SR-71A Blackbird [Archive] - Radio Control Zone

SR-71 Pilot

11-19-2005, 08:13 AM

Just wondering if it would be OK to possible post some pics of the scratch built Blackbird a friend & I are in the process of building.We have been working on it for more than a year now. It may be ready for Toledo in April, but not sure. We have many little things to do & LOTS of sanding & glassing to do yet. April I think is pie in the sky, but it is our goal to be there on 06. I'll have to figure out how to post pics as I'm new in the forum, but will have to wait until I return helping the wife.
TX
Bill

Cub lover

11-19-2005, 08:47 AM

Hey. I would really liike to see some pics. The easiest way to do it is by going to a free photo hosting site. I use http://photobucket.com/ and I created my free account and you have your own album on there that you upload pics from the computer and they provide a place for the pic to be located. You then just go in there, highlight then copy the worded bar that has the url in the and paste that in your reply window. It's as easy as pie. Pardon the expression. I hope to see some pics soon.

SR-71 Pilot

11-19-2005, 05:42 PM

I have a few digital pictures of the bird in the early stages of the build. I also have them in several stages & will share them with all that would like to see them. I'll try my luck & see if I can get one or two to post here from my collection. If I can't get it to work, I'll take your suggestion Cub Lover & do the Photobucket thing. Thanks for the advice.

Bill

Well, I tried to upload a picture & it is to big. I'll have to figure something else out, probably PhotoBucket or figure out how to make the picture smaller. Bare with me on this, as I'm not the sharpest pencil in the box when it comes to this computer stuff. If you would like to see pics send me your email address & I can shoot a few to you that way as well, until I can get this to work.

Cub lover

11-19-2005, 05:58 PM

YOu can use paint works or a photoshop program and strech and skew it to a smaller size, then save it under a new name and upload it into Photobucket, then transfer. That will get it into the correct parameters.

SR-71 Pilot

11-21-2005, 01:38 AM

Well, I joined the PhotoBucket Group so I hope this works. I'll try one for now & if there are problems, then I'll try something else. Maybe this one will?

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c25/SR71Pilot/DCP_0015.jpg

SR-71 Pilot

11-21-2005, 03:48 AM

I'll try another picture. I can see the one I just posted, so I hope you can too.

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c25/SR71Pilot/DSCF0016.jpg

SR-71 Pilot

11-21-2005, 02:53 PM

I'm sorry the pictures came out so large. I will attempt to make them smaller in the future.

Cub lover

11-21-2005, 07:58 PM

Dude, all I can say is, WOW. That is an awsome plane. It looks so much like the real black bird. Can I ask if it will be using twin jets, or ducted fans?

SR-71 Pilot

11-21-2005, 11:15 PM

I will be running twin PST J1300R 28lb thrust Turbines. The original plans called for duct fan units to fly the jet. Major mods have been made to the structure to accept the turbines. Here is a picture of the type of engine going into the jet. Will be test running engines in the next few weeks.

SR-71 Pilot

11-22-2005, 04:29 AM

Here is a photo of the front canopy area. We made some mods after looking & measuring the full size model on display in Kalamazoo Michigan. We also added a fueling hatch which is close to where the full size jet gets re-fueled. Also, not seen in this photo to good is the C.C. "Conical Camber" in the outer wing panels. C.C. should help with better stability at lower speeds such as it did on the full size jet. "We Hope"??? I'll send more about the C.C. later.
Hope you enjoy the pics.

SR-71 Pilot

11-23-2005, 02:06 AM

I'll just throw a few pictures out here for you to look at. If you have Q's let me know & I'll try to answer them.

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c25/SR71Pilot/SR-71Canopy01.jpg

SR-71 Pilot

11-23-2005, 02:17 AM

Here's a picture of the FULL Functional Rudder that we are putting on the Blackbird. The blue prints called for just a small cut out for a rudder or no rudder function at all. Our thought's were, if an elivon gives out, we still want to have some control to turn, even if minimal with rudder.

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c25/SR71Pilot/SR-71Rudder.jpg

SR-71 Pilot

11-23-2005, 07:12 AM

Here's a side view from the back/side of the SR. Not much to look at, but gives you another view of the jet at a different angle.

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c25/SR71Pilot/SR-71sideview.jpg

Cub lover

11-23-2005, 09:31 AM

SR-71 Pilot

11-23-2005, 11:59 PM

:eek: WWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!! That basically says it. That is an amazing model. I sure would like to be there for the maiden flight. You said you live in Michigan? I live in Ohio, about 10 minutes from the border, near Adrian.

