Dietrich Performance 50cc Extra 260 Build

[avi8freak]

Well, after being on order since Jan. 9th. I came home on Thursday to a nice surprise. I couldn't wait to tear into the boxes and inspect everything.

It's funny how you start off with an intended setup and then the project just keeps growing as you move along. My new setup will consist of a DA-50R powerplant running on an MTW 75 canister, 8611 servos all the way around using 1.5" SWB arms and a 3" pull pull arm for the rudder, a JR 537 for the throttle and I haven't decided on a manual choke or not, 2 6.0V batteries for ignition and receiver (2700mah for receiver and 1700mah for ignition ought to do the trick) . I also picked up a new JR 9303 2.4 with a R921 receiver on Wednesday. Someone made me an offer I couldn't refuse for my DX7 (lucky me, huh?).

[avi8freak]

Last night I started building the pipe tunnel so I could move forward today and get the inside of the fuse painted like I wanted. Although, to finish it I will have to run to the hobby shop today for some lexan and a few other things. My goal will be to have the inside of the fuse set up for the canister and painted. Also, a couple of weeks ago, I went ahead and polished out my canister. Here are some pics of the can and the inside of the fuse before the tunnel installation:

[CSpaced]

I foresee a pipe window....

Is it ready yet?

[avi8freak]

I took triangle stock to give myself a backing to glue the balsa sheeting inside the front (landing gear area). Then I centered and epoxied in the mount I got from troy built models. Next, I took some scrap pieces of lite ply I had lying around and cut two new stringers for the bottom. I will later cut the covering away from the center to open up for the can and air to escape the airframe... Then, it was time to make my run to the hobby shop.

I pre cut the lexan and fit it into place. I drilled all of my pilot holes for the screws with a 1/16" drill bit. Then, I removed the lexan and added the speckled or stone finish to the inside of the fuse.

[CSpaced]

Looking good, nice job on the paint!

[thewrap]

Great lookin plane. Subscribed.

[avi8freak]

Things went very well today and faster than I had anticipated. While the paint was drying, I decided to go ahead and get my pilot installed in the canopy. Even he needed modifications to fit nicely. I had to cut 3/4" off of him (1/4 scale pilot) and make a new balsa bottom to epoxy him in. Landing gear and tail wheel are installed (minus wheels on main gear). Rudder and vertical stab are epoxied in. And, I got the rudder servo installed, but I will have to go back to the hobby shop tomorrow for a different linkage setup. The SWB arms were alot wider than the supplied linkages...Plus, I wasn't too sure about the integrity of the pull pull system, so I'll way out my options with my buddy Josh tomorrow. I also got the control horns and servos installed in the elevator halves. It is a VERY SIMPLE build so far... Here are some pictures of where I am at...Let me know what you guys think!!!

Chris, please start thinking of some decal ideas because at this rate I should be ready to fly by next weekend no problem!

[smokedat]

Sweeet. Paint job reminds me of a dalton or something.

[rede2fly]

hey is the paint adding any noticable weight?? seems that it would thats a lot of area. but it shure does look good

[avi8freak]

Took the day to go flying at the field, so not a lot was done today. Josh helped me get the pull pull set up...

Then I hit a BIG snag...I got my engine mounted and was checking the throttle arm's throw in relation to the hole I had drilled in the firewall, and that's when it happened. The arm broke off at the base of the carb, and fell off in my hand!!!. Guess I will call DA on Monday and see if there is anything which can be done. I really don't want to have to send it back, but whatever it takes. I'm just glad it didn't happen while it was in the air.

As far as the weight added by my paint, I'm not really sure how much it added, but I'm like all of you "It sure looks good..." I have family obligations this evening and will take a break until tomorrow. Then I might try and move on to getting everything else set up (servos, wiring, etc.). I was really wanting to see it with the engine and canister on, BUT it'll just have to wait.

[Aerozona]

Lookin real sweet avi8...If you don't mind me asking, what was the kind & brand of the speckled or stone paint you used on the inside of your fuse area? I like the look and idea.

[avi8freak]

Here is a picture of the paint used on the inside. Keep in mind to use it very sparingly as to just cover the surface and create the look and not add too much weight...The primer is more important than the stone finish. You will find the stone finish comes out sort of like silly string. It is real thick which is why I just try to barely spray it on to create the right effect.

I bought this at my local hardware store (Lowe's or Home Depot). I think both cans cost less than $10...

[avi8freak]

Here is a pic of my carb damage...Anyone have ANY suggestions??? I will try and go ahead and get switches and other servos mounted and centered today so I'm not dead in the water... Also, I couldn't resist mocking the rest of the airframe up yesterday to get the whole look of it...

[CSpaced]

Hey Man looks good! That sucks about your carb though! Call DA in the morning and explain to them what happened. Chances are you'll have to send it back to them and they'll fix it up. Depending on how easy it is to replace they may be able to just send you the part and we can fix it up here.

[avi8freak]

I took some time today to hang some much needed lighting in the garage. I now have 2 nice 8 ft. flourescents(what a difference!).

Here are some more pics of some simple things I accomplished today:

I got the elevator halves pretty much squared away, tailwheel attached to rudder, ignition,batteries, and switches all mounted. The servos are also in the wings with no linkages setup yet though...Now, I will call DA tomorrow and see what will come about with my engine...