GliderIreland - Ireland RC Forum - Flying Model forum in Ireland
Gliders => Scale => Topic started by: Fred on May 19, 2006, 14:15:38 PM
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Hi there,
First of all, thanks to Alan for the 3 views !
So, after my 1/5.5 Grunau Baby, it's time for a new scale ship !
This time, the Ka3, 2.5mtrs wing span.
Let's glue some wood !
As usual now for me, I've started with the "front box" made with 3mm plywood (from the local DIY store...)
(http://www.retroplane.net/forum/images/uploads/loopingfred/02052006102333_ka3couples.jpg)
(http://www.retroplane.net/forum/images/uploads/loopingfred/02052006103124_ka3fuselage.jpg)
(http://www.retroplane.net/forum/images/uploads/loopingfred/02052006103248_ka3fuselage1.jpg)
(http://www.retroplane.net/forum/images/uploads/loopingfred/02052006103258_ka3fuselage2.jpg)
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Then, it's time for hard wood strips to simulate the tubing construction of the real one.
I've used 10x3mm strps, but if I have to do it again, i'd rather use 2x 3x5mm strips. Much more easier to bend ! :rolleyes:
(http://www.retroplane.net/forum/images/uploads/loopingfred/02052006103337_ka3fuselage3.jpg)
(http://www.retroplane.net/forum/images/uploads/loopingfred/02052006103344_ka3fuselage4.jpg)
(http://www.retroplane.net/forum/images/uploads/loopingfred/02052006103649_ka3fuselage6.jpg)
Nothing really difficult here. The hardest part of the building was for the rear part of the fuselage...Finally, no real difficulties, but you must be precise here !
(http://www.retroplane.net/forum/images/uploads/loopingfred/02052006103656_ka3fuselage7.jpg)
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Then, it's time to build the wings !
Really easy here ! Ribs are all the same (ok, ok, almost !), the wing is flat, rectangular... A real beginner wing here !
(http://www.retroplane.net/forum/images/uploads/loopingfred/02052006103923_ka3aile.jpg)
(http://www.retroplane.net/forum/images/uploads/loopingfred/02052006103930_ka3aile1.jpg)
The first 4 ribs are in 3mm plywood. The wing spare come from the DIY shop and the key wing is in 8mm carbon rod.
(http://www.retroplane.net/forum/images/uploads/loopingfred/02052006103937_ka3aile2.jpg)
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Ok, so, we have a set of wings and a fuselage... time to put everything together for the first time :
(http://www.retroplane.net/forum/images/uploads/loopingfred/02052006104131_ka3structure2.jpg)
(http://www.retroplane.net/forum/images/uploads/loopingfred/02052006104118_ka3structure.jpg)
Contemplation !
Fred --> happy ! :p
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So, it's time to start the "webbing" on the fuselage. First, I was thinking to cover the entire fuselage with balsa, and simulate the tubing with the 10x3mm strips... Finally, Why not reproduce the real structure ?! Less hassle ! And very light and strong ! (Ok, the weight is not an issue here in Ireland ! :rolleyes: )
(http://www.retroplane.net/forum/images/uploads/loopingfred/08052006085736_lissesfuselage.jpg)
(http://www.retroplane.net/forum/images/uploads/loopingfred/08052006085745_lissesfuselage0.jpg)
(http://www.retroplane.net/forum/images/uploads/loopingfred/08052006085814_lissesfuselage1.jpg)
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Now, a bit of paint for the cockpit interior...
Ok, Grey like the Irish Sky ! :p Camouflage !
(http://www.retroplane.net/forum/images/uploads/loopingfred/08052006085922_lissesfuselage2.jpg)
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A bit of work on the wings now.
Put the TE made with 1.5mm liteply.
Note the wing root. Scale now (design error here...Ooopss)
(http://www.retroplane.net/forum/images/uploads/loopingfred/09052006083611_ka3fuselageaileemp.jpg)
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Now, the ailerons :
Really easy.. nothing to be explained here... photos talk for themselves !
