GliderIreland - Ireland RC Forum - Flying Model forum in Ireland

Gliders => Aerotow => Topic started by: Fred on October 08, 2014, 16:30:47 PM

Title: Tow Plane conception
Post by: Fred on October 08, 2014, 16:30:47 PM
Alright, just to keep you up to date with what is going on in the continent  :D

After seeing the efficiency of the Tow planes in Falaise, especially the "non scale" ones, we decided to do our own, based on the "JeanDule", itself based on the "Bidule", originally design by the Eauze club in SW France (near home :) )

Simple box, 3m WS, dual rudder like my old Bison.
All wood build, design for engines starting at 60cc, up to 100 cc...
So that should pretty much tow everything in Ireland  :P

We are still at the development stages, but here is a 2 views of the beast:

(http://www.gliderireland.net/forum/images/uploads/Fred/Rodule%203Vues.JPG)

Nothing fancy, just something that works!

More as we move forward into the project  :D
Title: Tow Plane conception
Post by: Happy Days on October 08, 2014, 20:09:51 PM
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__25202__Turnigy_dlux_250A_HV_14s_60v_ESC.html

https://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__19964__Turnigy_RotoMax_100cc_Size_Brushless_Outrunner_Motor.html

Oh, for goodness sake Fred,…..if you’re gonna build a new model for towing then at least come into the 21st century and power it properly.
Who, in their right mind, wants to fiddle about with dangerous hydrocarbon fuels and 20th  century  reciprocating internal combustion engines? :roll:

I don’t know how much a 100cc two stroke would cost these days, but the above equivalent motor & ESC comes to £334, (or a little less if you wait while ordering and HobbyKing will offer you a discount. 8)

You don’t need me to tell you of thje advantages,….do you? :P

L. Keith
Title: Tow Plane conception
Post by: andrew wallace on October 08, 2014, 20:55:17 PM
Not to take anything away from Fred one of my winter projects is building a Titan Tug i have the fuselage made and the foam wings cut i'm waiting on the wing tube coming so i can make the wing two piece and i'm making the tailplane removable it can take up to 100cc engine but i'm hoping to go for 80cc wing span is 96" and all up weight should be around the 20lb mark which will leave me able to tow almost anything  :D

(http://www.gliderireland.net/forum/images/uploads/andrew%20wallace/DSC_0012.png)
this is the titan with it's designer Steve Vine

sorry Keith i'm happy with petrol hard to beat the smell of two stroke oil burning  :D  :D
Title: Tow Plane conception
Post by: Happy Days on October 08, 2014, 21:16:05 PM
Yeah, and wiping the unburnt oil off the side of the fuse….. :lol:  :lol:
Title: Tow Plane conception
Post by: Fred on October 09, 2014, 07:48:57 AM
Well, looks like we are going to have a few decent tugs for next season!    :)

Keith, electric power did cross my mind of course (the future is electric!), but in this case, I will go Petrol.
The guys in Falaise with the Jeandule managed to do 25 tows on a 1.5L tank!
Electric is a huge investment! Motor, ESC, battery packs (and big ones! at least 10 cells), a proper charger etc. All that for maybe 5 or 6 tows if lucky on a single charge...

I reckon in Ireland this will be more than enough seeing the poor aerotowing activity, but then, I can't have all that money sitting in a shed 99% of the year. And the plan is to develop the activity, petrol power is simply "easier", and unless something break, almost non stop. Perfect for training / discovering the activity if you see what I mean  :D

By the way, here is the idea, after I got the authorisation to match the Big Titan and got the go ahead from the Britanny guys and the JeanDule:

(http://www.gliderireland.net/forum/images/uploads/Fred/Rodule%202%20views.JPG)

(http://www.gliderireland.net/forum/images/uploads/Fred/Falaise2014-0215.jpg)

And I also have a 1/4 scale Piper Cub now as well  :D

All we need now, is a field and a few gliders with a tow hook... Easy Peasy!  :P
Title: Tow Plane conception
Post by: Happy Days on October 09, 2014, 08:43:28 AM
Hmmmmm! :evil:  

