Beta Building the MERIDIAN 400. Pattern Plane

[genovia]

Sport flyers. Hello,

I am happy to announce that Old School R/C (http://www.oldschoolrc.com/) the people, same name and respect, the same dedicated hobbyist and provider that in the past, and present responsible for bringing us high quality, all wood kits at a reasonable cost. Are back..... Louder than ever, with it's new sporty, flashy, Pattern airplane . The Meridian 400 .

Specs:
Span: 30"
Length:32"
Weight: 15-16 oz
Wing area: 190 sq. in.

Meridian 400's: By Paul Susbauer (http://www.*************/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=95135&highlight=meridian+400)

The wood are finely picked from the best balsa, laser cut to perfection (For those kit bashers out there, this plane will disappoint you, for it builds itself in no time:D ).

The kit comes with:

2 .062 x 18” Composite pushrod
1 .032 x18” music wire
1 Laser parts sets (9 sheets total)
1 .062 x 6” wire for elevator joiner
2 3/16” x ¾ x 18” aileron stock
8 1/8” sq. x 18” balsa stock
1 1/16 x 3 x 12” balsa sheet
1 1/8” dia. Heat shrink tubing
1 Clear molded canopy
2 3/16 sq. x 18” balsa LE
1 ¼” x 18” triangle stock

----------------------------------------------------------------------

System and gears: Recommended

4 channel receiver (Hitec 555, Electron 6, GWS R4P)

Speed 400, Hacker B20 15L 4:1 GB, Mini AC 16 turn, Mega 16/15/xx.

15 amp ESC for speed 400 motor. 18 amp Hacker/Jeti or 25 amp Castle Creations ESC for Brushless motors.

4 GWS Pico BB (must be Pico BB’s for ailerons)


Y-harness for aileron servos, or two 6” extensions if doing flaperons.

Graupner Precision spinner #1298 /2 or /3 for 2.3 or 3.2 mm motor shafts.

[genovia]

Instead of gluing the formers to the fuse one by one. I choose the other route, and that is gluing them all into it's respective slots, by doing so, this method eliminates a warping or twist in the fuse. I don't think this kit will have any, if built per plan, but every builder as it own style of building (Clips, can be bought in K-Mart )

[genovia]

Finished fuse:)

[genovia]

The mid. Section are laminated with fuselage doublers, making a left and right side. The doublers are in 3 pieces, upper, lower, and the nose doubler. Giving this plane the 100% amount to strength that it needs.

Pic. Below showing the upper doubler.

[genovia]

:)

[genovia]

The kit comes with 400/Mega/Astro and Hacker motor Mount.

I will be using Mega 16/15/xx

¼” balsa triangle stock are glued fit the upper and lower nose sections.

On the lower portion, the triangle stock run from F2 all the way to the nose. For the upper portion, cut them to 3 inches long, laminate to the nose.

[genovia]

The Mega is then held in place with left over 1/4" triangle, placed on top side and side bottom of the fuse. Snugly holding the motor in place, prevents it from vibrating. (personal preference)

[genovia]

Straight forward and clean design

[genovia]

:)

[Trikster]

genovia, you really need to share the wealth when it comes to planes and brushless powerplants. I would give something a loving home. :) Nice looking craft!

[genovia]

Hello Trick:)

***you really need to share the wealth when it comes to planes and brushless powerplants**

:D Sure, I will give as much into as possible.

I just heard from Oldschool.com, that this plane will hit the market this up coming March 25th:) drop them an email, and be on the list. No obligation required if you want to be in the list:)

[Fwilly]

thats gonna be one sweet looking plane. Do you know what the price will be?
thanks

[genovia]

Hello Will,


I don't know how much this kit will be, but I'm pretty sure it will be affordable to those, that getting into aerobatic pattern airplanes:)

[Aobid]

Thanks for sharing!:)
Nice job building it. Would you have any sort of ideas as the final release date? I used to compete in pattern back in the early 90s, lost interest because the lack of flying fields. Got heavy into the micro helis but now this has really sparked my interest.

I really like the clean lines. I wonder what sort of vertical the Hacker or MM 12/15 - 16 would provide, direct drive I take it?

What sort of packs are you thinking about using?

I'm already thinking of the posibilities of retracts! What are your thoughts?

More updated pictures please..........more! More! More! More!:)
We demand more!:p

[Aobid]

Almost forgot.........what do you plan on covering it with? Do you think Monokote would be too heavy for a plane of this size?

[genovia]

Aobid,

Please contact Old School R/C (http://www.oldschoolrc.com/) for more info.:)

***Almost forgot.........what do you plan on covering it with? Do you think Monokote would be too heavy for a plane of this size?***

Monokote will add weight. I don't usually use monokote on any of my airplanes covering. I mostly use econokote (Made by monokote) it's lighter than monokote.

On this particular bird, I covered it with transparent ultracote. I choose to cover the whole plane with transparent film, to show the interlocking parts, as well, as to show how this bird can easily be put together.

**Thanks for sharing!
Nice job building it***

Your welcome:)

[Aobid]

What a beauty! Nice covering job!

Is the wing a part of the fuse or does it come off for transport?

What do you think about the retracts idea?

[genovia]

Aobid,

***Is the wing a part of the fuse or does it come off for transport?***

The wings, I covered separately, but then glued to the fuse afterwards. Being 30" or so airplane. It wouldn't be hard, as far as transport is concerned.

*****What do you think about the retracts idea?****

There is a possibility, but I won't comment on it at this time, for this is a Beta Kit. I will buy one, as soon, as the full production hit's on March 25 (Be sure to drop in and put your name on Old school R/C's list) and by that time, I will look into the possibility of installing rets.

It's not impossible, it can be done. I will be adding my scheme and trims tonight:)

Yours,
genovia

[genovia]

One more pic. before I put the color scheme and trims:)

[genovia]

:)

[Aobid]

Thanks for the pictures and sharing! Can't wait for the flight reports!

I think I will either put the Hacker or MM motor in it.

Thanks again for your response.:)

[genovia]

My scheme, will trim her tomorrow:)

[genovia]

My "Stunner":cool: