GliderIreland - Ireland RC Forum - Flying Model forum in Ireland

Gliders => PSS => Topic started by: JohnPearson on July 02, 2009, 23:07:30 PM

Title: Large B52 PSS
Post by: JohnPearson on July 02, 2009, 23:07:30 PM

Hi guys, I am a new member to this forum, so therefore I would like to share a little info on the B52 build, which I started a few mouths ago and is on going. I have posted a pic of the model at present, I will update this forum with more info of the build as it progresses and how I got talked into this mad project soon!!

Going to Retro glide with Bill Scott of NIMSA, so hopefully I will get a chance to meet some of you on the slopes for a chat, and some great flying.

Cheers for now

(http://www.gliderireland.net/forum/images/uploads/JohnPearson/B52%20slope.JPG)

Title: Large B52 PSS
Post by: Fred on July 03, 2009, 07:53:28 AM

Hey John, welcome to the forum  :D
Looking really good !! And big !  :P  :shock:  
All foam ?

Title: Large B52 PSS
Post by: joe on July 03, 2009, 11:56:51 AM

Hiya John.
Welcome aboard. The B52 looks great. Please keep us informed of your progress. See you next week!
Joe

Title: B52
Post by: JohnPearson on July 03, 2009, 17:01:58 PM

Thanks Fred and Joe, for the warm welcome, as promised her is some details on the B52 project. The original concept came from a plan published by RM Greenwood many years ago. I build the test model from this plan, all balsa. The test flights took place at the bowl in the Antrim hills N.I. with Bill Scott from NIMSA, providing the strong right arm and encouragement to fly the dam thing, quote Bill " on the count of three 'three go!!. The test model few very well and very scale like, no nasty surprises very smooth. AUW 6 1/2 pounds wing span 78" standard RC gear.

Here are some pics of the test model in flight:

(http://www.gliderireland.net/forum/images/uploads/JohnPearson/B52%20test%20model.jpg)

(http://www.gliderireland.net/forum/images/uploads/JohnPearson/B52flight.jpg)
(http://www.gliderireland.net/forum/images/uploads/JohnPearson/B52flight2.jpg)

The Big B52 idea came from Ian Robb, a member of the langfordmodel avaition club and builder of some fantastic large models, quote " hi John would'n a Big B52 look great, after all size matters in the model world, here's a video of cain's B52 from the USA"get building.

The model is all foam, 'pink styro foam' wing span approx 16ft, fuselage 11ft, my target AUW weight when finish is approx 30 pounds. The model will be finish in glass cloth.
Well that's it for now
JohnP

Title: Large B52 PSS
Post by: Happy Days on July 03, 2009, 18:49:23 PM

Well hi John and welcome to the party :clap:

That is one BIG model. Very impressive. But tell me,..................when landing her, how do you ensure the "engines" are not ripped off of their support pylons?????
(The landing areas around here are not renown for their smoothness and if you intend to fly it I'd hate to see it get damaged)

Keith

Title: B52
Post by: JohnPearson on July 03, 2009, 22:56:14 PM

Hi Keith, the engine pylons could be a problem on the big B52 model. The landing sites where we fly, are not to bad, mostly flat with long grass. With the test model, I just spot glued the engines on, so that they would break off easy on a rough landing and it worked well in practice. as for the big B52 with the weight and size, a better system needs to be used, therefore, I checked with the PSS u.k. and found a good system used by Simon crocker on his large B52 PSS build around the late eights. The small diagram below shows how the engines slip off on landing, hopefully with little damage on simons model, I will use the same method on my B52.

Any ideas would be welcome on this subject Keith!!

(http://www.gliderireland.net/forum/images/uploads/JohnPearson/b52%20pylons.jpg)

Title: Large B52 PSS
Post by: Fred on July 20, 2009, 13:09:39 PM

Hi John,

Really pleased to see you at Retroplane ! Shame, we did not had more time to talk, especially about the B52 !

Anyway, may be a bit late, for the nacelle release, the picture looks like a good solution, but I will had magnets to lock everything, and to avoid losing one in flight (just in case!)

Hope this help.

Title: B52 progress
Post by: JohnPearson on October 21, 2009, 22:30:14 PM

Hi all

Well progress on the big BUFF has been slow due to the amount of events and other projects which I have been involved with. however recently with more time to build, I have pushed on with the big lady. First I have finished the outer wing panels, control surfaces fitted and  both sections glassed and the base colour 'Black' applied. The central section of the wing, is now ready to be glassed also, with the flaps fitted and spruce strengthing spars installed.
The tail feathers, have been completed and glassed, however the cloth on the tailplane is a bit of a mess, i.e. a lot of bubbles appeared when the epoxy set.
The fuselage is now ready to be glassed, so I hope to get this and the center wing section done over the weekend.  Here are so pics of the model :

(http://www.gliderireland.net/forum/images/uploads/JohnPearson/IMG_0902.JPG)

Center wing section with wingbolt plates installed.

(http://www.gliderireland.net/forum/images/uploads/JohnPearson/IMG_0903.JPG)
One wing section completed all 8 feet!!

(http://www.gliderireland.net/forum/images/uploads/JohnPearson/IMG_0923.JPG)
Photos of left flap

(http://www.gliderireland.net/forum/images/uploads/JohnPearson/IMG_0929.JPG)
Center wing section showing wing bolts '8mm steel 6"bolts'

(http://www.gliderireland.net/forum/images/uploads/JohnPearson/IMG_0919.JPG)
Photo of the test B52 model and her big sister on the work table.

I have decided on a colour scheme for the model taken from an old aircraft book I had lying around in the workshop, see below :

(http://www.gliderireland.net/forum/images/uploads/JohnPearson/profile-07.gif)

B52D-25-BW 2nd AF's 7th Bomber Strategic wing name 'City of Fort Worth'

Title: Large B52 PSS
Post by: billscottni on October 21, 2009, 22:39:12 PM

as you're moving on with this, i'd better start weight training to be able to launch it!!! :cry:  :cry:

Title: B52 progress
Post by: JohnPearson on October 21, 2009, 22:44:38 PM

Hi Bill

Still on target for 25 - 30 lbs, however the glass cloth does add alot of weight to the air frame, however not bad for a model this size.

(http://www.gliderireland.net/forum/images/uploads/JohnPearson/b52.jpg)
Another photo of the paint scheme

Title: Large B52 PSS
Post by: Fred on October 21, 2009, 22:57:58 PM

:clap:  Looking good John !
That's some good progress there !  :D

Ok, we will definitively have a PSS event to our calendar !  :D

Title: B52 progress
Post by: JohnPearson on October 21, 2009, 23:07:56 PM

Hi Fred

We need a PSS on the event board for next season 100%, now I would like to see a certain F16 and a big B25 flying maybe next season ?????

Title: Large B52 PSS
Post by: Fred on October 21, 2009, 23:17:33 PM

:oops:  You got me there John !  :P
Will definitively try to have something to show !

And a PSS event, consider it done !   :D

Title: Large B52 PSS
Post by: billscottni on October 21, 2009, 23:21:33 PM

I'll bring the Frogfoot :P

Title: Large B52 PSS
Post by: joe on October 22, 2009, 10:45:52 AM

Looking very good John. Nice work.
I have been mailing Simon Cocker (about Aermacchi). He was asking about your B52 and has been checking it out on here. As you know he is a bit of a B52 fan. He said if you have any questions or need any help to let him know and he would be happy to lend a hand.  :D

Title: B52 progress
Post by: JohnPearson on October 22, 2009, 21:44:30 PM

A big thanks Joe, for the address, Simon Cocker is one of the top PSS flyers in the U.K. he was flying large models when the rest of us were flying trainers. I will send Simon an e-mail later this week.

Title: B52 progress
Post by: JohnPearson on October 22, 2009, 22:21:09 PM

Hi all

I finished the glassing of the center section tonight, so hopefully I will get the fuselage done over the weekend as planned.

O.K. fellow pilots, I need your help if possible. I have found a company in Portadown who can vacuum press the engines in plastic, however I need to supply the plug, therefore, do any of you have, or know someone who has a wood turning lathe and could turn out a set of engines.

I could make the engines out of balsa, as I did with the test model, however I would like to be able to replace these parts quickly if any got damaged in landing, so plastic engines would be quickest and lightest option.

Could you contact me if any of you can help?

Title: Large B52 PSS
Post by: Fred on October 23, 2009, 08:04:21 AM

Hey John,

The father in law is equiped with a turning machine !
I go and visit him next week end...

Do you have a plan for the engine pods for me to have a look ? :?:

Title: Large B52 PSS
Post by: joe on October 23, 2009, 11:43:24 AM

You could make one out of balsa and use it as a plugs for the vacuum forming?

Title: Large B52 PSS
Post by: Fred on October 23, 2009, 14:53:03 PM

Or Foam + glass for the mould.

Ah well, anyway, let me know if you still need some wood to be turned !  :D

Title: b52 progress
Post by: JohnPearson on October 23, 2009, 15:16:47 PM

Thanks guys

I was thinking if I could get 2 engines turned on a lathe, then I could join them and add fillers to the center section. D.Cairns from the USA, used the same setup on his fantastic B52 here are a few pics from Dave's RC Groups build log :

(http://www.gliderireland.net/forum/images/uploads/JohnPearson/HPIM1282.jpg)

Engines produced on a lathe then glued and filler added.

