Airplanes: Chuperosa Part 9

Structural construction is now complete. I'll be using microlite plastic covering to finish it up. One obstacle remains however, after the covering and radio install. I'm not 100% sure I have the incidence correct. I made sure the wing saddle matched the prints, but I'd like to measure to be sure, and of course I don't want to drop more cash on an incidence meter. Does anyone have an accurate way of measuring this using a straight edge or something?

Airplanes: Chuperosa Part 8

The wing is finally complete. It's been a busy summer, so finishing this project is proving difficult- but with this step complete, progress is being made. I still need to add the glass tape at the center, but I wanted to document it at this stage because I think the tape clashes with the overall form. This was my first scratch built wing. It was a great learning experience, but I'm looking forward to my next project being a laser cut kit.

Airplanes: Chuperosa Part 6

The left wing panel is finally complete. I need to pick up a new scale to see how much more sanding I need to do- hopefully those holes I drilled in the TE will help reduce the weight. If you have any wing building tips, please let me know and post a comment.

Airplanes: Chuperosa Part 5

This is taking longer than I thought. I forgot that I would also have to make my own drawings. Below is a picture of the left wing panel with 6 more ribs to fit. Notice the steel straight edge at the leading edge- this is the first time I tried this, and it works very well because it not only trues up the LE, it gives you a more solid object to work with, which in turn helps make sure the ribs can be sung without bowing any of your straight lines.

Airplanes: Chuperosa Part 4

I shaped the wing ribs today. This was the first time I used the stacking technique, and it seems to work well. It's exciting to see this glider finally take shape.

Airplanes: Chuperosa Part 3

The fuselage for my Chuperosa RC glider is practically complete. It's constructed out of balsa, spruce, and plywood. The open framework took some time, but it does add a unique look. The next phase in this project is to frame up the wings. I need to buy a simple Drill Press first though, so I can make an accurate stack of ribs as described in this previous post.