transparent it covers fairly well. I thought hard about painting the structure first, but I did not want to add any weight to the structure, so I opted out on the paint. I tried to sand all of the laser burning off, but still noticed some spots I missed after covering. I'll post a pic when I finish the wing and tail pieces.

Dale

[468/f]

More pictures!!!!!! Please!!!!



Roger

[CalmAir]

Hi Roger,

They will be coming soon. I have it all covered and the trim striping on. Just need to install the tail, gear and windows.

Seems like I cannot finish this one. It has nothing to do with the kit, I am just having builders block or something. Problem with these scale planes is when to stop. I am going to get it finished to fly and then I will add the other things to it. I had a hard time getting the trim like I wanted it. Just sat there and stared at it. Felt like I could not get it together for some reason, but I would like to test fly it this weekend if the winds calm down. I also have a couple of scratchbuilds I want to start on. Just need to get my act together:D

Dale

[468/f]

Hi Dale,

I do know what is happening. It's ok and natural.

I have been at a project since last May. It is getting closer to being finished, but,- there are days where, like you, I am a little lost on the next thing to do.

You control it!!

Roger

[flyinhigh]

Hey Calmair
Good to hear you got thru the cowl part ok.Cant waite to see yours.Whats the holdup lets see some pics hehe;)
Hey I know what your talking about with the builders block just take your time,well be here waiting..
Talk to you later
MIKE:)

[CalmAir]

Hi everyone,

Although this Cessna 180 is not finished, I thought that more photos would be necessary before I get accused of slacking off too much! If only Genovia lived down the street. He would make sure that I finish it already and move on!:D

I still have to install the gear struts, wing struts, windshield, tail-wheel assembly, power plant and electronics. I will also be adding “N” numbers to the white area on the rear fuselage. Any ideas for making them would be welcome.

The covering used was Solarfilm lite (So-Lite). The stripes were made with tape. The wide areas on the striping were made from Solar Tape. It is made by the folks who make So-Lite and is very thin and made to apply to the covering. It comes on a 13” X 36” roll in many colors. I ordered it from Balsa Products, (http://www.balsapr.com/). I just hope that I do not come out tail heavy from using the self-adhesive trim.:eek: It is heavier than using iron on film.

It is on the downhill slide now. The rest of the needed items should proceed much quicker. After I make sure that it flies I may add some touches here and there to add to the scale look of the aircraft. Right now I just want to get her flight worthy.

Dale:cool:

[CalmAir]

...and a couple more

[CalmAir]

My little Yorkie is very jealous of our model planes and cars. It is easier to let her just get into the picture, than to keep trying to shoo her away.

Good flying to all,

Dale

[CalmAir]

Oops...forgot the picture!

[468/f]

Hi Dale,

I may be the only up at this hour so I might be the first to see the new pics. ;)

You have done a great job on the plane. I do like the stripes. I will need to investigate the SoLite trim. I didn't know it6 existed.

"N" numbers can be made with your computer. Just make them in Word so you can get the font and look you want. Then print them onto window decal film. I just bought some at an office supply tonight for a project of mine. They will run in rain and may have to be glued on after a while, but they will last a long time as is. You can tell that mine are just stuck lightly.

Here is what I made tonight. Give it a try.

Roger

[CalmAir]

Hi Roger,

Thank you for the idea. I was hoping to use the computer to select the fonts. A decal type installation would be nice. I don't relish the thought of cutting out each number individually.

The SoLite and Nelson Lite films I believe are the same thing. They are very light and install like any other iron on covering. The only differences are the solite uses a lower temperature to tack and shrink than heavier films, such as monocote, ultracote ect.

The lighter films will puncture or tear easier, but i have no issues with it. I really like this stuff. Best of all it will not warp the smaller structers we deal with. The adhesive tacks very well. Use an iron to shrink. Works very well.

The trim is also fairly easy to use. I had no problems with bubbles, just take your time because it sticks well. I would hate to try to pull the solartrim off once applied.

Dale

[CalmAir]

The servoes and receiver are installed. Just need to push the motor on and hook up the control rods. I used the quick links at the rear and will use the micro collars at the servo arms. Unfortunatly the only collars I had left were for the GWS arms, so I will run by the LHS on the way to work and grab a ESC while I am there.