(http://www.gliderireland.net/forum/images/uploads/JohnPearson/HPIM1352.jpg)

Vacuum formed in plastic

These pics give you an idea of what I am try to do

Title: B52 progress
Post by: JohnPearson on October 24, 2009, 21:11:28 PM

Hi Fred

Thanks, I could post you a copy of the engines from the plan, if you or still going to your father in laws. Post your address on my private message board and I will get them of to you ASAP.

Title: B52 progress
Post by: JohnPearson on October 26, 2009, 22:27:12 PM

Hi Fred

I have found a teacher at my local tech college, who is going to turn out the engines on a lathe next week, so thanks for the kind offer to do them.
Worked on the B52 tonight, sorry no photos, however I will post some later this week.

Title: Large B52 PSS
Post by: billscottni on October 26, 2009, 22:37:52 PM

That's not allowed John :x  If you work on it you MUST take pics :wink:

Title: Large B52 PSS
Post by: Fred on October 27, 2009, 07:15:51 AM

Oki Doki ! :D

And same as Bill, where are the photos ??  :P

Title: Large B52 PSS
Post by: Happy Days on October 27, 2009, 09:08:10 AM

John, may I respectfully bring to your attention the rules of being a member of this forum.

Rule 101

Section 572,

Sub-section iiiv

Division aa

Chapter 13

Paragraph 42 states:

Any member failing to comply with any part of the above mention rule. Forthwith, and hereafter to be referred to as the , “Photograph rule” Shall pay, as a penalty, to each and every other member of the I.S.R. forum, and amount not greater than the inflation index linked cost of one imperial pint of each of the other members favourite alcoholic beverage for each and every day, (a day being referred to as any complete 24hour period  beginning and ending at 12 midnight Universal Standard Time) for such duration as the aforementioned photographs are absent from the published articles on the above mentioned forum………….ZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz :roll:  

In other words WHERE’S THE  BLOODY PICTURES??? :!:

K.

Title: Large B52 PSS
Post by: lothar4862 on October 27, 2009, 13:16:37 PM

:lol:  :clap:  :lol:

Keith, You should make poltical cabaret!

You made my day.

Regards

 :D Lothar :D

Title: Large B52 PSS
Post by: joe on October 27, 2009, 14:09:44 PM

Mine's a pint a plain thanks  :wink:

Title: Large B52 PSS
Post by: IceWind on October 27, 2009, 22:07:19 PM

err.. can I have a Bulmers?

Title: B52 progress
Post by: JohnPearson on October 27, 2009, 22:29:42 PM

WoW !!! you guys take no prisioners

O.K. well here are a few pics of the work so far, as the photos show, I finished the center section over the weekend and fitted the tall and fin sections in place. I used expanding foam to fill up the gaps in the wing seating area and shaped to suit the front fuselage area. I will finish this off with light filler and sand smooth.

I did not glass the fuselage as planed over the weekend due to a few cracks discovered at the tail, therefore I will have to strenghten this section from the inside with ply and glass cloth, better to be safe than sorry!!.

(http://www.gliderireland.net/forum/images/uploads/JohnPearson/IMG_1280.JPG)

Expanding foam used to fill in all the gaps around the leading edge.


(http://www.gliderireland.net/forum/images/uploads/JohnPearson/IMG_1282.JPG)

Photo  shows the flaps in the landing position.


(http://www.gliderireland.net/forum/images/uploads/JohnPearson/IMG_1290.JPG)

I think I need a bigger Workshop

Well that's it for now, so far so good!

Title: Large B52 PSS
Post by: Fred on October 28, 2009, 07:56:35 AM

Looking really good John !  :clap:
First flight this week end at this rate !  :D

Title: Large B52 PSS
Post by: billscottni on October 28, 2009, 08:32:43 AM

Not with the forecast we've got :cry:  :!:  :!:  :cry:

Title: B52
Post by: JohnPearson on October 30, 2009, 16:06:58 PM

Just received a nice set of engines from Adam at my local technical college.  Next step, will be to get the fillers added between the engines, sanded down and of to get the plastic ‘vacuum formed’ engines completed.

(http://www.gliderireland.net/forum/images/uploads/JohnPearson/IMG_1351.JPG)

Photo of wooden engine plugs turned on a lathe

Title: Large B52 PSS
Post by: billscottni on October 30, 2009, 16:09:11 PM

Look great John, nice finish, lovely straight grain

Title: B52
Post by: JohnPearson on October 30, 2009, 16:13:35 PM

Thanks Bill, I am pleased with the result, hopefully the plastic engines will come out as well. Any progress on the SU25???

