The ALL NEW Official Dietrich 75cc Extra 260

[MR G]

FL. AV8R,

Nice job on the graphics!! Looks great!!

I have two questions.
First, were you able to find acceptable screws to install the switches? If so, where did you find them? I am still stuck on switch installation.
Second, Could you post some pics of your radio installation? I am interested in servo placement, battery placement, and basic wire routing.

Thanks,

MR G

[FL. AV8r]

Mr. G, I've used a dremel to cut, (grind) away the back (inside) part of fuse where screws will be. The front (outside) fuse had to be enlarged.... So screws will be going thru 1 balsa sheet. It should work well. Will post pics later today.


As far as battery placement, donno yet. Still need to mount engine, servos, cut cowl. I'll use the batts for proper CG... I HOPE !

Pics commin' in a few hours.

[MR G]

FL. AV8R,

I was considering the same solution (enlarging the inside switch hole). I am using the MPI switch, the one with the lights. Since I am going to use A123's the lights are only good for show and to tell when the switch is turned on.

I contacted MPI about the size of the supplied screws and was informed that they are 2.5mm screws.
I found a source for these screws that have the 2.5mm screw in a length of 3/4 inch(20mm). So I ordered some of these along with some matching nuts just in case MPI is wrong and the original nuts won't work.

I also use battery placement in order to balance the plane. After I get the switches installed I will find the proper location for the batteries and mount everything.

The switches I am using are failsafe switches and because of this aspect of the switch they will draw a small current even when the switch is turned off. In order to prevent my batteries from being drained to death I will cut the battery connector off of the switched and solder on some Deans ultra plugs. My A123 batteries are also configured for Deans ultra on output. This allows me to unplud the batteries when my plane is stored and NOT drain the batteries. I just plugem up at the field when I assemble the plane.

Looking forward to your pics, and thanks,

MR G

[FL. AV8r]

Would you believe I had to cut 1/8th" off the horz. stab tude to get 'em to fit snug?
And I asked Piper (my very smart Jack Russell) to guard my DA85,,, He said screw it.... I'm takin' a nap.

More pics to come. I need a drink.

And black covering really 'highlights' fingure prints.

[FL. AV8r]

Slowly moving on,,,,

[FL. AV8r]

Cut the cowl, mounted DA, 1/4" shy of prop hub clearing the cowl....

[FL. AV8r]

I guess I'll use standoffs,,, although that is NOT recommended.

And my T & C linkage will need to be Re-manufactured...

[FL. AV8r]

And my damn PILOT WON'T FIT !!!

[FL. AV8r]

I'm not liken' this.

Im gonna 'thicken' the firewall...

[FL. AV8r]

What a JOB ! <---- wipes sweat from brow...

[FL. AV8r]

Looks like a laser cut !
I used the DA85 mounting template, w/ 3/16 basswood,
Wuz 1/4" off on cowl clearance,,, extended 5/16"
Fuel-proofed,,,
"Hung IT !"

Perfect.

Now from what I hear,,, this airplane wuz 'designed' around the DA85.
But that wouldn't appear so in this case...
Either the firewall is too deeply recessed, or the cowl is just too long ! Pick one.

Hows' yur's comin' Mr. G ? pics-pics-pics-pics-pics.......

I had a 'spectator' 2nite... I named 'em Skeeter.

[MR G]

FL. AV8R,

Good job!! Glad you went with a firewall piece rather the the stand-off's, a much better solution IMO.

I agree with you that you should not have had to engineer a fix for the engine mounting.

I have started puting the graphics on the plane. It really adds flare to the airframe!!!
Most of my graphics are the ones that came from Dietrich but not all, I am using a 3W-75 TOC on mine and got a 3W logo with flame that I will use.
Getting ready to install throttle pushrod, switches and locate my batts for balance. I will charge my camera and take some pics for you later this evening.

I am a little dissapointed in this airplane but as I get closer to completing it my enthusiasm for it is getting better. I still have high hopes for the flight characterisics.

Unitl later,

MR G