(little Keith walks away, mumbling under his breath.......)
Title: Tow Plane conception
Post by: Fred on October 09, 2014, 08:47:25 AM
:P  :lol:
Title: Tow Plane conception
Post by: andrew wallace on October 09, 2014, 08:55:03 AM
:lol:  :lol: don't like the look of that rubber prop Fred  :lol:  :lol:  :lol:
Title: Tow Plane conception
Post by: andrew wallace on October 10, 2014, 11:19:01 AM
(http://www.gliderireland.net/forum/images/uploads/andrew%20wallace/Picture%20010.jpg)

this is the fuselage of the titan it's made from 4 sheets of 1/8 balsa and there's a 1/16 ply doubler that run's down to almost half the lenght of the fuselage there is also 3/8 triangluar balsa along the bottom and middle of the fuselage. the bottom is sheeted with 1/8 balsa and the top is a lenght of 1/2 inch  balsa

(http://www.gliderireland.net/forum/images/uploads/andrew%20wallace/Picture%20012.jpg)

wings are cut from foam and the width is 18 inches and each half is 48 inches long. Once the wings are veneered i'll cut out the ailerons this big models dosen't need flaps  :D

(http://www.gliderireland.net/forum/images/uploads/andrew%20wallace/Picture%20011.jpg)


waiting on a 30mm wing tube so i can continue on with the wings i'm making it a two piece wing to make it easier to transport  :D  :D
Title: Tow Plane conception
Post by: Fred on October 10, 2014, 11:25:50 AM
Looking good Andrew!  :clap:
Title: Tow Plane conception
Post by: selleri on October 14, 2014, 19:39:07 PM
Hmmmm, and here I was thinking about some stik building!    :?:

Although electric would be nice it just isn't practical for serious towing sessions at the moment.
Turboprop on the other hand!!!     8)

Titans are nice, flew one over in England many moons ago, almost too much fun!
Title: Tow Plane conception
Post by: Fred on October 30, 2014, 09:10:56 AM
Alright, some little modifications to the plan.
Fuselage slightly shorter (2m long without the cowl. Perfect for wood strips :) ) and lowered the fuselage a tiny bit to look better.

I have also added a cowl. This one is from an Extra, and I think it does look the part.

I like the look, so time to finish the plans  :D

(http://www.gliderireland.net/forum/images/uploads/Fred/Rodule%20-%20NOV14.JPG)
Title: Tow Plane conception
Post by: andrew wallace on October 30, 2014, 09:54:39 AM
Hey Fred if you're stuck I'll cut the wing for you  :D
Title: Tow Plane conception
Post by: Fred on October 30, 2014, 11:50:52 AM
Cheers Andrew :)
So far, built up wings planned to keep the weight down, but we'll see.

Any movements on the Titan?  :D
Title: Tow Plane conception
Post by: Happy Days on October 30, 2014, 12:53:48 PM
Why semi-symmetric wings Fred? Don’t flat bottom wings produce more lift at slow speed? :?:

L. Keith
Title: Tow Plane conception
Post by: Fred on October 30, 2014, 13:37:24 PM
Hey Keith,
That is because in this case, you want the best of both World.
Be able to fly slow for slow machines, and fast, for modern gliders.
Tick profile for good slow flying performance. Also, the wings have big flaps if needed.

And also, this profile is well known and used for towplane (well, at least in France), so I try not to re-invent the machine that bend bananas (French expression  :lol: )
Title: Tow Plane conception
Post by: mario on October 30, 2014, 17:06:24 PM
naca 2412?
Title: Tow Plane conception
Post by: Fred on October 30, 2014, 17:58:59 PM
Yep  :D

Was thinking about the 14, but i stay with the 12 i think.
Title: Tow Plane conception
Post by: Fred on November 06, 2014, 10:35:12 AM
Back to Dublin after being sent down the country!
Laptop with me, so did a bit of work on the Towplane.