Title: Large B52 PSS
Post by: billscottni on October 30, 2009, 20:15:17 PM

No further yet John, been trying to finish the 1.5m wing. It has servo's in now, just needs all hooked up and balanced.

Went in to Belfast Model shop today looking for 1/16 ply. Guy says don't have any thinnest we have is 1/4. Asked when they were getting any. Told not until 1/4 sold out!!!!!!!!!!!!  :!:

Be a long b***y wait then

Title: B52 progress
Post by: JohnPearson on November 07, 2009, 21:34:17 PM

Hi all

The work on the B52 is progressing well. I have almost finished glassing the fuselage with just the rear to be completed. Today I added to the rear section, the gun turret and tail pod, made from foam and an old nose cone, also I  installed the elevator servos (2x JR 591) and wiring for both elevator and rubber ( JR 3301 Digi servo) inside the fuselage.

(http://www.gliderireland.net/forum/images/uploads/JohnPearson/IMG_1356.JPG)

The central wing section is now also finished just needs the excess cloth removed and a little sanding.

(http://www.gliderireland.net/forum/images/uploads/JohnPearson/IMG_1352.JPG)

Tomorrow I will try to finish off the rudder installation and add the tail to the fuselage, then after another bit of sanding, I can start painting the whole model.

The end is getting close ha ! ha!

JohnP

Title: Large B52 PSS
Post by: billscottni on November 07, 2009, 22:45:32 PM

If the end is getting near, I better head for the gym!!

Title: Large B52 PSS
Post by: Fred on November 09, 2009, 12:05:49 PM

:clap:  :clap:  Very good John !

Ah go on, set it up in the garden for a general photo ! We know you want to !  :D

Title: B52 progress
Post by: JohnPearson on November 09, 2009, 13:48:46 PM

Hi Fred

I will take the big lady out next Saturday for a photo in the garden, hopefully painted.

johnp

Title: Large B52 PSS
Post by: Richard Boyd on November 11, 2009, 10:04:49 AM

Hi John , the big bird is really looking good !
You will need a yard brush to paint her lol
I am looking forward to the pictures.

Richard

Title: B52 progress
Post by: JohnPearson on November 11, 2009, 22:06:23 PM

Hi Richard

Thanks, working every night on this model at the moment, to get it finish. when it comes time to fly, guess who will be the co-pilot incase I chicken out!!! Ha ha ha

JohnP

Title: Large B52 PSS
Post by: billscottni on November 11, 2009, 22:09:43 PM

I know it's big John, but I can't see you and Richard fitting in it!!! :twisted:

Title: B52 progress
Post by: JohnPearson on November 11, 2009, 22:15:44 PM

Hi Bill

Richard may forget to let go when we launch of the slope ??? anyhow,  I did a weight test tonight and the whole model at present, comes in at 26lbs, still to add engines, paint and maybe some nose weight, still on target I hope for around 30 lbs or slightly over.

Johnp

Title: Large B52 PSS
Post by: billscottni on November 11, 2009, 22:20:04 PM

Not a bad weight for the size, wing loading should be quite good. Slope this Sunday at the bowl. Will you be ready !! :?:

Title: B52
Post by: JohnPearson on November 11, 2009, 22:24:21 PM

Yes Bill,I hope to be on the slope this Sunday, with my phase 6, 'test flight if wind is strong and maybe the mig 29 if I get time to work on it and get it ready.

Title: B52 progress
Post by: JohnPearson on November 12, 2009, 19:19:42 PM

Hi all

Well, just stopped to get a wee cup of tea, the b52 is getting her coat of paint tonight, black all over. I never used a paint roller to apply paint to an RC model before, well first time for everything!! hopefully I will get the rest of the colours added later tonight.

(http://www.gliderireland.net/forum/images/uploads/JohnPearson/IMG_1364.JPG)
Roller in hand, with a big smile, a man happy at his work!!

(http://www.gliderireland.net/forum/images/uploads/JohnPearson/IMG_1369.JPG)
Fuselage finished in black base coat.

(http://www.gliderireland.net/forum/images/uploads/JohnPearson/IMG_1370.JPG)
Center section ready for the next coat of paint.


O.K tea finished, back to the work shop, Bill keep up with the gym visits!!

Title: Large B52 PSS
Post by: billscottni on November 12, 2009, 19:59:31 PM

OK John,
Lots of Bench pressing and squats needed! Don't put too much paint on!!

Title: B52 progress
Post by: JohnPearson on November 14, 2009, 19:11:20 PM

Hi all

Well here is the B52 so far and as requested by Fred, a photo of the model taken in the back garden. I have used water based matt paint and when finished, I will apply a coat of sealer. Trying to get a colour match has been a right pain in the rear end, therefore the colours are not perfect but close to the real colour schemes.