(http://www.retroplane.net/forum/images/uploads/loopingfred/ailerons_199.jpg)
(http://www.retroplane.net/forum/images/uploads/loopingfred/aileronsmobile_697.jpg)
(http://www.retroplane.net/forum/images/uploads/loopingfred/aileronsmobile1_181.jpg)
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And finally :
(http://www.retroplane.net/forum/images/uploads/loopingfred/structuremontagefuselage_936.jpg)
So, missing on the picture : the wings root and the sheeting.
Now, it's time to start the V tail ! Yep, I keep the best part for the end !
Fred
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Ok, let's make the wings tips.
One of the Ka3 Particularity is to have a hollow wing tip (mean that the wing sheeting is not going to the tips)
So, the last 2 ribs are made with 3mm balsa and the wing tip, by using 1.5mm liteply.
Here are the pictures before gluing :
(http://www.retroplane.net/forum/images/uploads/loopingfred/saumon_994.jpg)
(http://www.retroplane.net/forum/images/uploads/loopingfred/saumon1_268.jpg)
(http://www.retroplane.net/forum/images/uploads/loopingfred/saumon2_228.jpg)
So, this week end, the plan is to finnish the wings (sheeting) and to start the V Tail !
See you next week,
Fred
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looks excellent Fred.the Ka3 is a very nice looking sailplane.the v tail looks unusual on a vintage scale gliders.very cool though.
can't wait to see it with a suit of clothes on :D
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Hey Joe !
Thanks a Mill !
Hopefully, the V-Tail will be finish to be designed this Week End... So, finger crossed.. If everything is going smoothly, the glider will be ready to cover next week...
I'm on a hurry, should be finish for retroplane !!
Finger crossed !
Fred
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Looks great Fred :D . Will you be giving it spoilers like the full size.
Hope to see you guys up at Killakee in the next few weeks, hopefully, haven't flown in months.
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Thanks Alan,
Yes, he will equiped with spoilers like the real one. Scale I said ! :D
What are your plans for Sunday ?
If the weather is looking good, I've plan to meet Joe at Mount leinster...
If interrested, I have space...
086 083 1782, send me a text !
Fred
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So, let's continue with the elevator :
The elevator is made like a wing. The profil is a NACA 00008. No spars but 2 wing joiners made with carbon tubes.
first, cut all the ribs (not a lot :) ) :
(http://www.retroplane.net/forum/images/uploads/loopingfred/kitprof_385.jpg)
And glue them on a "false" TE, made with 4x4mm balsa strip :
(http://www.retroplane.net/forum/images/uploads/loopingfred/montageprof_194.jpg)
Then, this is the critical phase of gluing the carbon tubes. Critical because you can input some wash-out during the process.... But slowly but surely, take your time and all will be fine...
(http://www.retroplane.net/forum/images/uploads/loopingfred/montageprof1_634.jpg)
Then, you can glue the TE to the ribs :
(http://www.retroplane.net/forum/images/uploads/loopingfred/montageprof2_463.jpg)
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So, the sheeting is the only thing left to do, not before gluing some blocks inside the elevator for the hinges :
(http://www.retroplane.net/forum/images/uploads/loopingfred/montageprof3_197.jpg)
And finally, gluing of the "real" LE and sanding :
(http://www.retroplane.net/forum/images/uploads/loopingfred/montageprof4_412.jpg)
Et voila !
Then, the elevator (mobile one.. don't know the name for that in English.. :o ). The building is like an Aileron, so, no big deal here.. :
(http://www.retroplane.net/forum/images/uploads/loopingfred/montageprof5_896.jpg)
You've got the idea... Only thing left here is to put the TE, made with 1.5mm liteply.
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But before that, firt quick setup in the sitting room to confirm that i'm building a Ka3 :
(http://www.retroplane.net/forum/images/uploads/loopingfred/assemblage_108.jpg)
(http://www.retroplane.net/forum/images/uploads/loopingfred/assemblage1_211.jpg)
Yep, I'm sure now, that's a Ka3 ! :p :p
So, tonight : cutting of the plywood for the TE and start to build the mounting for the elevator on the fuselage.
Fred
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guess they'd be called ruddervators :?:
it's a beautiful thing Fred,a beautiful thing :D
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Thanks a mill Joe !
And for the name of those.. humm.., things, I go for V Tail ! Much more easier to pronounce !! :D :D
Fred
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So, let continue with the V tail.