(http://www.gliderireland.net/forum/images/uploads/Fred/Rodule%20-%20plan%20view%20fuse.JPG)

Getting there. Just a big box, so the hard bit is done now :)
Title: Tow Plane conception
Post by: andrew wallace on November 07, 2014, 18:08:53 PM
to keep with our Fred i've been doing a bit of work on the wing of the titan i've got a 30mm wing tube with phenolic outer tube from www.fighteraces.co.uk i bought a sheet of 1/8 ply and made a box for the wing tube to fit into and then the box is slotted into the wing  :D
the reason for putting the wing tube in is to make transporting the model easier  :D
(http://www.gliderireland.net/forum/images/uploads/andrew%20wallace/Picture%20016.jpg)

(http://www.gliderireland.net/forum/images/uploads/andrew%20wallace/Picture%20019.jpg)

(http://www.gliderireland.net/forum/images/uploads/andrew%20wallace/Picture%20017.jpg)

(http://www.gliderireland.net/forum/images/uploads/andrew%20wallace/Picture-001.jpg)
Title: Tow Plane conception
Post by: Fred on November 25, 2014, 16:46:14 PM
Had a bit of time last week, and moved a bit.
Well, a large bit! Wing plans are finished!

(http://www.gliderireland.net/forum/images/uploads/Fred/Rodule%20HalfWing.JPG)

So, what's left to do?
Not much!
Back of the fuselage and tail.
Title: Tow Plane conception
Post by: andrew wallace on November 25, 2014, 18:33:29 PM
:clap:  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:  :clap: looks really good Fred  :D
Title: Tow Plane conception
Post by: rogallo on November 26, 2014, 10:16:43 AM
Are you going to the MACI AGM Fred? I can get Kevin Barry to bring up the motor for you.

Ralph

ps how is my Blanik??? :(
Title: Tow Plane conception
Post by: Fred on November 26, 2014, 10:59:12 AM
Hey Ralph,

Yep, going to the AGM. I have my fans to please over there with my reports  :lol:
How much for the engine? No rush anyway, will be my 2015 build, have to go trough my pile of projects first!  :!:

Blanik... What Blanik?  :P
Working on the tail group, the hard bit. You will get it for Christmas  :D
Title: Tow Plane conception
Post by: Fred on November 27, 2014, 11:08:25 AM
Quote from: "andrew wallace"
:clap:  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:  :clap: looks really good Fred  :D


Thanks Andrew :)
Taking shape. Started the elevator and rudder yesterday. Almost done.
That thing is using a lot of wood!
Title: Tow Plane conception
Post by: andrew wallace on December 09, 2014, 13:19:28 PM
(http://www.gliderireland.net/forum/images/uploads/andrew%20wallace/Picture%20020.jpg)

i have my two wing panels now veneered and have the ailerons drew out ready to be cut, both panels weigh about 3lb 4oz and are 45" long and about 18" wide  
the addition of the wing tube box has pushed the weight up and i would say i'll now struggle to keep the model round the 20lb mark  :(
Title: Tow Plane conception
Post by: Fred on December 09, 2014, 21:18:41 PM
Looks good Andrew  :clap:

No worries, you will certainly be over 10kgs, but seeing the wing, you will still be moderated loaded  :D
Title: Towplane
Post by: Graeme on December 11, 2014, 06:42:42 AM
Hi Fred. Looks great I nwould into building one of those when you get some plans done. my tow plane meet the ground one meeting, we need more tow planes and pilots over here.
Title: Tow Plane conception
Post by: Fred on December 11, 2014, 08:45:01 AM
Hey Graeme, thanks :)

Yep, plans will be available to download after the first flights. Just in case :)
Title: towplane
Post by: Graeme on December 13, 2014, 20:53:49 PM
Thanks Fred

We will just wait and see thanks.
Title: Tow Plane conception
Post by: andrew wallace on December 16, 2014, 12:52:15 PM
(http://www.gliderireland.net/forum/images/uploads/andrew%20wallace/Picture%20021.jpg)

titan coming together nicely now  :D
Title: Tow Plane conception
Post by: Fred on January 06, 2015, 08:12:28 AM
Nice work Andrew!  :clap:

Quick update on the Rodule.
Plans are finished since last week :)
Just reviewing them, and adding a few more details.
Here is the stab / rudder assembly:

(http://www.gliderireland.net/forum/images/uploads/Fred/Rodule%20-%20Elevator%20-%20Rudder%20Plan.JPG)

By the way Andrew, where do you source your main landing gear?  :?:
Title: Tow Plane conception
Post by: andrew wallace on January 06, 2015, 14:12:50 PM
:clap:  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:

Good work Fred not long till the building starts  :D  it'll be interesting to see the overall weight I think I'm going to struggle to keep my weight around the 20lb Mark it's looking more like 25lb+  :(
Undercarriage from www.carboncopyuk.com
Title: Tow Plane conception
Post by: Fred on January 07, 2015, 12:10:32 PM
Thanks Andrew :)

Yeah, I try to stay around the 10Kgs mark too. That should be doable hopefully.
Cleaning up the plan...

(http://www.gliderireland.net/forum/images/uploads/Fred/Rodule%20Plan%20cleanup.JPG)
Title: Tow Plane conception
Post by: selleri on January 09, 2015, 04:27:59 AM
Where is the tow hook going to be, behind the canopy?
Title: Tow Plane conception
Post by: Fred on January 09, 2015, 08:10:32 AM
Hi Sverrir,

Yep, you are correct :)


(http://www.gliderireland.net/forum/images/uploads/Fred/Rodule%20Tow%20hook.JPG)

The former you see at that location on the plan above will house the towhook servo.

Files done, ready to be cut :)
Title: Tow Plane conception
Post by: andrew wallace on January 09, 2015, 13:26:54 PM
Fred will you make your own release or will you buy one
Title: Tow Plane conception
Post by: mario on January 09, 2015, 13:32:49 PM
T veux que je regarde sur mes doc
Title: Tow Plane conception
Post by: Fred on January 09, 2015, 17:57:26 PM
@ Ronan: Non, pas besoin :)
J'ai un lien Ebay pour les acheter en Allemagne. Sinon, je le fait moi meme :)

@Andrew: I have the choice ;) Nice aluminium ones from Germany (I have the link if interrested. Will be on the plan) or made my Own (always made my own one I have to say)
Title: Tow Plane conception
Post by: erwan on January 09, 2015, 18:44:33 PM
Le crochet aussi haut, ca va sans doute te donner un peu de couple cabreur quand tu auras des grosses machines derrières toi
Title: Tow Plane conception
Post by: andrew wallace on January 09, 2015, 20:13:06 PM
Yes please Fred send me the link  :D
Title: Tow Plane conception
Post by: Fred on January 10, 2015, 17:53:04 PM
Hey Andrew,
Yeah, will do :) (it's at work)

So, today, I did cut a tow plane!  :D
Very pleased with the result! That is going to be big!

A quick assembly of the front part. No glue, and about a minute...

(http://www.gliderireland.net/forum/images/uploads/Fred/IMG_8437.JPG)

A few parts. The ribs are massive! 50cm wing chord...

(http://www.gliderireland.net/forum/images/uploads/Fred/IMG_8438.JPG)

And I was bored, so made a logo for it too :)

(http://www.gliderireland.net/forum/images/uploads/Fred/IMG_8439.JPG)

All in all, very happy. Dried fitted a few parts, and all is going well. Will be in my opinion, very easy and quick to build (well, it's a big square box after all!).

I will double check everything, just to make sure I haven't done something silly, or if there is something that can be improved.