(http://www.gliderireland.net/forum/images/uploads/JohnPearson/b52%20slope%20model.JPG)

Still a lot of painting to do and decals to be applied, however the big lady is starting to take shape, O.K. off to the pub now to get a well earned paint.

Title: Large B52 PSS
Post by: Sebastian on November 14, 2009, 19:43:13 PM

Nice job!

Title: Large B52 PSS
Post by: Happy Days on November 14, 2009, 20:09:22 PM

Bloody Hell!!! :shock:  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:

Title: Large B52 PSS
Post by: Alan_Perse on November 14, 2009, 21:17:48 PM

Quote from: "Happy Days"

Bloody Hell!!! :shock:  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:

I second that  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:

Title: Large B52 PSS
Post by: DennisZ on November 16, 2009, 09:20:32 AM

Wow !  :shock:
You may need a "ground crew" to launch the beast :)
 :clap:  :clap:  :clap:

Title: Large B52 PSS
Post by: Fred on November 16, 2009, 09:20:52 AM

Fecking brilliant John !  :clap:  :clap:

B52 over Mt Leinster... When ???  :D  :D  :P

Title: Large B52 PSS
Post by: DaveMc on November 16, 2009, 11:21:22 AM

Really impressive john. Wonderfull looking beast of a model. Well done.
 :clap:
D.

Title: b52 progress
Post by: JohnPearson on November 16, 2009, 15:03:12 PM

Thanks guys

I hope to have the model ready in a few weeks for a test flight. Bill and I have been looking at the various slopes in N.I. for the first flight, however with the wind directions over the last few months, the best areas for the job up here, i.e a good slope with a large landing area behind and not to far to climb, like Moneymore have not been available ( wind blowing from the east needed), therefore the test flights may be done on Mt Leinster. If this is the case, I will need a few strong gentlemen to help with the launch.

JohnP

Title: Large B52 PSS
Post by: Fred on November 16, 2009, 15:38:35 PM

Count me in !  :D

I also have a bungy if needed (even easier for big fuselage hard to grab like this one  :?: )

Title: Large B52 PSS
Post by: DaveMc on November 16, 2009, 19:12:38 PM

I would happily travel to see that baby fly.

D.

Title: Large B52 PSS
Post by: billscottni on November 16, 2009, 19:18:41 PM

As John says, we had a long discussion about it yesterday while working out if there was enough lift on the slope we were on to even fly lightweights!!!

There are some great slopes in Northern Ireland, but some of them require a fair walk, not practical with this size of model or don't have a decent landing area for this size of model.

Once it's finished, if we don't get the right wind direction for the right slope I can se me getting a call to ask if I want a trip to Mt Leinster!!


The answer will be YES!

Title: Large B52 PSS
Post by: Happy Days on November 16, 2009, 19:53:28 PM

You’re welcome to use my mountain any time you like gentlemen. :D  :D

K.

Title: Large B52 PSS
Post by: billscottni on November 16, 2009, 21:22:45 PM

Quote from: "Happy Days"

You’re welcome to use my mountain any time you like gentlemen. :D  :D

K.

ssssssssssh Keith,

don't let the Irish hear an Englishman claiming the hills as "his"

 :twisted:  :twisted:

Title: Large B52 PSS
Post by: Happy Days on November 16, 2009, 21:29:19 PM

Yes,….. upon reflection, that was a little indelicate of me wasn’t it. :oops:  

Apologies to all for my flippant comment.

Keith

Title: B52 Progress
Post by: JohnPearson on November 21, 2009, 21:09:18 PM

Hi all

The B52 is now painted and the decals added. I may add extra detail later such as panel lines and weathering once the model has had its first test flight.
Next step is to get the engines finished and fitted.

(http://www.gliderireland.net/forum/images/uploads/JohnPearson/IMG_1375.JPG)

The windows masked off and painted black.

(http://www.gliderireland.net/forum/images/uploads/JohnPearson/IMG_1376.JPG)

USA stars and bars added to the fuselage and wings.

Thats it for now !!.

Title: Large B52 PSS
Post by: Alan_Perse on November 22, 2009, 12:28:54 PM

Nice job John. It looks great. Looking forward to seeing it fly.

Title: Large B52 PSS
Post by: billscottni on November 22, 2009, 12:35:29 PM

Will you stop adding WEIGHT to that model! My poor back is groaning already  :shock:

Title: Large B52 PSS
Post by: Fred on November 23, 2009, 13:04:00 PM

Superbe ! (http://www.retroplane.net/forum/images/smiles/amen.gif)

Title: B52 project
Post by: JohnPearson on December 03, 2009, 22:46:32 PM

Hi all

Just received today, a set of facuum formed engines from Plastic Products.