Cub lover, We do appreciate your kind words & THANK YOU. We are also pleased with the way the SR-71 is turning out. It's still in rough form, but it's getting there. I have been blessed to have a good friend by the name of Grant, who is a Master Builder/designer/engineer to help with this project. If it was not for him, this would be no more then a future project. But because of him, I dug out the blue prints & we got started, but not before many MAJOR changes had to be made to the jet to accept turbines. It's been lots of work, & re-work. It's a change this or that learn as we go and believe me, we are learning lots the deeper we get into this project. Anyway, Thanks again. I'm around Fennville Michigan. The biggest major city to me is Kalamazoo. We are looking for a flight site now. We are looking at June or July ? for the first test flight if all goes well. Finding a really good/perfect site is a problem currently. I've contacted a few small airports in this area and some that are OK with using their runway are NOT the best place to try a new bird due to the housing development in the area. One possible site is the Allegan Airport. It's not that busy and without having to get approval from the FAA & city fathers we have been told we might be able to use the taxi way which is as good as the runway itself, as long as we monitor air traffic in the area. So we are still looking, but so far Allegan looks like the test place so far. I've had many people say that same thing, about wanting to be there for the first test flight. Will continue to keep you up to date if you like? Also, I just noticed I have the wrong title on one of the pictures. It should have been titled "Cockpit Canopies" not Rear View. Sorry for the error. I'm just learning this net thing.

SR-71 Pilot

11-24-2005, 02:14 AM

I mentioned "Conical Camber" in an earlier post. Well, here is what is called C.C. on a delta wing. I'm am told, It's designed into the wing to help bleed off air at slower speeds for better control. The close-up shows it a little, but the other picture will show it better, as the shadow shows the "DIP" in the outer wing panels. You can check out the other full size SR-71's on the net & see the C.C. in the wing as well.

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c25/SR71Pilot/SR-71ConicalCamber.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c25/SR71Pilot/SR-71C.jpg

SR-71 Pilot

11-24-2005, 02:21 AM

I know that looks are deceiving. The "DIP" is NOT as big or bad as it looks. I looked at it for weeks after we installed it thinking it was not right, but it was not until after more measuring, looking at other FULL SCALE pictures & putting black paper over the area convinced me that it was as close as we would get. It really is not as bad as it looks in the picture.

Cub lover

11-24-2005, 11:35 AM

SR-71 Pilot

11-24-2005, 05:48 PM

I would be very appreciative if you were to keep me up to date on this project. I must say that I am fascinated with this indevour. I'll have to see if I can find Fennville or Kalamazoo on a map. My family and I love to camp. By the way, I am 14 going on 15 in Jan. I will have to see if it would be possible to be there at the time that you will be testing your marvelous aircraft. I have only seen one jet fly at a local RC show. It took off of the grass at an amazing speed. The run way couldn't have been more than 80 feet long. I would really like to see this bird. Thank you.

I will be sure to keep you up to date. If you look on MapQuest or MSN Maps & Directions by typing in your address/city & then Fennville 49408 zip it will get you within10 miles of my house.
Yes, Jets are fascinating and is probably why some of us go into them. My first jet was a Bob Parkinson Ducted Fan Regal Eagle & I still fly it. I highly recommend his models as an entry level jet. This will keep you out of thousands of dollars invested & get you into the air faster. They are very easy to fly & top out at around 135 -150 mph tops on a good day. Check out his web site sometime at www.rcjets.com.
The SR-71 should rotate at about 60-65 mph. Top speed? we may never know because I don't want to distroy anything on the jet, but a good ball park figure should be around 200 mph without any problem. The DF models I seen fly years ago clocked out around 135 mph. My Regal Eagle will take off of grass, but my F-15 & SR-71 are concrete birds, so I will be limited to places to fly these.
What planes are you flying now? My grandson is your age & he is somewhat wanting to get back into flying, but he's more into sports right now then playing with airplanes. He may have to be my helper when we go to shows with the Blackbird this next year because you need to have a person with you to help keep an eye on the plane. Thanks for all your interaction here. I like to talk about all kinds of airplanes. Let me know what your flying, we can talk about that one as well.

