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Gliders => Scale => Topic started by: Spanner on May 07, 2016, 12:13:52 PM

Title: Annother Islandmodels 1/3 Scale Ka8b build log
Post by: Spanner on May 07, 2016, 12:13:52 PM
Hi Guys
Yet another Ka8b on the way,
I started building this some months back from the excellent short kit supplied by Fred at Islandmodels. All ply parts nicely laser cut and slot together perfectly, 3 x sheets of drawings one with all the parts drawn up which will allow you to replace any parts that you may damage or loose during construction or hopefully not after a bad arrival.
To start I made a simple jig out of some pine strip wood and cut out MDF set squares which can be clamped in place to hold all straight and true during construction. This can obviously be reused for other models. I have attached some photos of the basic fuselage nearly complete before removal from jig. If this attempt at posting works for me I will post more soon showing progress to date.

Joe
Title: Re: Annother Islandmodels 1/3 Scale Ka8b build log
Post by: Spanner on May 07, 2016, 12:40:54 PM
Thank God that worked
Just spent some 2hrs resizing photos and filing them for easy access in future,
So now I can report on progress to date!

Having got the basic fuselage built it was obvious that this model warranted a reasonable amount of cockpit detail to be added, a lot of time was spent trawling the internet for photos to decide just what I would do.
The fuselage is now almost finished and the tail plane is ready for covering.
Canopy frame made from brass tubing, Cockpit interior detail from brass tube, wood dowel and some aluminium sheeting, Seat made from fiberglass.

Still loads to do so back to the building board for a few hours as it is to wet to go and fly.

Joe

 
Title: Re: Annother Islandmodels 1/3 Scale Ka8b build log
Post by: Spanner on May 09, 2016, 19:06:28 PM
Last few photos showing finished cockpit. Pilot arrived for a trial fit.
Working on wiring at present and then onto the wings.
Title: Re: Annother Islandmodels 1/3 Scale Ka8b build log
Post by: mick a on May 10, 2016, 00:16:03 AM
cockpit looks amazing
well done , looks like your a fast builder , better get on with mine now
Title: Re: Annother Islandmodels 1/3 Scale Ka8b build log
Post by: Spanner on May 15, 2016, 00:13:12 AM
Thanks for the complement Mick.
I must say that yours is also very impressive.

Joe
Title: Re: Annother Islandmodels 1/3 Scale Ka8b build log
Post by: Spanner on November 27, 2016, 22:42:15 PM
Hi All,
At last some progress on the Ka8b, Airframe almost complete just one aileron left to build and some servos to install and she will be ready for covering.
No major issues to report but found that the ribs outboard of the ailerons were slightly to long, easily fixed by trimming the trailing edge and a little sanding.
I am covering the model with Diatex / Diacove and so far I have covered the tail feathers and the underside of one wing and found that with a little care it goes on quite easily
Here are a couple of photos as the model is at present and hope to finish the building work and complete the covering soon.
Title: Re: Annother Islandmodels 1/3 Scale Ka8b build log
Post by: mick a on November 28, 2016, 00:30:15 AM
looking really good
what did you make your frame work from in the cockpit ?
Title: Re: Annother Islandmodels 1/3 Scale Ka8b build log
Post by: Spanner on November 28, 2016, 07:40:31 AM
Hi Mick,
Canopy framed was made from brass tube, fixed frame work in cockpit was made using timber dowel. Some brass and aluminum sheet used to make control leavers and other linkages.

Joe
Title: Re: Annother Islandmodels 1/3 Scale Ka8b build log
Post by: Nhalyn on November 28, 2016, 10:23:07 AM
Great work !  :-*
Title: Re: Annother Islandmodels 1/3 Scale Ka8b build log
Post by: billscottni on November 28, 2016, 17:13:47 PM
loving the attention to details
Title: Re: Annother Islandmodels 1/3 Scale Ka8b build log
Post by: mick a on November 28, 2016, 17:46:10 PM
hi thanks joe
must be doing something right as did mine same 😄😄
looks likeyou will be flying before me at this rate -----weather 👍😠
Title: Re: Annother Islandmodels 1/3 Scale Ka8b build log
Post by: Spanner on November 28, 2016, 20:01:13 PM
Hi Mick,
I am sure that you will get to maiden yours long before mine is ready to fly, what was the finished weight of your model if you can remember? I have not weighed mine recently but I think it will be about 10Kg when finished.
Title: Re: Annother Islandmodels 1/3 Scale Ka8b build log
Post by: Alan_Perse on November 28, 2016, 23:14:04 PM
Great work  :).
Title: Re: Annother Islandmodels 1/3 Scale Ka8b build log
Post by: Fred on November 30, 2016, 15:25:27 PM
Very very nice Joe! Stunning work! That canopy really look like the real thing!  :-* :-*
Title: Re: Annother Islandmodels 1/3 Scale Ka8b build log
Post by: Spanner on January 21, 2017, 02:18:03 AM
Thanks all for the encouraging comments.