(http://www.gliderireland.net/forum/images/uploads/JohnPearson/IMG_1384.JPG)

The quality of the plastic is excellent (1mm) thick and very strong, much better than the products I get from across the water and a hell of alot cheaper. I will post the details of this company later, just e-mail them with your requirements.

(http://www.gliderireland.net/forum/images/uploads/JohnPearson/IMG_1389.JPG)
quick cut out to give an idea of the size of the engine pods.

Next step is to get the engines finished and painted.

JohnP

Title: B52 progress
Post by: JohnPearson on December 07, 2009, 22:10:05 PM

Hi all

Well, short update on the engines for the B52. I used expanding foam to fill the two halves of the engines, then sanded both sides, to give a flat surface for joining.Next the two halves where glued together with a hot glue gun, then a light sanding around the edges and the engines are ready to be painted. This method does add a little weight,i.e. each engine completed, slightly under 1/2ld, however the engine moulds are very strong. The wing pylons just need to be shaped and sanded, then covered in solartext and painted black.

(http://www.gliderireland.net/forum/images/uploads/JohnPearson/IMG_1391.JPG)

(http://www.gliderireland.net/forum/images/uploads/JohnPearson/IMG_1395.JPG)

O.k.thats it now.

JohnP

Title: Large B52 PSS
Post by: Fred on December 07, 2009, 22:21:56 PM

:clap:  :clap: Very good John !
Almost done right ?  :?:

Title: B52
Post by: JohnPearson on December 07, 2009, 23:20:37 PM

Hi Fred

Nearly there Fred, just can't get the time to work on the model at present, therefore hopefully mid January for first test flight if we get the weather.

Title: B52 progress
Post by: JohnPearson on December 16, 2009, 22:26:20 PM

Hi all

Quick post tonight, I have just finished the four engines, see below, next paint.

(http://www.gliderireland.net/forum/images/uploads/JohnPearson/IMG_1396.JPG)
Four engines ready for painting

(http://www.gliderireland.net/forum/images/uploads/JohnPearson/IMG_1405.JPG)
first engine in place, just needs a little sanding to blend with the top of the wing.

more later, cheers for now!


JohnP

Title: Large B52 PSS
Post by: billscottni on December 16, 2009, 22:40:16 PM

Looking good John  :clap:  :clap:

Picked up the foam for the frogfoot wings yesterday. Hope to get them cut this weekend. Will try and film the swing arm cutter in action  :?:

Title: Large B52 PSS
Post by: joe on December 19, 2009, 17:06:20 PM

Ya go away for 7 weeks and when you get back John has a B52 built!
Looks fantastic John. Can't wait to see it fly  :clap:  :clap:

Title: b52 progress
Post by: JohnPearson on December 20, 2009, 00:27:50 AM

Hi all

Joe, good to hear from you, well I have done a little more work on the model, I have fitted the second engine, shaped the top section to blend with the top wing surface, and also installed the quick release on the engine plyons, It took me almost two hours the get the quick release working, hopefully if the engines hit the ground, they should break away clean from the plyon, that's the plan.

(http://www.gliderireland.net/forum/images/uploads/JohnPearson/IMG_1408.JPG)

Photo of the port wing with both engines in place, you can just see on the first plyon, the quick release design.

O.K. that's it for now.

JohnP

Title: Large B52 PSS
Post by: Alan_Perse on December 20, 2009, 16:55:07 PM

Looks great John. Will you be putting an aerotow release so you can aerotow it?

Title: b52
Post by: JohnPearson on December 20, 2009, 21:16:15 PM

Good idea Alan. just need to find someone with a big powered model to tow the big buff. my club sold the glider tug we had. to another model club in England, however we do have a C47 Dakota which would do.

Title: Large B52 PSS
Post by: billscottni on December 20, 2009, 21:37:36 PM

I think Andy Wallace has a Titan?

You'll also need a good tow release

Title: B52 progress
Post by: JohnPearson on December 31, 2009, 14:48:07 PM

Hi All

Well the building stage of the B52 is finally finished and here is the end product. The model came in at 28.7lb and thats including 3lb of lead in the nose, still below my 30lb target A.U.W.I still need to add two servos in the wings and program the transmitter, then she will be ready for her first test flight. Here are a few photos of the Big Buff!!