Cub lover

11-25-2005, 11:20 AM

Well, I have been flying for two years. The first year I flew strictly my trainer, but an unfortunate accident with the only tree in the park made for a bad first flight of the second season. However, it was a blessing in disguise. I had gotten the Extreme 330 from Tower Hobbies and had been having some problems with it. It was a very difficult build and the hanger rash was rediculess. I started flying my dad's skylark and got some aerobatics training. On August 20th, I flew my Extreme for the first time. I flew in 15 mph winds nad it was amazing. It was my first tail-dragger nad it was a pure nerve wrecking experience, after all, it was the first plane I had bought myself. I now fly some 3-D aerobatics and now I have put up that plane for the winter, eager to pull her back down again. I have been planing for a project with a .60 Edge 540 and scale cover it to look like Kirby Chambliss' black Red Bull plane. It will do scale aerobatics and even include smoke. I will pu my Futaba into it and put in a .91 O.S. Sound good? I love to talk about airplanes all the time (I have annoyed many people because of this) and I just love planes themselves. I have wanted to build a F-16 and model it after the USAF Thunderbirds 5. Complete with smoke and functional canopy, brakes, gear doors, and lights.

Straick

11-29-2005, 07:29 PM

I wish that I could be there in person when it flies. I've never seen a jet model with actual jet engines in it fly. When you do fly it, do you think that you could record it and put it up? That, sadly will be the only way that I would be able to see it fly. It looks great right now and it should look even better when done.

SR-71 Pilot

11-30-2005, 03:20 PM

Hello Straick, I will make every attempt to post her first flight. We will have many different cams on it the first time up. We too are very excited about getting closer to that day. We are going to fire up the engines this next weekend. Maybe I can post a short video of the startup? I'll have to see if I can figure that out next. There are people I've been in contact with over seas that want to see it fly as well, so having it posted on the web is probably a for sure bet. Like I said, I just need to figure out HOW to get it to post on the site when it happens. Thanks for the kind words on the looks, I will have to agree, it WILL look much better when done, but lots of work to do yet before that look take effect.

Thanks
bill

I wish that I could be there in person when it flies. I've never seen a jet model with actual jet engines in it fly. When you do fly it, do you think that you could record it and put it up? That, sadly will be the only way that I would be able to see it fly. It looks great right now and it should look even better when done.

SR-71 Pilot

11-30-2005, 03:23 PM

Here are a few pictures of the underside with systems being laid out.

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c25/SR71Pilot/SR-71FrontSection.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c25/SR71Pilot/SR-71MidSection.jpg

NitroDad

12-03-2005, 12:16 AM

Wow that thing is fregin COOL, GOOD JOB!!!!

SR-71 Pilot

12-03-2005, 05:36 PM

Thanks NitroDad, We think it is a COOL Project too. We appreciate your kind words. That's why i thought I'd try & share some of this project with others, so they can see some of the work that goes into a scratch built bird. Today, most guys have never built a plane, because of all the ARF there is no need to build anymore. It's almost a lost art by individuals. Don't get me wrong, there are still many out there that build from kits, but from a blue print(s) with NO instructions is not done to often anymore.
Thanks Again
bill

Wow that thing is fregin COOL, GOOD JOB!!!!

SR-71 Pilot

01-03-2006, 01:09 AM

I have a few pitures of the latest changes on the Blackbird. Most noticable are the "Air Inlets" on the front of the nacelle & the "Air Bypass Ducts" on the back by the tail feathers. You will notice also, the change in the tail feathers as well. The tail feathers will be fixed such as they would be in flight and will not be operational. As much as we would like to go with flexable tail feathers, it would just be to much of a mechanical nightmare & not to practical I don't think.

Anyway, here are the NEW pictures.

Bill

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c25/SR71Pilot/FrontAirinlets.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c25/SR71Pilot/RearBypassInletsTailcone.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c25/SR71Pilot/RearBypassInlets.jpg

SR-71 Pilot

01-09-2006, 07:11 AM

I stated 06 on my last update, but meant 07 we should be in Toledo.