Despite some trying circumstance's over Christmas progress has been made.
Having caught a bad dose from the boss at our Christmas night out I then passed it to the wife. She was not impressed.
To compound matters I was then caught fooling about with Kate on the kitchen table as it was too cold at our usual spot outside. The wife insisted that I get rid of her or it would cost me dearly. As I cant afford a divorce I was forced to agree not to do it in the house anymore.
No guys not what you may be thinking nothing more than a bad cold / flue
As we were both suffering from Flue and the weather so cold I did managed to convince her to let me dress Kate before banishing her from the house.

See attached photo's
I thing she looks good either way.

PS, I still have to tell her about the baby, I am sure it will be all right on the night as they say but now is not the time. In about 9 months time  I might just introduce her to the little Focker. 
Title: Re: Annother Islandmodels 1/3 Scale Ka8b build log
Post by: Fred on January 22, 2017, 18:26:31 PM
Your K8 looks fantastic John!!  :-* :-*
And that is without mentioning Kate!  ::) ::)

Must be close to the first flight now?
Title: Re: Annother Islandmodels 1/3 Scale Ka8b build log
Post by: Spanner on January 23, 2017, 19:21:26 PM
Hi Fred,
Yes it's nearly there.
I got some primer on the tail feathers and fuss over the weekend and I still need to fill some weave in the glass cloth and recoat with primer. Have not yet attempted to paint the wings, I want to get a spray gun as using aerosol cans will cost a fortune. 2 x cans of primer used so far and have probably added about 40 grams to the model lost about 700grams of paint and propellant to atmosphere either through overspray or evaporation.
After painting only have to fit control horns and final linkage to servos and recheck cg otherwise she is ready to go. 

Can anyone recommend a spray gun or type of spray gun to buy, an airbrush would not have sufficient coverage to spray a large model Total surface area is about 6meters sq, and there is a huge choice in mini / touch up spray guns available. Question is which type would be most suitable and what size nozzle. Also what type of paint is reasonably priced and easy to use with spray gun?

Any advise would be appreciated

Joe
Title: Re: Annother Islandmodels 1/3 Scale Ka8b build log
Post by: EI1638 on January 23, 2017, 20:38:50 PM
I'm hesitant to recommend anything as I find painting a royal PITA, but when I am not using rattle cans I use a touch up gun.

My one is a Draper gravity feed (i.e. cheap) and works well enough for my needs, although these days it's mostly used for fuel proofing after I rattle can the colours.
Having said that, I don't build scale models.
Title: Re: Annother Islandmodels 1/3 Scale Ka8b build log
Post by: selleri on January 23, 2017, 21:07:20 PM
Looking good! I'll keep Kate warm if you need to send her away...   ;)

I use a HVLP touch-up gun (http://www.devilbiss.com/products/spray-guns/touch-up-guns/hvlp/compact-mini#LiveTabsContent36601738-lt) with a 1.0mm nozzle for among others my Ka3 (http://www.gliderireland.net/forum/index.php/topic,3312.msg16724.html#msg16724).
Title: Re: Annother Islandmodels 1/3 Scale Ka8b build log
Post by: Spanner on January 24, 2017, 18:20:52 PM
Thanks for that,
I have been looking at a couple of HVLP mini guns but was not sure as to there suitability for our needs however it would appear that one of these with a 1.0 or 0.8mm nozzle should be suitable. I just did not want to rush into buying a gun and then find that I could not get to operate it correctly either by using the wrong paint/ nozzle or through bad setup. I don't mind spending some time learning how to set it up or find the correct consistency for the paint once I have started with the right equipment.

Thanks
again

Joe
Title: Re: Annother Islandmodels 1/3 Scale Ka8b build log
Post by: mick a on January 24, 2017, 23:13:55 PM
hi joe
looks great really lovely job
Title: Re: Annother Islandmodels 1/3 Scale Ka8b build log
Post by: Spanner on January 25, 2017, 10:13:00 AM
Thanks Mick,
Did you get to fly yours yet?
Title: Re: Annother Islandmodels 1/3 Scale Ka8b build log
Post by: mick a on January 26, 2017, 08:51:08 AM
hi joe
still not flown , still trying to get a day-off and wind together !!!
its all ready though
Title: Re: Annother Islandmodels 1/3 Scale Ka8b build log
Post by: Spanner on March 06, 2017, 00:52:00 AM
Hi All,

I have at long last despite the weather managed to complete the paint job and cg rechecked. Just some small little bits left to do and hopefully she will be ready to fly next weekend weather permitting.

See you at Mt Leinster

Joe
Title: Re: Annother Islandmodels 1/3 Scale Ka8b build log
Post by: mick a on March 07, 2017, 01:24:11 AM
looks amazing
lovely paint job , when is the maiden ?
Title: Re: Annother Islandmodels 1/3 Scale Ka8b build log
Post by: rogallo on March 07, 2017, 11:57:33 AM
Looks great,

 what control horns are you using?

Thanks

Ralph
Title: Re: Annother Islandmodels 1/3 Scale Ka8b build log
Post by: Spanner on March 07, 2017, 18:52:55 PM
Hi Ralph,
I have not yet fitted the control horns and linkages to the ailerons it is one of the few jobs left to do, glue aileron hinges and fit control horns and linkage and put decals on the wings and she is ready for first flight. I plan on using 3mm  x 25mm horns and clevises from Hobby King. I will be using 2mm stainless steel pushrods.
The elevator is operated by 2 x HS85 mg servos here I have used Medium sized Kavan plastic horns and again 2mm stainless steel pushrods.
The rudder horn is home made from 2mm Glass sheeting.

Fred
Can you advise as to what the control throws should be?

Looking forward to hopefully maiden the K8 at the weekend
Title: Re: Annother Islandmodels 1/3 Scale Ka8b build log
Post by: johnfireball on March 08, 2017, 00:45:13 AM
https://hobbyking.com/en_us/extra-strong-control-horns-w-bearing-24mm-5sets.html

These are great.
Title: Re: Annother Islandmodels 1/3 Scale Ka8b build log
Post by: JG on March 08, 2017, 08:06:53 AM
Hello - Now that does look very nice  :-*
Title: Re: Annother Islandmodels 1/3 Scale Ka8b build log
Post by: Spanner on March 08, 2017, 22:41:02 PM
Ralph
The horns that I am using for the ailerons are similar to the ones that John has recommended, they are listed as 3mm x 50mm
Heavy duty horns.
Title: Re: Annother Islandmodels 1/3 Scale Ka8b build log
Post by: johnfireball on March 09, 2017, 00:45:52 AM
Loverly , What paint did you use in the finish? looks sprayed.

John.
Title: Re: Annother Islandmodels 1/3 Scale Ka8b build log
Post by: Spanner on March 09, 2017, 18:03:37 PM
Hi John
Yes it is sprayed, I used cellulose paint as it is easy to rectify mistakes. It took 2 coats of primer on the fuss and 1 on the wings and 4 coats of yellow and could probably take another but I don't want to keep adding weight, the red only required 2 coats to get a reasonable finish. I am happy with the  finish considering that this is the first time I have used a spray gun.

Joe
Title: Re: Annother Islandmodels 1/3 Scale Ka8b build log
Post by: Fred on March 10, 2017, 09:21:26 AM
Fantastic Joe! That finish looks great (I envy you, I am useless when it comes to paint gliders :( )

Looking forward to see it!
Title: Re: Annother Islandmodels 1/3 Scale Ka8b build log
Post by: Spanner on March 14, 2017, 00:43:51 AM
Hi All
Thanks for the positive and encouraging comments, I have attached a couple more photos taken last Saturday on Mt Leinster unfortunately practically no wind so first flight had to be postponed.
On Sunday there was 20 - 25 mph wind and I eventually built up the courage to assemble the model and launch. It was a heart thumping affair launching 18 months of work into the air in these winds but thankfully I need not have been concerned, the model zoomed slightly on launch but with a couple of clicks of down trim it was away from the lip of the slope and soring slowly and gracefully aloft. I flew the model for about 15 - 20 minutes getting used to the feel of the controls and checking the operation of the airbrakes. In the strong lift this glider just wanted to keep climbing I tried the airbrakes and they slowed the glider down and it slowly started to loose height there was no trim change with the brakes deployed and when retracted the model just picked up normal cruising speed and started to climb again.
It took me 4 -5 attempts to eventually get the model on the ground as the approach was along the top of the slope before finally turning into wind to land. There was little room to fly down wind without flying over the road or wooded area behind the landing zone  and I was not comfortable flying the model low and close to either on my first flight with her. The model was very stable throughout the flight and despite being landed with too much airspeed and bouncing about 3 times it survived and I decided that I would settle for that one successful flight on the day.  Hopefully someone will post some photos of her soon.
I am looking forward to getting it into the air again soon and having many more enjoyable flights.

Thanks Fred for producing an easily built model that is nice and stable, easy to fly and is also reasonably priced.
Title: Re: Annother Islandmodels 1/3 Scale Ka8b build log
Post by: Spanner on March 14, 2017, 01:35:30 AM
Ooop's
Forgot to load attachments
Title: Re: Annother Islandmodels 1/3 Scale Ka8b build log
Post by: Nhalyn on March 14, 2017, 08:40:18 AM
congratulations !!!!
I'm impatient to be at Mt Leinstner in two weeks with my father and his Ka8b also !

Should we be prepared for a massive flight of all Ka8b on the slope ?  :-*
Title: Re: Annother Islandmodels 1/3 Scale Ka8b build log
Post by: Fred on March 14, 2017, 21:17:03 PM
Oh yes oh yes!  :-* :-*

Many thanks Joe for your kind words, but you did all the hard work!
You can be proud of you Ka8, definitively a show stopper! Incredible building skills!
I wish you lots of flying with your new toy, and already looking forward to see it in the air again!

Title: Re: Annother Islandmodels 1/3 Scale Ka8b build log
Post by: mick a on March 14, 2017, 23:13:44 PM
looks great joe
will have to come over there one-day and fly the mt