(http://www.gliderireland.net/forum/images/uploads/JohnPearson/IMG_1440.JPG)

(http://www.gliderireland.net/forum/images/uploads/JohnPearson/IMG_1459.JPG)

(http://www.gliderireland.net/forum/images/uploads/JohnPearson/IMG_1469.JPG)

(http://www.gliderireland.net/forum/images/uploads/JohnPearson/IMG_1471.JPG)

I would like to wish everyone a happy new year, see you all on the slopes in 2010.

JohnP

Title: Large B52 PSS
Post by: Fred on December 31, 2009, 15:22:58 PM

:clap:  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:
Looking really good John !!
Can't wait to see her fly now !!  :clap:  :clap:

Title: Large B52 PSS
Post by: Alan_Perse on December 31, 2009, 15:32:06 PM

Nice job John. It looks great  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:.

Title: Large B52 PSS
Post by: billscottni on December 31, 2009, 15:32:44 PM

NICE :clap:  :clap:  :clap:

29lbs! :?:  :?:

Title: Large B52 PSS
Post by: Happy Days on December 31, 2009, 17:36:31 PM

That is SOME feat of work John. :D

I admire your “focus” and tenacity in getting the project finished. (Certainly something way beyond my capabilities.)

Well done ol’ fruit, I take my hat off to you! :clap: :clap:

Keith

Title: Large B52 PSS
Post by: joe on December 31, 2009, 20:04:24 PM

Wow!! Fantastic John. She looks excellent. Brilliant work.  :clap:  :clap:

Title: Large B52 PSS
Post by: Eiretime on January 27, 2010, 14:59:34 PM

Hey Bill, your catching up with Fred in the wingspan department by the looks of things! good luck with the maiden.


ed

Title: Large B52 PSS
Post by: billscottni on January 27, 2010, 15:17:05 PM

Sorry Ed, Not my model!  :cry:
Belongs to John Pearson from Armagh

Title: Large B52 PSS
Post by: Eiretime on January 27, 2010, 21:44:48 PM

Sorry Bill. John great work, looking forward to seeing it do a bombing run!

Title: Large B52 PSS
Post by: billscottni on January 27, 2010, 21:49:48 PM

No problem Ed.

This one's mine: http://www.gliderireland.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=572
 :wink:  :wink:

Title: B52
Post by: JohnPearson on January 28, 2010, 13:07:01 PM

Thanks Ed

Still waiting on the right conditions on the slope for a test flight, hopefully soon !

Title: B52
Post by: JohnPearson on February 23, 2010, 20:16:59 PM

B52 picked up on Irish radar today over Moneymore Co Tyrone N.I.

WATCH This space.... Pics and video coming soon!!

Title: Large B52 PSS
Post by: Fred on February 23, 2010, 20:42:01 PM

:clap:  :clap: Congratulations John !!!

Phots! photos! photos!  =P~

Title: Large B52 PSS
Post by: billscottni on February 23, 2010, 20:44:59 PM

Rotten sod picked a day I had to work :x  :x

Only joking, congrats John.
I've created a monster in getting you involved in slope!! :shock:

Title: Large B52 PSS
Post by: Richard Boyd on February 23, 2010, 23:21:47 PM

(http://www.gliderireland.net/forum/images/uploads/Richard%20Boyd/DSC02607.JPG)

YIPEE !  
Well done John , what a first flight !!!!!!
This is one sweet plane, next time ask for kinder weather as its now 11.15pm and I am only getting warmed up !
Any excuse for a hot whiskey  :D

Richard

Title: B52 flight
Post by: JohnPearson on February 24, 2010, 00:01:25 AM

Hi Guys
Well it is now, official, the Big B52 flew today on her first maiden flight at the slope on Moneymore mountain. The first flight was a long walk down the mountain ( to nose heavy and did not fly in close to the slope), however, a quick change in the C of G and  trims, and she was ready again for flight two. This time the model got away perfect, straight into the lift and gained height quickly. I kept her close to the slope, and this time she flew perfect in the strong lift for a total flight time of nearly 20mins.
Big   thankyou to my trusted helpers Ian, Chris and Peter and to the media crew Ken and Richard, great job guys, could not have done it without you today. Next flight will be at  Big L in March at the PSS event, let’s hope we get the weather and lift.
Here are a few pics from today, I will add more photos and video later when I get them from Peter

(http://www.gliderireland.net/forum/images/uploads/JohnPearson/DSC02593.JPG)
At the hanger waiting for the batteries to charge

(http://www.gliderireland.net/forum/images/uploads/JohnPearson/DSC02600.JPG)
Will it fit Peter ??

(http://www.gliderireland.net/forum/images/uploads/JohnPearson/DSC02606.JPG)
Getting the model ready for flight

More coming soon!!

