Prototype Laser short kit of Orville Build!

[Ken Park]

The first cutting of the laser cut short kit of the Orville project arrived yesterday in the mail. I called Tom Hastie and he was over in a flash! Tom has agreed to build the prototype version of the laser cut short kit. Tom is going to do an Electric version of Orville to make this design universal for everyone. Any changes Tom makes will be quickly put into the design for future production run version.

Tom had the wood/plans less than 8 hours and he's already well on into the build! Tom sent some photo's of his progress.

[cgroves]

That looks cool. Who did you get to do the laser cutting? What format did you send the plans to them in?

[John Weekes]

This is great, Ken and Tom! ...Keep the pics coming...it'll be fun to watch the buiding progress!

John

[Tom Hastie]

I make two glue joints and I'm already WELL into the build, eh? :rolleyes:

Really what you see there is half an hour of me looking at the parts and then saying, "what the hell... lets glue something".

Tom

P.S. the laser cutting was Climate Models in Barrie, Ontario:
http://www.climatemodels.com/

Ken can give more details.

[Ken Park]

:rolleyes: The plans/wood did come with instructions Tom! Yes it looks great from my end so far. The laser cut parts should really speed construction!

The plans for wood parts are made seperate and must be assembled just as they appear in the first picture. The format is basic Autocad or .DXF Mind you I found out from Rob Mckellar who help me get this far that you must increase your parts size all over by .010 " and shrink .010 for holes etc. This accounts for the laser burning away some of the wood on the lines you have drawn. In other words its a ton of work to get a file ready to burn.

[Ken Park]

It was so mild on Saturday the 24th I went flying with Orville! Tom Hastie soon arrived. I got in about 4 more flights in and Tom was flying his 540 and his Groove. I gave the TX to Tom on one flight of Orville and watch him put Orville through the wringer! It so cool to watch someone else do a rolling circle, snaps on loops etc. Hey Tom give us your flight report on Orville?
Other than "I like it"

[Tom Hastie]

I need to say more than “I like it” … doh!

Well it did fly really nicely. One of the most honest aircraft I’ve flown. Testing out Kens made me really want to build mine faster.

Felt a lot like my Groove actually. Very little coupling in knife edge, nice and neutral in all axes. The lightness in the design really shows up in the flying characteristics. Definitely a nice second trainer if you like, but it’s also honest enough to let you really clean up your flying if you want.

I can’t wait to get mine in the air… Move the CG back and increase the throws to more “nominal” levels and see if she’ll hover!

Here are some pictures of my progress. This is working on it perhaps 1hour per day since I got the kit on Thursday night. The laser cutting REALLY speeds stuff up, and the kit is fitting together well so far.

See ya round,

Tom

[Tom Hastie]

And a couple more...

[Tom Hastie]

RCGroups Build thread here:
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=456577

Tom

[Ken Park]

Tom I really appreciate the help and feedback on this Beta Build! Your sort of my "Chuck Yager" on this Orville project part Test-pilot and part Engineer etc etc.

Following Toms instructions I've been tweeking the plans and wood files as the need arrises during your build. I've got crossed fingers the rest of the build goes just as well. So far its only 3 parts that have needed minor adjustments.

[Ken Park]

Tom! How are U fixed for doing 1/8" piano-wire Landing Gear?
I would love to help you out by bending you a set for your Orville if you wish?
Also I would make avail a set of 3" spoked wheels that would look fantastic on your E-version. Gerry Pronovost made them for me! I need to bend a new set of wire cause the axile length was much wider than whats on my Blue Orville.

Iam at ken_park_99@yahoo.com for the near future eh!

[Tom Hastie]

Lots more has been done on the Orvile. I finished up sheeting the wings today. She (he?) should be ready for a bare bones display next Tuesday night at the meeting.

Rather than retyping my progress, check out my pics and descriptions here:
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=456577

Tom

[Ken Park]

Iam simply blown away at how good it looks! I can't get over how well and snug all the 1/8" and 1/4" notches in all those ribs fit with the LE/TE and spars etc!

I agree as the E-version is prob overkill with the 1/16" sheeting on the wing and fuse! Feel free to cut out any lightning holes any place you want!

Iam not 100% sure but I should be able to attend the Jan meeting too.
Iam looking forward to your show & tell report!