I am going to fly the maiden without the struts first, in case any problems are encountered. They will probably snap easy in a hard grass landing.

The biggest problem now is finding a calm day, which is hard to do this time of year.

Dale

[468/f]

Hi Dale,

Do wait for a day with calm air. It will save that beautiful finish. I also liked the hint that you have a place with grass to land or set it down if things don't work out right away.

You may want to have the CG a little forward so the chance of tip stalls is minimized. Depending on the flying site, you may want to think about ROG or a hand launch.

I fly over 40 acres of alfalfa here, and it has saved many hours of repair. ;)

And, if it's been a while since you have flown, get some stick time with a TM or something like that to get things tuned between your eyes and fingers.

Take Care,

Roger

[CalmAir]

Hey Roger,

I have 12 or so airplanes and quite a bit of stick time, but I have not flown since October due to some business and home projects that needed tending to. That is why I was off of the board here for a while. So I am back to building and trying to fly, but the weather has not cooperated when I am off.

I have several planes that I can fly on breezy days, but I always wait for the calm air to wring out a new one. After I have a handle on it, then I push the wind limits with them to let me know what I can get away with.

Since I switched to the lighter electric aircraft I have started my maiden flights by hand launching. I find that the added altitude gives me ample time make a correction if something is not right. Once comfortable then I will ROG, depending on where I am flying.

Looks like rain here for 3 days, so maybe I will go ahead and install the struts and finish up the trim on the wing. Hopefully this weekend I will be able to fly. I need a fix really bad.

Dale

[flyinhigh]

Hello Dale
Man your giving me inspiration.Nice looking Cessna:D Ill be happy when the weather calms and you can fly this plane.Im interested in hearing how it flies.You were probably right in deciding not to paint it .all the extra weight and I had alot of bubbles come up in the covering.I think I heated it up to much and the paint did this.
Hope the winds calm for you.
MIKE

[CalmAir]

Well we finally had a nice day, but the wind was blowing about 10 mph. My son and I loaded up the cessna and 3 other planes. We flew the other planes while the wind was blowing. Just at sunset it became totally calm. I brought out the 180.

Mountain Models recommends a 8.4V 300mAh pack for the cessna. My dad has 2 so I figured I would use one of his and if the plane performed well I would order a pack from MM. Well, my dad is out of town. So I installed the 7.2V 800mAh lithium ion pack and gave it a shot, knowing that I might be on the edge.

My son hand launched it for me and it started climbing out at an angle you would expect to see from a real 180. I used the recommended throws of +- 1" rudder and +- 5/8" on the elevator. During the second turn i noticed a slight tendency to tip stall, so I started approaching the turns smoother. I only needed a couple of clicks of right trim to have it straight and level. I was very nervous (as usual with a new aircraft) and it showed during my turns. I was able to throttle back a few clicks, but always throttled up for the turns since I was using the lower voltage pack and the tendency for it to drop a wing in the turn.

I made 4 circuits around the field and decided to land because it was after sunset and I was having trouble with orientation. Landing was very nice. Good glide and rolled out on the wheels in the grass. Wow, this one is going to look so nice in the air. I will be trying to get out at sunrise tomarrow, so I can have light to see by and try to get used to this one.

It is recommended to have 1/4" to 3/8" washout at the wingtips. I had built in 1/4" but over the weeks it had dropped to 1/8", so I am going to set it back to at least 1/4" for the next flight. I will also be ording the 8.4V pack for it now that I know that it will fly. It was very exciting, just sorry that I could not have more time this evening, but the wind was just to strong before sunset.

We finished out the night under the lights in the parking lot doing touch and goes together with a slowstick and a Moth. Can't believe we were being ate up by moscitoes already. A very fun and relaxing evening of flying with my oldest. I needed that. It has been many months without flying.

We had the camera, but the light was really to low, so I will post flight pics when I can.

Regards,
Dale

[468/f]

Hi Dale,

Thanks for the good report on the flying. I'm glad you were watching for problems in the turns. It's nice to hear about the landing too!!

