Building a model aircraft from plans or a kit of parts at first can seem daunting for the newcomer to this part of aeromodelling. To that end this Workshop category in RCAeroBase seeks to ease that learning process with series of articles covering the problems that builders face as they engage in the process.
To give some idea of what to expect in the Workshop sub categories, an overview is as follows:
Building
Includes: Selecting wood, Cutting wood with scalpels and razor saws, Cutting printed parts out of sheet materials included in kits, Assembling prepared parts over a plan, Pinning and gluing them in place over a plan, Assembling made up components over the plan such as fuselage sides etc., Fuel proofing to protect fuselage front ends from fuel and exhaust residues.
Covering
Includes: The choice of covering materials such as Solarfilm, Solartex, tissue and many others, some of which can be very specialised to reduce weight to very low levels, Application of the covering materials, often requiring the use of irons and heat guns to shrink covering materials, or the application of clear dope to shrink tissue materials.
Decorating
Includes: Application of paints and enamels by brush or by spray, Use of masking, Application of logos and numbering by vinyl cut outs or ink jet printing, Decoration of aircraft by using overlays of additional covering material.
Adhesives
Includes: Explanations of different adhesive types, Using Cyano Acrylate, Epoxy Resin, Aliphatics.
Tools
Includes: The use of tools, Scalpels, Knives, Razor Saws, Razor blades, Fuselage Jigs, Strip Cutters, Special tools made in the workshop for special applications, Building Boards.
To give some idea of the total process involved in building a model aircraft, the following two types are overviewed:
Basic Overview of the process of building and flying a simple kit aeroplane
Building something simple like a model glider or a rubber powered model cannot be beaten as a way of learning basic skills and so is an ideal first step.
1. Lay out the plan and study it in detail. Do nothing until every aspect of the build is understood. If after this you are still unsure how to begin read a good primer, e.g. Radio Controlled Model Aircraft by David Boddington. Alternatively seek the help of a fellow aeromodeller who can take you through the build.
2. Follow the plan in detail, building the aeroplane's components, fin, tailplane, fuselage, wings, under carriage.
3. Dry assemble the built components before covering to ensure everything fits, and has good alignment.
4. Cover the model, taking care that the shrinking which takes place in the covering process does not warp wings or tailplane components.
5. Assemble the model and test glide it on a calm day.
6. When satisfied the model is trimmed well, go for the maiden flight on a clear field with plenty of open space.
Basic Overview of the process of building and flying a radio controlled, IC engine powered kit aeroplane
The process needs all the skills acquired from the simple kit build above but with the following typical additions:
1. When complete the aeroplane will contain an engine, fuel tank, battery, radio receiver, servo mechanisms to drive control surfaces, and control surface linkages. All of these components add considerable weight so where they are placed in the fuselage matters, as the model must balance at the centre of gravity shown on the plan. The time to test all this is when the model is finished in the white, i.e. not yet covered as it gives time to consider alternative layouts to avoid adding excess ballast.
2. Take care to include the essential engine right thrust and downthrust shown on the plan. If these are not understood and followed, the model will be difficult to fly.
3. Thoroughly fuel proof the engine bay and fuel tank location.
4. Ensure that the engine and fuel tank are easily removable for servicing.
5. Ensure the fuel tank is installed with foam to avoid vibration problems.
6. When finally installed, ensure that all radio components are correctly shielded from engine vibration and that all control surfaces move correctly without rubbing, binding or jittering. Any problems encountered must be fixed before proceeding.
7. Ensure that all items which need fixing by nuts and bolts are locked against vibration. E.g. engine mounting bolts are fitted with lock nuts or anti vibration nuts.
8. Ensure that control surface movements are as detailed on the plan.
9. Ensure that control surface trim movements are adequate for the in flight trimming that will be needed.
Finally when ready, if you are new flying radio controlled model aircraft, join your local club and get on their training program. There is no finer way to keep the model you just spent many hours building.
Companion Article. Problems encountered building from kits and plans.