QUOTE=SR-71 Pilot]Just wondering if it would be OK to possible post some pics of the scratch built Blackbird a friend & I are in the process of building.We have been working on it for more than a year now. It may be ready for Toledo in April, but not sure. We have many little things to do & LOTS of sanding & glassing to do yet. April I think is pie in the sky, but it is our goal to be there on 06. I'll have to figure out how to post pics as I'm new in the forum, but will have to wait until I return helping the wife.
TX
Bill[/QUOTE]

Gerryy

02-20-2006, 07:05 PM

SR-71 Pilot, I must say you have a great looking project there. I read quickly over the previous posts but did not see what design it is. is it your own design? or are you building from someone's plans? it looks like you enjoy planking... ;)
Keep us all posted and keep those pix coming
GY

SR-71 Pilot

04-08-2006, 06:35 PM

Gerryy,

I am very sorry about not having much posted here as lately. I have been busy working 2 jobs & really have not had much time to post or answer many email messages. But to answer your question, The SR is being built from Ralph Salvador's blue prints with many modifications to handle the turbine engines being installed. I will try to post some new pics soon. We have spikes made and have added the bubble canopy to replicate the SR-71B on display at the Kalamazoo Airzoo here in Michigan. Sense they let us in to crawl all over this bird & measure it for items needing to be made, we thought it would be a nice jesture to replicate the "B" when we put it on display at the museum. :)
Thank you much for the comments.
Bill

SR-71 Pilot

04-18-2006, 02:46 PM

Hey guys, sorry about not having more to post lately, but have been busy working 2 job & not much time to download much. But here are a few pics of the spikes that we are going to install in the SR. Will have some more in a few weeks. Things are going slow at this time, many little things needing done & takes much time to do. Nothing exciting to post on the little things.

Thanks
Bill

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c25/SR71Pilot/SpikeInlet2.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c25/SR71Pilot/SpikeFrontViewLS.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c25/SR71Pilot/SpikeInletHalves.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c25/SR71Pilot/LSSpike.jpg

SR-71 Pilot

04-28-2006, 04:27 AM

Hello all. It's been sometime sense I have posted anything new on here, but things have been slow in building. We are at the little things that take time. In the process of closing the bottom making room for all the wiring. Here are a few pics of the spikes that will be installed as these are the latest additions. Will attempt to post more often if possible.
Thanks
Bill
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c25/SR71Pilot/SpikeInlet2.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c25/SR71Pilot/SpikeInletHalves.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c25/SR71Pilot/SpikeFrontViewLS.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c25/SR71Pilot/LSSpike.jpg

SR-71 Pilot

05-15-2006, 02:08 AM

Can everyone open the links to the pictures? I have not heard any negitives as yet, so I assume you can see them. Let me know if you have trouble opening them.

Thanks
Bill

Gerryy

05-17-2006, 09:27 AM

they look great to me!
GY

NitroDad

05-19-2006, 01:59 PM

Say? how big is that thing? Looks to be what, about 4foot long or so?

gigacrush

06-22-2006, 12:18 AM

the best plane ive ever seen. spared no expence. where can i get one of those turbines.ive been looking for one but no luck.and the pics are fine they look great.

flyingdoc

06-22-2006, 03:44 PM

What a great project!!!

Jusst curious: where did you find those plans?

Hope you'll be able to post a lot more of those beautiful pictures...!

KP

SR-71 Pilot

08-07-2006, 12:52 AM

Sorry for not getting back you all of you before now. I'm busy working 2 jobs to help pay for this project & don't get allot of time to get on here to read or respond.
I will try to answer all questions & update you on the project.

FLYINGDOC - The plans a from Knights Of The Air. Bought them many years ago around 1980. Drawn by Ralph Saldivar. I'm not sure I spelled his last name correctly but I'm close.

GIGACRASH - The Turbines can be bought almost anyplace. All different sizes. From small 9-10 lb thrust to 50 lbs thrust. Dollars will run anywhere from $1200 - $5000. Mine are 28lb thrust. I just seen my friend Dennis Crooks fly his SR-71 Yellow Aircraft Kit a few weeks ago at St. Charles Ill. with (2) 12 lb thrust Funsonic turbines. It flew great. Probably in the 150 - 170 mph area.

NITRODAD - This SR-71 is 107 inches long with 55.5 W/S. It will be a little longer overall with the pitot tube in for the IAS module. The IAS I got from Bob F. to help aid with stall speeds. It will also give a real speed readout on a hand held as well so you can see how fast the jet is moving along during flight. But more important, it is used for stall speed. It can be set for T/O roll speed & landing speed. A warning beep will let you know when your close to stall, so I will set it up for 15 -20 mph to stall both ways to be safe.

Thanks for all the feedback guys, I will attempt to post a few more pics here in the next few weeks. We are about to close the bottom up and start sanding. Everything is laid out to where we can get it back out when needed. That seemed to be a BIG issue with little room to play with. We hope to have it ready for show at the Kalamazoo Michigan Airzoo in Oct. for the SR-71 Symposium. Keeping out fingure crossed & lot of sanding to go before that can happen.

Thanks again.
Bill