I'll take a photo of all the parts later  :D
Title: Tow Plane conception
Post by: andrew wallace on January 10, 2015, 20:13:18 PM
:clap:  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:  brilliant work Fred
Title: Tow Plane conception
Post by: selleri on January 10, 2015, 23:05:27 PM
Nice work!   :clap:
Title: Tow Plane conception
Post by: Alan_Perse on January 10, 2015, 23:35:34 PM
Great work Fred  :D  :D
Title: Tow Plane conception
Post by: Fred on January 11, 2015, 08:36:07 AM
Thank you all :)

Very excited about that one!
Title: Tow Plane conception
Post by: mario on January 11, 2015, 08:38:29 AM
its ready to fly.... 8)
Title: Tow Plane conception
Post by: Fred on January 11, 2015, 08:48:08 AM
No, tomorrow, can't spend time building today, I have my swimming competition  :lol:
Title: Tow Plane conception
Post by: Fred on January 11, 2015, 19:19:35 PM
Assembly test of the wing and elevator and all went like a breeze to say the least :)

(http://www.gliderireland.net/forum/images/uploads/Fred/IMG_8440.JPG)

(http://www.gliderireland.net/forum/images/uploads/Fred/IMG_8442.JPG)

(http://www.gliderireland.net/forum/images/uploads/Fred/IMG_8443.JPG)

(http://www.gliderireland.net/forum/images/uploads/Fred/IMG_8445.JPG)

(http://www.gliderireland.net/forum/images/uploads/Fred/IMG_8446.JPG)
Title: Tow Plane conception
Post by: andrew wallace on January 11, 2015, 19:31:04 PM
:clap:  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:  good stuff Fred  :D
You'll soon be caught up with me  :lol:
Title: Tow Plane conception
Post by: mario on January 11, 2015, 19:45:26 PM
j ai peut etre un 3W110 sous le coude... :mrgreen:  :mrgreen:
Title: Tow Plane conception
Post by: Graeme on January 12, 2015, 07:03:12 AM
She should look good will stay looking nice job
Title: Tow Plane conception
Post by: Fred on January 12, 2015, 07:39:33 AM
Thanks all :)

@Andrew: No, I have waaayyy too many gliders to finish first on the table. This was just to have a look... But I'm getting itchy! Seems to be quick to build, but I try to convince myself not to go near it!  :lol:

@ Ronan: 3W110.... Hmmmmm me like!  :D
Title: Tow Plane conception
Post by: mario on January 12, 2015, 11:28:04 AM
Yes me too :mrgreen:  :mrgreen:
Title: Tow Plane conception
Post by: rogallo on January 12, 2015, 11:28:37 AM
I have a 3w 80?
Title: Tow Plane conception
Post by: mario on January 12, 2015, 11:33:11 AM
Its good
Title: Tow Plane conception
Post by: Fred on January 12, 2015, 11:38:06 AM
Yeah, 80 will do it nicely too.
I guess, I would start at 60 up to 120.
Title: Tow Plane conception
Post by: Fred on January 12, 2015, 11:47:51 AM
For the ones who like the bling :)
Tow hooks:

http://www.ebay.de/itm/RICHTER-SCHLEPPKUPPLUNG-fur-3W-ZDZ-ZG-DA-bis-100Kp-/290321249584?pt=RC_Modellbau&hash=item43987eb530

http://www.ebay.de/itm/RICHTER-SCHLEPPKUPPLUNG-fur-3W-ZDZ-ZG-DA-bis-100Kp-mit-BEFESTIGUNGSPLATTE-/251034647067?pt=RC_Modellbau&hash=item3a72d4ba1b

http://www.ebay.de/itm/RICHTER-SCHLEPPKUPPLUNG-fur-3W-ZDZ-ZG-DA-mit-M12x1-Gewinde-/251038376730?pt=RC_Modellbau&hash=item3a730da31a

http://www.ebay.de/itm/Schleppkupplung-Alu-70-mm-MB-2640-/281263948190?pt=RC_Modellbau&hash=item417ca3419e
Title: Tow Plane conception
Post by: erwan on January 12, 2015, 18:03:13 PM
In stock a 3W80XI and a old Team Celti 80 .Maybe a bimotor  Lol
Title: Tow Plane conception
Post by: Fred on January 14, 2015, 09:24:32 AM
God, a Team Celti!
Title: Tow Plane conception
Post by: erwan on January 14, 2015, 16:27:30 PM
Yes, it's my second, the first is in my Corsair . I buy it 50€  :wink:
Title: Tow Plane conception
Post by: Fred on January 14, 2015, 16:31:05 PM
Lucky!  :evil:
Title: Tow Plane conception
Post by: erwan on January 19, 2015, 16:24:04 PM
lol  :lol:  :lol:  :lol:  :lol:
Title: Tow Plane conception
Post by: Fred on July 17, 2015, 10:19:21 AM
Following the Cork Aerotow, I made a little brother of the Rodule.
Wingspan is 2.2m and for engines around 45 to 62cc.

(http://www.gliderireland.net/forum/images/uploads/Fred/EireTow.PNG)
Title: Re: Tow Plane conception
Post by: Fred on April 19, 2016, 20:17:42 PM
We are talking about plan tow hook a few posts up.
Guess what we can get in HK now! (well, went backorder straight away!!)

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__100779__Tow_Payload_Release_Unit.html

One item to keep your eyes on!
Title: Re: Tow Plane conception
Post by: andrew wallace on April 22, 2016, 15:12:04 PM
Oh that's tidy looking  :)
Title: Re: Tow Plane conception
Post by: supercub on October 29, 2016, 18:05:55 PM
Fred can I buy a plan off you for this tow plane please

Dave
Title: Re: Tow Plane conception
Post by: Fred on June 13, 2017, 07:58:33 AM
The Rodule, tested by Pierre Delrieu is on the cover of this month RC Pilot :)
Title: Re: Tow Plane conception
Post by: Nhalyn on June 13, 2017, 10:03:51 AM
Hi Fred !  :-*

I like your new tow plane : nice global design ! Thins wing is top !
Should you be OK I have a look on the internal structure (private mode mandatory)... I have few ideas on this point to share with you.
Title: Re: Tow Plane conception
Post by: Fred on June 13, 2017, 11:39:33 AM
Howdy Nhalyn (hope you enjoyed the Guinness with the Mouettes! :) )

How can I refuse your expert expertise! :-[
Need the DXF?
Title: Re: Tow Plane conception
Post by: Nhalyn on June 13, 2017, 12:44:54 PM
No, the guiness was too hot... need to go back to Ireland to find a real one... >:(

For the DXF, yes should be fine to have a look, or at least good caption for a global look on it...
Title: Re: Tow Plane conception
Post by: Fred on June 20, 2017, 12:57:08 PM
I did not forget you!! (how could I!  :-* )

You should get a mail in the next hour :)
Title: Re: Tow Plane conception
Post by: andrew wallace on October 07, 2017, 14:54:54 PM
Fred would a 55cc engine be too small for the 3m Rodule
After a very stupid senior moment I'm in the market for a tow plane to suit a 55cc engine
Whats the all up weight of the rodule
I have a Titan 2  built but it's gonna weigh in at near 25lb to heavy :-(
Title: Re: Tow Plane conception
Post by: Fred on November 03, 2017, 16:40:07 PM
Hey Andrew, sorry for the silence!! :(

Yeah, 55cc you are in the lower range (should start at 60), but like everything, if kept light, this is way do-able of course.

The "smaller" version will be more suitable for a 55cc. Are you stopping the Titan's build?
Title: Re: Tow Plane conception
Post by: andrew wallace on November 07, 2017, 19:02:51 PM
Yea Fred
With me making it a two piece wing and tailplane it has added some serious weight
The first one I built came in at 20lb this one is coming in at between 25lb to 30lb If I was to finish it i would  put an 80cc or more into it
Title: Re: Tow Plane conception
Post by: Modelar on August 28, 2018, 23:07:41 PM
Where can I get a Rodule plan?
Title: Re: Tow Plane conception
Post by: Poul Munch on August 13, 2021, 21:29:10 PM
It seems that this thread is all about construction of the plane.
But what is the conclusion with respect to flying the plane?
Is it of such value to have the towline between 2 rudders, that it outperform conventional towplanes?
Best regards
Poul Munch Andersen DK