So, I'm on target and made the liteply TE and parts for the V-Tail :
(http://www.retroplane.net/forum/images/uploads/loopingfred/bfprof_796.jpg)
(http://www.retroplane.net/forum/images/uploads/loopingfred/bfprof1_504.jpg)
So, tonight, I go back to the fuselage and start the nose cone and the cockpit frame.
Fred
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So, here we go again !
This time, on the fuselage and the cockpit section.
First it's time to glue the bottom canopy frame :
(http://www.retroplane.net/forum/images/uploads/loopingfred/fuselageavant_194.jpg)
Then, cut a balsa block to fit the nose. The only "difficult" part of the job here is to respect the sides of the fuselage on the balsa block during the sanding.
Before :
(http://www.retroplane.net/forum/images/uploads/loopingfred/fuselageavant1_168.jpg)
After :
(http://www.retroplane.net/forum/images/uploads/loopingfred/fuselageavant2_168.jpg)
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Then, as usual, put the wings on the fuselage... Can be proud of the result now ! ;)
(http://www.retroplane.net/forum/images/uploads/loopingfred/fuselageavant3_185.jpg)
And just for the pleasure, I've cutted 2 tubes for the canopy frame to have an idea of the finished product.
(http://www.retroplane.net/forum/images/uploads/loopingfred/fuselageavant4_190.jpg)
Happy !
So tonight, the plan is to finish the canopy frame, and this week end, the wings.
See you on monday !
Fred
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Hi There,
This week end were the days to design the V tail mounting system. The trick here, is that I wanted to have the V tail removable in 2 pieces. The V tail is huge and if you really want to gain space, you need to have a 2 pieces tail.
So, finally, after 3 prototypes and a bit of brain cells, I've found a very simple solution to my problem.
4 pieces of wood, and 2 carbon tubes and that's it !
(http://www.retroplane.net/forum/images/uploads/loopingfred/assisestab_547.jpg)
(http://www.retroplane.net/forum/images/uploads/loopingfred/assisestab1_410.jpg)
(http://www.retroplane.net/forum/images/uploads/loopingfred/assisestab2_215.jpg)
Then, plug both elevator/rudder :
(http://www.retroplane.net/forum/images/uploads/loopingfred/assisestab3_165.jpg)
Fit perfectly !
Happy ! :)
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Ok, so, I'm happy with the results, and now, it's time to celebrate by doing the wing sheeting and others details ! :D
(http://www.retroplane.net/forum/images/uploads/loopingfred/planeur_792.jpg)
(http://www.retroplane.net/forum/images/uploads/loopingfred/planeur2_107.jpg)
Happy ! Not a lot left to do now, and hopefully, I'll be able to start the covering this week.
Fred
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Wow! you really do work fast Fred.really coming together now.looking good.the mount for the v-tail looks great.bet your glad to have that bit sorted out.any pics of the colour scheme your going for? the red one right?
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Hi Joe,
Yep, you're right ! Pretty happy to have finish this part of the glider ! Big head hake.. But finally, at the end, something really easy, and only 4 pieces of wood ! :D
For the scheme, i'm going for the red and white. Really vintage colors !
So tonight, it's electronics time ! I've just received my servo wire ! So, I can finish the wings now ! :D Yeepeee !
Fred
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Well..
A bit late on schedule, but finally, the Ka3 is ready to cover ! :)
This week end was just a bit of work on the scale details on the cockpit :
(http://www.retroplane.net/forum/images/uploads/loopingfred/ka3interieur_203.jpg)
Almost finish by now.
Then, it was time for a last look at the wooden structure before the covering start :
(http://www.retroplane.net/forum/images/uploads/loopingfred/ka3fini_119.jpg)
(http://www.retroplane.net/forum/images/uploads/loopingfred/ka3fini2_208.jpg)
(http://www.retroplane.net/forum/images/uploads/loopingfred/ka3fini3_811.jpg)
Hopefuuly, finished to cover during the week, and maiden is plan this week end, weather permitting !
Fred
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looking good Fred!.i like the cockpit.the wing sheeting job is nice too.nice work.nearly there!
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Thanks Joe ! :D
Nearly there ! Covering will be finish Thursday, that leave me friday to finalise the radio installation.