It had to be a good time. Have many more,

Roger

[CalmAir]

Thanks Roger,

In my rush to post the good news I left out some specs. I am using the GWS 9x7 prop and my weight came in at 9 ounces ready to fly. The radio gear is the JR micro receiver and 241 micro servoes and I used a Electrifly C-10 speed controller. The GWS IPS DXA was borrowed from a Pico Stik. I have a new motor for this plane, but darned if I can find it. It's here, just have to dig some more.

Dale

[flyinhigh]

Hello Dale and Roger
Hey Dale glad to here the winds finally calmed down for you:) we are having the same problems here,good flight report.I didnt realize it needed so much washout in the wings,But I can bet that an 8.4v pack is going to make it fly much better(performance wise)Sorry to hear you can not find that new motor:confused: I hate it when that happens.which motor did you get for it??and were are you posting from or are you just a night owl :D Im pulling an all nighter tonight:rolleyes:
Take Care
MIKE

[CalmAir]

Hey Mike,

I am using the recommended motor, the stock GWS DXA 5.86:1 gear ratio with the 9x7 prop. Yes the 8.4V will help, although the 7.2 was keeping it airborn, I was really having to fly the wing and keep the airspeed up without relying on the extra power.

I live in Missouri and work second shift, so I am usually up late.

Dale

[CalmAir]

Hi all,

We were blessed again with a totally calm evening, could not be more perfect. So off to the schoolyard with the C-180 again.

This time it was still daylight and I was able to fly until I felt fatigued. I was able to get comfortable with it today. Still using the 7.2 pack this aircraft flew very fast today and had no problem climbing.

It flies like you would expect a scale craft to fly. She drops her nose quickly during hard banking. It is like an aileron ship, you add some rudder and then center, it will maintain this attitude until you opposite out. I also set the washout back to 1/4" and it did not seem as squirrely, but it does wag the tail around when inputing rudder, almost as if I am tail heavy, but the CG seems to be right on. "Power on" stalls were not a problem from straight and level. The nose drops and just releast the back pressure. "Power off" stalls were all different. It would mush out and drop the nose during the break, but sometimes it would drop a wing after the break. Quickly release the back pressure and add throttle and opposite out with the rudder. I am sure this plane would have the same spin characteristics as the real one, but I have not had the guts to try it yet!

This is not a plane to learn on, but sure would make a good one to transition up to when you would like more speed and a craft that really needs to be flown. It looks fantastic in the air and landings are really fun. It rolls out great.

This plane is easy to build but I recommend some stick time on a more docile model first. I will now add the struts and "N" numbers to it. I am happy to get thru the first few flights without a mishap.

Here are the flight pics I promised. I am sorry that it is so far away, but our cam only has 2X lens and I was not comfortable passing too low right now.

Regards,
Dale

[CalmAir]

Here is a couple more:

[CalmAir]

My son had a great time with his slowstik. When it is calm he enjoys gliding, looping, and seeing how many times he can circle the field with it upside down!

[CalmAir]

Of course, the best way to finish a day of flying is to run down to the parking lot for an evening of flying under the lights. The Moth and SlowStik are perfect for this.

After we ran out of batteries we went home hungry, only to find the wife grilling sirloins. Gents, does it get any better? What a weekend!

Dale

[468/f]

Dale,

On the struts, have you thought about using magnets to go at the ends of the strut and be able to remove them when flying. I did that on a project.

Really nice pictures and report!!

Roger

[CalmAir]

Roger that is a good idea.

The lower ends have a small wire attached to slip into the fuselage, but I believe the magnets would be perfect for attatching to the wings. Wish I had thought of that before I covered the wing, but I think that is what I will do.

Heck, Dave R and GHMBO have been using them to hold wings on their lighter models, it should be no problem for the struts, as they are only used for looks. I can recess the magnets into the strut plate in the wing. That would only require a small patch of solite.

Thanks for the idea!

Dale

[468/f]

Dale,

What I did was to put the magnets in the tips of the struts. I then cut the heads off small nails, drilled holes in the fuselage and wing, pushed the wire into the places where the struts meet and then slipped some CA on them to fasten them there.

I don't fly with the struts on. I don't want to have to buy more magnets and rebuild the struts. :rolleyes:

This is my first time to use the magnets, but it will not be the last!!

Roger