Title: Large B52 PSS
Post by: Happy Days on February 24, 2010, 08:12:07 AM

Phew, that is one Big Mother :D ………..Serious congratulations John, you should be justifiably  pleased with yourself. :clap:  :clap:
Looking forward to seeing her in the flesh on Mount Lienster.

You should take her on tour around the country. I can see the headlines,…….

”B52... coming to a slope near You” :lol:

And I want to see the video, NOW!

Title: Large B52 PSS
Post by: Eiretime on February 24, 2010, 09:24:45 AM

Well done John, that must have been a quite a sight seeing her in the sky first time! serious buzz indeed. Really looking forward to The PSS event now.

Bombs away  :D

Title: Large B52 PSS
Post by: orionis on February 24, 2010, 09:38:14 AM

Congratulations for that huge BUFF!
Perhaps some video or more photos?

Title: Large B52 PSS
Post by: Fred on February 24, 2010, 09:40:12 AM

Well... That's a big rudder !  :mrgreen:

Are we waiting for more photos and video ?   8-[

Title: B52 flight
Post by: JohnPearson on February 24, 2010, 10:37:37 AM

Thanks guys for the kind comments.
O.K. here is the video that Peter put together.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/v/U8e2TfwAkxY[/youtube]

Title: Large B52 PSS
Post by: Eiretime on February 24, 2010, 10:50:51 AM

Now theres a happy man! Awesome video

Title: Large B52 PSS
Post by: Fred on February 24, 2010, 11:11:00 AM

Congratulations again John !  :clap:  :clap:
Can't wait to see her in flight now !!  :clap:  :D

Title: Large B52 PSS
Post by: Happy Days on February 24, 2010, 11:17:14 AM

So, did the engine /pylons come off the wings on landing, as intended?

Title: Large B52 PSS
Post by: Richard Boyd on February 24, 2010, 11:43:11 AM

Not a professional video but I am learning  :!:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/v/N3iID2yiYmA[/youtube]

Title: Large B52 PSS
Post by: billscottni on February 24, 2010, 15:19:32 PM

Absoutely incredible John :clap:  :clap:

Months of work justified :D

Title: b52 flight
Post by: JohnPearson on February 24, 2010, 18:07:18 PM

The model flew well, the engines did come off as intended, with no damage, however there was slight damage to the right wing plyons when it landed as the video shows, due to a large tuff of grass, which the right wing hit. it only took 1/2hr to fix, ready for the next flight.

Title: Big pat on the back
Post by: Big Feet on February 24, 2010, 19:28:14 PM

Well done John, you flew her well in the conditions. The biggest problem I had was keeping my hands warm enough to work the camcorder and camera. How you flew is beyond me.

However, stick some engines on it so we can stay on the low ground and the plane can climb up high where its windy and cold.  :D

Ok, I'm ready for it, flame me glider pilots.  :shock:

Nice one John,

Peter

Title: Large B52 PSS
Post by: billscottni on February 24, 2010, 19:36:28 PM

If only got one response Pete!!


399

Title: Large B52 PSS
Post by: Big Feet on February 24, 2010, 19:55:11 PM

It felt like -399 degrees C

Title: B52 flight
Post by: JohnPearson on February 24, 2010, 21:22:03 PM

Some more of Peter's photos of the Big Buff :

(http://www.gliderireland.net/forum/images/uploads/JohnPearson/DSCF2040.JPG)

(http://www.gliderireland.net/forum/images/uploads/JohnPearson/DSCF2046.JPG)

(http://www.gliderireland.net/forum/images/uploads/JohnPearson/DSCF2047.JPG)

(http://www.gliderireland.net/forum/images/uploads/JohnPearson/DSCF2048.JPG)

(http://www.gliderireland.net/forum/images/uploads/JohnPearson/DSCF2051.JPG)

(http://www.gliderireland.net/forum/images/uploads/JohnPearson/DSCF2052.JPG)

(http://www.gliderireland.net/forum/images/uploads/JohnPearson/DSCF2053.JPG)

(http://www.gliderireland.net/forum/images/uploads/JohnPearson/DSCF2055.JPG)

Title: Large B52 PSS
Post by: Peter on February 27, 2010, 20:36:11 PM

Fantastic model John.  Well done.  Looks super in the air.  I'm afraid i'm away for the PSS event so will not get to see it then but hopefully one day.  Great videos.

Title: Large B52 PSS
Post by: joe on March 04, 2010, 20:55:37 PM

Absolutely Fantastic jobs John. Brilliant build and a great flight. Happy man  :D  :D

Really hoping for good conditions for the PSS event. I want to see this beast fly!

Title: b52
Post by: JohnPearson on March 05, 2010, 20:03:58 PM

hiya Joe

back with us again, good to hear from you. NOW Get out and FLY!!!!.......