Looking good for the maiden this week end ! :D
Fred
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Hi there,
Quick update on the KA3 with the covering :
(http://www.retroplane.net/forum/images/uploads/loopingfred/entoilage_520.jpg)
(http://www.retroplane.net/forum/images/uploads/loopingfred/entoilage2_550.jpg)
And the painting of the fuselage, just to have an idea before starting the wings and elevator :
(http://www.retroplane.net/forum/images/uploads/loopingfred/peinture_125.jpg)
Nearly there !
Fred
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That's Nice :D . Great job. What paint do you use.
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very nice Fred.lookin great.first flight next weekend? before retroplane
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Thanks Guys ! :D
For Alan, the paint is from Crown. Gloss, 1 coat. The color is "Scooter red". That's the brand I've used on the Grunau, and the paint is still looking good. And the paint resist to the tape aswell... So, not bad.
Joe, hopefully, I'll be able to fly it during the week, this Week End will be the last possible moment to fly it. otherwise, I'll do the maiden the Thursday / friday before retroplane if the weather is not good enough here.
The Ka3 will be completely finish tonight ! :D Just some paint touches to do, but ready to fly !
Fred
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Is that Crown Exterier or Interier Paint. I didn't think that paint would be suitable for models. Does it stick well to the covering film? Do you varnish the model after you paint it?
By the way, if I forget later on, have a good time guys at Retroplane.
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Hi Alan,
I've used both (exterior / interior).
But I use this paint on solartex (fabric texture).
No varnish at all for gliders. And the covering is great ! A bit heavy, but that's more than acceptable !
But if you use that paint on oracover, you must unpolish the oracover (fine sanding using 1200 grain) and use varnish (polyurethane one) on planes because of the fuel.
And thanks for Retroplane ! Leaving Ireland next week for France :D
Fred
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So would Solartex would be the best film for painting on, even for scale models of Glass Gliders? I persume its iron on?
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Hi Alan,
Solartex is the best to paint on... because you don't need much preparation before painting ! :D So, that's great for lazy guys like myself ! :lol:
In fact, that depend of the effect you want to obtain.
Solartex, you have fabric texture, so, that will suit vintage models (planes and gliders).
For fiber glass type gliders, the best is to use Oracover. And you will have the plastic finish. Your B4 have certainly oracover on the wings.
The other method on foam wings, is to use epoxy and fiberglass. A it of filler and sanding and that's ready to paint, still with a smooth plastic finish.
Now, if you want to paint on oracover, you must prepare the surface by sanding the oracover (use water 1200 grain). Some use primer, but that's expensive. The sanding cost less... May be not for your harm ok.. :D
Otherwise, your paint will not stay long on the model.
Then, you can varnish if you want, but that's not necessary on a glider.
Let me know if you have any questions, or if I'm not clear enough ! It's still early in the morning...
Need my coffee now ! :D
Fred
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Forgot..
All iron of course !
Fred
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Here is the Ka3 as it was yesterday evening ! :
(http://www.retroplane.net/forum/images/uploads/loopingfred/ka3finition_129.jpg)
and
(http://www.retroplane.net/forum/images/uploads/loopingfred/ka3finition2_515.jpg)
All servos fitted and so on... Ready to fly !
Just the paint need to be finished (not a lot to do..).
Hope to do a launch on sunday, or monday evening at last.
I will complete the test flight in France before Retroplane.
Fred
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WOW :shock: . That nice. The paint job looks great. Will you be selling the plans for the Ka3. I wouldn't mind getting a copy.
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Thanks Alan,
Yes, plans are on the way (first bunch tomorrow ! :D ... )
Short kit will be available too for this glider. But have to wait for me to come back from France.
And I don't forget your B25 plan you won !! :D
Fred
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:D :D :D
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That's it !
The Ka3 has made is maiden flight yesterday between the showers ! :D
Short flight, and very close to us (Thanks Joe for the launch !), but now, I know she flys, and pretty well !
So, a proper test flight need to be done now, but I'm confident now and can go to France tomorrow with peace of mind !
Fred
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Have a good time
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Hop, here are some pictures of the Ka3 in flight :
http://www.gliderireland.net/ka3flight.htm
Enjoy !
Fred
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Hi there,
I had a flight yesterday with the Ka3... That have just confirmed that this glider is flying great !
The wind was a bit south, so, I was just going for a launch.. but, it was keeping taking high all the time !
Really happy with this glider !
Fred
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Me again,
Here is a video of the "real" first flight during the Retroplane meeting.
Lots of wind, but the lifts were not there.. Strange conditions, so, for a first flight, no risks, just a launch (went straight, like in a magazine :wink: ) a large turn, and a landing.
A second flight has been made right after this one. Much longer this one !
Enjoy !
http://www.retroplane.net/forum/download.php?id=74
Fred
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Nice Fred :D . Is it easy to fly? When do you think you will have short kits available?
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Thanks Alan,
Easy to fly ?... I'd say like a vintage glider ! :D
You must use the rudder to turn, mixed with the ailerons. But after that, yes, that's a really easy glider to fly.
I have to prepare another video of the flight, and you will see a pretty good attitude in flight and how slow she can go ! :D
Happy with that one !
For a short kit, hopefully, I will have a set ready in September as I start to have some order for this one after the Retroplane meeting.
I try to keep the prices low, but at the moment, a short kit will be at around 120 euros... We'll see anyway.
Fred
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I've made a quick video of Retroplane, that shows the atmosphere before the meeting on Saturday morning :
(http://www.retroplane.net/forum/images/icone-wmv.gif) (http://acmangouleme.free.fr/avantretroplane.wmv)
Right click and save as... 7 Mo
Enjoy !
Fred
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checked out the video
looks great Fred! looking forward to next year!
can't wait to see the Ka 3 fly.just need some decent wind!
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Really happy with the Ka3, and most surprisingly, no need for a strong wind to fly it !
I was really surprised in Retroplane when everybody told me that the Ka3 was really light. I was sure the glider was really heavy.
So, I flew the ka3 in Keelakee last week end with a mild southerly wind, and all went fine. Flew for 1 hour like that without any pb to gain altitude.
I still need to change my struts setup... Tired to re-glue everything after each landings !
Fred
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Hi Fred. I was just looking at the other post for the Ka3. Do you draw your plans using Auto CAD, or do you draw them manually.
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Hi Alan,
I'm using Turbocad pro vers. 9 to do the drawings.
Possible with any cad softwares.
Fred
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Hi Guys,
Just to let you know that a first bunch of plans for the KA3 has been printed !
You can buy it from the shop section of the GliderIreland (http://gliderireland.modelisme.com/shop.htm) website !
30 Euros including P&P.
Fred
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The first reports of the Retroplane meeting are now coming.
And guess what, the Ka3 made a 1/2 page on the Modele Magazine (French) !! :D :D
Happy !
(http://acmangouleme.free.fr/modelemag.jpg)
Next week, watch out for the Aufwind report of the event.
Fred
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Wow!! :shock: :shock: Very Cool Fred 8) Looks Great! What does it say?
Who that fella down the bottom left corner of the page? He kinda looks like a French Elvis! :lol:
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:lol: :lol: . Nice job Fred :D
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Hi Fred. Did your Ka3 feature in the Aufwind report of Retroplane?
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Hi Alan,
No :cry:
Bahhh, next year ! :D :D
You can download the pdf file of the article here : http://www.retroplane.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=753
If you can read German... :wink:
Fred
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Hi lads,
3 Ka3 are being build from my plans :D
http://www.retroplane.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=861
Note the construction jig for the fuselage...
Happy :D
Fred
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Looks great.The jig is very handy,Easy to make too!
Must be nice to see your plan being built.Happy days :D
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Nice :D :D . Have you any other plans planed ( :lol: ) for the future.
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Here's the 1:4 Ka3 movie from YouTube
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/v/Ln5TusdBNHQ[/youtube]
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Nice :D :D . That video makes it look like you own the K3 Joe :D .
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hehehe!! Your right Alan. Fred let me fly it a lot for Retroplane 2007. That is where that footage is from. The Ka3 suits me don't you think?! :D I have a kit at home so now I have to build one before this year Retro!
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:D Just to have Laurent hitting with the wing strut in the head shouting "RUDDER!"... Totally worth it ! :P :P
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What about your Doppelraab. Looking at your build thread it looks like you have a lot of work done on it already. You have the fusealage and wings mostly done and it should not take much more time to finsh it.
However that Ka3 does seem to suit you. Suits you sir :D :D :D .
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Will get back to the Dopp one day. Can probably build the whole Ka3 in the time it would take me to finish the Dopp. God bless laser cutting! Ohh suit you sir!
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Hi,
This is my first post in this forum and I understand that I am resurrecting a very old thread. Sorry
I love this plane, and 1/4 scale suits me fine, but I do not find a "Shop" tab in this webpage. It seems that I can purchase in
http://gliderireland.modelisme.com/planspage.htm
but I find no indication of availability, postage cost to Spain or anything else, apart from a Paypal button.
Also, Islandmodels shows "no stock" for this plan.
Your help will be appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Miguel
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Hi there, looks like Fred did not tidy up his old site.
Here is the current spot for the plans.
Shout a little louder and Fred (shop and forum owner might answer)
https://islandmodels.ie/plans/26-14-scale-opel-rak1-plans.html
Send me a pm with your actual requirements if Fred does not get back to you (very busy at the moment)
Ralph
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Note the link says Opel Rak, but it is in fact the Ka3
Great model to fly by the way
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Note the link says Opel Rak, but it is in fact the Ka3
Great model to fly by the way
Thanks Ralph,
I noticed that the name of the link is not right, but it is pointing in the right direction, that shows no availability for the plan, unfortunately.
I am on the list for "Notify me when available". Let's see.
If it doesn't work, I will use your kind offer for help and pm you. Thanks again.
Anyway my requirements are simple: I want to know how to purchase a set of 1/4 scale Ka-3 plans and have it sent to Madrid Spain.
And yes, I also think this is a great model to build and fly.
Incidentally, I have been lurking a bit on the forum it it seems a nice community that you have here. Congrats.
Best,
Miguel
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Hi Miguel,
Apologies for the silence, and welcome here :)
Indeed, this is a very old link (I think I disabled it around 2010 or so! ???).
The 1/4 verison of the ka3 is not available, because I try to find time to re-design the wings :) but I just checked, I still have the plans of course, I can print a set for you :)
Buy any 1/4 plans from the Islandmodels website, and put a comment in the order (so I don't make a mistake!! :-[) and I send it to you.
Plans are on 2 large sheets, and showing all the parts of course.
Hope this helps, and please, do post the construction if you go for it :)
Fred
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Hi Fred,
thanks for the welcome, I will order a 1/4 scale Grunau Baby, and put a comment.
Can you please elaborate on the wing changes that you plan to redraw?
Thanks and nice flights,
Miguel
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Simple change really :)
Profile, go from ClarkY to an HQ
Simplify the build
And that's about it. There is nothing wrong with the current plan, it's just me who try to "harmonise" all my builds if you see what I mean.
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I was thinking in HQ 3.0/12, Eppler 201, or Eppler 195 for this wing and 2.5% dihedral with carbon tube main spar.
Best,
Miguel
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Yep, the 3/12 is a good choice.
When I updated the 1/3 version from ClarkY to Hq, we saw a slight difference, where the speed increased ( not too good for scale, but good for transitions) and a bit better on thermals and on the slow range.
Was expecting much more improvement if I am honest, but any improvement, is an improvement :)
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Found some 5mm balsa parts. The ones for the rudders.
I put that in the envelope :)
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Hey, that's nice, thank you. :)
Best,
Miguel
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Hi,
I have started building the K3. Or at least, I have started the thinking about building. Love the plane and love the plans.
I will use DevWing to get the ribs straight to the cutting machine with a HQ profile.
Am I right measuring dihedral at 3º, wing incidence at zero and tail at -2º ?
Best,
Miguel
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Hi,
I have never had a glider with a V-tail, and would love to have an idea on the recommended throws for elevator-rudder (elerudder?, ruddervator?, elev-O-ruddermatic ?).
I read on the retroplane forum that ailerons at +30/-15 mm is a good starting point, but no mention that I can find on the tail movements.
Did anybody took some notes (and remember where they are) when he build it, or are you like me ?
Best,
Miguel
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That's how it goes.